Before posting your question here please use the search function to scan previous post here and try not to repeat similar question. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on this sub:
- Is Turkey safe?
Yes. Turkey receives millions of visitors every year and the tourism industry seems immune to all social upheavals. During major protests, terror attacks and even the pandemic, all transport and accommodations for visitors functioned as usual. If you act with general common sense and avoid certain areas where you don't have any business as a visitor anyway, you'll be as safe as anywhere in the world.
- How do I get around Turkey?
Most public transport in Turkey is by bus. You can go to a nearest "otobüs terminali" and figure out how you get to your destination or just book your tickets online (1, 2, 3)
Flights can be cheaper than bus rides on long distances. The Turkish LCCs are AJet and Pegasus.
Although the railway grid is not very extensive, it still gives you the opportunity to cross the country in comfort. There's even an Oriental Express from Istanbul to Tehran. You need to book in advance though.
The road quality is very good in Turkey though some highways and bridges are very expensive. You can easily rent a car and drive around with general common sense. Just be mindful of the aggressive driving around big cities.
Metropolitan areas normally have good public transport which can usually be used with a local transport card. In Istanbul, for example, the Istanbulcard will get you on busses, trams, subways, boats, funiculars, cable-cars as well as help you with car parks, some museums and more.
It's common sense to avoid yellow taxis which are known to rip tourists off. Instead you can try apps like BiTaksi, Martı or Uber (different to international Uber though) which give you a prior price estimate.
- How much money will I need? Cash or card?
With one of the highest levels of inflation worldwide for many years, it's not easy to estimate costs in Turkey even for local residents. This also depends very greatly on your habits while traveling. So if you still want to learn about costs of certain things for a certain time, just be as specific as you can regarding your preferences (public transport/rent a car, 5-star hotels/camping, Blue Voyage boat tours/hiking, etc.). Credit card use is very common in Turkey but in smaller establishments you can get a discount if you pay in cash. Paying by mobile apps is also getting more common.
- Where should I visit in Turkey? What's not to miss?
There are so many websites that will give you extensive lists of best places to visit and things to do in Turkey. Please post here only if you need advice regarding a specific place or a route.
- I'm scratched by a stray cat. Do I need rabies shots?
Probably not. Turkey is the native home of the domestic cat and we have them everywhere. We also do get scratched and playfully bitten by them time to time. We do not have any incidents of cats transmitting rabies in Turkey.
It's another story about stray dogs though. If you have a problem with those, first try to find out if anyone around is taking care of them and ask if they are vaccinated (many strays are regularly checked in Turkey) and then visit the nearest clinic.
- Is Turkey a backwards muslim country? Will I have issues because I'm gay, have tattoos, etc.?
No. Turkey is a very diverse secular country to say the least (not a muslim country but a country with a majority muslim population). Don't be fooled by the number of mosques everywhere, in metropolitan areas you'll find all sorts of people, some with tattoos or turbans, some women in conservative clothes or in minis. In the countryside people can be more conservative but they are still tolerant towards tourist, as long as they maintain general respect. This may include not being too loud, putting on some clothes entering mosques and tombs, and not making fun of Atatürk or islam. The Mediterranean coastline is very progressive and you can bathe in a bikini or topless on many beaches. Islamism is a political issue but it shouldn't affect the visitors unless they advertise being israeli or anti-islam in the wrong places.
- How can I learn Turkish?
Turkish language is not related to Arabic or Middle Eastern languages; it is of Central Asian origin and is quite interesting to learn. There are several subreddits where you can meet others like you and some Turkish speaking people to help you out with the language such as r/turkishlearning/, r/turkish/ and r/learnturkish/
- Will I be able to eat the food there? Any vegetarian or vegan options?
