The charm of Turkey is mystical and alluring. Its mosques, palaces, bosphorus, pamukkale, traditional cuisine etc. attract travellers from all over the world. Here we’ll talk about the best time to visit this beautiful country. And the places you should definitely visit even when in Turkey on a budget.

Turkey Visa

Foreign travellers who wish to travel to Turkey must apply for either a visa or electronic travel authorization. To get a visa, citizens of various countries need to visit the embassy or consulate. For a Turkey e-Visa, tourists can complete an online form which hardly takes a few minutes. The e-Visa can be used for tourism, transit, and business purposes.

Tips for Travelling in Turkey on a Budget

Hotels

Saving money on accommodation is a possibility. Firstly, it depends on the time of the year you travel. The high season is from July to September. Therefore various hotels increase their prices during these months. Consider traveling in the months of April, May, or October to get special deals. 

• Shoulder Season (April, October till mid-November) – The shoulder season is a great time to visit Turkey, with April the best month the tulips bloom. With tourists visiting throughout the year, there won’t be much crowd and temperatures, in April and beginning of October, most likely be comfortable. You can also get discounts on airfare. 

• Low Season (Mid-November to March) – Winter is the low season which unofficially starts in November when it gets chilly and there’s a possibility of snow or rain. It’s the perfect time to avoid large crowds and enjoy budget-friendly trips with cheaper airfare and accommodation rates.  

If you book your Turkey vacation through a reputed travel company, you won’t have to worry about pricey hotels. You will get the best stays no matter what season you choose to travel to Turkey. But if you love to plan your own travel or are a budget traveler, check out Booking.com here for the best accomodation with free cancellation & pay-at-hotel options.

Places to Visit in Turkey on a Budget

Istanbul

Istanbul is a fantastic multicultural city, having many amazing things you can do on two continents. For budget travellers, a visit to Istanbul can be cheap and also an authentic experience. Of all the famous monuments in Istanbul, there’s the only one which can be visited with no charge – The Blue Mosque. Even if you’re on a budget, one place you cannot miss is Hagia Sophia. Moreover if you can’t afford fancy restaurants, Istanbul has many streets food places you can buy kebabs and fish sandwiches from, which is a must-try.

Izmir

Izmir is among the most affordable and beautiful cities in Turkey. And it is the third-largest city in Turkey after Ankara and Istanbul and is one of the most important and oldest cities in the world. Excavations show settlements are contemporary with Troy’s first city in Turkey, from the 3rd millennium BC. The city is famous for its ancient ruins, seafood, and beautiful beaches within Asia. Visiting the Ataturk Museum is one thing to do on a budget. 

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is among Turkey’s most affordable destinations. The historical town has many biblical sites, famous for the rock formation landscape and hot air balloon ride. Cappadocia is the region’s name, but the main town where tourists stay is Goreme. The town is well known for its churches, cave hotels, and underground cities. These caves were used by early Christians to try and escape Roman persecution. Some things to do on a budget are exploring the valleys on ATV, car, or horses, hiking at Rose and Red Valley, breakfast at the rooftop cave hotel at sunrise, or taking a free pottery class. 

Marmaris

Marmaris is a port city and a perfect place for a visit on a budget if you like the sun, sand, and sea. One of the free things you can do is wander the Marina, you can see colourful boats and superyachts. Marmaris Marina is an area beautifully landscaped with statues and fountains, lined with bars, restaurants, and forested hills. Another to do for free is wander in the Grand Bazaar. The best place to stay is somewhere within walking distance from Marmaris Marina, Old Quarter, or Marmaris Castle. It’s one of Europe’s best walkable spots, and to save money you can book accommodation nearby.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a mixture of charming streets, history, yachts, and Old Town filled with whitewashed houses. It’s a good escape since people rush to popular resorts, it is ideal for those traveling on a budget.  Located on Aegean’s coast, the town is built for an escape to the beach and the turquoise ocean will amaze you. You can take boat trips along the coast which are costlier, but these are affordable and a good way to get the views. 

Kas

Kas is one of the best holiday destinations for families on a budget. The best thing to do is simply hit the stunning beaches to relax or swim. You can use the beach cabanas for free all day long, as long as you’ve ordered something to drink or eat. A little further outside town is a stunning beach, perhaps the best in Turkey. Kaputas beach is known for its clear blue waters and the clear sandy beach is totally free to enter. This area is best explored on the boat and there are many affordable boat trips you can choose from.

Fethiye

Fethiye, a small little town in Istanbul and Cappadocia, is a perfect budget-friendly spot for couples and families to relax. Not all things over here will cost you a dime. You can enjoy a walk at Call beach or Old Town, head to the market and bargain for clothing, enjoy sipping coffee in a restaurant, or hike Taurus Mountain. 

Antalya

Antalya is located on the Southern side of Turkey. The larger cities may not always be budget-friendly like the smaller towns but it’s a great place if you want to save some money for your trip. You’ll find a wide selection of hotels that are budget-friendly hostels or hotels, starting from $20 per night, which depends on the season. If you’re on a tight budget, you should consider coming during the off-season, early spring, or autumn. Prices will be significantly lower although temperatures can be cooler. However, you’ll enjoy the city with fewer crowds. The Duden Falls is Antalya’s famous attraction. This incredible waterfall is worth the trip and enjoyed on a budget. 

Alanya

The picturesque town is on top of a large hill and the view from the top is breath-taking. Antalya has its luxury hotels, but Alanya is the place for a budget-friendly stay. You have a variety of budget-friendly hotels you can select from located at the city centre and next to the beach. If you’re looking to save more money, then it’s best to eat the local street food. 

Van

Van is a city located in Eastern Turkey, probably best known for its stunning Cathedral – Holy Cross on Akdamar Island. In winters, the peaks are covered in snow and make incredible scenery.  Both the interiors and exteriors of the church are a piece of art. The outside walls present stonework like one consisting of David and Goliath. Inside there are several mural paintings, the frescoes showing vivid details from Christ’s life. Spring and fall seem the best time to visit this side of Turkey, as summers can be hot and winter with snow. 

Turkey on a Budget

Turkey has a variety of places and things to do, and in case you’re tight on a budget, you can choose to head to these places mentioned above. Of course, the time of the year you travel is important to get good deals or discounts on various costs. But one thing is for sure, you will thoroughly enjoy Turkey!

Also Read – Countries to Visit in Schengen Area, Europe

This post is a guest contribution by Nishita Khanwani, a student blogger who loves to travel and explore different cities, cuisines, culture in her spare time.

If you loved being in Turkey, PIN it for planning your trip!