Destinations / Middle East

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Turkey

A long layover is enough to see the best of Istanbul. Here is how to spend it.

Budget per couple$400-$700 a day
When to goThe best time to visit Turkey is between April and May and September and October.
Getting aroundVirtually the whole of Turkey is well covered by public transport, including long-distance buses, domestic flights, minibuses and…

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Watch Turkey

A long layover is enough to see the best of Istanbul. Here is how to spend it.

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1 videos from Turkey. Pick a place, or start at the top.

Travel tips

What to know before you go

Straight from our notes on Turkey: costs, getting around, where to stay and what to skip.

Per day. Prices from our trips; check current rates before you book.

transportation
Virtually the whole of Turkey is well covered by public transport, including long-distance buses, domestic flights, minibuses and ferries. The aged train network is being overhauled, with new high-speed lines linking the capital Ankara with İstanbul, Konya and Sivas. Late booking is the norm for public transport users in Turkey, but reserve well in advance for major public holidays – especially for flights and trains. Car rental rates are reasonable if you look around, and low-season rentals usually considerably cheaper than in high season.
when to visit
The best time to visit Turkey is between April and May and September and October. The weather in Turkey is rather mild during these months, so you will be able to explore the cities, and the outdoor ruins without worrying about the heat. This is shoulder season, so there will be fewer crowds.
safety
The truth is that a vast majority of holidays in Turkey are trouble-free. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to pay attention to their surroundings and practice common sense precautions, just as they would when visiting any major city around the world
where to stay
Hotels and B&Bs. Use Agoda and Booking.com to make your reservations
language
Turkish, also referred to as Istanbul Turkish or Turkey Turkish, is the most widely spoken of the Turkic languages, with around 70 to 80 million speakers. It is the national language of Turkey
trip resources
Airbnb and Agoda are great options for finding accommodations and cheap flights to and from Turkey
what to pack
Things to pack for Turkey can be a little tricky owing to the ever-changing climatic conditions at various regions in Turkey. Also, different places in Turkey might have different requirements that you need to be aware of as a visitor.
Pack a scarf to cover up your hair if you’re visiting any holy places, a swimsuit if you’re visiting the coast, a universal power adaptor for plugs, and some toilet paper for public bathrooms.
what to eat
Turkish food is some of the most delicious food in the world, make sure to do a street-food tour in Istanbul. You can find a tour on Airbnb

Packing list

What to pack for Turkey

Packing lists on video for this trip, plus the carry-on gear we designed after years on the road.

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Plan your trip

Pick your dates, set a budget and book things in the right order, so you know what the trip costs before you pay for any of it.