If you’ve been thinking of heading to Turkey, then the first thing you need to know is that its capital is actually Ankara, not Istanbul! From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the tranquil beaches of Antalya, Turkey offers an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.
Dive into ancient ruins, savor world-renowned cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of a nation rich in tradition and charm. Whether you're exploring historic mosques with a Turkish tour guide, hot air ballooning over Cappadocia or relaxing in the thermal pools of Pamukkale, Turkey promises a trip filled with wonder and excitement.
With a population of 86,270,000 in 2023, Turkey was given a tourism rank of 4th in the world in 2021! So, let’s dive in to what makes Turkey such a fantastic tourist destination.
Visitor Demographics: Who Visits Turkey?
Turkey's blend of cultural and historical sites, alongside its Mediterranean climate, draws travelers from around the globe, but how important is tourism to Turkey? In 2023, tourism significantly boosted Turkey's economy, contributing over 1.7 trillion Turkish lira to its GDP.
How many tourists visit Turkey each year? In 2023, Turkey welcomed over 49 million international tourists (49,209,000)! The tourism industry in Turkey varies by purpose of visit and in 2023, travelers visited Turkey for:
- Travel, entertainment, sport or cultural activities: 34.7 million
- Visiting relatives and friends: 7.2 million
- Shopping: 3.5 million
- Business: 1.6 million
- Health or medical reasons: 1.3 million
- Transit: 381,680
- Education/training: 152,200
- Religion/pilgrimage: 14,260
- Other: 491,840
In terms of medical tourism in Turkey statistics, the revenue generated from these visits came to USD$3,006,092 in 2023! The reasons for these visits include gynecology, internal medicine, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dentistry, medical biochemistry, general surgery and traumatology.
But who visits Turkey the most? In 2023, the top tourists in Turkey by nationality were:
- Russia: 6,314,000
- Germany: 6,193,000
- United Kingdom: 3,801,000
- Bulgaria: 2,893,000
- Iran: 2,505,000
These Turkey tourism statistics by country are on the rise, with a 14% year-on-year increase in May 2024, and notable growth from Germany (+18%), the UK (+22%) and Iran (+30%).
As the 6th most visited country in the world in 2023, here are some statistics for the top destinations in Turkey for 2023 among international tourists:
- Istanbul: 16 million visitors
- Antalya: 12.8 million visitors
- Edirne: 4.6 million visitors
- Mugla: 3 million visitors
- Artvin: 1.7 million visitors
- Izmir: 1.5 million visitors
- Kirklareli: 632,000 visitors
- Ankara: 495,000 visitors
How is tourism in Turkey now?
In early 2024, Turkey's tourism income reached $8.8 billion, with 21% coming from Turkish citizens living abroad. Individual travelers contributed $7.8 billion, while package tours generated $1 billion.
Turkey Tourism Quick Facts
- Russia - the country that contributed the most visitors to Turkey in 2023
- 49 million - The number of tourists that visited turkey in 2023
- 6th - the position turkey holds within the list of most visited countries in the world (2023)
- 8.8 billion USD - Turkey’s tourism income for early 2024
What is the Tourism Outlook in Turkey?
Compared to the 12,734,000 visitors Turkey received in 2020, tourism in Turkey has now surpassed the 2019 high of 45,058,000 visitors!
This growth, however, comes with challenges. Political instability and regional conflicts, especially the country’s proximity to countries like Syria and Iran, can deter potential visitors, making it crucial for Turkey to maintain stability and security.
The ‘Future is in Tourism Project,’ a collaboration between the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, UNDP and Anadolu Efes, aims to use tourism for sustainable development.
The project includes a Sustainable Tourism Support Fund, which has funded 18 grant projects so far. One standout project is the Lavender Scented Village in Kuyucak, Isparta, which revitalized rural tourism and boosted local lavender production. This project increased tourist visits from 20,000 in 2016 to 1 million in 2019, and 400,000 in 2020 despite the pandemic. It also empowered women through training and entrepreneurship, reversing migration trends and enhancing local income.
This initiative showcases how sustainable tourism can drive economic and social development in Turkey.
