Turkey Quick Guide

Turkey is a country enveloping Central Asia and Europe in its southwest border. It shares eastern borders with Bulgaria and Greece to the west; the Black Sea to the east; and Georgia to the north. There are three provinces in Turkey: Antalya, Yalmenaut and Kilmarno.

A Turkey Travel Guide is essential for anyone embarking on a holiday to Turkey. I have been there several times and can state with certainty that Turkey has some of the most amazing ruins in the world. The ruins of Ephesus, Mytilene, and Sardis were discovered by archaeologists only a few years ago, yet the fascination with these ruins has lasted for centuries.

Ephesus had been a popular destination with travelers before the Roman Empire arrived. As such, they built what is now the Temple of Artemis Agrotera, located in the center of the city. This was the first known temple of Artemis in the known world. It was built during the Second Punic War.

If you are looking for a Turkey Travel Guide, Ephesus is not the best place to start. There are other wonderful ruins in the area including Paphos (one of the best beaches in the world), Kavoort (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and Cokertme (a city which once served as a Roman colony). On your Turkey Travel Guide, do not forget to include the marvelous seaside resort of Bodrum. Bodrum is only an hour's boat ride from the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the archaeological site of Knossos, one of the earliest Greek cities as well.

The best time to visit Bodrum is in the spring. This is the best time to experience all of Turkey's cultural attractions while walking around its streets. March through May is a great time to see the sights and sounds of the ancient olive and grape harbors. April, May and June are also great months to explore Turkey's countryside.

If you are interested in eating authentic Turkish food, make sure that you include some time to explore Turkey's culinary delights. The most popular dishes are kebabs (i.e. sandwiches), Bulgarian deviled eggs, hummus, kebabs filled with meat, vegetable spreads, and the famous tarragon and cumin. Turkey travel guides recommend eating these dishes on either Friday or Saturday nights, as both are popular occasions.

A Turkey Travel Guide would also fail to mention the entertainment options in Turkey. This is probably one of the best things about visiting Turkey: you can do anything! There are a lot of fun places to visit in Turkey. For those who want a more active experience, they could try hiking, boating, fishing, sailing, or jet skiing. Water sports are also popular for those who like a bit of action on their holidays.

Turkey's geography also plays a crucial role in deciding when is the best time to visit Turkey. The best time to go to Bodrum, for instance, is during the summer; if you want to enjoy an overnight stay at the world-renowned spa resort of Bodrum, this is the best time to visit. The best time to visit Turkey for walking around the beautiful country is probably in the spring, when the weather is warm and beautiful. Don't miss out on Turkey's exciting history, fantastic food, and fun activities and you will surely have a wonderful experience!

Turkey isn't just about the weather though. When you spend your holiday in Turkey, you should be sure that you take time to spend some time sightseeing (this isn't just a matter of being lucky). Turkey is one of the most well-traveled countries in the world, thanks largely to its history. If you take the time to explore the ancient ruins of the country, such as the ones you will find in the Istanbul area, you will be able to learn much about Turkey's past.

Turkey is also rich in culture. A few hours away from your hotel, you can visit the fascinating Antalya, where the historic city of Antalya was discovered by explorers in the 15th century. Another must-visit place is the Marmaris region, where a unique natural cove can be seen stretching into the Mediterranean Sea. You can also spend a few days touring the Beyoglu district, known for its wide selection of world-class hotels, along with its beautiful beaches. For entertainment, try visiting the Beypore Water Park and spending a day enjoying the fun and relaxation there. Don't forget to take a dip in the fascinating waters!

Turkey is a great place for any type of holiday. You can spend your holidays visiting the best sites in the country, while remaining within your budget. You will have plenty to keep you busy during your stay in Turkey, making it easy to fall in love with this country all over again. Check out your favorite travel guide when planning your next holiday to Turkey one month itinerary.

What vaccinations do I need?

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Turkey are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel?

Best time to visit?

Turkey is a year-round destination with hot and dry summers and - great for the beach worshipper or an island hopper. Generally, the best times to visit are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) as the temperature is pleasant but not overbearing.

Do I need a Visa?

British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You'll need to apply for a visa from the Turkish Consulate General before you travel.

See which forms you may need for entry into Turkey.

What currency do i need?

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Turkey you can grab amazing Turkish Lira deals via Wise.com (GBP to TRY).

What about the wildlife?

The country is filled with fauna similar to that of the Balkans; bears, lynxes, wild boar, deer, chamois, otters, foxes, camels, buffaloes and a handful of increasingly rare leopards. You will more likely come across horses, goats and sheep watched by a very powerful shepherd dog, the kangal.

What is the traditional food?

Turkish food? Kebabs are dishes of plain or marinated meat either stewed or grilled. Almost every district of Anatolia has its own kebap specialty. Lamb is the basic meat of Turkish kitchen. Pieces of lamb threaded on a skewer and grilled over charcoal form the famous Shish kebab known in many countries of the world.

What Languages are spoken?

The official language, Turkish, is the first language spoken by 90% of the 71.1m population. Minority languages include Kurdish, spoken by 6% of the population, although this isn't recognised as an official language. You can learn some basic Turkish before you travel to Turkey and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip?

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (In Turkey tipping is customary between 5% and 10%, depending on service. Don't tip if you receive bad service. Tips must be in cash, preferably in Turkish Lira, and be given directly to the waiter. If you dine in luxury you should tip between 10% and 15%.).

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported. We may receive a small commission from affiliate links you follow from this Turkey travel guide.

Useful Numbers

  • Police: 155
  • Ambulance: 112
  • Fire: 110
  • UK Embassy: +90 312 455 33 44

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 2 hours

Travel Apps

Grab a travel app or two


Learn Turkish

Learn some Turkish before your trip to Turkey


Turkey Guidebook

Stay informed before, during and after your trip to Turkey by buying a guidebook.