Located in Western Asia, Turkey is the only country with a city that spans two continents, a fascinating destination that offers a rich blend of ancient history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.
Why Visit Turkey
HISTORY
Turkey’s history is incredibly rich and diverse, with roots dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Hittites, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. The country was also the center of the Ottoman Empire for six centuries, and the legacy of that era can still be seen today in the grand mosques, palaces, and bazaars of Istanbul.
NATURE
Turkey boasts some of the most diverse and stunning natural landscapes in the world. The country is home to soaring mountains, pristine beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and awe-inspiring canyons.
FOOD
Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses, offering a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Visitors can indulge in savory kebabs, creamy hummus, and fresh seafood, as well as sweet baklava and Turkish delight. Turkish tea and coffee are also a must-try.
CULTURE
Thanks to its rich history, Turkey has been home to people from all over the world, being Istanbul the capital of three successive empires – the Roman, the Byzantine, and the Ottoman. The country is a melting pot of cultures, being a place of trade and of exchanging cultures, with people from different backgrounds, and with different languages and traditions coexisting in harmony in one place.
LOCALS
Turkish people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visitors are often welcomed with open arms and treated like family. The locals are proud of their culture and eager to share it with visitors, whether it’s by inviting them for a cup of tea or showing them around their hometown.
Located in Western Asia, Turkey is the only country with a city that spans two continents, a fascinating destination that offers a rich blend of ancient history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.
Why Visit Turkey
HISTORY
Turkey’s history is incredibly rich and diverse, with roots dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Hittites, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. The country was also the center of the Ottoman Empire for six centuries, and the legacy of that era can still be seen today in the grand mosques, palaces, and bazaars of Istanbul.
NATURE
Turkey boasts some of the most diverse and stunning natural landscapes in the world. The country is home to soaring mountains, pristine beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and awe-inspiring canyons.
FOOD
Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses, offering a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Visitors can indulge in savory kebabs, creamy hummus, and fresh seafood, as well as sweet baklava and Turkish delight. Turkish tea and coffee are also a must-try.
CULTURE
Thanks to its rich history, Turkey has been home to people from all over the world, being Istanbul the capital of three successive empires – the Roman, the Byzantine, and the Ottoman. The country is a melting pot of cultures, being a place of trade and of exchanging cultures, with people from different backgrounds, and with different languages and traditions coexisting in harmony in one place.
LOCALS
Turkish people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Visitors are often welcomed with open arms and treated like family. The locals are proud of their culture and eager to share it with visitors, whether it’s by inviting them for a cup of tea or showing them around their hometown.
- Name: Republic of Turkey
- Capital: Ankara
- Official Languages: Turkish
- Currency: Turkish lira
- Time Zone: UTC+3
- Name: Republic of Turkey
- Capital: Ankara
- Official Languages: Turkish
- Currency: Turkish lira
- Time Zone: UTC+3
Bucket list
Visit the hot springs in Pamukkale
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
Hike through the Valley of Love
Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus
Explore Istanbul
Hit the beach in the Butterfly Valley
Chase the waterfalls in Antalya
Visit Lake Van
What to expect
LANGUAGE
Turkish is the official language in Turkey, spoken by 90% of the population. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas and major cities, visitors who speak some basic Turkish will find it easier to navigate daily life in the country.
ELECTRICITY
In Turkey the voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor.
CURRENCY
The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. Euros are accepted in some places as well, thanks to its closeness to Europe. Visitors can exchange foreign currency at banks and exchange offices throughout the country, as well as at airports and hotels. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but visitors should carry some cash for smaller purchases and when traveling to more remote areas.. 1 USD equals 19 liras (as of 2023).
CLIMATE
Turkey has a diverse climate, with Mediterranean, continental, and oceanic regions across the country. The coastal regions have hot, dry summers and mild winters, while the inland areas have hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit Turkey depends on the region, with the summer months being ideal for the coastal areas and spring and autumn being the best times to visit the inland regions.
SAFETY
Turkey is a generally safe place to visit. There have been some terrorist attacks in past years but they don’t target tourist but government institutions instead. Violent crime is rare but it could happen, and it is recommended to avoid isolated areas at night, and exercise caution in crowded areas like tourist attractions, markets and public transportation. If you are a female, is recommended to avoid wearing revealing clothes to avoid unwanted attention.
How to get around
Getting around Turkey is relatively easy, with numerous transportation options available to visitors. Here are some of the most popular ways to get around Turkey:
- Domestic flights: Turkey has a number of domestic airports, making it easy to travel quickly between different cities. Airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and SunExpress offer frequent flights at affordable prices.
- Buses: Turkey’s extensive bus network is a great way to travel between cities and towns. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and relatively cheap, with numerous companies offering a range of routes and schedules.
- Trains: While Turkey’s rail network is not as extensive as its bus system, it still offers a great way to see the country’s stunning landscapes. The high-speed train between Istanbul and Ankara is particularly popular, as is the scenic train journey from Istanbul to Konya.
- Metro: Istanbul has an extensive metro system, with multiple lines connecting different parts of the city. The metro is cheap, efficient, and a great way to avoid the city’s notorious traffic.
- Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Turkey, particularly in major cities. They are relatively cheap, but visitors should make sure to use official taxis with meters to avoid getting overcharged.
- Dolmus: Dolmus are shared taxis or minibuses that run on set routes between towns and cities. They are a cheap and convenient way to get around, but can be crowded and uncomfortable at times.
Visa Policy
Turkey has a relatively open visa policy, with citizens of many countries able to enter the country without a visa or with a visa on arrival. Citizens of some countries, however, are required to obtain a visa before traveling to Turkey. These include Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iraq, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Citizens of other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, are able to obtain an e-Visa online or a visa on arrival at the airport. Visitors should check with their local Turkish embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
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