Turkey
Between lively bazaars, ancient ruins, and the turquoise Aegean: your practical turkey travel guide.
Our Turkey Travel Guide
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Flair
Warm, full of contrasts, and seriously good food.
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Best time to go
April through June or September/October.
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Trip length
One to two weeks for Istanbul or the coast.
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Currency
Turkish Lira (rate is volatile — bring cash).
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Tipping
Around 10% ("Bahşiş") is standard and expected.
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Getting around
Domestic flights are cheap; long-distance buses are surprisingly comfortable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Turkey?
Turkey is huge, so it has several distinct climate zones. In winter, the mountain regions get heavy snow, while the Mediterranean coast stays mild and pleasant. Istanbul averages around 46°F in January — cold, but totally manageable.
The best time to visit Turkey is spring or fall — cities like Istanbul and Ankara are comfortably warm, and the Mediterranean coast is perfect for swimming without the brutal heat.
July and August are worth avoiding if you can. Temperatures inland and along the coasts regularly top 104°F, which makes sightseeing pretty exhausting.
What is the capital of Turkey?
Turkey’s capital is Ankara — not Istanbul, even though that’s a really common mix-up. Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city by far, with a staggering 15.4 million residents, while Ankara has around 5.6 million. Still a seriously big city by any measure.
What languages are spoken in Turkey?
The official language is Turkish, spoken natively by over 80% of the population. Beyond that, around 20 minority languages are spoken across the country — including Kurdish, Greek, and Arabic.
In tourist hubs like Istanbul and along the Mediterranean coast, English gets you pretty far. Don’t stress too much about the language barrier in those areas.
What time zone is Turkey in?
Turkey runs on UTC+3 year-round — no daylight saving time adjustments. That means Turkey is three hours ahead of London, eight hours ahead of New York (EST), and one hour ahead of most of continental Europe during summer.
What is the currency in Turkey?
Turkey’s currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange rates shift frequently, so it’s worth checking the current rate before you travel — the lira has fluctuated a lot in recent years.
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
Entry requirements depend on your nationality, so check the official Turkish e-Visa portal or your country’s foreign affairs website before you travel. Many nationalities can visit Turkey visa-free or obtain an e-Visa online.
Most short-stay visitors can enter for up to 90 days. If you’re planning a longer stay, you’ll need to apply for a residence permit while in Turkey — make sure your passport is valid for at least 60 days beyond your planned departure date.
