Wondering how the Ottomans and Turks used to live? Why not travel to their land and experience it first-hand? Situated in a Mediterranean location, Turkey offers temperate weather conditions, stunning landscapes, and breathtaking mountains parallel to the beautiful coastlines. Meet some of the world’s friendliest people and enjoy their warm hospitality while sipping a cup of hot tea.
This travel guide to Turkey provides a complete insight into the country’s weather, places to visit, things to do, traditional cuisines, and popular holidays. We also offer you a handful of travel tips that will help you avoid any hassle during your trip and enjoy a seamless experience. Scroll down below to learn about the traveller’s guide information on Turkey.
Travel Insights to Turkey
| Time Zone | GMT+3 |
| Official Language | Turkish |
| Currency | Turkish Lira |
| Capital | Ankara |
| Population | 85.33 million (as of 2023) |
Visa Requirements for Turkey
UK travellers do not require a visa to visit Turkey for business and tourism purposes and can stay up to 90 days. However, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months, regardless of your stay in Turkey. Make sure to obtain a Turkish entry stamp on your passport, which will allow you to fly around the country and ensure that you get the exit stamp, or you may face difficulties while re-entering Turkey.
Seasons in Turkey
The cultural meeting point of the east and west is Turkey, which offers distinct weather patterns and climatic conditions. Situated over two continents in the Mediterranean region, Turkey features four different seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Spring (April to June)
Spring marks the end of winter and shows signs of life in nature, as the leaves of trees start to grow back and one gets to witness the delightful sight of nature. You will find moderate temperatures in the months of April to June, allowing you to indulge in a number of activities.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| March | 10° to 18° |
| April | 15° to 20° |
| May | 20° to 25° |
Summer (June to August)
Travellers from the UK are interested in visiting Turkey during the summer season as the warm weather offers them relief after spending the chilly weather. The season starts from June and ends in August, when one can experience bright sunny days and fewer chances of rainfall.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| June | 20° to 30° |
| July | 25° to 35° |
| August | 25° to 35° |
Autumn (September to November)
As the weather shifts to Autumn, which prevails from September to November, you will start experiencing milder temperatures and comfortable conditions. However, there will be chances of rain, which will help in refreshing the surroundings.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| September | 20° to 28° |
| October | 15° to 25° |
| November | 8° to 15° |
Winter (December to February)
Turkey during the winter season offers a chilly climate, with temperatures dropping significantly, which in some parts leads to snowfall. During this time, skiing enthusiasts head to the popular ski resorts. However, this season is considered the off-peak period, allowing the tourists to attain a serene and tranquil experience while exploring different places around the country.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| December | 5° to 15° |
| January | 7° to 10° |
| February | 3° to 12° |
Best Time to Visit Turkey:- The best time to visit Turkey is during the months of April, May, September and October, when the weather remains mild, allowing tourists to engage in outdoor activities. You will also be able to encounter some of the popular festivals of Turkey, such as Hidirellez Festival, International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, Izmir World Fair and many more.
Best Places to Visit in Turkey
A trip to Turkey wouldn’t be complete without visiting its popular attractions and historical landmarks, holding the whispers of history. Some of the best places to visit in Turkey are listed below:
Istanbul
Istanbul, a prominent city in Turkey, highlights the nation’s vibrant culture and history. Its remarkable landmarks reflect its legacy as the centre of three empires- Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman- filling the city with both Islamic and Christian heritage. Delve into Istanbul’s local customs and traditions, or escape to the countryside to discover Ottoman houses and breathe in the fresh air, away from urban surroundings.
Popular Attractions in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
- The Blue Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Galata Tower
- Dolmabahce
Best Time to Visit Istanbul: Between March to May and September to November.
Cappadocia
If you appreciate natural beauty, Cappadocia is an ideal destination for your trip to Turkey. The remarkable rock formations define the landscape of the Goreme Valley. Discover the effects of volcanic sediment erosion while enjoying spectacular hiking trails. Delight in Anatolia’s vibrant culinary culture and take part in guided tours, ATV rides, hot air balloon experiences, and much more.