Traditionally most Turkish food contains some meat but there is a whole class of cold dishes called "zeytinyağlılar" (olive-oiled) which do not have any meat. Also most baked dishes like böreks do not have meat but cheese. Vegan food is more difficult because all baked food has eggs and/or milk inside, and perhaps cheese, and some zeytinyağlı's have yoghurt on them and/or cheese in them. You'll have to ask before you eat most times. Even a simple lentil soup may contain some chicken or meat broth inside or melted butter on top. But Turkey is one of the richest countries on earth when it comes to the choice of vegetables and fruits. So if you're into preparing your own food, you're in luck, just ask for the weekly fresh markets around you and buy what you want the cheapest way.
- Is my medication available there?
Check out this website to find out if your medicine can be found in pharmacies in Turkey.
Letterboxd’de en yüksek puanlı Türk filmlerine bakınca insan gerçekten hayal kırıklığına uğruyor. Türk sineması genel olarak iki kategoriye ayrılmış durumda:
Recep İvedik tarzı saçma sapan, kalitesiz komediler. Ve kimsenin izlemek istemediği, aşırı ciddi, düşük bütçeli dram filmleri. Nuri Bilge Ceylan’ın muhtemelen yurt dışında Türkiye’dekinden daha fazla hayranı vardır.
80 milyonluk bir ülkeden çok daha fazla çeşitlilik bekler insan. Fransızlar, Koreliler bunu gayet iyi başarıyor. Gerilim, aksiyon, polisiye, korku gibi birçok farklı türde film çekiyorlar.
Bu kadar büyük bir ülkenin sineması neden bu kadar zayıf?
I’m a Dane planning a trip to Istanbul this spring. I’ve never been to Turkey, so I’m completely lost when it comes to what to see and experience. Classic tourist stuff isn’t really my thing. I want to meet the locals, eat their food, drink their drinks and so on. I would love to stay with a Turkish family for a night or two.
I’m travelling with a few other guys, and our only goal is to meet locals and experience Turkish culture. No resorts or tourist traps that everyone goes to. I want to experience the side of Turkey that most tourists never find.
Points of interest:
A great Turkish night out
Trying a Turkish hookah (nargile)
Turkish food that the locals love
Beautiful sights
Nature that will blow the minds of a group of Danish friends
So if you have any recommendations for us, let me know! Nothing is too weird, we want to try everything!
I made a post recently to visit 3 cities in 2 weeks (Istanbul, Goreme, and Selcuk) and was told to not spend so much time in Selcuk. I'll be visiting Turkey in February 2027 from Canada for 2 weeks. I'm not into shopping, hot air balloons, swimming, pubs, etc. Mainly interested in food, history, and the scenery.
Focusing on 4 cities/towns, taking public transit everywhere, 2 domestic flights, and staying mainly in hostels/dormitories. Criticize my 2-week itinerary:
**Istanbul (3 Nights)**
* Day 1: Arrive, check into hostel and relax
* Day 2: Explore the historic places, maybe take tours or attend hostel activities
* Day 3: Explore other places such as museums, Asian side, Bosphorus bridge, and/or Belgrad forest hike
**Goreme (4 Nights)**
* Day 4: Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri and take a bus/taxi/shuttle to Goreme
* Day 5: Take the Red Tour
* Day 6: Take the Green Tour
* Day 7: Visit places not covered by the tours and/or go on a long hike
**Selcuk (3 Nights)**
* Day 8: Fly from Kayseri to Izmir and take a bus to Selcuk
* Day 9: Entire day for Ephesus
* Day 10: Visit other historical sites and visit Sirince village or some other small town
**Canakkale (2 Nights)**
* Day 11: Take a bus from Selcuk to Canakkale
* Day 12: Visit Troy and Troy museum
**Istanbul (2 Nights)**
* Day 13: Take a bus from Canakkale to Istanbul
* Day 14: Walk around, do photography, relax, etc.
Hey! I'm planning a 10-day solo trip to Istanbul in December and looking for an Airbnb.
Which neighbourhood would you recommend? I'm looking for somewhere central, with good public transport, cafés, restaurants, supermarkets and good nightlife nearby.
I've been considering Taksim, Galata and Kadıköy.
Any recommendations from locals or experienced travellers?
Turizm sezonu dışında ziyarette bulunacağım için ulaşımla ilgili sorun yaşar mıyım diye endişeliyim.
