Turkey: An Affordable Travel Destination?

Turkey is a large country with a diverse range of landscapes, activities, and accommodation options to suit all budgets. The cost of travelling to Turkey will depend on where you are travelling from, your travel style, and speed.

Turkey is considered a moderately priced destination to visit, with fairly reasonable prices for food, accommodation, and transportation. It is about average when compared to other countries in Europe, which is known to be an expensive region.

The Turkish Lira has weakened against major currencies in recent years, making it a relatively cheap place to visit. In 2018, 1 USD was exchanged at 5.30 Lira, but in November 2023, it was 29 Lira—a devaluation of over 500% in 5 years. This makes it an ideal time to plan a trip to Turkey.

Food and drink

Turkey is known for its delicious and affordable food. The average daily food cost is $31 (TRY1,071) per person, with previous travellers spending from $12 to $80. Generally, breakfast and lunch are cheaper than dinner, but this depends on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Turkish Breakfast

A traditional Turkish breakfast consists of fresh bread, olives, cured meats, tomatoes, spicy sausages, feta cheese, honey, and lots of tea. You can expect to pay between $11-14 for a large breakfast, or $5-7 for a smaller version.

Menemen

Another popular breakfast dish is menemen, made up of scrambled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices, served on crusty bread. This will cost you $3-5.

Lunch

At lunchtime, you'll be snacking on kebabs and pides, with lamb being a common option for meat. For vegans or vegetarians, there are fresh salads and crusty bread options. Pide is a type of Turkish pizza, with toppings served on flatbread. A lamb, spinach, and sheep's cheese pide will cost around $2-3. Kebabs and köfte (meatballs) are $4-6.

Dinner

For dinner, expect to pay $10-15 for a meat-based dish, and around $3 for appetizers (meze). Alcoholic drinks are more expensive, with beer costing $6-7 in a popular bar. A typical dinner dish is hunkar begendi (slow-cooked lamb or beef stew with a creamy eggplant puree), costing around $7-9.

Dessert

For dessert, you can't go past baklava ($3-6 per kg) and Turkish delight ($12 per kg for high-end varieties).

Street Food

Street food is a great option if you're on a budget. Try a dürüm wrap or a balik ekmek (fish sandwich) for $5 or less.

Sit-Down Restaurants

At sit-down restaurants, a main dish will cost around $25-25. With appetizers, drinks, and dessert, expect to pay $15-20 per person, unless you're at a high-end restaurant.

Drinks

Coffee costs around $2, soft drinks are $1, and beer is approximately $3.

Grocery Shopping

If you're self-catering, groceries are inexpensive. A large breakfast buffet with unlimited tea will cost around $4-7. Lunch is $4 for a wrap or salad, and $1.50 for a drink. Dinner is $10-15 for a meat dish.

Overall, food in Turkey is delicious and affordable, with plenty of options to suit all budgets.

Transport

Turkey has a range of transport options, from taxis and buses to trains and planes. The public transport network is somewhat limited, and not all cities are connected, so it is worth bearing this in mind when planning a trip. Domestic flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel long distances, but they are also the most expensive.

The cost of transportation in Istanbul will be the most expensive in Turkey. This applies to every form of transportation, including taxis, buses, and trams. However, taxis are surprisingly inexpensive in Turkey, and even crossing the Bosphorus in Istanbul shouldn't cost you more than $5. The above-ground tram in Istanbul costs $0.50 per ride and is both efficient and scenic.

Long-distance bus rides are a popular alternative to short domestic flights. Reaching one side of Turkey from the other can cost as little as $50 one-way by bus. Buses are comfortable and usually offer air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and snacks on board. As an example, a bus from Istanbul to Izmir takes 8-10 hours depending on traffic and costs just under $20.

Turkey has an excellent train system, allowing you to connect to almost all regions of the country. Ticket prices are reasonable and the rides are both comfortable and swift. If you are in a hurry to get from A to B, a private transfer is the most efficient and fastest mode of transportation.

For travellers who are driving, you’ll be pleased to know that the cost of fuel in Turkey is reputedly very low. While the actual price will fluctuate, it has historically remained very cheap, especially if you compare it to fuel costs in Europe.

Rental cars in Turkey are also inexpensive. It is possible to book a week-long rental car for less than $100. For an economical, manual transmission car, excluding petrol or additional insurance, with drop-off in the same city as pick-up, you can expect to pay around $30-$40 and up per day. For larger vehicles and an automatic transmission, you can expect to pay $40-$60 and up per day.

Accommodation

Turkey has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from campsites to youth hostels, small hotels to 5-star luxury.

A basic double room will cost around 55TRY (20€/20$), but for a more comfortable stay, you'll need to spend upwards of 110TRY (40€/40£). For luxury, expect to pay around 415TRY (150€/150$) per night.

In Istanbul, you can find centrally located, well-designed, and highly-rated apartments or hotels for an average of $100/night. In Cappadocia, exclusive suites at cave hotels can cost anywhere from $150-$200/night, but there are cheaper options for under $100.

Small cabins and tiny homes are extremely popular in Turkey and are perfect for couples or small families on a budget. On the Datça peninsula, for example, you can find a small beach house for just $65/night.

The further you travel from the tourist hotspots, the cheaper the accommodation gets. In the city of Van, for instance, a private room in an apartment can be as little as $20/night, and in Kars, $30/night.

It's worth noting that you may find cheaper hotels in Turkey on sites like Trivago and Agoda, and these sites tend to have more options than Airbnb or Booking.com.

