Overview
Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, and a first trip usually does too: a few days in Istanbul, then a short flight to Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, and a week on the Aegean or Mediterranean coast among Greek and Roman ruins. The country is large (Istanbul to Antalya is about an eight-hour drive), so fly between regions and slow down within them. Ten days covers Istanbul, Cappadocia and one stretch of coast; two weeks makes it relaxed.
Main regions
Istanbul. Start with our Istanbul destination page and the 5-day Istanbul itinerary. The old city holds Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar; across the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus are Beyoğlu's bars and the Asian-side neighborhoods of Kadıköy and Moda.
Cappadocia. A volcanic landscape of rock chimneys, cave hotels, underground cities and painted rock-cut churches, best known for sunrise hot-air balloon flights. Göreme and Ürgüp are the main bases.
The Aegean coast. Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere, near Selçuk; the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale; and the resort towns of Bodrum and Çeşme.
The Turquoise Coast. Between Fethiye and Antalya: the Ölüdeniz lagoon, the small harbor town of Kaş, sunken ruins at Kekova, and the 540-kilometer Lycian Way hiking trail. Antalya's walled old town is the main airport gateway.
The east. Less visited and more adventurous: Göbeklitepe (the world's oldest known monumental site) near Şanlıurfa, the stone city of Mardin, the Sumela Monastery near Trabzon, and the summit statues of Mount Nemrut.
Best time to visit
- April to June: the best all-round window: warm, green, and before the summer crowds. Istanbul's tulip festival fills the parks in April.
- July and August: hot everywhere, often above 35°C on the coast and inland at Pamukkale and Ephesus. It is peak beach season, with the highest prices; visit ruins at opening time.
- September and October: warm sea, cooler days, fewer crowds. Arguably the best time for the coast and Cappadocia.
- November to March: Istanbul is cool and rainy but uncrowded; Cappadocia can be snowy and beautiful, though balloon flights are cancelled more often. Many coastal resorts close.
Balloon flights in Cappadocia are cancelled whenever the wind is too strong, at any time of year. Plan at least two mornings there so you have a backup day. During Ramadan (roughly February to March in 2027), sights stay open, but some restaurants outside tourist areas close during daylight hours.
Getting around
- Domestic flights: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet make long hops cheap and quick. Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevşehir (for Cappadocia) takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. Istanbul has two airports: IST on the European side and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) on the Asian side, up to 90 minutes apart in traffic, so check which one your flight uses.
- Buses: long-distance coaches are comfortable, cheap and run everywhere, with overnight options.
- Trains: high-speed trains link Istanbul with Ankara (about 4.5 hours) and Konya.
- In Istanbul: buy an Istanbulkart for trams, the metro, the funicular and the ferries, which are the most scenic transport in the city. Taxis are cheap, but use a meter or a BiTaksi booking.
- Car hire: the best way to explore the Aegean and Turquoise coasts at your own pace.
Visa basics
Citizens of the US, UK, Canada and most EU countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Other nationalities may need an e-visa, which should be bought only on the official government site (evisa.gov.tr); lookalike agency sites charge extra. Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive.
Typical daily costs
Prices as of September 2026, at about 49 lira to the US dollar. Turkish inflation is high, so lira prices change quickly; the dollar amounts below are the more stable guide.
- Budget (about $45–65, 2,200–3,200 lira): hostel or simple pension, döner and lokanta home-style meals, public transport.
- Mid-range (about $120–190, 5,900–9,300 lira): a boutique or cave hotel, restaurant meals with drinks, taxis, a paid sight a day.
- Comfort (about $320+, 15,600+ lira): luxury cave suites, Bosphorus-view hotels, private guides.
Istanbul prices are now close to southern Europe's. Big-ticket costs: Hagia Sophia is €25 for foreign visitors, Topkapı Palace (including the Harem) 2,750 lira, and a Cappadocia balloon flight €150–450 depending on season and group size. Pay in lira rather than euros; prices quoted in foreign currency are rarely a good deal. A 10% tip is usual in restaurants.
Top destinations
- Istanbul: start with the Istanbul destination guide and the full Istanbul travel guide for neighborhoods, mosques and the best ferry rides.
- Cappadocia: balloon flights, valley hikes and cave hotels.
- Ephesus and Selçuk: the Library of Celsus and the Terrace Houses.
- Pamukkale: travertine pools above the Roman city of Hierapolis.
- Kaş and Fethiye: boat trips, the Lycian Way and some of Turkey's best swimming.
Heading on? Athens is about an hour and a quarter from Istanbul by air, and Santorini easily reached from there. Or let our trip planner build a day-by-day Turkey route around your dates.