Happy woman with open arms stands on the viewpoint and enjoys the panorama of Kas resort town of the Mediterranean sea in Turkey

10 Facts To Know Before Visiting The Country Of Turkey

Everything You Need To Know Before You Visit Turkey

By Amanda Mesa | Published on June 8, 2023

Planning to visit Turkey? Great choice. Spectacular year-round, the country offers something for every kind of explorer — from ancient ruins to beautiful, sun-kissed beaches to forested mountains perfect for hiking. With such a diverse landscape and so many incredible things to do, it's helpful to know a few fun facts about Turkey the country as you begin coordinating your vacation.

Follow this guide to help you plan your getaway, including when to visit Turkey, how to get around the country and what to expect during your stay. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Get To Know Turkey

Nestled between two continents — Europe and Asia — Turkey is a true melting pot of vibrant cultures and traditions. Its landscape is as diverse as its population, and its history is ancient and rich — all elements that make for a world-class travel destination. Because of its unique location, Turkey is often called the bridge between the east and the west. The country's western coast is lapped by the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and the Aegean, and its proximity to the Greek Isles is apparent in the many Greek place names and temple ruins that dot its westernmost coastline and islands. Venture all the way east and you'll have a different experience — one that shares more similarities with Kurdish and Armenian cultures. Wondering where to visit in Turkey? Whatever regions of the country you choose to explore, you can expect warm hospitality, incredible cuisine, dramatic landscapes and deep cultural pride.

2. When To Travel To Turkey

Turkey is beautiful in every season, as the weather stays relatively mild year-round. April through May and September through October offer temperature highs ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, with lows that rarely dip below 45º F. This is the best time to visit Turkey, as it's shoulder season, which means fewer crowds. Visiting during high season, though, also has its perks. Turkey is home to breathtaking beaches and resort towns along the coast, and June, July and August are the best months of the year to enjoy them — as long as you don't mind higher prices and more visitors. Turkey's lowest season is wintertime, stretching from November to March. Temperatures are chilly, but this is the best time to visit if you're looking to experience the country's lovely ski resorts and snow-covered mountain villages. It's also when prices are at their lowest.

3. Visiting The Turkish Riviera

For a sun-soaked Turkey vacation filled with unforgettable beach days, there's no place like the Turquoise Coast. Also known as the Turkish Riviera, this gorgeous strip includes the provinces of Muğla and Antalya, as well as parts of Aydin, western Mersin and southern Izmir. The waters here live up to the area's name, and sailing across them in a traditional wooden sailboat — called a gulet — is a popular pastime. You'll also have your pick of ancient ruins to explore from the cities of Fethiye all the way to Antalya, plus an abundance of hiking trails and diving sites just offshore.

4. Visiting Cappadocia

If you're visiting Turkey outside the summer months, consider venturing inland to Cappadocia, one of the country's most iconic destinations and a favorite among intrepid tourists and locals alike. This region is best known for its hot air balloon rides, run by about 20 different companies. Most of the hot air balloon companies operate out of Göreme, Avanos or Ürgüp, so plan to stay in one of these cities if you have a few days to explore the region. Cappadocia's landscape is otherworldly, and taking to the skies in a hot air balloon is the best way to get a panoramic view of the region's unique rock formations, caves and valleys. What's more, the activity can be enjoyed year-round. That said, keep in mind that even during the summer months, it can be chilly so high up, so pack warm clothing. Rides can range in length from 45 minutes to two hours.

5. Visiting Mardin

There's also Mardin, along the country's southern border, which feels a world away from tourists — and millennia removed from the present day. The old town is riddled with narrow streets, and it's common to see donkeys wandering the tight, ancient alleyways. If you listen closely, you'll hear a hodgepodge of languages spoken — Syriac, Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish, Torani and even Aramaic, an ancient Semitic language. If you're a history buff, you'll enjoy ancient buildings and traditional architecture. Also make sure to check out the Zinciriye Madrasa, known locally as Sultan Isa Madrasa. It dates back to the mid-14th century and is a shining example of the original Mardin architectural style. There are bustling bazaars, stalls and pop-up markets throughout the city where you can find bittim soap and handmade jewelry — great keepsakes to remember your visit.

6. Visiting Istanbul

Of course, Istanbul is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to visit Turkey. The city was once the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and it wears its history proudly. You'll wander past centuries-old monuments, like the Hippodrome and the Topkapi Palace, ancient gold-domed cathedrals including the Hagia Sophia (now a museum), bustling bazaars and sleek contemporary skyscrapers like the Metropol Istanbul Tower, one of the tallest towers in the city. All of these different styles of architecture exist side by side in strange harmony, despite their dramatic differences. Istanbul's food scene is equally impressive and includes flavors from around the world. Traditional Turkish cuisine is itself a melting pot of flavors, combining spices and cooking techniques from the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean. Dig into toasted pita dipped in cool, creamy mint yogurt, or enjoy some lamb döner kebabs — a locally loved street food.

7. Getting Around Turkey

Here's a fun fact about Turkey: It has a state-owned rail system that connects many major cities, including some with high-speed routes. Depending on where you're planning to travel, choosing the train could be a convenient option. There are major railway stations in cities like Ankara, Istanbul and Kars, with express trains running between all three. You can buy tickets for any route at the station nearest to you.

Turkey also has an extensive bus network, but routes typically take much longer than opting to travel by train or car, so tourists tend not to rely on this mode of transportation.

However, there isn't yet train service to some of the best places to visit in Turkey along the coast, including Bodrum and Antalya, so driving or a cruise may be the best option if you're trying to reach towns along the Mediterranean or Aegean.

8. Languages Spoken In Turkey

Turkish is the most common language in Turkey, spoken by 90% of the population. You'll find about 70 other languages and dialects spoken here as well, including Arabic, Greek, Kurdish and Armenian. English is also common in cities that rely heavily on tourism, like resort towns along the coast and other popular spots such as Cappadocia.

9. Turkey's Official Currency

Turkey's currency is the Turkish lira. Currently, one U.S. dollar is worth roughly 1.5 Turkish lira. You can exchange currency at any airport, though you'll typically end up paying higher exchange rates plus service fees between 5% and 10%. Exchange booths and gold jewelers located in touristic locations tend to offer the best exchange rates. Opting to exchange currency at an ATM in your bank's network is also a good option, as you'll be able to withdraw cash by paying a 1%-3% fee.

10. Religions Practiced In Turkey

Because of its diverse population, a range of religions are observed in Turkey. Islam is the most widely practiced religion followed by Christianity and Judaism. All three religions are practiced throughout the country, though Turkey's largest Christian population is located in Istanbul, while Judaism is largely concentrated in Istanbul and Izmir. The country is accustomed to tourists, but keep in mind that when entering mosques, women must cover their heads, shoulders and knees. Scarves are typically provided at each mosque. Men should remove hats and have their knees covered.

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