Turkey offers a rich tapestry of ancient history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, making it a must-visit destination. From hot air ballooning over Cappadocia to exploring Istanbul’s iconic mosques, this guide covers everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip.
Why Visit Turkey?
Turkey, having been an essential part of the Silk Road, showcases an intricate blend of cultural influences from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It is a destination that offers a rich ancient history, a vibrant local culture, beautiful landscapes, and an opportunity to step back in time.
During our trip to Turkey, we were mesmerized by the hot air balloons soaring over the fairy-tale-like landscapes of Cappadocia, visiting enormous underground cities that once housed over 20,000 people, sailing on a Turkish Gullet in the Southern turquoise coast of Fethiye, and navigating the bustling metropolis of Istanbul.
We loved the seamless integration of the ancient and the modern, the beautiful hikes, the kindness of the locals, and the adventures of climbing through cave dwellings that existed thousands of years ago.
If this sounds like something you would enjoy, read on in this complete guide to traveling Turkey.
Which airport to arrive in Turkey
To arrive in Turkey, you will most likely land at Istanbul Airport (IST) or the newer Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW).
- Istanbul Airport is located about 45-60 minutes north of Istanbul and is Turkey’s largest and busiest airport. If you are coming from an international destination, then you will most likely be landing at IST.
- Sabiha Gokcen Airport is located on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 45-60 minutes South East of Istanbul. It is a newer airport that offers both domestic and international flights.
When we flew to Turkey, we arrived at IST, and then flew from IST to Kayseri airport (Cappadocia), but flew back to SAW when we returned from the Southern Turkish coast.
Visa requirement
To check if you need a visa when traveling to Turkey, please check on the official Visa website:
Make sure to go to the official website as many third-party websites pretend to be the official government website but will charge you an additional processing fee. You can receive the E-Visa within about 1-2 business days and will allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days.
Top 10 Unique Experiences in Turkey
Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia
Riding on the hot air balloons of Cappadocia, or even simply watching them from the stunning rooftop terraces of the cave hotels, is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Turkey. Set amongst the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia characterized by its unique spire volcanic rock formations, honeycombed with ancient interconnected cave dwellings, you will get to witness the history of a long-lost civilization.
If you would like to learn more about the hot air balloon experience, where are the best rooftop terraces to watch the sunrise, and other great activities in the region, check out our Cappadocia Travel Guide.
Staying at a cave hotel
Cappadocia is one of the unique places in the world where you get to stay in an ancient cave hotel. These cave homes date back centuries and were originally used by early Christian communities and monks who sought refuge from persecution. Incredibly elaborate networks of underground cities were carved out of the rock, creating churches, monasteries, granaries, wineries, and homes.
Today, these ancient caves have been carefully restored to preserve their historic architecture while offering modern comforts, allowing you to experience the unique opportunity of staying in a cave hotel. If you are planning on visiting Cappadocia, make sure to check out our guide on Where to stay in Cappadocia, which details the advantages between each town in Cappadocia and the best cave hotels to stay at.
Visiting the underground cities of Cappadocia
Having traveled to over 35 countries, Cappadocia was the first and only place where we had the incredible experience of exploring an ancient underground city that once housed 20,000 people and spanned more than 18 floors! The two most famous underground cities are called Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and are conveniently located just 30-40 minutes outside of Goreme.
Crawling through the maze of tunnels was mind-boggling, as we marveled at the intricate design of each room and the ancient technology used to safeguard the caves. It was even more shocking to realize that this remarkable structure was likely created over 3,500 years ago.
Paragliding in Oludeniz
Oludeniz, located on the Southern coast of Turkey, is famous for its turquoise waters in the blue lagoon, and beautiful pebble beaches, but most of all is ranked as one of the top paragliding destinations in the world!
From the summit of Mount Babadag, you’ll launch off the slope and soar through the sky, taking in breathtaking views of the turquoise coast set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Oludeniz is also conveniently located near Fethiye where you can embark on a Turkish Gullet sailing experience.