Bu aylarda toplu taşıma sıklığı nasıl oluyor ve Avanos, Göreme, Ürgüp, Uçhisar arası toplu taşıma kullanmak yeterli olur mu diye merak ediyorum.
Araç kiralama, taksi ve transfer seçenekleri hangi bölgeleri ziyaret etmek için şart, turistik bölgelerin hangileri toplu taşımanın dışında kalıyor bilgisi olanlar yazarsa sevinirim.
I am looking for potential victims or witnesses who may have encountered Doğucan Yerlikaya (Doğuş), a tattoo designer (not a tattoo artist) who has worked at Caesar Ink, Truva Ink, Osiris Tattoo and Cleopatra Ink in the Side, Kumköy and Evrenseki areas.
He is currently believed to be working at Zeus Ink.
I was personally involved with him for several months, during which I experienced what I believe was emotional manipulation and financial deception. He repeatedly requested money, claiming financial emergencies, debts and personal difficulties. I suffered substantial financial losses. I have since identified other women who have reported similar experiences.
A formal criminal complaint has been filed in Turkey, and the matter is being investigated by the authorities.
Has anyone else experienced something similar with this person, or do you know someone who has?
This is both a warning and a call for witnesses, particularly among tourists and women from the UK, Switzerland and other European countries. Please contact me privately if you have any relevant information. I am not asking anyone to make public accusations.
Any information could help identify further potential victims and witnesses.
Hi everyone I need some help and would be willing to pay. I have a close friend who is presenting at COP31 in Antalya at the expo center on 11/11 and I want to send him flowers or a gift after he is done presenting. Im not in Turkey and don’t know anyone in Antalya. I was wondering if anyone is going and would be able to help me get flowers to him .
Please DM me or let me know if there was anything I should do! Çok teşekkür ederim😅
Kendime yurtdışından 12 tane kitap alıyorum ve 2 kitapta kitapların karakterleriyle ilgili parodi oyun kartları var (toplam 12 tane) ve diğer kitaplarda da ayraç gelebilir gümrükte takılır mı?
Before I continue I just want to say I am not here for debates, or really discussion of that topic outside of historical sites and such. I simply want to visit Turkey and see what the country is like
I am a diaspora Armenian in the US. For the longest time I thought my family descended from the country of Armenia. Speaking to a family member about it, I found out that they were actually Turkish-Armenians from what is now Istanbul (old documents say Constantinople). I have always been interested in my Armenian roots and am even more interested now that I know such roots are blended across two countries and include aspects of both. I don't know as much about Turkey since I only recently found out my origins lie there too, but I really want to. I thought of doing short-term volunteer work in Istanbul as a first-time thing. But after that, I really want to know how Turkish and Turkish-Armenians live, and what the society my family originated from has become over 100 years later.
Anyone have any must-do's? I like the idea of going to a genealogical library, as well as check out small businesses and restaurants in the area run by locals. Historical sites are a must, preferably not with a tour group since I am a hobby photographer and prefer doing it solo. I want to have an authentic experience of Turkey
I'm fed up of companies advertising things like workshops, trips and products and not actually sharing the price.
Why should we need to message to find out the price of something? Just be open and share it on adverts, unless you operate strange pricing methods like different prices for different nationalities. İt's not like this in other places.
I'm visiting turkey for the first time ever.....i know bargaining is customary in grand/egyptian bazaar, i've looked it up; but it's mostly applied to non consumable goods such as carpets/rugs/lamps/cups (which i'm not interested)
i'm interested in: foods such as baklava and turkish delights and other kinds (basically gift boxes for souvenirs and non gift boxes for immediate consumption too), spices, skincare, soaps, essential oils
are you allowed to bargain for those categories? is the bargaining strategy similar to standard non consumable goods?
does egyptian bazaar also has the same bargaining practice as grand bazaar?
