Turkey Travel Guide

At the crossroads of East and West, Turkey captivates with its rich heritage and diverse landscapes. From Istanbul’s majestic mosques, Topkapi Palace, and bustling Turkish markets to Cappadocia’s hot air balloons, Ephesus’s ancient ruins, and the Mediterranean Sea’s golden beaches, every journey promises wonder and discovery.

Top cities to visit

  • Istanbul

    Istanbul is a millennia-old cosmopolitan city where East meets West. Admire the Blue Mosque, explore Topkapi Palace, and wander through the Grand Bazaar’s alleys. A Bosphorus cruise reveals its spectacular shores, where minarets, Ottoman palaces, and colourful houses coexist.

  • Ankara

    Ankara, the modern capital of Turkey, reveals a quieter side than Istanbul does, yet it is equally fascinating. Visit the majestic Anıtkabir Mausoleum and the medieval Ankara Citadel, stroll through the Hamamönü district’s streets, and explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

  • Izmir

    Facing the Aegean Sea, Izmir charms visitors with its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Stroll along the Kordon waterfront promenade, explore its Roman Agora, admire the Clock Tower at Konak Square, and savour local specialties in the bustling Kemeraltı Bazaar.

  • Antalya

    Antalya, a leading seaside resort on the Turkish Riviera, enchants visitors with its azure waters, Mediterranean climate, and millennia of history. Explore the historic Kaleiçi district’s Ottoman-lined streets, relax on Konyaaltı and Lara beaches, and admire the Taurus Mountains.

  • Bodrum

    Bodrum is a popular seaside resort on the Aegean coast. Explore its castle and harbour lined with cafés, relax in its crystal-clear coves, and take a cruise on the Aegean Sea. With its whitewashed streets, this chic and lively destination promises sun, culture, and memorable evenings.

  • Istanbul

    Istanbul is a millennia-old cosmopolitan city where East meets West. Admire the Blue Mosque, explore Topkapi Palace, and wander through the Grand Bazaar’s alleys. A Bosphorus cruise reveals its spectacular shores, where minarets, Ottoman palaces, and colourful houses coexist.

  • Ankara

    Ankara, the modern capital of Turkey, reveals a quieter side than Istanbul does, yet it is equally fascinating. Visit the majestic Anıtkabir Mausoleum and the medieval Ankara Citadel, stroll through the Hamamönü district’s streets, and explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

  • Izmir

    Facing the Aegean Sea, Izmir charms visitors with its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Stroll along the Kordon waterfront promenade, explore its Roman Agora, admire the Clock Tower at Konak Square, and savour local specialties in the bustling Kemeraltı Bazaar.

  • Antalya

    Antalya, a leading seaside resort on the Turkish Riviera, enchants visitors with its azure waters, Mediterranean climate, and millennia of history. Explore the historic Kaleiçi district’s Ottoman-lined streets, relax on Konyaaltı and Lara beaches, and admire the Taurus Mountains.

  • Bodrum

    Bodrum is a popular seaside resort on the Aegean coast. Explore its castle and harbour lined with cafés, relax in its crystal-clear coves, and take a cruise on the Aegean Sea. With its whitewashed streets, this chic and lively destination promises sun, culture, and memorable evenings.

Useful information

Official language(s)

Turkish is the country’s official language. English is generally understood in tourist areas, but we recommend having a guide for travel and interactions.

Flight duration

Direct flight: 9h30 to 10h30
Connecting flight: 12 to 16 hours (depending on connection times)

Time zone difference

Turkey time zone: UTC+3
8h ahead of Quebec (EST)
7h ahead of Quebec (EDT)

Currency

Turkish lira (TRY)

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and businesses in tourist areas. It is recommended to carry some Turkish lira for markets, bazaars, small shops and restaurants, public transportation, taxis, and other everyday purchases.

Tips

In Turkey, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated and part of local customs, especially in tourist areas. In restaurants, it is common to leave 5–10% if the service charge is not included. Travellers usually tip guides and drivers between 250 and 450 TRY per day. For taxis, it is customary to round up the fare, and around 100 TRY is typically given to porters.

