People in Turkey are known for their warm and welcoming nature. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in Turkish culture, and visitors are often greeted with open arms. Turkish people take great pride in their ability to make others feel comfortable and …
Read more
Turkey
Turkey
Explore Thailand
Explore Turkmenistan
Backpacking Turkey in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Turkey with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Turkey
Welcome to Turkey, where East meets West, offering backpackers a tapestry of history, culture, and diverse landscapes. Pros? Explore ancient ruins, vibrant bazaars, and stunning coastlines on a budget. Turkey's hospitality and rich history create a unique experience. However, crowded tourist spots and persistent touts can be drawbacks. For those seeking a blend of tradition and adventure, Turkey stands out as a dynamic, accessible destination, where the fusion of cultures and landscapes creates an exciting journey for backpackers, striking a balance between the familiar and the exotic.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Turkey
People
Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Turkey is vibrant and diverse, offering a unique experience for travelers on a budget. Popular destinations such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the coastal towns of Bodrum and Antalya attract backpackers from all over the …
Read more
Read more
Beach life
Turkey is great for beach life and snorkeling because of its stunning coastline along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. The country boasts over 8000 kilometers of coastline, with a variety of beautiful beaches to choose from. The crystal-clear …
Read more
Read more
Cheap
The average costs for backpacking in Turkey can vary depending on factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, and activities.
Accommodation options for backpackers in Turkey range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels. On average, a …
Read more
Accommodation options for backpackers in Turkey range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels. On average, a …
Read more
Architecture
Turkey is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the iconic Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a former cathedral and mosque that is now a museum. The ancient city of Ephesus boasts well-preserved Roman ruins, including the …
Read more
Read more
Food
The food in Turkey is so good because of its rich and diverse culinary heritage. The country’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has allowed it to draw from a wide range of culinary influences, resulting in a unique and flavorful …
Read more
Read more
Uniqueness
Exploring Turkey is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the underground cities of Cappadocia to the stunning beaches of the …
Read more
Read more
Scenery
Turkey offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries to explore. From the unique rock formations of Cappadocia to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, there is something for every type of traveler. The turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of the …
Read more
Read more
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Turkey
- Visit Istanbul: Explore the vibrant city of Istanbul, known for its rich history and stunning architecture. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
- Experience Cappadocia: Discover the unique landscape of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy-tale-like rock formations and hot air balloon rides. Explore the underground cities and hike through the scenic valleys.
- Relax in Bodrum: Enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters of Bodrum, a popular resort town. Visit the ancient Bodrum Castle and explore the charming streets of the old town.
- Explore Pamukkale: Witness the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Take a dip in the thermal pools and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis.
- Discover Ephesus: Step back in time at the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world. Explore the grand Library of Celsus, the ancient theater, and the Temple of Artemis.
But Turkey offers more...
×
Turkey
Traveled route: Istanbul, Haga Sofia
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Turkey
The best time to visit Turkey for backpacking is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the country's diverse landscapes. Additionally, tourist crowds are relatively smaller compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more authentic and immersive experience.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Turkey
- There's an ongoing high threat of terrorist attacks in Türkiye. Possible targets include tourist areas, transport networks, shopping malls, hotels, places of worship and diplomatic premises. Be alert to potential threats, especially in locations frequented by foreigners. Avoid crowds, keep a low profile and be aware of your surroundings. Monitor the media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities.
- The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. There is an increased threat of attacks against Israeli interests across the region. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- The ongoing conflict may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions and other travel disruptions across the region.
- Demonstrations and protests can occur and may turn violent. Avoid protests and large public gatherings. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.
- There is an ongoing risk of earthquakes in parts of Türkiye. Know the dangers of a major earthquake in your area and where your local shelter is.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
TurkeyMy tips to get you on the way!Does Turkey sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Turkey. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Turkey may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Turkey. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Turkey may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Turkey, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Turkey, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
.jpg)
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024
Help othersDo you like this info about Turkey?
Do you like this info about Turkey, please share it with a fellow-backpacker. Did you spot a mistake, or you have any tip for improving, please let me know!