Turkey is a diverse destination famed for the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and Hadrian's Gate in Antalya, and this travel cost guide will help you plan the perfect trip without overspending. We've broken down average costs from past travelers, including where to stay, what to eat, and what to see, so that your trip is both affordable and unforgettable.
How much does it cost to travel to Turkey?
You should plan to spend around $144 (TRY4,950) per day on your vacation in Turkey. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $51 (TRY1,767) on meals
- $44 (TRY1,526) on local transportation
- $101 (TRY3,456) on hotels
A one week trip to Turkey for two people costs, on average, $2,018 (TRY69,300). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Turkey expensive to visit?
Turkey is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Turkey is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Cyprus or Latvia.
Whether you're looking for luxury or traveling on a budget, Turkey has an array of accommodation and activities to suit your needs. For those on a budget, hostels in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya are available, but there are also luxury hotels for affluent visitors, and plenty of mid-range hotels for families and couples.
If you're worried about costs in Turkey, there are ways to cut back, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $58 (TRY1,985) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $144 (TRY4,950) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $353 (TRY12,085) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Turkey.
For more details, see Is Turkey Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Turkey?
The average Turkey trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Turkey travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Turkey cost?
Turkey on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$22
(TRY755)
|
$50
(TRY1,728)
|
$96
(TRY3,310)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$16
(TRY551)
|
$44
(TRY1,526)
|
$135
(TRY4,624)
|
|
Food 2
|
$20
(TRY695)
|
$51
(TRY1,767)
|
$131
(TRY4,511)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$18
(TRY612)
|
$48
(TRY1,636)
|
$135
(TRY4,641)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(TRY101-302)
|
$7-22
(TRY250-749)
|
$17-52
(TRY599-1,798)
|
Pamukkale, Turkey
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations about your travel budget is very important. While it's easy to think of yourself as a "budget" traveler who can see everything on a shoestring, most find this style of travel quite challenging. Think about what you truly enjoy and your previous travel experiences. Are you drawn to resorts and vacation rentals, or do you like the budget-friendly environment of hostels? How important is it for you to eat in nicer restaurants? The answers to these questions will influence your overall travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may have heard that it's possible to visit Turkey for around $58 a day, but if you want to maintain any level of comfort, you should be ready to spend considerably more.
While budget travelers might manage to travel on that amount, it often means staying in hostel dormitories, eating at budget restaurants or fast food joints, using public transport or walking, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, Turkey has an abundance of hostels, particularly in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya. While food is a big draw for everyone visiting Turkey, budget travelers often rely on street food or cooking in their hostels, so they may not get to fully experience the local cuisine due to their budget.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Most visitors are not going to want to miss the top sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $144 per person, per day.
In Turkey, you'll find plenty of hotels and vacation rentals to suit your needs. If you're traveling with a partner, friends, or your kids, then hotel costs will be divided, making it easier on your budget. Family-friendly destinations like Istanbul and Antalya offer hotels and restaurants with options tailored for kids. Some good places to stay are White House Hotel Istanbul in Istanbul or Masal Tatilevi in Selimiye. If you're seeking romance in Kayseri, Mirada del Lago is an ideal place for couples to stay. For more family- and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our hotel guide for Turkey here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $353. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Cappadocia and Pamukkale. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as Taste of Turkey Tour - offered by Serendipity Tours Turkey.
Accommodation Budget in Turkey
The range of hotel prices in Turkey can be quite surprising, especially when you compare budget-friendly and luxury hotels. Peak season brings much higher prices, so consider traveling in the off-season for a more affordable experience. Booking in advance can also help with savings.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Turkey for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $101 (TRY3,456). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $50 (TRY1,728) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Turkey? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Istanbul
As one of the top tourist destinations, Istanbul offers a variety of hotel options at a range of prices. You'll find typical hotel prices from $30 in the low season to $166 during the busy peak season. With many travelers lingering for up to seven days, you should prioritize finding a comfortable stay in a favorable location if you plan to explore the area. If you're looking for some good options, you should check out Stories Hotel Kumbaraci for $46 and Romance Istanbul Hotel Boutique Class starting at $79. If you stay in a hostel, you can expect to pay around $13 for a dorm bed.
Antalya
In Antalya, which is a vacation spot, expect a fairly wide range of choices and prices for accommodation. Hotel prices here can range from $24 in the low season to $196 during the peak season. Eski Masal Hotel - Adult Only +11 ($69) is one of the best hotel options here, and Delight Deluxe Boutique Hotel is also good, and starts at $56. You can expect to pay around $12 for a dorm bed if you decide to stay in a hostel. As many travelers typically stay for up to five days, ensure you find a cozy place in a good spot if you intend to explore for a while.
