This post was originally part of our incredible 2 weeks in Turkey itinerary post. However, since we offered three itineraries, the article was a bit too long for our readers to read.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!We still want to offer as much information as possible when it comes to planning your Turkey holiday.
So, we decided to divide the post into two. That one is where you will find all the itineraries, and this one is where you will find abundant information about travelling to Turkey.
This Turkey trip planner will give you basic but vital information such as when to go, the cost, how to get around, and so on. But I also added new tips such as what to pack, tour packages to book, car rental vs public transportation, and dress code.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING TURKEY
Travelling around Turkey for the first time can be overwhelming. But visiting one of the world’s oldest cultures shouldn’t put you off. The tips below will help you plan your trip and visualise what your adventure will look like.
Safety in Turkey is also a big concern, especially for women travellers, solo backpackers, and first-time visitors. Check these safety tips for first-time travellers and women backpackers.
When is the best time to go to Turkey
The best time to travel to Turkey is in April and May, then again in September and October. These are the shoulder season months, have great weather without a big tourist crowd, and the prices are good.
The peak season is from June to August, which you should avoid if possible because there are too many tourists, the accommodation and flight costs are higher, and honestly, it’s a little too hot.
Turkey, in general, is often dry, but the wettest month is December. The rainy season varies by region, but generally, the rainy season is from late autumn to winter (November to February). Istanbul and the coastal regions experience moderate to heavy rainfall, while central and eastern parts can be colder and sometimes snowy.
Getting around
Getting around Turkey can be confusing in the beginning, but it’s pretty straightforward. Taking the bus and using the train system is a good idea, especially if you are on a budget. However, keep in mind that Turkey is a good-sized country and travelling on land can take too long.
Having only 14 days in Turkey, the best move is to check how far the cities you want to visit are. For example, from Istanbul, you can easily reach the southern coast by land. But as you go further east, it might be better to take a flight or rent your own car than to rely on public transport.
You should also remember that taking domestic flights in Turkey can be annoying. To get from a mid-size city to another, there’s a high chance that you will have to connect in Istanbul. Make sure to weigh between taking a flight and travelling by land if the drive is longer than 6 hours.
You can also install ride-hailing apps on your phone. The most popular ones are iTaksi, BiTaksi, Marti, Isbike, and Moovit. If you plan to use a traditional taxi, you should be very mindful and not take it at night. There are other popular phone apps in Turkey that you should install on your device – these will help you plan your trip.
If you plan to rent a car, you should do this in Istanbul. You can also find rental cars in Izmir, Antalya, and even Cappadocia, but they are rare in smaller cities. Plan to pick up your car at Istanbul airport on your arrival.
Turkey dress code
Turkey is a highly religious country filled with sacred sites. This means that you must pack clothing that will cover up your shoulders and legs. However, choose a fabric that is light and breathable.
You can also pack a dark shade of sarong or a lightweight scarf. You can use a scarf for your shoulders and a sarong for your legs. Bigger places such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia provide a massive robe to all visitors for free.
If you plan to do lots of walking, pack walking shoes and sandals. Turkey also has a somewhat desert-like climate, which means that during the day, it’s very hot with very little to no shade. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreens.
You can take a look at what I normally pack for a 2-week trip. There’s a free printable packing list that you can use for any destination or season of your trip.
Cost of a 2-week vacation in Turkey
I personally found Turkey to be very affordable. The accommodation is high-quality but budget-friendly. The transportation is reasonably priced, and the food is very affordable. But still, the cost depends on your travel style, so here’s some ideas:
- Backpacker: Budget around 900-1,600 TRY ($30-50) per day for hostel stays, local meals, and public transport. Total: 12,600-22,400 TRY ($400-700).
- Mid-range: Expect to spend about 1,700-2,500 TRY ($55-80) per day for three-star hotels, restaurant meals, and some private excursions. Total: 23,800-35,000 TRY ($750-1,000).
- Luxury: Prepare to budget at least 3,200-6,500 TRY ($100-$200) per day for luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, and private tours. Total: 45,000-90,000 TRY ($1,400-$2,800)
- Family of 4: A moderate budget would be around 2,000- 3,800 TRY ($60-120) per day for family-friendly accommodations, meals, and activities. Total: 28,000-53,000 TRY ($900-1650)
Then, you have to add on top of these the main round trip flight, insurance, and other travel expenses outside food, tours, accommodation, and transportation.
Language and currency
Turkey’s main language is Turkish, but Arabic is also quite popular, and there are many Turkish dialects. Young people speak English, but installing a translation app on your phone is best to help you navigate and communicate with the locals.
The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Cash is still the main mode of payment all over the country. However, tourism-related businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies accept bank payments, and some even accept major currencies such as USD and Euro.
You should be able to find money exchange shops in touristy places, although ATMs are widely available.
Visa
Turkey’s visa policy can also get a little confusing since the country implemented new rules not long ago. Regardless, it’s actually quite straightforward now.
For visitors with passports issued from Europe, South America, Morocco, Malaysia, Tunisia, New Zealand, and a few countries in the Middle East, you don’t need a visa for 90 days. At the same time, passports from Myanmar, Russia, Belarus, Indonesia, and Turkmenistan can be visa-free for 30 days.
People using passports from North America, Australia, China, Saudi Arabia, the Caribbean, South Africa, and Oman must secure an electronic visa ahead of their arrival in Turkey. You can apply for the evisa online and present it to the immigration officer. Depending on your nationality, the evisa is valid for 30-90 days.
Other basic travel tips
To help you book your travel arrangements, here’s a list of travel sites I always use. What I love about these travel services is how most of them have great cancellation policies that allow me to book the best options but also offer free cancellation if I change my mind or have to cancel my trip.
SUMMARY OF TURKEY TRIP PLANNER
Turkey is a fun place to visit. There’s so much to do, and this makes 2 weeks in Turkey feel like it’s not enough. But with good planning and flexibility, you can maximise your time, see the places you want to visit, and not feel too overwhelmed.
Whether you’re looking at a trip here during winter or summer (even spring or autumn), you can visit any month of the year. Even during the rainy season, it’s still tolerable.