Blue cruise in Fethiye
Sailing through the turquoise waters on the Southern Turkish coast was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to Turkey. From Fethiye, you can embark on a 4-day 3-night sailing cruise on a traditional gullet, where you spend the days swimming in the pristine waters, enjoying the freshest seafood, and exploring the small local islands.
In addition to the 12 Islands cruise, the Blue Cruise can also take you from Fethiye to other destinations such as Marmaris or Göcek, offering the chance to explore several ancient ruins along the coast. The Turkish Blue Cruise experience can last from 2 days to 7 days depending on the route you take.
To learn more about sailing the blue cruise, as well as some of the best things to do on the Southern Turkish coast around Kas, check out our best things to do in Kas Guide.
Turkish Hammam in Istanbul
The practice of Turkish Hammam bath dates back centuries and is rooted in Roman bathing traditions. The Turkish bath is a rejuvenating spa-like experience where you will lie on a warm ornate stone while your body is washed, scrubbed, exfoliated, sudsed with foam, and massaged.
This experience was different than any other massages we have received during our travels around the world and we would highly recommend trying it out! This can be done in Cappadocia but for the more traditional and elaborate experience, we recommend doing it in Istanbul.
Discover the ancient mosques of Istanbul
The city of Istanbul has a seamless blend of Asian, European, and Middle Eastern influences, creating some of the most architecturally unique and remarkable mosques in the world.
In particular, right at the center of Sultanahmet, you will find the Hagia Sophia with its massive dome and mosaic design, and the Blue Mosque, known for its grand scale and six minarets.
These are some of the largest mosques you will find anywhere in the world and are a must-visit when going to Istanbul.
Soaking in the mineral waters of Pammukale
Pammukale, often referred to as the “cotton castle”, has gained fame from all the beautiful Instagram photos showcasing its turquoise blue and white thermal water terraces. Visitors here can soak in these warm, mineral-rich waters while admiring the stunning panoramic views. Additionally, you can also take a hot air balloon here but we feel like the one in Cappadocia is more impressive.
Located in the South Western part of Turkey, Pammukale can be done as an extension of visiting the ancient ruins of Ephesus or from your blue cruise in Fethiye.
Seeing the ancient ruins of Ephesus
Ephesus is a well-preserved ancient city located in the southwestern part of Turkey that features some of the most impressive Roman ruins in Turkey.
Here you will find the Massive Great Theatre that once seated 25,000 spectators, the Grand Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis, which is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. A visit to Ephesus can be combined with Izmir or the coastal town of Kusadasi.
Göbekli Tepe
If you are a history buff or interested in ancient archeology, then Göbeklitepe is perfect for you. Often considered as the world’s oldest temple complex, Göbeklitepe features several T-shaped pillars arranged in circles, adorned with intricate carvings that seem to perfectly reflect specific star constellations.
The advanced stonework and the accuracy of star mapping offer a very crucial insight into the timeline of our history as the structure predates known civilizations. If you would like to visit Göbeklitepe, it is located far in the southeastern part of Turkey.
Customs and language
The official language of Turkey is Turkish. While English is commonly spoken in major tourist areas like Istanbul and Cappadocia, you will find that it is less prevalent in rural regions and smaller towns, where knowing a few basic Turkish phrases can be very helpful.
You will notice that Turkish people are quite hospitable and it is common to be offered tea or coffee. This can happen at a hotel or even while visiting a shop. It is polite to accept these offerings and can allow you to connect with some of the locals.
Since Turkey is a religious country, it is important to dress modestly. This is especially important in religious sites where it is common to cover your hair, shoulder and arms, and below the knees. Make sure to abide by these rules when visiting the mosques as otherwise you will be denied entry.
When engaging in conversation with locals, it is preferable to avoid controversial topics such as politics or religion. Turkey has a complicated historical past and its political situation can be divisive.