Local Transportation Budget in Turkey
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $44 (TRY1,526) per person, per day, on local transportation in Turkey. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Turkey is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$44
TRY1,526
In Turkey, the train system is excellent, allowing you to connect to nearly all regions of the country. The ticket prices are reasonable, and the rides are both comfortable and swift. If trains don't reach your destination, regional and long-distance buses can help.
If you're in Turkey, you'll find that public transportation in many destinations is quite limited unless you're visiting cities such as Istanbul. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
If you're considering a visit to the countryside, you'll want to rent a car. Note that in Europe, most cars feature a manual transmission, and if you prefer an automatic, you might have to pay a premium. It's important to book ahead of time, as the lower-priced rentals tend to go quickly.
It's much easier to avoid driving in the larger cities like Istanbul because they are busy and crowded. Parking is often expensive and traffic is challenging. You can save money by not renting a car while visiting the cities, and instead use public transit or walking.
If you're bringing a car to a larger city, be sure to inquire about parking at your hotel beforehand. You may need to pay for parking either at the hotel or at a nearby garage. Finding a spot further from the city could save you some money.
Typical prices for transit in Turkey are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Turkey. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
Tram Ride
TRY1.25
-
Metro Ride
TRY1.25
-
Short Taxi Ride
TRY5.00
-
Taxi Ride
TRY13
-
Local Bus
TRY2.00
-
Ferry
TRY2.80
-
Local Bus
TRY3.00
-
Local Bus
TRY8.50
Food Budget in Turkey
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Turkey can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Turkey is $51 (TRY1,767) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$51
TRY1,767
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Turkey is around $52 (TRY1767) per person, with previous travelers spending from $20 to $132. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Turkey are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $15
- Lunch: $8 to $26
- Dinner: $18 to $41
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $8
Turkish food is a combination of Mediterranean, Arabic, and Central Asian flavors, among others. Beef is the most common meat, but you can also find chicken, lamb, and fish. Pork is available, but very uncommon. Food is generally heavily spiced and has a strong but delicious flavor. Rice is often served alongside of a meal. Desserts are also common, particularly in Istanbul where you can find dessert cafes everywhere. They serve everything from cakes and cookies to baklava.
Doner kebab: Turkish kebabs are made from rotating, seasoned meat. They are typically made from lamb or chicken that is slow cooked and served as either a pita sandwich or as a platter with vegetables. You'll see the meat rotating on the side of the street almost everywhere. It's a great dish for lunch or dinner and is usually a more affordable option.
Kofta: This is a Turkish type of meatball that is made from ground meat with onions and special seasoning. They are often an option on buffets or at sit down restaurants throughout the area. They can be strongly spiced or mild, and they are often served with a grain or side of vegetables.
Baklava: Baklava is a sweetened filo pastry that is made with honey and various nuts. It is most commonly found in Eastern Turkey. The diversity of options is mind boggling. You can typically buy baklava by the pound from dessert shops that are in almost every city.
Turkey is an extremely popular culinary destination, and the cuisine is enjoyed around the world. Many visitors come just for the food. Some of the best foodie cities include Istanbul and Antalya.
Istanbul
If you're a traveling foodie, you'll enjoy your time in Istanbul. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.
Antalya
Antalya is one of the best culinary destinations in Turkey. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.
Are you planning an extended stay of a week or more in Istanbul or Antalya? Families or groups might want to consider an apartment or vacation rental with a kitchen, so you can make meals with less expensive groceries instead of eating out.
If you're traveling with kids, be sure to seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit of money, as these meals are usually priced much lower. Some places may not display the kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter before placing your order.
A lot of hotels feature breakfast in their room rates, although some charge separately for it. Breakfast quality and prices can vary widely from one hotel to another. Understanding this beforehand can help you figure out if the hotel buffet is worth the splurge or if a local bakery or café would be a more economical choice.
Choose to take a water bottle with you instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also beneficial for the planet.
Before taking off on a tour, check which meals are part of the package. If you have to pay for some meals on your own, that could lead to higher costs.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Turkey. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Istanbul - Europe and Asia Private and Guided Food Tour. For $198 details
- Private Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village for $169 details
- Authentic Homemade Turkish Breakfast Cooking with Local Friends for $55 details
- Istanbul Evening Food Tour: The Best Bites of Taksim and Karaköy for $85 details
Listed below are typical food prices in Turkey, based on the actual spending of previous travelers. These figures provide an estimate of what you might expect to pay for meals. However, your personal expenses will depend on your dining preferences, the restaurants you choose, and what you decide to order.