Safety

In Turkey, travellers are advised to exercise caution, especially in crowded places and tourist areas where scams and pickpocketing can occur. Border regions near Syria and Iraq should be avoided, and walking alone at night is not recommended. For transportation, it is best to use buses, ride-hailing apps, or official taxis. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended outside seaside resorts.

*In the context of ongoing hostilities in the Middle East and the recent U.S. strikes in February 2026, we advise Canadian travellers to register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service. This allows them to receive important updates during their stay regarding possible changes to the country’s security rating, transportation disruptions, and local emergency instructions.

Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Turkey Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.

Top things to do and see

  • Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia

  • Relax in a hammam

  • Take a cruise on the Bosphorus

  • Wander through Turkish markets and bazaars

  • Relax on the beaches of the Turkish Riviera

Hidden gems to discover

  • Ephesus

    Ephesus is an archaeological jewel of Turkey and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Library of Celsus and the vast Great Theatre dominate the site. Walking along its paved streets feels like stepping into the heart of the Greek and Roman civilizations. An unmissable stop for history enthusiasts.

  • Salda Lake

    Salda Lake amazes with its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and surrounding mountains. Its mineral-rich sediments, known for their skin benefits, give the water its stunning turquoise hues. A unique natural site for relaxation and hiking.

  • Pamukkale

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale is a unique natural wonder. Its travertine terraces filled with warm turquoise waters offer soothing benefits, while the ancient ruins of Hierapolis add a touch of history. A place where nature, culture, and wellness come together.

  • Mount Nemrut

    Perched over 2,000 metres high in southeastern Turkey’s mountains, Mount Nemrut amazes with its colossal statues dating from the 1st century BC. Sculptures of gods and kings, set against breathtaking panoramas, offer a unique and memorable experience, especially at sunrise and sunset.

  • Ephesus

    Ephesus is an archaeological jewel of Turkey and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Library of Celsus and the vast Great Theatre dominate the site. Walking along its paved streets feels like stepping into the heart of the Greek and Roman civilizations. An unmissable stop for history enthusiasts.

  • Salda Lake

    Salda Lake amazes with its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and surrounding mountains. Its mineral-rich sediments, known for their skin benefits, give the water its stunning turquoise hues. A unique natural site for relaxation and hiking.

  • Pamukkale

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale is a unique natural wonder. Its travertine terraces filled with warm turquoise waters offer soothing benefits, while the ancient ruins of Hierapolis add a touch of history. A place where nature, culture, and wellness come together.

  • Mount Nemrut

    Perched over 2,000 metres high in southeastern Turkey’s mountains, Mount Nemrut amazes with its colossal statues dating from the 1st century BC. Sculptures of gods and kings, set against breathtaking panoramas, offer a unique and memorable experience, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Highlights

  • Exceptional heritage: imperial mosques, ancient cities, Ottoman palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Cultural crossroads between East and West.
  • Diverse and spectacular landscapes: Cappadocia, the Turkish Riviera, mountains, Pamukkale, and the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
  • Rich and flavourful cuisine.

Keep in mind

  • The country is not ideal for families outside of seaside resorts. 
  • Conservative dress code in certain religious sites or rural areas. 
Top pick

“I returned from Turkey with unforgettable memories. My favourites: a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise and the soothing turquoise waters of Pamukkale’s terraces, a truly unique natural haven in the world.”

Marie-Josée Pouliot Travel Counsellor, Terrebonne Travel Centre

Local food and gastronomy

  • Kebab

    A staple of Turkish street food, kebabs come in several varieties, including şiş kebab and döner kebab. Both are made from lamb or beef marinated in lemon, yogurt, cumin, and oregano, then flame-grilled on a skewer. Şiş is served on skewers, while döner is thinly sliced and served in pita bread.

  • Pide

    Often called “Turkish pizza,” pide is an elongated, boat-shaped bread topped with melted cheese, spiced ground meat, or vegetables (bell pepper, tomato, parsley, etc.). Baked until golden and crispy, it is served hot straight from the wood-fired oven in a convivial atmosphere.

  • Mezze

    Turkish mezze are all about sharing. Served in small bowls, they bring together hummus, eggplant purées, herbed yogurt, marinated vegetables, meatballs, and other delicious bites. Colourful and full of flavour, they set the tone for a warm, Mediterranean atmosphere.

