Where should I go in Turkey for the first time?

For a first-time trip to Turkey, focus on the classic trio: vibrant, historic Istanbul (Asia meets Europe), surreal, balloon-filled Cappadocia, and ancient wonders like Ephesus, often combined with stunning coastlines like Antalya or Fethiye, offering culture, unique landscapes, and beautiful beaches for a well-rounded experience.

Do and don'ts in Turkey?

When visiting Turkey, do dress modestly (especially at religious sites), accept tea/hospitality, try local food (like baklava), bargain respectfully in markets, use right hand for eating/passing items, and remove shoes at homes/mosques; don't wear shorts in mosques, speak loudly in places of worship, show excessive public affection, drink alcohol in public, insult the Turkish flag/nation, or use your left hand for dining/passing. Be aware of surroundings, especially regarding scams and sensitive topics like politics or religion.
 

Can females wear shorts in Turkey?

At Turkish beaches, anything goes. Most women wear clothing as they would in Europe or their home countries. Shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops or bare feet are perfectly fine.

What to avoid when travelling to Turkey?

Terrorism

• public buildings.
• places of worship.
• airports.
• large public gatherings, including major events, public holidays, religious occasions.

What is the best time of year to visit Turkey?

April, May, September and October are pleasantly warm, with temperatures of 68°F to 86°F, so are typically the best times to visit Turkey's grand array of ancient sites. The summer months (June through to September) are very hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-thirties on the south coast.

19 Tips I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Istanbul

Do female tourists have to cover up in Turkey?

Dress more formally

You'll show respect and get more respect in return. Female travellers do not need to cover their hair unless visiting a mosque.

Which is better, Marmaris or Antalya?

When it comes to resorts, both Antalya and Marmaris have great places to stay. Antalya is larger than Marmaris, so it has more choices for vacation rentals, luxury resorts, all-inclusive resorts, and high-end hotels. In the summer, both places are very popular, and the best hotels get booked quickly.

Is Oludeniz like Benidorm?

No, Oludeniz isn't like Benidorm.

Is Bodrum or Antalya better?

Bodrum is a great choice if you enjoy dancing until the sunrise. Antalya is a large resort city located on the Mediterranean Sea. It has an old town with well-preserved ancient city walls, a castle and a beautiful harbour. Most all-inclusive hotels are in Belek and Lara Beach area which is not near the city centre.

Where should I go for the first time in Turkey?

Istanbul. Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is the economic center of Turkey. It has many places of interest with a long history, among which Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Dolmabachche Palace cannot be missed when visitors go to Istanbul. The former Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built in 1616.

Which of the 7 wonders are in Turkey?

Located between Izmir and Kusadasi on Mount Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

What is the prettiest part of Turkey?

Beauty in Turkey depends on what you value most:

• Culture & history: Istanbul, Ephesus.
• Unique landscapes: Cappadocia.
• Beaches & resorts: Antalya, Fethiye.
• Nature & tranquility: Black Sea region.

Is Bodrum or Istanbul better?

Where Istanbul is all about action and the Bosphorus, Bodrum is all about playtime by the sea. This glittering hangout on the 'Turkish Riviera' is just over an hour's flight from Istanbul, so it's easy to combine both in one trip. And you should.

What is not acceptable in Turkey?

It is important to take care not to say anything offensive about the Turkish nation or the Turkish flag or to write such things on social media. It is also a criminal offence to deface or tear up Turkish currency. The penalty for these crimes is from 6 months up to 3 years imprisonment.

Why are tourists leaving Turkey?

Hyperinflation and President Erdoğan's economic policies mean prices are constantly increasing – and these are inevitably passed on to visitors, meaning Turkey is no longer the budget destination it once was.

When not to visit Turkey?

Besides this, it is advisable not to visit Turkey during the summer month which is between June to September.

Do British need a visa for Turkey?

No, British citizens usually don't need a visa for tourism or business in Turkey for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but your passport must be valid for at least 150 days (about 5 months) from your arrival date and have a blank page. For other purposes like work or study, or if you have a different type of British passport, you will need a visa, so check the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or GOV.UK's Turkey page before traveling. 

Should I cancel my holiday to Turkey?

The Foreign Office doesn't currently advise against travelling to most parts of Turkey (more below), so any request to cancel a holiday would be considered a “disinclination to travel” and would be ineligible for a refund under normal booking conditions.