Turkey: 12 facts that surprise first-time visitors

Turkey is large, varied and easy to underestimate: a first visit can mean a megacity on a strait, a volcanic plateau of rock houses and a long coastline, all in one trip. These twelve facts, checked against official or well-established sources, explain what first-time visitors usually find most striking. This is an editorial travel piece, not advice on buying or investing.

1. One city, two continents

Istanbul lies on both sides of the Bosphorus, the strait of about 31 kilometres that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and is the usual boundary between Europe and Asia. You can cross it by ferry, by the Marmaray rail tunnel or by bridge, and many residents live on one side and work on the other. Taking a ferry between the two sides is one of the simplest ways to see the skyline.

2. A megacity with layers of history

Istanbul has a population of more than 15 million, around a fifth of Turkey's population, according to widely cited statistics. Its Historic Areas, including Sultanahmet, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque district, have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985. A first-day walk through the old peninsula already shows Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman buildings side by side.

3. Cappadocia: rock, valleys and dawn balloons

The Goreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia were inscribed by UNESCO in 1985. Soft volcanic rock was carved over centuries into houses, churches and underground spaces. Hot-air balloon flights, commercially available since 1991, launch around dawn when the weather allows; they are cancelled in strong wind, so leave a spare morning in your plan.

4. Ephesus and a long UNESCO list

Ephesus, near Izmir, was inscribed in 2015, and Gobekli Tepe, one of the oldest known monumental sites in the world, in 2018. Hierapolis-Pamukkale has been listed since 1988. As of the July 2025 inscription of Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe, Turkey has 22 World Heritage properties, according to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the list grows, so check the UNESCO page for Turkey and the Ephesus entry for the current picture.

5. Tea as a social ritual

Tea (cay) is served in small tulip-shaped glasses at any time of day. UNESCO included the Culture of Cay (tea), a symbol of identity, hospitality and social interaction, jointly nominated by Azerbaijan and Turkey, on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2022 (UNESCO entry). Turkish coffee culture was listed in 2013. In shops, tea is often offered during a conversation; accepting is polite and does not oblige you to buy.

6. Breakfast as an occasion

The traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvalti) is a spread of cheeses, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, eggs, bread, honey and clotted cream, jams and tea, shared at a table. In many cafes you can order a full tray for several people. It is typically a slow meal, particularly at weekends.

7. The hammam

Traditional bathhouses (hammams) are a long-standing part of urban life from Ottoman times, and many are still in use. A typical visit includes the warm marble room, a scrub and a foam wash, with a towel (pestemal) supplied. Choose the establishment with care: ask in advance what is included and the total price, and confirm whether mixed or separate sections are used.

8. Bazaars and how to behave in them

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and similar markets expect friendly bargaining; first prices are often a multiple of the final price. Where a price tag is displayed, as in most ordinary shops and in food stores, haggling is not expected. Take your time, compare, do not feel obliged to buy after a tea, and say thank you politely if you leave. For expensive purchases such as carpets, jewellery and leather, ask for a written invoice.

9. Four seas worth of coast

Turkey has long coastlines on the Aegean, Mediterranean (the Turquoise Coast around Antalya, Fethiye and Bodrum) and Black Sea, as well as the Sea of Marmara. Each has its own character: Aegean towns are known for olive groves and old harbours, the Mediterranean for resorts and beaches, the Black Sea for green hills and rain. For how the main coastal areas differ for foreigners, see Antalya and Alanya property for foreign buyers.

10. Climate that depends on where you stand

The south and west coasts have a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters; the interior of Anatolia, including Cappadocia, has cold winters and snow can occur; the Black Sea coast is humid and rainy. Peak summer on the Mediterranean is hot, so many visitors prefer spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for sightseeing, and the beach season runs roughly from May to October.

11. Getting around

Istanbul has two international airports, Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). In the city, an Istanbulkart transit card works on metro, tram, Marmaray, buses and ferries. Between cities, long-distance buses are extensive, and domestic flights and high-speed rail connect major cities. Taxis are widely available, so insist on the meter or use a ride-hailing app and agree on the fare at the airport.

12. Lira, cards and visa basics

The currency is the Turkish lira. Cards and contactless payments are accepted widely in cities and tourist areas, but carry some lira for bazaars, street food, small shops, transit top-ups and tips; in restaurants a tip of about 10 per cent is customary. Prices in lira can change quickly because of inflation, so check recent price levels rather than relying on old guides. On entry, reports indicate that citizens of Poland can stay up to 90 days and citizens of Russia up to 60 days without a visa for tourism, while other nationalities may need an e-visa; this depends on your passport and can change, so verify with the official e-visa service before you travel.

Practical tips for your first visit

• In Istanbul, base yourself near a tram or metro line and use the ferries.
• Book Cappadocia balloon flights and cave hotels in advance, and keep a spare day for weather.
• Dress modestly for mosques: cover shoulders and knees, women carry a headscarf, and shoes come off at the entrance.
• Use cards in shops but keep lira for small payments; avoid exchanging money from street offers.
• Agree the price of a hammam, tour or carpet before you start.
• Plan sightseeing outside the midday heat on the south coast in summer.

FAQ

Is Istanbul in Europe or Asia? Both: the city lies on both sides of the Bosphorus.

How many UNESCO sites does Turkey have? 22 World Heritage properties as of July 2025, per the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the number can change as the committee adds sites.

Do I have to haggle? Only in markets and tourist-oriented shops. In ordinary shops with price tags you normally do not.

Is tipping expected? In restaurants, a tip of about 10 per cent is customary if service is not included; round up for taxis.

Do I need a visa? It depends on your passport. Polish citizens are reported to stay up to 90 days without a visa; check the official e-visa site for yours.

How we help

D.H. Realting is a trilingual platform in Russian, Polish and English. If your trip to Turkey is also a look at the property market, you can browse listings in Turkey, read the Turkey country page, compare Istanbul districts in Istanbul apartments: where to buy for foreigners and read why expats choose Turkey. To plan a viewing trip, see how to plan a property trip abroad. We find properties and coordinate independent local lawyers and tax advisers. This text is informational and is not legal, tax or investment advice; rules, fees and dates change, so verify them with official sources.