Turkey is one of the few countries that spans Europe and Asia. The city of Istanbul actually sits on both continents!
Turkey runs on TRT, or Turkey Time, three hours ahead of UTC. Turkey is 7 hours ahead of New York, 2 hours ahead of London, 8 hours ahead of Chicago, and 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
The Istanbul International Airport (IST) is the busiest and largest international airport in Turkey. It is located in the Arnavutkoy district on the European side of Istanbul.
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) is located in Istanbul as well, located in Pendik, Istanbul, on the Asian side of bi-continental Istanbul.
Exploring Turkey is easier than you might think, thanks to a variety of transport options suited for every traveler.
High-Speed Trains
Turkey’s high-speed rail network connects cities like Ankara, Konya, and Eskişehir. Fast, comfortable, and scenic, it’s perfect for seeing the countryside while avoiding traffic.
Intercity Buses
A cost-effective choice, intercity buses link towns and regions across Turkey. Modern coaches are safe, punctual, and often equipped with Wi-Fi and refreshments.
Domestic Flights
For longer distances, low-cost domestic airlines provide quick hops between major cities, including Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir, saving hours on travel time.
Urban Transit
Cities like Istanbul and Ankara offer metros, trams, and buses that make exploring neighborhoods and attractions effortless. Ferries in coastal cities add a scenic twist to commuting.
Car Rentals
For flexibility and off-the-beaten-path adventures, renting a car is ideal. Drive through Cappadocia’s valleys, the Mediterranean coastline, or the Black Sea mountains at your own pace.
Getting around Turkey has never been easier thanks to ride-sharing apps. In major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, apps such as BiTaksi and Uber let you hail a taxi or private car with just a few taps.
Turkey is increasingly popular among female solo travelers, offering rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities to explore. Places like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya are well-traveled and tourist-friendly, with reliable public transport and easy access to guided tours.
While Turkey is generally safe, female travelers are advised to dress modestly in rural areas, stay aware of local customs, and use trusted transportation options like official taxis or ride-sharing apps. Solo travelers often find that locals are friendly, welcoming, and helpful, especially in markets, cafes, and cultural sites. With common-sense precautions, exploring Turkey alone can be an enriching and empowering experience.
Varying by region, Turkey’s summers are typically hot and dry. Expect sunshine during your summer and spring visits, and pack for warm days and nights. The temperature during this time tends to average around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winters in Turkey tend to be cool and cloudy, with a temperature range averaging around 39 degrees Fahrenheit.
Travelers can expect increased humidity in coastal regions.
- Spring: 41°F – 68°F
- Summer: 64°F – 85°F
- Autumn: 47°F – 62°F
- Winter: 37°F – 49°F
Turkish is the national language of Turkey. Other popular languages spoken in the region include Arabic, Greek, and Kurmanji (northern dialect of Kurdish). English as a second language is more common in highly traveled areas of Turkey, but not so often amongst the general population.
Some basic Turkish phrases that may help you during your stay are:
- Merhaba: “Hello”
- Nasilsiniz: “How are you?”
- Hayir: “No”
- Harika: Could be “cool”, or “wonderful” or “beautiful”
- Affedersin: “Excuse me”
- Lutfen: “Please”
- Sagol: “Thanks”
Courtesy and politeness are of deep importance to the Turkish people, and they are known for their generosity and hospitality to guests. Remain aware, exercise courtesy, be punctual, and respect cultural traditions such as removing your shoes when entering one’s home when visiting on your travels.
A large majority of Turkey’s population, and Istanbul’s in that, are of Islamic faith. Measures should be taken by travelers to be respectful and courteous of Istanbul’s culture, including packing and dressing in appropriate, modest attire. While most Mosques offer some type of head-covering at their entrances, it is wise to carry a scarf of your own as well.
Cleanliness, courtesy, and consciousness will take you far in Istanbul, etiquette wise. The Turkish people value gestures of kindness and generosity. An enthusiastic shaking of hands upon greeting is customary, and sarcasm should be avoided in social contexts.
The Lira is the primary form of currency in Turkey.
Tipping culture is common in Turkey, with tips typically ranging from 5%-15%. Tips should be given directly to the waiter or waitress in a dining context, and the cash lira should be used when tipping.