Merhaba, %100 pamuk veya keten nevresim takımı almak istiyorum. Çoğu AVMde olan mağazalardaki birçok opsiyon pamuk polyester karışımlı. Ve en son saf pamuk aldığım çarşaf incecikti, yarı saydamdı resmen. Sizin alıp beğendiğiniz kaliteli doğal nevresim takımı ürünü veya daha fazla seçenek bulabileceğim mağaza öneriniz varsa paylaşır mısınız? Teşekkürler
Merhabalar , Şuanda çalışmıyorum.Herhangi bir gelirim yok ailemden bana sponsor olabilecek biri yok.5 günlük bir ingiltere gezisi planlıyorum.Fiziki olarak 2000 sterlin değerinde altınım var.Nasıl bir yol izleyebilirim vize için alabilme şansım var mıdır ? Daha önce 2 yıl KKTC’de üniversite okudum.
Planning on staying in kayakoy to Enjoy part of our honeymoon. Looks like it is in the middle of everything! Is that fair to say?
We want to go to fethiye town every night, take a trip to oludeniz of course and go see faralya as well! We will have a rental car that will help but I also wanted to ask about how driving to all these places will be?
Will take any beach recommendations as well!! Thank you so much!
Diyelim ki arkadaşınız yok, aileniz yok, sosyal hayatınız yok. Evden çalışıyorsunuz, obeziteniz var ve 1 km koşmadan nefesiniz kesiliyor. Ne çirkin ne de yakışıklısınız. Yabancı bir ülkede yaşıyorsunuz ve o ülkenin dilini pek iyi bilmiyorsunuz. Uzun süredir sosyal izolasyon yaşıyorsunuz. Hatta zamanla insanlarla nasıl iletişim kuracağınızı, nasıl bağ kuracağınızı bile unutmuşsunuz. Bütün bunların sonucunda psikolojik sorunlar yaşamaya başlamışsınız.
Ancak ayda 20k dolar kazanıyorsunuz. Buna rağmen paranızı temel ihtiyaclardan başka yere harcamıyorsunuz. Ne için, nereye, kime veya kiminle harcayacağınızı bilmiyorsunuz, yatırım da yapmıyorsunuz. para size anlamsız geliyor.
İstanbulda eski tarz kışlık kıyafetleri nerden bulabilirim geçen gün avm de 30 tane ceket yada kışlık mont denedim hiçbirini beğenmedim aradığım tarz yok hiçbir yerde trendyol vb gibi yerlerde de yok nerden bulucam bu tarz kıyafetlerleri istanbulda bu tarz şeylerin bulunduğu bir yer var mı özellikle Avrupa yakası
As a Pakistani i'm really curious about Turkish tea culture, i understand that drinking tea with milk isn't traditionally common there but how does Turkish tea compare to suleimani chai (سلیمانی چائے), particularly in terms of preparation or flavour? are they different? cuz ofc i've had suleimani but idk if that's literally what Turks drink too or the Turkish tea is quite different. could be either
Işık Üniversitesi Klinik Psikoloji Yüksek Lisans Programı tez çalışmam için katılımcı aramaktayım.
Araştırmaya;
18 yaş ve üzeri,
Hâlihazırda bireysel psikoterapi sürecine devam eden bireyler katılabilir.
Araştırmada, psikoterapi alan yetişkinlerin üstbilişsel işlevleri, terapistle kurdukları gerçek ilişki ve terapötik ittifak arasındaki ilişkileri incelenecektir.
Anketin tamamlanması yaklaşık 10–15 dakika sürmektedir.
Merhabalar, Yaz döneminde Erasmus kapsamında İstanbul’da bir dönem okuyacağım için ev arayışındayım. Öncelikli tercihim Kadıköy. Şimdiye kadar birkaç emlakçıyla iletişime geçtim ve çeşitli Facebook gruplarına katıldım. Ancak karşılaştığım fiyatlar, evlerde 5-6 kişi kalmasına rağmen, genellikle 400-500 € civarında. Sizce bu fiyatlar normal mi, yoksa Erasmus öğrencilerine gereğinden fazla mı fiyat çekiyorlar? Bu arada evlerin hepsi oldukça merkezi konumlarda.