• Luxury/specialty hotels: $600-$1,000+ per night
• 5-star hotels: $200-$400 per night in İstanbul, $200-$600 in Antalya and İzmir
• 4-star hotels: $120-$200 per night
• 3-star hotels: $40-$120 per night
• Budget: less than $60 per night
• All-inclusive resort in Antalya: $320+ per night
• Small villa rental with a pool in Çeşme: $200 per night
• Cave hotels in Cappadocia: $100-240+ per night
• Hostel near Pamukkale: around $40 per night

Attractions

Turkey is a captivating tourist destination that seamlessly blends rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant modern lifestyle. Here are some of the must-visit attractions in Turkey:

Istanbul

• Hagia Sophia: Also known as Ayasofya, this museum was initially built in the 6th century as a cathedral and later became a mosque. It is renowned for its incredible mosaics and other spectacular forms of art and architecture.
• Blue Mosque: Considered the last "great mosque" of the Ottoman Empire, the Blue Mosque impresses with its awe-inspiring splendor and blue tiles on the interior.
• Topkapi Palace: This palace was a luxurious residence during the Ottoman Empire and is now one of the most visited museums in Turkey. It is known for its jeweled decor, large courtyards, serene gardens, and multiple pavilions.
• Basilica Cistern: Located in Istanbul, this underground chamber is a spectacular Byzantine legacy and one of Turkey's most fascinating attractions.
• Grand Bazaar: With over 3,000 shops under one roof, the Grand Bazaar is a must-visit for shoppers and those seeking a unique cultural experience.
• Galata Tower: One of Istanbul's most prominent landmarks, this tower has a fascinating history and is still in use today.
• Spice Market: As the country's second-biggest covered bazaar, the Spice Market is a must-see, offering an array of spices and a glimpse into the country's spice trade history.
• Sultanahmet: This historic district is home to many attractions, including the Blue Mosque, and offers a wealth of cultural experiences.
• Rumeli Fortress: Built in 1451 as part of the Ottoman Empire's strategy to conquer Constantinople, this fortress is a testament to the country's rich history.

Cappadocia

• Goreme Open-Air Museum: This unique museum features rock churches and ancient cave churches, showcasing the region's religious history.
• Underground Cities: Explore the subterranean regions of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, dating back to 2000 BCE, to gain insight into ancient underground life.
• Fairy Chimneys: Cappadocia is famous for its towering rock formations, nicknamed "fairy chimneys," which were shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion.
• Hot Air Ballooning: A hot air balloon ride at sunrise is a popular way to take in the breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia's unique landscapes.
• Uchisar, Goreme, and Avanos: These towns within the heart of Cappadocia offer a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, including rock-cut churches and unique geological formations.
• Red Valley and Rose Valley: These valleys offer natural beauty and a peaceful escape, with hiking trails that showcase the region's geological wonders.
• Monks Valley: Also known as Pasabag, this valley is known for its fairy chimneys and was once home to hermits, monks, and fallen Roman soldiers.
• Devrent Valley: Devrent Valley may not have ancient ruins, but its otherworldly landscapes and unique rock formations make it a beloved tourist attraction.
• Pigeon Valley: This valley showcases the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, with pigeons finding refuge in the cliffs and humans utilizing pigeon droppings for fertilizer.

Antalya

• Old Town: The historic Old Town of Antalya is full of Ottoman-era structures, cobblestone roads, and ancient attractions like Hadrian's Gate.
• Konyaaltı Beach and Lara Beach: These beaches offer relaxation and water sports, with Lara Beach also known for its luxurious resorts and entertainment options.
• Köprülü Canyon National Park: This national park provides opportunities for hiking and exploring Turkey's natural beauty.
• Kaleiçi: This vibrant neighborhood offers a lively nightlife scene, with bars, clubs, and restaurants serving delicious Turkish cuisine.
• Waterfalls: Antalya is home to several waterfalls, including the impressive Duden Waterfalls, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.
• Ancient Ruins: The region surrounding Antalya is rich in ancient ruins, including the ancient city of Pergamum and the ruins of Aspendos, an ancient Roman city.

These are just a few of the many captivating attractions Turkey has to offer. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, natural wonders, or historical insights, Turkey has something for everyone.

Flights

Turkey is a popular travel destination with a well-developed tourism industry. The cost of your flight to Turkey will depend on where you are flying from and when you plan to travel.

If you are travelling from North America, direct flights are available from several cities in the US, including New York, Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and Toronto. A return flight from North America will typically cost around $500, but you may be able to find cheaper options during the low season, which is from October to March.

For travellers from Australia and New Zealand, a flight to Turkey will include at least one layover, usually in Southeast Asia or the Middle East. A return flight from this part of the world will likely cost upwards of $1000.

Due to the wide range of budget airlines in the region, travellers from Europe will find that flights to Turkey are relatively affordable. Direct flights are available from cities such as London and Manchester in the UK, costing around $350 for a return trip.

When to Find Cheap Flights to Turkey

Regardless of where you are flying from, the cheapest time to fly to Turkey is during the low season, from October to March. During this period, flight prices can be up to 30% lower than peak season prices.

Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Turkey

To find the best deals on flights, it is recommended to use flight aggregator websites such as Skyscanner or Secret Flying. Being flexible with your travel plans can also help you score a bargain. For example, you may find cheaper flights by flying into Istanbul or Ankara instead of smaller cities like Cappadocia. Additionally, travelling during the shoulder season, which includes May and September, can offer a good balance between lower prices and favourable weather.

Frequently asked questions