Turkey Travel Guide
The 5 reasons to go to Turkey
- 1Come and discover a destination that has it all.
- 2For starters, you can stroll though markets and bargain away with Turkish sellers.
- 3Jump from one continent to the other
- 4Eat delicious food
- 5Discover a unique culture
The advantage of visiting Turkey is that it has something for all tastes and budgets. Whether you're backpacking or on a guided tour, a party animal or retiree, single or on honeymoon, Turkey is a good choice.
In Istanbul, you can literally step from one continent to the other. But take care...the border is in the middle of the Bosphorus River, so perhaps best to do it on a ferry.
Turkish cuisine is fusion food. Over time, recipes from the Maghreb have been blended with those from Cyprus, Syria, Egypt amongst others. As a result the food is divine, Turkish Delight being a national treasure.
It's hard to define what awaits during a trip to Turkey. Part European, part Asian, it's culturally neither one nor the other. Turkey stands alone - it has its own, special flavor.
Why go to Turkey?
Do you dream of visiting a country that's not overly far from the UK? If so, a trip to Turkey is the one for you. Do you want to explore distant, faraway lands? Then you'll need to go further afield.
- You're looking to enjoy a vacation not too far from home.
- You've always dreamed of traveling down the legendary Bosphorus River.
- You can't wait to immerse yourself in a different culture.
- You want to, in few steps, leave one continent and join another.
- You want to stroll through bazaars
- You love squidgy, oriental pastries
- You appreciate the beauty of religious monuments
- You've always wanted to get lost in honeycombed Cappadocia
When to go in Turkey?
The best times to go to Turkey are Spring and Fall, when the climate is 'visitor friendly' so to speak. Between October and April, a lot of sites are closed and, depending on the region, it can get really hot in summer. What's more, summer is peak tourist season, so it's crowded, often claustrophobic. May to September is best for the northeast, as it can be too cold the rest of the year.
What to see in Turkey?
Top places to discover.
With half the country in Europe and half in Asia, Turkey is an 11 hour flight from Washington DC and a 5 hour flight from London. Here's a summary of all you need to know before leaving on vacation.
What documents do you need to travel to Turkey?
British citizens don't need a visa for tourist stays in Turkey of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport must be valid for at least 150 days from your arrival date and have a blank page for stamps. For stays longer than 90 days, or to work or study, you'll need to arrange the appropriate permit in advance. For the latest requirements, check the FCDO's Turkey travel advice.
Language
Turkish is the official language. Luckily most people in the Turkish tourist industry , as well as most of the population, speak English.
Time difference
Turkey is on GMT+3 and doesn't change its clocks for daylight saving. It's 2–3 hours ahead of the UK, so when it's midday in London, it's mid-afternoon in Istanbul (2 pm in summer, 3 pm in winter).
Phone and internet connection
International Dialling code: +90
Electricity
Turkey uses 230V and European-style (two-pin) plugs. The voltage is the same as the UK, so your devices will run normally, but the plug shape is different, so you'll need a simple plug adapter.
Turkish Consulate General in the UK
Rutland Lodge, Rutland Gardens, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1BW
020 7591 6900
https://london-cg.mfa.gov.tr/
British Embassy in Turkey
Şehit Ersan Caddesi 46/A, Çankaya, Ankara
+90 312 455 33 44
https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-ankara
