Turkey
Best time to visit
About Turkey
Turkey is one of the world’s great crossroads — a country that
straddles two continents, carries the weight of multiple empires,
and delivers extraordinary diversity within a single destination.
From the Byzantine domes and Ottoman minarets of Istanbul to the
surreal volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia, the turquoise coves of
The Aegean coast to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey, rewards
every kind of traveller with depth, beauty, and genuine warmth.
783,356 km²
Total Area
19
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
7,200 km
Coastline
10,000+ years
Recorded History
Discover the Best of Turkey
Istanbul: Where Two Continents Meet
The only city in the world spanning two continents, Istanbul is an overwhelming sensory experience. The Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar anchor Sultanahmet; the Bosphorus strait offers one of the world's great urban waterways. Allow at least four days — most visitors wish they had more.
Cappadocia: Balloons Over a Lunar Landscape
The fairy chimneys, underground cities, and cave churches of Cappadocia are unlike anywhere else on earth. A hot air balloon flight at sunrise over the valleys of Göreme is one of travel's bucket-list experiences. Stay in a cave hotel, explore Derinkuyu underground city, and hike the Rose and Love Valleys.
Ephesus: the Best-Preserved Roman City in the World
The ruins of ancient Ephesus near Selçuk are staggering in scale — the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre seating 25,000, and the Temple of Hadrian are all remarkably intact. Combine with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary on the nearby hillside and the excellent Ephesus Museum in Selçuk.
Pamukkale: the Cotton Castle
The white travertine terraces and turquoise thermal pools of Pamukkale are one of Turkey's most surreal natural wonders. The adjacent ruins of ancient Hierapolis and its remarkable necropolis add historical depth to what could otherwise be a purely visual experience. Best visited early morning before the crowds arrive.
The Turquoise Coast: Bodrum, Fethiye and the Bosphorus
Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coastline offers some of the most beautiful sailing waters in the world. Bodrum's whitewashed harbour town, Fethiye's Blue Lagoon at Ölüdeniz, and the gulet boat trips along the Turquoise Coast are quintessential Turkish summer experiences. Ölüdeniz is also one of the world's top paragliding destinations.
Trabzon and the Black Sea Coast
The dramatically situated Sümela Monastery clinging to a cliff face above a forested gorge is one of Turkey's most spectacular sights. The lush green highlands of the Kaçkar Mountains, the Georgian-era churches of Artvin, and the tea plantations around Rize make the Black Sea coast a rewarding contrast to the Mediterranean south.
Discover Turkey
Travel Essentials
Budget Level:
Budget to Mid-range
Best Duration:
10–14 days
Daily Budget:
USD 45–70/day (budget hotel, local restaurants, public transport)
USD 120–200/day (boutique hotel, restaurant meals, guided tours)
Safety Rating:
Exercise normal caution
Safety Notes
Turkey is generally safe for tourists in established destinations. Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Antalya, and the Aegean coast receive millions of visitors annually without serious incident. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists are the main concern in Istanbul — be alert in crowded areas like the Grand Bazaar and Taksim Square, and use only official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Always check your government's current travel advisory before departure as the situation near the Syrian border in southeastern Turkey requires additional research.
Getting There
Direct flights from Doha (QR, ~3.5h to Istanbul), Dubai (EK/flydubai, ~4h), Abu Dhabi (EY, ~4h), and Riyadh (SV, ~3.5h). Istanbul Airport (IST) is one of the world's busiest hubs with exceptional connections. Direct flights also available to Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, and Izmir from Gulf cities seasonally. Turkish Airlines and Gulf carriers operate multiple daily frequencies making Turkey one of the most accessible destinations from the GCC.
Getting Around
Turkey's domestic flight network is extensive and affordable — Turkish Airlines and Pegasus connect Istanbul to Cappadocia (Kayseri), Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir, and Trabzon in under 2 hours. Istanbul has an excellent metro, tram, and ferry network — the Istanbulkart travel card covers all public transport. Intercity coaches (Metro Turizm, Kamil Koç) are comfortable and affordable for longer overland routes. Hiring a private driver or joining a guided tour is recommended for Cappadocia, Ephesus, and the Turquoise Coast.
Visa Information
Many nationalities receive e-Visa online before travel. EU, UK, and US citizens require an e-Visa. Some nationalities receive visa on arrival. Always verify current requirements at the official Turkish e-Visa portal (evisa.gov.tr) before travel as policies change frequently.
GCC Visa Information
Qatari, Saudi, and UAE passport holders can obtain an e-Visa online before travel or a visa on arrival at Turkish airports. The e-Visa is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period and is strongly recommended to obtain in advance at evisa.gov.tr to avoid airport queues. GCC residents holding valid US, UK, EU, or Schengen visas may also be eligible for e-Visa. Always verify current requirements before travel as policies change frequently.
Muslim Travel Guide
Essential information for Muslim travellers
Halal Food
Excellent
Turkey is a Muslim-majority country and halal food is the default throughout. Virtually all locally-owned restaurants serve halal food and pork is absent from nearly all menus outside international hotels. Turkish cuisine is one of the world’s great food cultures — kebabs, mezes, pide, lahmacun, baklava, and fresh seafood are all widely available. Istanbul alone has thousands of excellent halal restaurants across every price range. Look for the Helal Belgesi certificate in restaurant windows for official halal certification.
Mosques
Excellent — mosques in every neighbourhood nationwide. Istanbul alone has over 3,000 mosques including the iconic Blue Mosque and the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque.
Mosques are found throughout all Turkish cities and towns. Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa Airport have dedicated prayer rooms in all terminals. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul remains open to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times — always dress modestly and remove shoes. Friday Jumu’ah prayers draw large congregations at major mosques — plan visits accordingly.
Alcohol Culture
Available but easily avoided — alcohol is served in many restaurants, bars, and hotels especially in tourist areas and coastal resorts. Traditional lokanta restaurants and most neighbourhood eateries are alcohol-free. Muslim travellers will find it straightforward to avoid in most settings outside Beyoglu and resort areas.
Ramadan Travel
Turkey is a wonderful destination during Ramadan. Istanbul’s historic mosques are beautifully illuminated with Mahya lights strung between minarets — a uniquely Ottoman tradition. Iftar tents are set up in major squares and parks offering free meals. Most restaurants open after sunset with special Ramadan menus. The atmosphere around the Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet at iftar time is unforgettable. Daytime hours see some reduction in activity but tourist sites remain open throughout.