Everything You Need To Know :
türkiye
Türkiye is a country where the ancient meets the modern, where the East blends seamlessly with the West, and where history, culture, and natural beauty collide to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re drawn to its bustling cities, breathtaking landscapes, or the warmth of its people, Türkiye has something for every traveler.
Heads Up!
Some of the links you’ll find on this site are affiliate links, which means that if you book a flight, a stay or even that quirky travel gadget through them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s like buying me a virtual iced capp (thanks!), and it helps keep this blog running so I can continue to share all the travel inspiration and tips with you.
Safe travels and happy exploring!
Best Time To Visit
Türkiye is massive, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. Okay, I take that back—maybe summer, because that heat is unreal. And this is coming from someone who lived in North Cyprus for four years! I visited in September/October, which was perfect. Even Cappadocia was only chilly in the mornings and evenings.
- High/Dry season ~ June – August
- Low/Wet season ~ November – March
- Shoulder season ~ April – May & September – October
Visiting in the high season means everything will be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, the low or shoulder season is your best bet. November through March can get quite cold, and many coastal hotels close during these months—sometimes earlier. My hotel in Bodrum canceled my October booking a month before my arrival. Always have a backup plan.
Getting Around
Airports:
If you’re flying from Canada, you’ll most likely land in İstanbul and then connect to your destination.
Here are some major airports in Türkiye:
- İstanbul Havalimanı (IST) – İstanbul
- Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı (SAW) – İstanbul
- Antalya Havalimanı (AYT) – Antalya
- Adnan Menderes Havalimanı (ADB) – İzmir
- Esenboğa Havalimanı (ESB) – Ankara
- Ercan Havalimanı – Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus)
Other Borders:
Türkiye is bordered by the Black Sea to the north, Georgia and Armenia to the northeast, Azerbaijan and Iran to the east, Iraq and Syria to the southeast, the Mediterranean Sea and Aegean Sea to the southwest and west, and Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest.
You can also take a ferry from some Greek islands to Türkiye. Speaking of islands, Northern Cyprus is a part of Türkiye politically but remains unrecognized by most of the world. Having lived there, I can say it’s a beautiful place!
Ground Transportation:
Türkiye has 81 cities across seven regions, all connected by various transportation options:
- Planes – Low-cost airlines like AJet make long-distance travel affordable. A road trip from İstanbul to Nevşehir (Cappadocia) takes about 7 hours, but for roughly C$100, a direct flight will get you there in just over an hour.
- Buses, Dolmuş (Mini Buses), Cars – If you’re staying for a long time and on a budget, bus travel is the cheapest option.
- Trains – Trains are a great choice if you want to take in the beautiful scenery without the hassle of the roads and the fluctuating prices of planes. Turkish State Railways are well-developed and connect most major destinations in the country. The Yüksek Hızlı Tren (YHT) is a high-speed network connecting major cities like İstanbul, Ankara, Konya, and İzmir. Slower conventional trains also operate, offering comfort at a lower price. Be aware that the slow train will take longer than being on the bus.
- Ships & Ferries – Particularly in İstanbul, İzmir, and Çanakkale, ferries are an essential part of daily life and a scenic way to travel.
Want to see all the available options on how to get from place to place? Check out Rome2Rio
Culture & Religion
Türkiye is a rich mix of Eastern and Western influences due to its location. It was once the heart of the Ottoman Empire, which ruled over Europe, Africa, and Asia for six centuries. The Republic of Türkiye was founded in 1923. Turkish culture is characterized by strong family ties, hospitality, and a rich history reflected in traditions, art, and cuisine.
More than 90% of the population is Muslim, but Türkiye is officially secular. There are also Jewish and Christian communities (Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Protestant).
Türkish cuisine is legendary! I would argue that Turkish cuisine is top 10. Some dishes you should try include:
- Dolma – Stuffed vine leaves
- Börek – Pastry filled with meat or cheese
- Şışkebabı – Grilled skewered meat
- Köfte – Meat patties
- Baklava – Nut-filled pastry with syrup
- Lokum (Turkish Delight) – Sweet jelly dusted with powdered sugar
I am not a big coffee girl, tea is more my speed but no trip to Türkiye is complete without experiencing kahve (Turkish coffee) and çay (Turkish tea). Turkish tea is a daily staple, served strong and black in delicate tulip-shaped glasses.
Let’s talk travel insurance for 1 second,
Travel insurance is your safety net when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a canceled flight, or lost luggage, it’s there to save you from unexpected expenses and a lot of stress. For solo travelers especially, it’s like having backup when you’re out in the world on your own. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and knowing you’re covered if life throws you a curveball while you’re exploring.
World Nomads is the company I trust to handle my travel insurance needs. Their 2 insurance packages can cater to any kind of traveler. They are there to help you 24/7.
Make the smart move and get travel insurance for all your adventures.
Have a safe trip!
Queer Factor
Same-sex relationships are not illegal in Türkiye, but queer people have no legal protections. The country is conservative, and public displays of affection (regardless of orientation) are often frowned upon.
Cities like İstanbul (— Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, and Beşiktaş neighborhoods), İzmir, and Ankara have small but growing queer scenes with bars, clubs, and events. I didn’t find too many people that looked like me at these queer spaces so I didn’t stay too long.
Trans people in Türkiye face higher rates of violence and discrimination, so extra caution is advised.
You can always check the Gay Travel Index as a guideline.
Safety & Travel Advice
Türkiye is generally safe, especially in tourist areas, but here’s what to watch out for:
Common Crimes
- Pickpocketing & Bag Snatching – Especially in Taksim Square, Sultanahmet, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar
- Taxi Scams – Insist on using the meter or take Uber
- Bar Scams – Scammers invite tourists for drinks, then present a ridiculously high bill
- Methanol Poisoning – Be cautious of counterfeit alcohol
- Fake Carpet Traders – Be wary of traders promising to ship carpets
Women’s Safety
Women travelers may experience harassment. There’s been an increase in violent assaults, even in tourist hubs like İstanbul and Antalya.
To stay safe:
- Avoid traveling alone at night
- Be wary of new acquaintances
- Stick with trusted people
- Avoid rush-hour public transit
Public transit during rush hour is already a very uncomfortable experience. It is made worse when a random man is going out of his way to grind himself on you. You are packed in there like sardines so there’s no room to move. My tram ride with that loser lasted a few stops before he got off the tram. Learn from me, NO public transit during rush hour.
Natural Disasters & Terrorism
- Terrorism Threat – High risk in crowded areas (tourist spots, malls, transport hubs)
- Avoid going to the Iraq and Syria border
- Earthquakes – Türkiye sits on active fault lines; always have an emergency plan
Emergency Numbers
- General Emergency – 112
- İstanbul Tourist Police – (+90) 212 527 4503
If you’re Canadian, check official travel advisories when planning a trip, this will help you know what to expect and when to be extra cautious at your destination.
Chapters
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