So, is Turkey tourist friendly? From what you’ve now learned, it’s easy to see how Turkey's appeal is diverse and ever-growing, making it a top destination for millions each year. But what are some Turkey tourism places to visit?
Top Tourist Attractions in Turkey
Turkey is a treasure trove of experiences, where ancient history and modern vibrancy coexist. From the crowded streets of Istanbul to the serene terraces of Pamukkale, each destination offers something unique. Once here, you’ll find yourself wandering through ancient ruins, savoring mouthwatering cuisine and immersing yourself in the rich cultural history of this fascinating country. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover or a foodie, Turkey promises an unforgettable adventure.
Let’s go through the most visited places in Turkey, as well as some that are a bit less well-known!
- Istanbul: Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, is a vibrant city with a rich 2,500-year history. As the former capital of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it's packed with historical sites. Beyond its past, Istanbul boasts a dynamic food scene, lively nightlife and stunning skyline. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, sample street food, or watch the sunset from the Galata Bridge.
Further Reading: 5 Hidden Gems to Visit in Istanbul
- Bursa: Just a short ferry ride from Istanbul, Bursa was the first Ottoman capital. It’s famous for its historic mosques, markets and Turkish baths. The charming village of Cumalıkızık, with its cobblestone streets and Ottoman houses, is a must-visit. Known as 'Yeşil Bursa' for its greenery, the city is perfect for nature lovers and foodies alike.
- Uludağ National Park: Near Bursa, Uludağ National Park offers year-round attractions. In warmer months, enjoy hiking, picnicking and fishing. In winter, it transforms into Turkey’s largest ski resort, offering affordable skiing, snowboarding and more. Take the cable car for breathtaking views!
- Cappadocia: Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, with its rock formations and ancient rock-hewn churches, are iconic. Experience a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for unforgettable views, or stay in a cozy cave hotel for a unique romantic getaway.
- Pamukkale: Pamukkale, or 'Cotton Castle,' is renowned for its white terraced pools filled with thermal waters. Nearby, explore the ruins of the Roman spa city of Hierapolis. Don’t miss Cleopatra’s Antique Pool, where you can swim among ancient columns!
- Mardin: Mardin, with its stunning Artuqid architecture, feels like a step back in time. The city is a cultural melting pot, with a mix of Kurds, Syrians, Turks and Assyrians. Visit local shops for olive oil soap, Assyrian wine and silver jewelry.
- Dara: Near Mardin, Dara is an ancient Roman city with impressive ruins, including a necropolis and cathedral-like cisterns. Hire a driver to explore the vast site thoroughly.
- Ephesus: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus is an ancient Greek and Roman city with well-preserved ruins like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis. Spend at least half a day exploring this historical marvel.
- Antalya: Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast, is famous for its beaches, nightlife and historical sites. It’s also great for family vacations, with many kid-friendly resorts.
- Ishak Paşa Palace: This architectural wonder in eastern Turkey blends various styles and offers stunning views of Mount Ararat. Explore its many rooms, courtyards and the elegant carvings adorning the palace.
- Sumela Monastery: Perched on a cliff near Trabzon, Sumela Monastery is famous for its beautiful frescoes and breathtaking views. Visit the Seyir Noktası viewpoint for the best view of the monastery!
- Göbekli Tepe: This ancient site, predating the invention of writing, offers a fascinating glimpse into early human civilization. Explore the ruins and visit the interactive museum to learn more about this 12,000-year-old temple complex.
- Gaziantep: Turkey’s culinary capital, offers a feast for food lovers with its rich heritage of approximately 500 original dishes and its renowned pistachios. Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum and explore the vibrant local bazaars for a unique cultural experience.
Further Reading: Popular Destinations in Turkey with Guides
Gastronomy Tourism: Culinary Delights of Turkey
Beyond the iconic Turkish delights and sizzling kebabs, Turkey offers a diverse culinary landscape that will tantalize your taste buds. Picture yourself indulging in the aromatic richness of karnabahar tarator, a delightful cauliflower meze, or savoring the layers of flavor in manti. Let’s go over what foods to eat when in Turkey!
