Turkey travel guide

Overview

Turkey bridges Europe and Asia both geographically and culturally, and Istanbul sits right at that seam — a city of mosques, bazaars, and Bosphorus ferry crossings that's genuinely worth several days on its own. Beyond Istanbul, Cappadocia's balloon rides over surreal rock formations, the Turquoise Coast's beach resorts, and ancient sites like Ephesus round out most itineraries.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather across most of the country. Summer on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts gets very hot and crowded; Cappadocia's balloon flights are weather-dependent year-round, so build flexibility into your schedule if that's a priority.

Getting around

• Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport serve the city; domestic flights connect to Cappadocia, the coast, and other regions quickly
• Istanbul's trams, metro, and ferries cover the city well and are inexpensive with an Istanbulkart
• Long-distance buses are comfortable, frequent, and a common way to travel between cities and regions
• Domestic flights are usually faster than overland travel for reaching Cappadocia or the coast from Istanbul

Mobile data and connectivity

Compare live BrisqNet eSIM plans for Turkey before you travel. Install the profile before you fly so it's ready when you land — useful for navigating Istanbul's old city and coordinating ferry or transit connections.

• Coverage is strong in Istanbul and other major cities; more remote parts of Cappadocia and rural areas can have variable signal
• Turkey has specific local rules around device registration for SIM cards used long-term, which don't apply to a travel eSIM used for a standard visit
• Keep your eSIM data line on for maps, translation, and transit apps as you move between regions

Practical tips

• The currency is the Turkish lira; cards are widely accepted in cities, cash is useful in bazaars and smaller towns
• Bargaining is expected and normal in bazaars, though not in fixed-price shops or restaurants
• Dress modestly when visiting mosques, and remove shoes before entering
• Turkish tea and coffee culture runs deep — accepting a cup when offered is a small but appreciated courtesy

FAQs