Turkey travel guide

Find out what to see and do when travelling or backpacking around Turkey.

Turkey highlights

	Destination	Make a reservation
	Istanbul The largest city in Turkey and situated on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is the meeting point of European and Asian cultures. There is a wealth of ancient architecture to see, with the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods are all represented through sights such as the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. As well as the ancient sights, Istanbul is also a thriving modern city with many great bars, restaurants and galleries to visit.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Ankara Ankara is the capital of Turkey and home to numerous tourist attractions. Amongst the must-sees are the many archaeological remains such as the Citadel, Roman Baths & Theatre and the Temple of Augustus. Other impressive sights include the Mausoleum of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Kemal Ataturk, and the modern Atakule tower.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Pamukkale Situated in South-Eastern Turkey, Pamukkale is an ancient spa town where visitors can benefit from relaxing in the mineral-rich hot springs. Literally meaning 'Cotton Castle', Pamukkale consists of natural pools and shelves made from calcium carbonate which cover the hillside overlooking the town. Another sight worth seeing nearby is the Roman amphitheatre of Hierapolis.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Gallipoli The Gallipoli Peninsula is best known as the site of numerous First World War battles and visitors to the region can see the three battlegrounds and various memorials to both Turkish and Allied forces. Other places to visit in this area include Gelibolu Milli Park and the ancient fortress of Kilitbahir.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Bodrum Bodrum is one of Turkey's major tourist destinations and is situated on the Southern Aegean coast. Many tourists visit for the beaches and nightlife but there is also a variety of ancient sites including Bodrum castle, Bodrum amphitheatre and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours
	Ephesus Near to the town of Selcuk on the Aegean coast, the Roman city of Ephesus was the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Now the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean, there are numerous sights to see, including the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, the Odeon and the Basilica of St. John.	Flights Hotels Hostels Tours

Map of Turkey

Main travellers routes

• Turkey's major international airport is Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul but there are many regional airports servicing a variety of cities and tourist resorts including Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman.
• Of the overland entry points, it tends to be easier to enter Turkey from Europe rather than the Middle-Eastern borders but be prepared for a delay of several hours.
• Turkey's rail network does not cover all major tourist areas so it may be necessary to combine rail and coach travel. Travelling by coach tends to be straightforward in Turkey as there are a number of operators offering extensive and comfortable travel throughout the country.
• Turkey borders numerous countries including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Iran, Iraq and Syria.

Capital and main cities

• Ankara is the capital
• Other large cities include Istanbul, Antalya and Izmir.

Languages

• Turkish
• Some Kurdish
• Some German

Currency

• Turkey Lira
• Euro and US Dollars sometimes accepted in larger tourist areas.
• Currency converter

Visas (always check with your embassy)

• British citizens require a visa for trip to Turkey.

Foreign Office Advice

• Turkey foreign office advice

Flights and accommodation

• Flight prices to Turkey
• Hotel and hostel prices

Tours and day trips in Turkey

• Responsible Travel in Turkey - Trips and accommodation from the main tourist routes to off-the-beaten track places.

Next: Planning a trip to Turkey

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