Finally, haggling over prices is a common practice in Turkey. This is especially the case when shopping at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. Expect to haggle down to at least 30-50% of the initial offered price.
Useful phrases
Turkish is a difficult language, but it can go a long way to be familiar with these main phrases. By greeting someone in their language, you demonstrate respect and appreciation for their culture.
- Hello – Merhaba (mehr-HAH-bah)
- Thank you – Teşekkür ederim (teh-shehk-KOOR ed-eh-REEM)
- Yes – Evet (EH-vet)
- No – Hayır (HAH-yuhr)
- Please – Lütfen (LOOT-fen)
Safety in Turkey
Having traveled through Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Turkish coast, we felt like Turkey was a very safe country to visit. This is especially the case in the touristic areas. We walked at 11 pm in Istanbul and always felt secure, and the streets were always busy with people.
The only aspect that we heard about safety concerns was regarding the taxis. We met three fellow travelers who were yelled at and threatened by taxi drivers if they did not pay a new inflated price the driver decided to change after the transport’s departure. We also asked the locals what they thought about the taxi drivers in Istanbul and they expressed similar concerns.
Is Uber available in Turkey?
Uber is available in Istanbul. However, it is important to know that it is simply a taxi driver using the Uber app. As you’ve seen from the previous section, I would not recommend taking the local taxis in Istanbul. Instead, you can use their very efficient public transportation system.
When coming from IST or SAW airport to Istanbul, we recommend pre-booking your private transport, which should cost around 40 euros.
Do you tip in Turkey?
Tipping is customary in Turkey. You should expect between 10-15% tipping at establishments like restaurants.
When to visit Turkey?
The best time to visit Turkey depends on what type of activities you will be doing there. If you are visiting Cappadocia and intend to do the hot air balloons, it is better to go during the spring and summer seasons when the weather is warm and pleasant.
Since hot air balloons are frequently canceled due to rain or high winds, it is recommended to travel there from April to early June, or September to late October, when crowds are fewer and the weather is stable.
Example Itinerary
To properly experience Turkey, we feel a 2-week itinerary would be ideal. Below we have provided an example itinerary that combines the vibrant city life of Istanbul, the ancient wonders of Cappadocia, and some relaxing time along the beautiful Turkish coast.
- Day 1: Land at IST airport and if possible, transfer directly to a flight to Cappadocia (Nevsehir or Kayseri airports)
- Day 2-6: Spend 4-5 days exploring Cappadocia, riding the hot air balloons, visiting the underground cities, hiking the Red Rose Valley, seeing Uchisar castle, and exploring other smaller towns.
- Day 6: Fly to Antalya and then take a bus to one of the Southern Coastal towns. We recommend staying at Kas since it is a very cute, lesser-known, and uncrowded town and serves as an excellent base to explore the sights around
- Day 7-9: Spend 2 days to explore Kas, and the surrounding Patara ruins, Myra ruins, and beaches.
- Day 9-12: Spend 3 days doing the 12 Islands Blue cruise departing from Fethiye
- Day 12: Fly from Dalaman airport back to Istanbul
- Day 12-14: spend 2-3 days exploring Istanbul
If you have one week only, then we would suggest spending 4 days in Cappadocia and 3 days in Istanbul.
If you have more than two weeks, we would add Pammukale and Ephesus to the itinerary.
Summary: Turkey Travel Guide
Our trip to Turkey provided us with so many unforgettable memories.
Riding the hot air balloons, staying at cave hotels, sailing the Turkish Coast, and discovering the bustling city of Istanbul, there is truly something for everybody. We hope that you found this Turkey Travel Guide helpful and feel free to explore the linked posts which go into further detail about each destination and activity.
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Ryan & Nan are two curious travel storytellers and adventure photographers who started Wayless Travelers to share their passion for travel with the world. Having explored over 35 countries across the globe, they seek to share their passion for travel planning and photography to help others organize their next adventure.
