Turkiye is fast becoming my favorite country. Some years I’ve gone several times and I can’t wait to explore every inch.

But I remember my first time like yesterday. Turkey was scary. Turkey was conservative. Turkey was foreign.

In my opinion, Turkiye has a bad rap.

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Is Turkey safe to visit?

I’ve never felt unsafe, unwelcome, or in danger on any of my many visits to Turkiye.

Should I visit Turkey?

Without a doubt. Let me put your mind at ease. Visit Turkiye. Explore all the things to do in Istanbul, road trip the Turkish Riveria, hot air balloon in Cappadocia, or better yet do it with me on a girl trip.

Where Should I Go in Turkey?

While many people end up having a layover in Istanbul there is so much more to the country. I highly recommend a visit to Cappadocia, Pummakule, Bursa, Ephesus, and Bodrum. Kas is one of my favorite coastal cities, as well as Dalayan. You can read my road trip itinerary here.

And, of course, you can’t miss the sites of Istanbul from the Hagia Sophia, Spice Market, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, and more!

Where Should I stay in Istanbul, Turkey?

I’ve created a Turkey Travel Guide with a list of the best places to stay in Istanbul including a recommended Turkey accommodation list.

Booking.com

My best place to stay when visiting Istanbul is Sultanahmet close by the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar, and all the best things to do in Istanbul on your Turkey itinerary.

It’s my first time, What Do I Need To Know Before Visiting Turkey?

Before visiting Turkiye certain aspects of the country’s culture, history, and travel logistics will help you have a better experience.

10 Things First-Timers Need To Know Before Visiting Turkey

1. What are the Visa Requirements for Turkiye

Some travelers may be eligible for visa-free entry or e-visas, while others may need to apply for a Turkish visa in advance. Make sure you have the necessary documentation to avoid any issues at the border.

Australians can apply for an e-visa. Do not be fooled by websites offering more expensive options. The current price for an Australia visa is $? And can be done officially on the Turkish government site. It expires after 6 months, and you can stay for 90 days.

Bonus Turkey travel tips – You do not need a Turkish Visa as a United Kingdom passport holder, which is now saving me on those e-visa prices!

As always please check before your trip!

2. What to Wear in Turkiye

Turikye is a diverse and culturally rich country and while they have no official religion, the population is predominantly Muslim.

Turkiye is much more liberal than you have imagined. They are a very open and tolerant society, where citizens may be completely covered or dressed in a bikini.

For the most part, I wore sleeveless shorts, shorts, dresses, and bikinis with no issues or problems.

The only time you need to be covered is for visits to mosques like the Hagia Sophia or Christian churches. Clothing is required to cover your shoulders, knees, and hair. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering and be mindful of prayer times. You can find scarves at any market for hair covering or most mosques will supply them for you.

Alcohol is widely available in tourist areas, even during Ramadan. There are plenty of beach clubs and bars along the coast.

3. What is the Official Turkish Language

Turkish is the official language in Turkey and dates back to even pre Ottoman Empire periods. The language is almost 8,500 years old and while English is spoken in many tourist areas, especially in larger cities and resorts, it’s helpful to learn a few basic Turkish phrases. Locals appreciate it when visitors try to communicate in their language.

Turkey travel tips – Here are some phrases I find helpful:

Hello – Merhaba

Goodbye – gule gule

Thank you – tesekkurler

Yes please – evet sagol

No thank you – yok sagol

Women’s toilet – Kadin tuvaleti

Men’s toilet – Erkek tuvaleti

How much – nekadar

Bon Appetite – Afiyet Olsun

4. What currency do they use in Turkiye

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). And while many people may suggest paying in Euros or USD, I always find it best to use a country’s true currency.

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially when traveling to more remote areas or smaller towns.

We had no problem finding ATMs throughout the country but checked the bank charges before taking money out. The ATM at Istanbul airport had the highest charges I’ve paid anywhere in the world.