  • Turkish Delights

    Soft and slightly chewy, Turkish delights are a traditional sweet known for their vibrant colours. Available in a variety of flavours such as rose, lemon, and coffee, they are delicately dusted with icing sugar and often filled with pistachios or walnuts, pleasing both the eye and the palate. They are most often enjoyed with Turkish tea.

  • Turkish Tea

    Turkish tea is known for its beautiful amber-red colour and bold, slightly tannic flavour. Slowly steeped and served piping hot in a tulip-shaped glass, it is sipped in small amounts, without milk, sometimes with a cube of sugar. Often offered spontaneously to guests, it reflects a strong sense of hospitality and social connection.

  • Kebab

    A staple of Turkish street food, kebabs come in several varieties, including şiş kebab and döner kebab. Both are made from lamb or beef marinated in lemon, yogurt, cumin, and oregano, then flame-grilled on a skewer. Şiş is served on skewers, while döner is thinly sliced and served in pita bread.

  • Pide

    Often called “Turkish pizza,” pide is an elongated, boat-shaped bread topped with melted cheese, spiced ground meat, or vegetables (bell pepper, tomato, parsley, etc.). Baked until golden and crispy, it is served hot straight from the wood-fired oven in a convivial atmosphere.

  • Mezze

    Turkish mezze are all about sharing. Served in small bowls, they bring together hummus, eggplant purées, herbed yogurt, marinated vegetables, meatballs, and other delicious bites. Colourful and full of flavour, they set the tone for a warm, Mediterranean atmosphere.

  • Turkish Delights

    Soft and slightly chewy, Turkish delights are a traditional sweet known for their vibrant colours. Available in a variety of flavours such as rose, lemon, and coffee, they are delicately dusted with icing sugar and often filled with pistachios or walnuts, pleasing both the eye and the palate. They are most often enjoyed with Turkish tea.

  • Turkish Tea

    Turkish tea is known for its beautiful amber-red colour and bold, slightly tannic flavour. Slowly steeped and served piping hot in a tulip-shaped glass, it is sipped in small amounts, without milk, sometimes with a cube of sugar. Often offered spontaneously to guests, it reflects a strong sense of hospitality and social connection.

Good to know

  • Bargaining is common in Turkish markets and bazaars.
  • It is best to drink bottled water only, even in top hotels.
  • The call to prayer takes place five times a day. If a mosque is located near your hotel, you may be woken up around 4–5 a.m.
  • When visiting mosques, you should wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, as well as a headscarf.
  • There is no risk in accepting the tea offered everywhere; in fact, it can be considered impolite to refuse.

What to bring back?

  • Turkish Rug

  • Traditional Ceramic Serving Dish

  • Nazar Boncuğu (Blue Eye)

  • Izmir Leather Yemeni

  • Glass Mosaic Lamp

Frequently asked questions

The best times to travel to Turkey are spring and autumn, particularly in May, September, and October. Temperatures are mild, the landscapes are stunning, and tourism is less crowded. These months are ideal for taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, strolling through Istanbul’s bazaars, or enjoying the Mediterranean beaches at a relaxed pace. It is recommended to avoid June through August due to intense heat and heavy tourist crowds.

Turkey has a diverse transport network that makes getting around easy. Flights quickly connect Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Izmir. Long-distance buses and high-speed trains provide a comfortable and safe way to explore major cities, while renting a car is ideal for discovering the Mediterranean coast, the Lycian coast, and remote regions.

10 to 14 days. 

This duration allows you to visit the main regions such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Mediterranean coast, while also exploring the beaches, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and a few charming villages. 

  • Istanbul Tulip Festival, held in April for three to four weeks. Gardens and parks are filled with millions of colourful tulips, celebrating the flower’s rich historical symbolism in Turkey. Exhibitions, concerts, and strolls make for an unforgettable experience, perfect for photography.
  • Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival, held from April to May, mainly in the towns of Göreme, Ürgüp, and Avanos. Dozens of colourful hot air balloons float above breathtaking landscapes, creating a truly magical spectacle. Traditional and chamber music concerts, artisan exhibitions, local tastings, hikes, and guided tours make the experience unforgettable. 

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Getting ready for your trip

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