Turkey travel guide
Turkey spans two continents, and a single trip can take you from the minarets of Istanbul to cave hotels in Cappadocia, the white terraces of Pamukkale and the turquoise coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean. Its food, from grilled fish to breakfast spreads and sweet pastries, is a highlight in its own right. Choose Istanbul for Ottoman and Byzantine monuments, Cappadocia for volcanic valleys and balloon flights, and Izmir or Bodrum as bases for the Aegean coast and the ruins of Ephesus. Antalya opens the Mediterranean beaches, while Trabzon in the north offers mountains and monasteries above the Black Sea, and Konya and Ankara show the Anatolian heartland. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel, with warm days and fewer crowds; the coast is at its busiest in summer. Turkey suits history lovers, families and beach holidaymakers alike. Plan your itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Ankara.
Visa for Indian passport holders
Visa required, apply before you fly.
Before you go to Turkey
- Currency
- TRY ₺
- Emergency number
- 112 / 155
- Plug type
- Type C, F
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- High foreign-card fees (~TRY 200+)
Cities in Turkey
- Istanbul Turkey's cultural and economic capital straddling two continents, Istanbul blends Byzantine grandeur with Ottoman splendour. From the…
- Antalya Gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya boasts crystalline Mediterranean waters, ancient Lycian ruins, and a charming old quarter (Kaleiçi)…
- Cappadocia An otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys, cave churches and underground cities carved from volcanic tuff. Cappadocia is best experienced…
- Izmir Turkey's third-largest city and Aegean jewel, Izmir pairs a lively waterfront promenade (Kordon) with the ancient ruins of Ephesus an hour…
- Bodrum A glamorous Aegean resort where ancient history meets the Mediterranean lifestyle. Bodrum Castle, the ancient Mausoleum and a sparkling…
- Ankara Turkey's modern capital and second-largest city, Ankara offers magnificent Hittite antiquities at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations,…
- Bursa The first Ottoman capital, Bursa is a UNESCO-listed city of silk, spas and history. The Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), silk bazaars, thermal…
- Pamukkale The "Cotton Castle" of Turkey: terraced calcium travertine pools cascade down a white hillside above the ancient Greco-Roman spa city of…
- Konya The heartland of Sufi spirituality and home of Rumi (Mevlana), Konya draws pilgrims and travellers to the turquoise-tiled Mevlana Museum…
- Trabzon A historic Black Sea port once capital of the Empire of Trebizond. Trabzon's star attractions are the Atatürk Pavilion, the clifftop Sümela…
Frequently asked questions about Turkey
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Turkey?
- Visa required, apply before you fly. Stay: 90 days, multiple entry (typical). Fee: USD ~50 (varies by nationality). Processing: Usually within 24 hours. Apply: Before departure. Apply only on the official portal, evisa.gov.tr.
- What currency is used in Turkey?
- The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (₺). ₺1 is about ₹2.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Turkey?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: High foreign-card fees (~TRY 200+). Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Turkey?
- Tipping in Turkey: optional.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Turkey?
- Drink bottled water. Tap water is generally not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is cheap and widely available everywhere.
- What plug type does Turkey use?
- Turkey uses Type C, F plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Turkey?
- Emergency: 112. Police: 155. Ambulance: 112. Tourist helpline: 170.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Turkey?
- SIM and eSIM available in Turkey.
- What is the capital of Turkey?
- The capital of Turkey is Ankara. Time there: IST - 2 h 30 min.