5. Health & safety in Turkiye

Turkey is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s essential to take basic precautions. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and keep your belongings secure. I have always felt safe walking around at night.

Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers health emergencies, as well as any potential disruptions to your plans.

Tap water in major cities is usually safe to drink, but in more rural areas, it’s advisable to drink bottled water.

I’ve never been shy about eating at local food places or stops on the side of the road. We have brought strawberries from your boys on the roadside that were deliciously sweet. And we’ve had kebabs from the smallest hole-in-the-wall stalls you can find. In my opinion, avoid tourist restaurants like most of the ones close to Sultanahmet that are making a good dollar without providing quality food.

One of the biggest surprises I had in Turkey was the cleanliness of the country. In Australia, you avoid gas station toilets like the plague. In Turkiye, it was always clean and a pleasant stop on our road trip. The food and drink facilities were also convenient.

You may notice many dogs and cats on the streets of Turkiye. These strays are taken care of by everyone and more community pets than problematic strays. Most are friendly and completely unbothered by people petting and touching them. But as always please take care, they are wild animals, and perhaps best left alone.

The one thing I perhaps detest about Turkiye is its health and safety rules on smoking. There doesn’t seem to be any. Smoking is still regular in restaurants, bars, and clubs, even my hairdresser was smoking the whole time doing my hair.

Coming from Australia where inside smoking is prohibited I did find the irritating smoking fumes to be more than frustrating.

6. Seasons and Weather In Turkiye

Turkey is a vast and diverse country with a wide range of attractions, from ancient ruins like Ephesus and Troy to stunning natural landscapes such as Cappadocia and the Turkish Riviera. Plan your itinerary accordingly and be prepared for varying climates and activities depending on the region you’re visiting.

We have often visited before and after peak season, which runs June, July, and August. In May and September, we found Istnabul and Cappadocia to be quite cool, needing jackets and longer pants. But after heading down south to Kas and Bodrum the temperatures were warm enough for shorts and dresses.

7. Scams in Turkiye

I’ve been lucky enough never to have had an issue in Turkiye, except for your usual tourist problems like guides who insist on taking you to a Turkish Delight store or a rug store so they get their cut when you can’t resist the retail therapy.

For example, we were taken to a gem store in Cappadocia that sold a beautiful zanzinite stone. Later we found these stones in Kas for more than half the price. So avoid any “retail” stops on your guided tours.

But for the most part, the Turkish people are very generous, hospitable, and friendly people.

8. The Notorious Taxis of Istanbul

Probably the largest concern you will have in Istanbul is the taxis. They are notoriously bad worldwide. If you do take a taxi, ensure the meter is running or you have agreed on a price upfront.

Better yet don’t take them. We always pre-book airport transfers online or through the hotel. And walk or take public transport while in the city.

Even Uber or Grab can be an impossible option. One morning we needed to leave our hotel and get to the ferry. It was impossible to flag down a taxi or book a rideshare. Lesson learned. Always pre-book transfers.

9. Do Not Eat A Hotel Breakfast

It’s convenient and often included and you’re probably going to do it. But at least one day in Turkiye should be spent discovering real Turkish food.

Skip your hotel breakfast and go to a restaurant and order ‘serpme kahvalti’ – a full Turkish breakfast. The multiple little dishes that fill your table from olives, cheese, pastries, pide, eggs, sucuk, fruit, jams… well, it’s going to be the best breakfast you have in your life. Make sure you have a Turkish coffee or a hot Salep with it.

You can find a full list of Turkish cuisine here.

10. There are 2 airports in Istanbul

Be aware! You do not want to be flying into one and flying out of the other, as they are a considerable distance from one another! Istanbul IST is the main one and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) is the secondary airport. Turkish Airlines flies to both. However, Turkish  IST is the main Turkish airport and a heaving hub of Eastern Europe.

Bonus Turkey travel tip – Don’t get out money at the airport ATMs, their fees are astronomical compared to in town.

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