First Time in Turkey: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Turkey is one of the world’s great destinations — historically rich, geographically diverse, and consistently excellent for food. For first-time visitors, the scale can feel overwhelming. This guide focuses on the essentials.

Getting There

Turkey’s main international gateway is Istanbul Airport (IST), which serves hundreds of international destinations. Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side of Istanbul is used by some budget carriers.

For Cappadocia, fly into either Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Ercan/Nevsehir Airport (NAV) — direct flights from Istanbul take about 1.5 hours.

Visas

Most Western passport holders require a Turkish e-Visa. This is straightforward: apply at evisa.gov.tr (the official site) at least 48 hours before travel. The fee is currently €55–75 depending on nationality and duration. Beware unofficial copycat sites that charge much more.

Some nationalities (many EU and Middle Eastern countries) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Check current requirements.

Getting Around

Domestic flights: Turkish Airlines and Pegasus connect major cities cheaply. Istanbul to Cappadocia by plane takes 1.5 hours versus 10+ hours by bus.

Buses: Turkey’s intercity bus network is excellent — comfortable seats, punctual schedules, and affordable fares. Kamil Koç, Pamukkale, and Metro Turizm are the main operators. The bus from Istanbul to Antalya (12 hours) is comfortable if you go overnight.

Istanbul’s public transport: The metro, tram, and ferry system covers most of the city efficiently. The Istanbulkart (top-up card) works across all modes.

Money

Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange rates have been volatile in recent years — check current rates before departure. ATMs are widespread; cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants but carry cash for bazaars and small businesses.

Credit cards are widely accepted in cities; haggling in the Grand Bazaar works better with cash.

Food

Turkish food is outstanding and diverse. Don’t limit yourself to kebabs (though the doner, adana, and iskender are all worth eating properly). Seek out: meze plates (dozens of cold dishes before a main), balık ekmek (fish sandwich by the Galata Bridge), fresh simit from street vendors, çay (tea) everywhere, and breakfast — Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) with cheeses, olives, eggs, pastries and tomatoes is one of the best in the world.

Cultural Tips

• Remove shoes before entering mosques; women should cover heads and shoulders
• The call to prayer sounds five times daily — not intrusive but good to know
• Bargaining is expected in bazaars but not in shops with fixed prices
• Turkey is a secular state but a Muslim-majority country — alcohol is widely available in tourist areas and cities, but less so in more conservative regions
• Tipping: 10% in restaurants is appreciated but not obligatory

Travelling solo? Our solo travel guide for Türkiye covers the best bases for independent travellers, how safety varies by region, and how to meet other travellers on the road.

Highlights for First-Timers

• Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet, the Bosphorus, Galata
• Cappadocia: Hot air balloon at sunrise, the fairy chimney valleys, underground cities (Derinkuyu, Kaymakli)
• Pamukkale: The white calcium terraces and Hierapolis ruins — one of Turkey’s most surreal landscapes
• Ephesus: The best-preserved ancient Roman city in the world, near Kusadasi on the Aegean coast
• Turkish Riviera: Bodrum, Göcek, Antalya — sailing, beaches, and old towns