A typical first trip here runs about $425 to $575 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Kebabs, from döner to adana, shish to iskender; world-class grilled meat
- Meze culture, dozens of cold and hot starters shared before the main
- Baklava, Turkish delight (lokum), and künefe, outstanding sweets
- Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı), an elaborate spread of cheese, olives, eggs, and more
- Çay (tea) and Turkish coffee, the social lubricant of Turkish culture
- Ramadan in Istanbul, magical atmosphere with lanterns and evening iftars
- National Sovereignty Day (April 23), celebrated with children's ceremonies
- Whirling Dervishes (Mevlevi) ceremonies in Konya, UNESCO heritage
- Camel wrestling championships (Aegean coast, January–March)
- Istanbul Biennial (odd years, September), major international art event
Turkish is the official language. English is widely spoken in Istanbul and tourist areas; less so in rural regions.
Turkish people are renowned for their hospitality. Learning "Teşekkür ederim" (thank you) and "Merhaba" (hello) goes far.
- Remove shoes before entering mosques and homes
- Dress modestly near mosques (women cover hair with scarf)
- Bargaining is expected in bazaars; start at 50% of asking price
- Tipping 10–15% is standard in restaurants; leave it in cash
Latest for Turkey
Updates for Turkey will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.