Must-Try Turkish Dishes
- Mantı: Tiny handmade dumplings are like Turkish ravioli and are filled with seasoned minced meat, served with yogurt and a tomato-garlic butter sauce.
- Menemen: Spicy eggs cooked with tomatoes, peppers and spices, served with bread.
- Lahmacun: A thin flatbread topped with minced meat and spices, often called Turkish pizza.
- Iskender Kebap: Sliced döner kebab meat over pide bread with tomato sauce and yogurt.
- Balık Ekmek: Grilled fish in a baguette with lettuce, onions and tomatoes.
- Meze: A variety of small dishes served as appetizers, including purees, salads, meatballs and dips.
- Pide: Boat-shaped flatbread topped with ingredients like cheese, pepper and spicy sausage.
- Börek: Stuffed pastries made with thin flaky dough, filled with meat, cheese or vegetables.
- Köfte: Minced meat mixed with onions, herbs, and spices, shaped into meatballs or patties.
- Midye Dolmas: Mussels stuffed with herbed rice, pine nuts and currants.
Desserts/Drinks
- Baklava: Layers of thin phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweet syrup or honey.
- Kunefe: A crisp, cheese-filled dessert made with shredded kadayif dough and sweet syrup.
- Şambali: A sticky semolina cake with milk or yogurt, molasses, almonds and lemon juice.
- Turkish Delight (Lokum): A sweet confectionery in flavors like rose, lemon and mint.
- Dondurma: Turkish ice cream with a chewy texture, resistant to melting.
- Turkish Coffee: Finely ground coffee prepared in a cezve, known for its strong flavor and grainy texture.
The Best Time to Visit Turkey: A Seasonal Guide
Turkey's seven distinct regions offer a blend of climates influenced by mountain ranges and surrounding seas. From Mediterranean coasts to mountainous east, each area presents a unique weather experience.
The best time to visit Turkey depends on the region you visit, so let’s go over them!
Marmara Region
Home to Istanbul, the Marmara region enjoys a temperate continental climate. Summers are warm and dry, averaging 28°C, while winters are mild and wet, with January and February lows around 2–3°C. Known for its windy conditions due to the Poyraz and Iodos winds, this region also includes cities like Izmit and Bursa, the latter famous for its ski resorts and cooler winters due to the Uludag Mountains.
Black Sea Coast
The Black Sea coast features a continental climate with high humidity and year-round rainfall. Samsun, the largest city, averages 781mm of annual rainfall. Further east, Trabzon experiences cool winters and warm summers, with temperatures reaching up to 27°C in summer and mild winter lows around 5°C.
For the best experience on the Black Sea Coast, visit during the summer months, but be aware that it's peak season. To avoid crowds, consider autumn or spring, which offer mild weather. In these shoulder seasons, pack a light jacket for cooler temperatures. The coastal regions of Turkey are great year-round destinations, with no major temperature extremes.
Central Anatolia
Central Anatolia, including the capital Ankara, has a harsh continental climate. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures up to 31°C in July and August. Winters are cold and snowy, with January lows around -4°C. The region sees low rainfall, averaging 382mm annually, with significant temperature variations between day and night.
Eastern and Southeastern Turkey
Eastern Anatolia experiences long, harsh winters with heavy snowfall and temperatures dropping to -13°C. Summers are milder, averaging 17°C. Southeastern Anatolia, influenced by the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, has hot summers, occasionally reaching 46°C, and is generally dry, with 576mm of annual rainfall.
Mediterranean Coast
The Mediterranean coast enjoys hot summers and mild, wet winters. Alanya has an average annual temperature of 28°C and sea temperatures around 21.4°C. Rainfall occurs mainly in winter. Cities like Adana and Antakya experience very hot, humid summers, with temperatures reaching up to 45°C.
Aegean Region
Western Turkey's Aegean region boasts mild springs, hot summers, sunny autumns, and warm winters. Izmir, the largest city, benefits from the cooling effects of the Aegean Sea and the Western Taurus mountains. Rainfall averages 645mm per year, with temperatures ranging from -8°C to 43°C.