Popular Attractions in Cappadocia
- Goreme Open Air Museum
- Derinkuyu Underground City
- Uchisar Castle
- Ihlara Valley
- Goreme Historical National Park
Best Time to Visit Cappadocia: Between July and August.
Antalya
Go explore the fastest-growing city of Turkey and witness breathtaking coastal scenery and amazing beaches. The turquoise, clear water of the Mediterranean Sea offers the perfect match for relaxation. It is also an ideal destination if you are planning a family vacation and want to experience Turkish culture. Make sure to indulge in a number of activities like water skiing, sunbathing, enjoying a cable car ride, and many more, adding the element of thrill and adventure to your Turkey trip.
Popular Attractions in Antalya
- Lower Duden Waterfalls
- Antalya Archaeology Museum
- Antalya Aquarium
- Karaalioglu Park
- Konyaalti Beaches
Best Time to Visit Antalya: Between April and October.
Bodrum
Travel to the port town of Turkey, Bodrum, offering you charming views and beach time. This destination is also popular for its vibrant beach parties, making it a party town on the Turkish Riviera. You can explore some of the iconic landmarks around the town, testifying to the rich ancient times. Make sure not to miss out on visiting the hamman, which will help you enjoy the bath and allow you to rejuvenate your body and mind, boosting your trip enthusiasm.
Popular Attractions in Bodrum
- Bodrum Castle
- Zeki Muren Arts Museum
- Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
- Bodrum Ancient Theatre
- Myndos Gate
Best Time to Visit Bodrum: Between May and September.
Izmir
Visit the mesmerising Pearl of the Aegean, Izmir, offering you alluring beaches, ancient ruins and bazaars. Located near the Aegean coast, the city offers you a number of archaeological sites to explore, making it one of the oldest cities of the Mediterranean world, where you can see the settlement of the first city of Troy. You get to feel that the time has slowed down, allowing you to connect with the surroundings in a better manner. Explore the beautiful sites surrounded by a sense of seclusion and reflecting their timeless elegance.
Popular Attractions in Izmir
- Izmir Historical Elevator Building
- Forum Bonova
- Arkas Art Center
- Izmir Clock Tower
- Izmir Wildlife Park
Best Time to Visit Izmir: Between May to June and September to October.
Best Things to Do in Turkey
With huge diversity, Turkey welcomes all kinds of travellers throughout the year. Whether you are seeking relaxation, adventure, culinary experience or rich culture, the country promises you an unforgettable experience with its vibrant spirit and beauty. In this Turkey travel guide, we have handpicked some of the best things to do on your trip to Turkey this year:
- Take a walk down the well-preserved streets of Ephesus, offering a peek into the life of Romans and Greeks.
- Around Turkey, there are certain sites that will take you back to the Neolithic sites, offering insights on the early “urban” lifestyle.
- Feast on the mouthwatering Turkish cuisine that will offer you the taste of old culinary gastronomy.
- While travelling around Turkey, you will be able to find stunning ancient mosaics, representing Byzantine, Roman and Greek times, depicting mythological tales.
- Go hiking on the 540-kilometre-long stretch of Lycian Way, allowing you to explore the Turquoise Coast.
- Witness some of the enchanting Islamic architecture around Turkey like Suleymaniye Mosque, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Blue Mosque and many more.
- Go on a cruise on a gulet to travel between Antalya and Bodrum, floating over the vivid blue waters.
- Go shopping at the beautiful bazaars or carsi, despite the presence of supermarkets and shopping malls.
- Go on a hot air balloon ride in the skies of Cappadocia, witnessing delightful scenery from above.
- Relax and rejuvenate at the traditional spa, also called Turkish bath, where you can enjoy the steam bath and a massage and scrub as well, by the same gender.
- Make sure to enjoy swimming at the thermal pools of Pamukkale, offering you a number of skin benefits.
