Turkey or Türkiye - which is correct?
A note on spelling: Pre-2022, the Republic of Türkiye was commonly known in English as Turkey. In 2022, the United Nations formally agreed to change the spelling and pronunciation in the English-speaking world to Türkiye, following a request from the country. This has created a practical benefit for English-speaking visitors, as it better reflects how the people of Türkiye refer to their own land and how you will hear it pronounced and see it written during your stay.
Türkiye’s unique national identity reflects its geographic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Millenia of human migration, conquest and trade have left their mark on every aspect of modern Turkish life, resulting in a fascinating legacy of architectural, cultural and culinary diversity. Geographically, the country is highly disparate, ranging from Europe’s largest city, Istanbul, in the West to the Black Sea coast in the North and the mountain ranges of Cappadocia in the East.
The 5 best places to visit in Istanbul
Istanbul is Europe’s largest city and growing rapidly. Exploring the metropolis is the work of a lifetime – Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Neoclassical buildings jostle for space on every corner. Even if you’re only in town for a short city break, however, many of the most famous sights in Türkiye can be seen here in a few days. These include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. Another major attraction is the daily life itself: the outstanding food, inimitable atmosphere and excellent nightlife that make Istanbul such unique destination.
If you’re limited on time, here’s a quick list of 5 must-see sights in Istanbul:
- 1
The Grand Bazaar
The covered market in the Grand Bazaar, or Kapalı Çarşı, has been in continuous use since the 15th century. Visitors can easily spend a day or more here browsing the 4,000 shops and stalls, drinking tea, and finding the perfect souvenir.
- 2
The Blue Mosque
For such a huge city, Istanbul’s major tourist sites are all located within a relatively small radius. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the ancient Hippodrome in Meydanı Square are all located within the same complex in the Sultanahmet district.
- 3
Beyoğlu
Beyoğlu is one of Istanbul’s liveliest districts. Due to its proximity to the city centre, it’s a perfect base for a visit to Istanbul. Some of the city’s best nightlife can be found in the Karaköy and Cihangir areas, alongside attractions like the Galata Tower and Istanbul’s historic T2 trams.
- 4
Topkapı Palace & Gülhane Park
The Topkapı Palace and neighboring Gülhane Park are perched on a hill at the end of the Golden Horn, overlooking the Asian side of Istanbul. The palace was the epicentre of the Ottoman Empire for centuries and is now one of the most visited attractions in Europe. Gülhane Park next door provides a respite from the bustle of the city centre. Acres of ornate lawns and open meadows make the park popular with locals and tourists alike. An essential stopping point in central Istanbul, Gülhane Park is one of the best sights for families in Türkiye.
- 5
Beşiktaş
With a relatively young population and a more laid-back atmosphere than Sultanahmet, Beşiktaş is home to two universities and some of Istanbul’s most beautiful neighborhoods, like Bebek. The district is a great place to window shop and experience daily life. On matchdays, the streets are filled with thousands of fans of Beşiktaş J.K., the local football team and one of Istanbul’s ‘Big Three’.
5 of the most beautiful places in Türkiye outside Istanbul
- 1
İzmir
İzmir is the third-largest city in Türkiye. Due to its coastal setting, great food and historical landmarks, it’s one of the most visited destinations by both Turks and international tourists. The city is home to the dazzling Muradiye Mosque, a masterpiece of 15th-century Islamic architecture renowned for its decorative tiling.
- 2
Ephesus
As a major component of the Ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine empires, Türkiye is filled with classical ruins. The ruined city of Ephesus is a UNESCO world heritage site and is renowned as one of the largest and best-preserved collections of ancient Roman and Greek architecture in the world.
- 3
Hierapolis and Pamukkale
The hot springs of Pamukkale, the ‘Turkish Yellowstone’ is one of the outstanding natural wonders of Europe and a must-see destination for travelers in Western Türkiye. Overlooking the springs is the ruined city of Hierapolis, another outstanding specimen of ancient Greek architecture.
