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🇹🇷Türkiye
A crossroads of empires and continents, where Ottoman palaces, Byzantine domes, and Aegean beaches share a single, layered horizon.
- Capital
- Ankara
- Currency
- Turkish Lira (₺, TRY)
- Language
- Turkish
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (TRT)
Best time to visit
April–June and September–October
Visa & entry
e-Visa available for many nationalities. Visa-free entry up to 90 days for EU citizens.
Transportation
Extensive domestic flights, high-speed trains between Istanbul-Ankara-Konya, dolmuş minibuses, ferries in Istanbul.
Accommodation
From boutique caravanserais in Cappadocia to design hotels on the Bosphorus.
Local food
- Meze
- Kebap
- Simit
- Baklava
- Menemen
- Turkish coffee
Top attractions
- Hagia Sophia
- Cappadocia balloons
- Ephesus
- Pamukkale
- Blue Mosque
Museums
- Topkapı Palace
- Istanbul Archaeology Museums
- Zeugma Mosaic Museum
Safety
Generally safe for tourists. Beware of pickpocketing in crowded areas of Istanbul.
Emergency numbers
police
155
ambulance
112
fire
110
Cultural etiquette
- Remove shoes when entering a home
- Accept tea when offered — it is a sign of welcome
- Modest dress in mosques; women cover their hair
Useful local phrases
- MerhabaHello
- Teşekkür ederimThank you
- Ne kadar?How much?
Daily budget
€45–€90 / day
Mid-range traveler estimate.