Popular Festivals of Turkey
Festivals are a significant part of Turkish culture and help showcase the country’s customs, traditions, art, and culture. Here are some of the popular festivals of Turkey that can be experienced during your visit to Turkey.
| Name of Festivals | Tenure | Month |
| International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival | 18 days | September |
| Hidirellez Festival | 2 days | May |
| International Istanbul Film Festival | 2 days | April |
| Hot Air Balloon Festival | 3 days | August |
| Tulip Festival | 1 month | April |
| Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival | 10 days | December |
| Camel Wrestling | 1 day | January |
| Izmir World Fair | 12 days | August and September |
| Ramadan | 30 days | March and April |
| Oil Wrestling Festival | 7 days | July |
Traditional Dishes to Try in Turkey
Savour the rich taste of Turkish cuisine to add the last piece of the jigsaw, as missing out on the traditional Turkish dishes will make your trip incomplete. During your stay in different parts of Turkey, try out their dishes and experience the influence of Ottoman taste. Here are some of the traditional dishes you must try on your trip to Turkey.
- Azogelin Corba
- Saksuka
- Kisir
- Mercimek Kofte
- Yaprak Dolma
- Inegol Kofte
- Hamsili Pilav
- Lahmacun
- Manti
- Borek
Transportation in Turkey
Turkey offers you a wide range of transportation choices to travel according to your budget and comfort. You can travel around the country by air, as around 50 cities around Turkey are connected by domestic and international airports. You can also travel by coach buses, connecting different cities around the country. You also get the option of renting a car that will allow you to drive around the country at your own pace.
If you are a budget traveller, then we recommend you choose public transport, which connects different parts of the country with its efficient bus and train network. Moreover, there are also boats and ferries available between certain cities, allowing you to skip the traffic and reach your destination. You can also hire taxis that will allow you to travel to iconic places around the city. If you want to go for an adventure ride, you can rent bicycles to witness sites with bewildering beauty and scenic routes.
Where to Stay in Turkey?
Turkey offers a wide range of accommodation options, based on your budget and preferences. From a cosmopolitan experience to staying in the countryside to stunning beach resorts, there are a number of accommodation options. You get a vast range of hotels up to a 5-star level, allowing you a comfortable and luxurious stay. For budget travellers, there are options for homestays and hostels allowing you to enjoy travel without straining your pocket. Besides, you can also enjoy romantic time when travelling with your partner at beach resorts, offering you stunning beach views and mouthwatering cuisine.
Travel Tips to Turkey
Our travel guide to Turkey will be incomplete without offering travel tips, which you can follow for a pleasant trip experience.
- Take care of your bags and personal belongings while travelling on public transport or exploring bazaars.
- Avoid walking in empty streets and dark areas during the nighttime.
- Make sure you do not carry any drugs, as it is considered a serious offence.
- Do not insult the Republic's founder, and it is offensive.
- You can stay in Turkey for a period of 90 days without a visa.
- Travel with licensed bikes and cars to ensure your safety.
- Carry your prescribed medications and hand sanitisers.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and villages, as modesty matters.
- Tipping is pretty common in most areas around the country.
- Make sure to carry the necessary documents to avoid any hassle during entry to Turkey.
- Be aware of romantic scams, counterfeit items and overpriced items.
- Learn a few local phrases that will help you communicate with the locals during your Turkey trip.
- Make sure to bargain with shopkeepers while shopping at bazaars.
Conclusion
Take a break from your daily routine and fly to this amazing country in the middle of two continents, serving as a hotspot of culture. Make your plans according to your suitable season and the festivals that will take place during that period of time. It is advised to follow the travel tips stated under this traveller’s guide to Turkey to enjoy a seamless journey experience. You can also check out our deals on Turkey and enjoy an amazing flight.
FAQs
Which is the best part to visit in Turkey?
Some of the best parts to visit in Turkey are Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya and many more.
What is the best time to visit Turkey?
The best time to visit Turkey is during the months of April, May, September and October.
Is Turkey an expensive country for a holiday?
No, Turkey is a reasonable country for a holiday; however, it is gradually becoming expensive over time.
Is tipping necessary in Turkey?
Tipping is normal for attaining good service in Turkey.
What are the travel requirements for going to Turkey?
You need a passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity after reaching Turkey.
