Turkey, a land where East meets West, offers travelers a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling markets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the stunning beaches of the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, a vacation in Turkey promises a truly unforgettable experience.
In this Travel Guide of Turkey, I will try to help you find the Best Places to Stay, the Best Places to Eat, and the Best Things to See and Do, to make your trip unforgettable.
All Information and prices are updated to 2024.
“A cup of coffee commits one to 40 years of friendship.” – Turkish Proverb
Table of Contents
Top Things to know about Turkey
When to visit?: The most pleasant weather in Turkey is in the spring, from April until the beginning of June, and from September until October. The popular tourist spots are usually less crowded in the fall.
Summer can get very hot and is usually more crowded, but this is the best time to visit the Mediterranean Coast.
We visited Turkey at the end of May and the beginning of June.
Language: The official language of Turkey is Turkish. English is spoken very well in the tourist areas, even German.
Currency: The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira. Credit cards are widely accepted, and there are many ATMs to be found, but not all ATMs have an English option. If you plan on shopping in little markets or bazaars, cash is the way to go. Use the Wise credit card.
Traveling should be about adventure, exploration, and creating lasting memories—not about worrying over hidden fees and unfavorable exchange rates. Wise empowers travelers by providing transparency, affordability, and convenience in managing their finances abroad.
With Wise, you can make the most of your travel budget, simplify your financial transactions, and enjoy the freedom to explore the world with confidence.
E-Visa: If you are not traveling to Turkey with a European passport or identity card, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. You can apply for this visa online, but check on the official website if your nationality applies.
How to get around?: The best way to see Turkey is to rent a car. I can not recommend driving in Istanbul.
The public transport system in Istanbul is great. Get the IstanbulKart. You can buy it at the airport at the yellow/blue machines. One card costs 50 TL, and you have to top it off. We got one card for 4 people because it can be used by multiple people.
Safety: Turkey in general is a safe place to travel to, especially tourist destinations such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia. Just be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid being near demonstrations.
It is safe to drink Turkish tap water, but it does not taste very good because of the chlorine used to purify it.
Buying a SIM card: You can easily buy a Turkish SIM card at Istanbul International Airport or Sabiha Gökcen Airport.
Stores selling these prepaid SIM cards are located in the arrival terminal. The staff in these stores speak English. The offers here are more expensive than in stores in the city.
You can choose between Turkcell, Vodafone, and Turk Telekom.
Turkcell is the best! We paid €48 at Istanbul International Airport, for 20 GB, and it was enough to last us for 10 days, including using it for Google Maps and to watch Netflix.
How to get from Istanbul airport to the City Center?
The cheapest way is to take the public transportation. A bus ticket from Istanbul's international airport to the city costs around €4 per person. You will need to buy an IstanbulKart to use the bus and metro. You can buy it at the airport at the yellow/blue machines. One card costs 50 TL, and you have to top it off. We got one card for four people because it can be used by multiple people.
There are two bus companies to choose from: Havaist buses and IETT public buses. The Havaist shuttle buses offer a direct connection to Sultanahmet.
The bus stations are located at Level -2 at Istanbul International Airport. Here you can also purchase an IstanbulKart.
The Metro Line M11 now links Istanbul International Airport to the city and takes about 40 minutes. This Metro station is right outside of Exit 11 of the airport. Keep in mind that the subway in Istanbul only operates from 6 a.m. until midnight.
Another way to get to your hotel in Istanbul is to use an airport pickup service from your hotel. Depending on where the hotel is, this might cost about €45 one way, up to €55 one way from SAW-Airport.
You can also decide to take a taxi, but be aware that this might take longer due to heavy traffic. On average, you will pay around 20 to €30, and, depending on traffic, it will take around an hour to get to your final destination.
Peak hours for traffic are from 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 8p.m.
How to spend 10 days in Turkey?
Turkey offers a diverse and enchanting vacation experience that caters to all types of travelers. Whether you're seeking history, culture, natural beauty, or simply a relaxing beach getaway, Turkey has it all. So, pack your bags, embark on an adventure, and discover the magic of this captivating destination. A Turkish vacation is bound to leave you with cherished memories and a yearning to return for more.
Day #1 to 4: Istanbul: Where East Meets West
Start your Turkish adventure in Istanbul, the country's vibrant heart where the Bosphorus Strait divides two continents.
Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia, which once served as a church, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing its rich history and architectural splendor.
Stroll through the sprawling Topkapi Palace, where Ottoman sultans once ruled, and immerse yourself in the dazzling colors and aromas of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets.
Day 4 to 7: Cappadocia, A Journey to Wonderland
Nestled in the heart of Turkey lies a place that seems to defy the boundaries of reality. Cappadocia, with its surreal landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and enchanting hot air balloon rides, is a destination like no other.
If you're seeking a travel experience that blends history, adventure, and natural beauty, then Cappadocia should be at the top of your bucket list.
Day 7 to 10: Antalya
Tucked away on the southwestern coast of Turkey lies a destination that has captivated travelers for centuries - Antalya. Known as the Turkish Riviera, this Mediterranean gem combines stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture to create an unforgettable vacation experience.
One of the most striking aspects of a Turkish vacation is the warmth and friendliness of the locals. Turkish people take pride in their hospitality, making visitors feel welcome and cherished. You'll find it easy to strike up conversations with locals, learn about their culture, and gain a deeper understanding of the country.
How much did this trip cost?
We stayed at Doruk Palas Hotel and payed 1560€ for 3 Nights, had 3 Rooms for 4 people.
The flight from Vienna for 4 people cost us around 1050€.
Food, Drinks and Aktivities in Istanbul cost us around 400€ for 3 days, 4 people.
Airport transfers through our hotel cost us about 100€.
We stayed at the Duven Hotel in Cappadocia and payed about 1050€ for 3nights, 3 rooms and 4 people.
Our rental car from SAW Airport in Istanbul to Antalya Airport, 7days through discovercars.com cost us aroung 800€ + around 100€ for gas.
Food and drinks in Cappadocia for 4 people cost around 300€.
Horseback ride for 3 people cost us around 100€.
Hot air Balloon ride with Voyager Ballons for 4 people cost us 1400€.
In Antalya we stayed at the Perge Hotels-Adults Only, and paid 1600€ for 3 Nights for 4 people.
Food and drinks in Antalya for 4days cost us around 300€ for 4 people.
So all in all, our 10 day trip to Turkey cost us about 8800€ for 4 people.
* We paid for this Turkey vacation out of our own pocket. All tips given are our own. Some links are advertising links. This means that, if you book something through these links, we receive a small commission. Every month we donate 20% of our earnings to an animal shelter, animal sanctuary or animal welfare organization around the world.
Thank you for your support!
Travel Essentials for Turkey
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