Discover what to see, the best time to go, and how to stay connected during your trip to Turkey! Read our complete guide with 10 unmissable experiences and lots of useful tips.
A trip to Turkey is much more than just a vacation! You’ll experience a journey between modernity and tradition, balancing East and West.
In Turkey, you’ll find lively cities, enchanting landscapes, dreamlike beaches, and one of the most beloved cuisines in the world!
From the stunning mosques of Istanbul to the magical Cappadocia, every corner of Turkey tells a different story… keep reading our article to find out more!
Why choose a trip to Turkey?
Turkey is a destination suitable for everyone, whether you’re looking for culture, relaxation, or nature walks… all accompanied by delicious food!
You can visit ancient archaeological sites, relax on the Aegean Sea, or shop in colorful traditional markets. In one single trip, you can go from an Ottoman hammam to a hot air balloon ride, from a steaming kebab to a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.
What is the best time to travel to Turkey?
It depends! Turkey is beautiful and enjoyable all year round, so the best time to plan your trip to Turkey depends on the area you want to visit and the kind of experience you’re looking for.
- Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October): the weather is mild, there are fewer tourists, and it’s the best time to visit cities and historical sites
- Summer: perfect for seaside destinations like Antalya, Bodrum, and Fethiye
- Winter: if you’re mainly interested in Istanbul and Cappadocia, these places become even more magical under the snow
10 things to do and see in Turkey
We’ve selected 10 must-see places and activities to make the most of your trip to Turkey:
Istanbul: between East and West
Also known as ancient Constantinople, this is a must-see stop when visiting Turkey! You can admire the majestic Blue Mosque, enter the spectacular Hagia Sophia, and explore Topkapi Palace.
Don’t miss a visit to the Grand Bazaar with its thousand colors and scents.
A small extra tip: a cruise on the Bosphorus, even better at sunset to admire the city divided between Europe and Asia.
Cappadocia: magic among the clouds
Probably one of the most iconic destinations in a trip to Turkey! You can take a hot air balloon ride over the rock formations called “fairy chimneys,” explore the villages carved into the rocks, and the magnificent underground cities, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape… to admire in a truly unique way!
Pamukkale: the cotton cascaades
These beautiful white terraces are made of calcium deposits and look like something out of a dream!
You can walk barefoot in the warm water of Pamukkale’s springs or visit the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its Roman theatre and numerous thermal pools.
Ephesus: walking through history
One of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean! You can admire the stunning Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Curetes Street, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
In short… a site with immense historical and cultural value that you really can’t miss!
Antalya: sea and antiquity
This city on the Turkish Riviera offers postcard-worthy beaches, lively nightlife, and an Ottoman-style old town called Kaleiçi. Take this stop to explore the beautiful surroundings, such as the Düden waterfalls and the ruins of Perge and Aspendos.
Bodrum: relaxation and glamour
A chic destination in Turkey! Here you’ll find stunning beaches, elegant boutiques, and wonderful bars overlooking the sea. It’s the ideal place for those seeking daytime relaxation and evening fun!
Don’t miss the ancient Castle of St. Peter and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Göbekli Tepe: the world’s oldest temple
Göbekli Tepe, dating back over 11,000 years, is considered the oldest religious site ever discovered! A truly revolutionary find in the world of archaeology. Located in the southeastern region of Turkey, this temple will leave you speechless.
Mount Nemrut: mystery under the stars
The best time to visit this magical place is at sunrise or sunset… trust us, it’s worth it!
At the summit of Mount Nemrut, you’ll find giant carved heads, part of King Antiochus I’s mausoleum.
It will feel like stepping into a fantasy world.
Mardin: a window on Mesopotamia
A charming golden-stone city built on a hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plain.
Wander through its labyrinthine alleys, visit the Syriac monasteries and the beautiful historic houses.
Gaziantep: the capital of flavor
If you love food and enjoy trying new dishes, Gaziantep will win you over! Considered the gastronomic capital of Turkey, it offers unique traditional dishes and markets full of spices, dried fruits, and local crafts.
This is where you can taste the best baklava of your life!
How to get internet in Turkey
Staying connected during your trip to Turkey is essential to use Google Maps, translate text, talk to locals, and share your adventures online!
But how can you get internet in Turkey?
- International roaming: usually activated automatically by your provider, but costs can be very high
- Local SIM: you can buy one directly at the airport or in local mobile shops, but it requires documents and a bit of patience (especially to find the best deal)
- eSIM: the most convenient, fast, and modern solution to stay connected while traveling
Why choose an eSIM to stay connected in Turkey
The eSIM is a digital SIM that installs directly on your smartphone, with no need for a physical card—just scan the QR code you receive upon purchase.
With the portal www.eSIM.sm, you can get internet in Turkey in just a few minutes!
- Choose the plan that best suits your needs
On eSIM.sm, you’ll find various pre-configured local plans, a “Balkans” regional plan that lets you travel to 12 other countries with a single eSIM, or the “unlimited data” plan to surf without worrying about your data limits - No contracts or surprise charges
You won’t sign up for any binding subscriptions, and you’ll always know EXACTLY how much you’re going to spend - Perfect for travelers, digital nomads, and professionals on the go
Thanks to fast and easy data top-ups, you’ll never be left without a connection! - Compatible with most smartphones
Almost all modern smartphones are compatible with eSIM technology
Check compatibility on our dedicated page
You can buy and install the plan before departure, then activate it once you arrive at your destination! Staying online while traveling has never been so easy!
Tips for your trip to Turkey
Different country, different customs… before your trip, it’s always good to know a few important tips:
- Respect for religious places: wear appropriate clothing when visiting mosques or buy the cover-ups often sold outside these religious sites
- Haggling: remember that bargaining is normal in markets, never accept the first price they offer
- Water: we recommend choosing bottled water
- Payments: euros are often accepted and credit cards are widely used, but the official currency is the Turkish lira
- Transport: public transport is very affordable, but in less touristy areas it may be more convenient to rent a car and travel independently
Conclusion
A trip to Turkey is the perfect opportunity to discover a land full of culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality! Whether you want to explore the wonders of Istanbul or relax by the turquoise sea… get ready for an unforgettable experience!
And remember, to have internet in Turkey always at hand, there’s no better option than the eSIMs from eSIM.sm!