- 4
Cappadocia
In the east of the country, Cappadocia is well worth the journey. The mountainous region is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts, archaeologists, historians and day trippers due to its otherworldly landscapes, ancient ruins and excellent regional cuisine.
What to know before visiting Türkiye
Once you’ve decided where to visit more, learn some essential travel tips for Türkiye to make your journey as smooth as possible:
When is the best time to visit Türkiye?
Outside of the high-altitude mountainous regions, Türkiye generally has a warm Mediterranean climate and enjoys pleasant temperatures for most of the year. Be aware that late summer can be hot, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F) between July and September.
Where to visit in Türkiye
Türkiye’s largest city is Istanbul, home to over 15 million people – though the country’s second-largest city, Ankara, is the capital. Istanbul contains some of Türkiye’s most-visited sights, while the ‘Turkish Riviera’ straddles the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts and boasts some of the best beaches in Türkiye as well as the popular resort cities of Antalya, Bodrum and Marmaris.
Do I need a visa to visit Türkiye?
Türkiye has an online service for visitors and migrants to apply for a range of visas. Travellers can apply for a visa for Türkiye at https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa. Passports holders from certain countries do not require a visa to visit Türkiye, just a valid passport. For certainty, check with the country your passport was issued from whether you require a visa to visit Türkiye. Türkiye is currently not a member of the EU, so EU citizens may need to apply for a visa before visiting. Read our article on Data Roaming in the EU for more information on using your phone in Europe.
What to eat in Türkiye
Turkish cuisine mirrors the country’s rich history, distilling influences across Europe and the Middle East into a unique culinary legacy. While meat and seafood play an important role, it’s still an easy country for vegetarians to visit. Due to Türkiye’s diverse climate and geography, traditional recipes vary from region to region. Some of the most famous Turkish dishes include Çiğ Börek, filo pastry parcels filled with spiced meat; menemen, a traditional breakfast dish of scrambled tomatoes, chillis and eggs; and İmam bayıldı, a vegetarian meal of stuffed aubergines.
How to get online in Türkiye
From translating menus to using navigation apps and discovering the nearest must-visit beach, eSIMs for Türkiye will make your journey easier and more rewarding. The best way to get online abroad is with a travel eSIM for Türkiye. This provides a reliable, high-speed mobile internet connection without paying international roaming charges. Think of it like a local SIM card for Türkiye – just one that can be downloaded in seconds and activated the second you arrive.
Data plans for Turkey
How to use an eSIM in Türkiye
Whichever region of Türkiye you’re visiting, stay connected throughout your trip with a Türkiye tourist eSIM. These are prepaid SIM profiles you download to your phone and allow you to get online in Türkiye at local rates, instead of paying international roaming charges. Think of them like a local SIM card, but more convenient: Türkiye eSIMs can be downloaded in seconds, and work alongside your current SIM card so you still have access to your old contacts, messages and two-factor authentication services. An eSIM is also an efficient way to protect your data while travelling.
Using a Europe regional eSIM in Türkiye
If you’re planning on continuing your journey beyond Türkiye, consider opting for a Europe+ data plan instead of a Türkiye eSIM. This gives you the freedom to roam across 49 countries throughout Europe, including Türkiye, with a single prepaid data package. No changing providers and no switching out SIM cards at every border – just one seamless experience across 49 countries and territories. Find the perfect European package for your trip here.
Visiting Istanbul and Türkiye with an eSIM in 2024: a summary
An eSIM is a SIM profile you download to your phone. It allows you to use mobile data in other countries without paying international roaming charges
Our Türkiye travel eSIM is easier to use than a local Turkish SIM card - with no need to swap SIM cards, or lose access to your messages or contacts
Choose between a range of prepaid Türkiye eSIM plans for every budget and data requirement
A BetterRoaming Türkiye eSIM is free to install. Just download your free eSIM anytime, then choose and purchase a mobile data plan for Türkiye when you're ready to travel - the plan will activate automatically as soon as you arrive.