How to Get Around When Traveling Turkey
Traveling around Turkey without renting a car is quite common and surprisingly convenient. While having your own vehicle offers more independence, public transport is a reliable and affordable alternative.
- Buses: Long-distance buses are the most popular mode of transport, with major operators like Kamil Koç (Flixbus), Pamukkale and Metro covering the entire country. To find routes and prices, obilet.com is a handy tool. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, but tickets can also be purchased at bus stations. These buses are modern and comfortable, often more so than a family car.
- Dolmus Buses: For shorter distances between towns and villages, dolmuses (minibusses) are the way to go. They are managed regionally, and while online information may be sparse, resources like the Mugla Dolmus website (use Google Translate) can help with routes and prices.
- Trains: Turkey's train network is well-developed, especially in the north and center. High-speed trains, like the one from Istanbul to Ankara, make long-distance travel quicker and more comfortable than buses, though slightly more expensive. Train tickets can mostly be bought online via the Turkish Railways website.
- Domestic Flights: For covering large distances quickly, domestic flights are a viable option, but be mindful of the distance from airports to city centers, which can add to your travel costs, especially in regions like Cappadocia.
- City Transport: Big cities like Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya have extensive public transport systems, with trams, metros and buses. Using Google Maps can help you navigate routes, and buying a local transportation card offers the best value.
- Taxis and Private Transfers: For travelers less concerned about budget, taxis and private transfers are readily available throughout Turkey. Always ensure the taximeter is used or agree on a price in advance. For an even more exclusive experience, consider booking a customized private car tour. Contact one of our guides directly for efficient and comfortable travel tailored to your needs.
Essential Travel Tips for Your Trip to Turkey
So, now you know all about this vibrant country that offers a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes and a unique cultural experience. To make the most of your visit, here are some essential tips that will help you navigate and appreciate this beautiful nation.
From learning a few Turkish phrases to understanding local customs, these dos and don’ts will ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Dos:
- Learn Basic Turkish: Speaking a few phrases in Turkish often earns smiles and friendly assistance from locals.
- Appreciate the Call to Prayer: Pause and listen to the beautiful calls to prayer that happen five times a day. It’s a significant cultural experience, so don’t moan when you hear them.
- Be Respectful in Restaurants: Turks are family-oriented, and maintaining a respectful demeanor in dining establishments is appreciated.
- Master Haggling: Negotiate prices with vendors, aiming for a fair deal without being exploitative. It’s part of the local shopping experience.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Blowing Your Nose in Public: It’s considered rude.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: Overindulging in bars and nightclubs is frowned upon.
- Steer Clear of Discussing Religion and Politics: These topics can be sensitive and controversial in Turkey.
- Respect the Turkish Flag: Handle any items featuring the Turkish flag with care and respect to avoid offending locals.
Staying Safe: The Turkey Edition
Turkey is a mesmerizing blend of East and West, where ancient ruins meet bustling bazaars and breathtaking landscapes. However, as with any travel destination, it’s essential to stay informed and take precautions to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind while exploring this fascinating country:
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local news and updates from your embassy. Situations can change quickly, so staying informed is crucial for your safety.
- Blend In: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Turkey is modern yet conservative, so respecting local customs will help you avoid unwanted attention.
- Guard Your Valuables: Petty theft can be an issue in crowded areas. Use a money belt, keep your bags zipped, and avoid flashing expensive items.
- Use Licensed Taxis and Transportation: Ensure you use reputable taxi services or ride-share apps. Avoid accepting rides from strangers or unmarked vehicles.
- Stay Connected: Share your itinerary with someone back home and stay connected via phone or social media. In case of an emergency, it’s good to have someone who knows your whereabouts.
By following these tips, you can focus on soaking up the rich culture, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality that Turkey has to offer. Happy travels!
Conclusion
Now that you know about some tourism statistics in Turkey, it’s time to start getting excited about your trip! This country is just waiting to be explored, but if you need a bit more help, why not check out some of our private guided tours?