The supply voltage in Turkey is 230 volts (same as the one used in Europe.) When traveling from the United States, you should consider bringing a Type F power adapter for your convenience and technological travel needs. Local outlets will look like this:
Generally, tap water is not safe for drinking purposes when traveling to Turkey. Bottled water is typically preferred, and is often readily available in shops, at hotels, and in restaurants.
Free Wi-Fi and internet access is typically available all over Turkey. Accommodations and businesses, such as hotels, hostels, restaurants and shops will often have Wi-Fi available and accessible to travelers throughout their stay in Turkey.
In the present social climate of Turkey, LGBTQIA+ individuals are not protected in the public sphere of Turkey on whole. While homosexuality is legal in Turkey, gay and transgender communities face discrimination and bigotry in Turkish society.
Cosmopolitan Istanbul offers some reprieve for the LGBTQIA+ communities of Turkey, where the gay scene is vibrant by night. It is important to keep in mind that the nightlife environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals may be different during the daytime. LGBTQIA+ travelers are advised to exercise extra safety precautions.
Clothing
- Lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime sightseeing
- Layers for cooler evenings, especially in Cappadocia or the mountains
- Modest clothing for visiting mosques (cover shoulders and knees)
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Sandals for coastal towns and beaches
- Hat, sunglasses, and scarf (sun protection + mosque cover-up)
Weather Essentials
- Light rain jacket or travel umbrella (spring & fall)
- Swimwear for Mediterranean and Aegean beaches
- Sweater or light jacket for early mornings or evenings
Travel Documents
- Passport & copies
- Travel insurance info
- Driver’s license (if renting a car)
- Credit/debit cards + some cash in Turkish Lira (₺)
Tech & Accessories
- Phone + charger & power bank
- Travel adapter (Type C/F plug)
- Camera or GoPro
- Headphones & e-reader/tablet
Health & Personal Care
- Sunscreen & lip balm
- Basic first aid kit
- Medications & prescriptions
- Hand sanitizer & wet wipes
Extras & Convenience
- Reusable water bottle
- Small backpack for day trips
- Turkish phrasebook or translation app
- Snacks for long bus/train rides
- Lightweight shopping bag for markets
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A TIMELINE OF TURKEY'S HISTORY
Civilization was first established in modern-day Turkey dating so far back as the Paleolithic era, based on dated artifacts scattered throughout Anatolia. Bronze Age civilization appeared in Anatolia amidst the first millennium BC.
The Hagia Sophia was constructed and completed by Byzantine Emperor Constantius as a Christian Church.
Then known as Ancient Anatolia, the land of Turkey passed through the hands of a number of history’s most powerful empires, from the Roman Empire, to the Byzantine Empire, to the Mongol Empire.
With the fall of the Mongol Empire, the Ottoman Empire retained control of Turkey, and ruled by Muslim law. The Hagia Sophia was renovated as a mosque.
The Ottoman Empire decriminalizes LGBTQIA identity and visibility
The Ottoman Empire Falls. Tea cultivation experiments begin in earnest in the Rize Province of Turkey, honed and spread through ecological and botany research.
Following the Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Turkish War of Independence, the Republic of Turkey was founded by Mustafa Kemal, who aimed to create a secular republic. Women’s rights were politically established, amongst a number of other social, political, and economic reforms.
The city Constantinople is officially renamed Istanbul.
The Hagia Sophia was turned into a museum, operated by the Turkish government.
Turkey becomes a democratically ruled nation, having its first successful democratic election.
The Constitution of the Republic of Turkey is ratified as fundamental law, stating that Turkey is a democratic, secular, republic whose sovereignty is derived from its people. This is the current constitution that governs contemporary Turkey.
The first Pride Parade is held in Istanbul, and draws increasing numbers each year thereafter.
Recep Erdogan comes to power in the Turkish government, with an Islamist political background. Throughout his presidency, he supports socially conservative and populist policies.
Germany is the largest importer of Turkish Tea. Tea exports are a significant contributor to the Turkish economy, and the tea drinking ritual remains a pivotal part of Turkish culture in the 21st century.
The Hagia Sophia was reclassified once more as a mosque.