-
A Quick Lunch
TRY12
-
Dinner
TRY15
-
Lunch
TRY18
-
Lunch
TRY20
-
Sandwiches
TRY5.00
-
Dessert
TRY5.50
-
Snacks
TRY8.00
-
Lunch at Beach (for 2)
TRY19
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Turkey
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Turkey typically cost an average of $48 (TRY1,636) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$48
TRY1,636
As a very popular travel destination, Turkey allows many visitors to tick off several items from their bucket lists. Notable places to explore in Turkey are Istanbul and Antalya.
Istanbul
Istanbul sits at the crossroads of east and west. It's a major cosmopolitan city that has long been at the center of trade, culture, religion, and activity. The city is filled with beauty and historical sights that make it a world class travel destination. It attracts everyone from backpackers to high end luxury vacationers who appreciate the diversity and culture that flows through the city.
Antalya
Antalya is a resort city in Turkey that attracts European and international tourists. The beaches are lined with hotels and the water is a beautiful blue color. Also nearby are many historical and archeological sights.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Turkey. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Daily Ertugrul Tour from Istanbul for $232 details
- Highlights of Cappadocia Tour with Lunch for $118 details
- Best Seller: Ephesus Private Tour –Skip-the-Line & On-Time Return for $53 details
- Legendary Memories:Ephesus&House of Mary and Bath Experience for $47 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Turkey, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
Nightlife Budget in Turkey
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $15 (TRY499) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Turkey per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
TRY499
Turkey is a highly sought-after spot for nightlife, drawing visitors from across the globe to enjoy its vibrant scene. Some of the top nightlife destinations are Istanbul and Antalya.
Istanbul
If partying is a priority while you're traveling, then you'll want to visit Istanbul. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.
Antalya
Antalya is one of the best nightlife destinations in Turkey. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but drinking less can leave you with more money for other parts of your trip.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Turkey. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey for $105 details
- Private Tour: Best of Cappadocia with Wine Tasting for $279 details
- Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family for $90 details
- Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port for $23 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Turkey, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Nov 27, 2023
Traveling in Turkey
Ephesus
Turkey is a country that is strategically positioned where east meets west. Istanbul, the country's largest city, is split by the Bosphorus, dividing the continents of Europe and Asia. Turkey itself is quite diverse, with some regions having a more European atmosphere, while others are more Middle Eastern. It's a great country if you want to venture into the Muslim world, but also keep a foot in the west.
While Western Turkey has many fascinating mosques, it also has a large European population. The eastern part of the country, however, is home to the Kurdish population and offers a unique cultural experience. The country's coastal areas are strikingly beautiful along the edge of the Mediterranean. They have plenty of hiking and sailing opportunities for sport enthusiasts, but there are also resorts, camps, and hotels or hostels for all types. Whatever your travel style, don't miss the opportunity to do a Blue Cruise, which is a popular tourist activity.
Traveling in Turkey is far less expensive than nearby European countries, but it offers many of the same comforts and luxuries. As the currency continues to strengthen however, you can expect prices to get higher and many of the shockingly good deals will disappear. Istanbul, in particular, is comparable in price to elsewhere in Europe. Food is quite affordable though, even in nicer sit down restaurants. You'll find no shortage of dessert options anywhere in this country. Cakes and pastries are cheap, delicious, and ubiquitous.
Transportation options are abundant, but the large size of the country will tempt you to take a flight, particularly if your time is limited. If you're traveling by land and hoping to save some money, consider overnight buses. They are not exactly comfortable, but they can save you both time and money, and can sometimes make a twelve hour bus ride fly by (or creep frustratingly slowly, depending on the comfort level of the bus).
Street food is your best option if you're on a tight budget. The food is quite tasty and usually of a high quality. It is also a great way to experience the more traditional foods of the country. Street stands are abundant, particularly in the larger cities such as Istanbul.
At A Glance
- Buses are generally of high quality, but the trips can be very long because the country is so large. Overnight buses are a common option for the longest routes. This can help you save money and time but it you can't sleep on the bus it will cause you to have a rough day after you arrive. It is possible to negotiate the price of a bus ticket. You'll be more successful in some cities than in others. In Eastern Turkey in particular, negotiating is recommended.
- Once you get outside of Istanbul the prices will drop dramatically. You can also negotiate the price of almost anything, particularly when you're in the countryside. Even bus tickets and hotel prices are often negotiable.
- Turkey has a lot to offer visitors who venture outside of the major tourist areas. Try to head to some of the less frequently visited towns and you'll be welcomed with a level of friendliness you might miss in the big cities.
- It's easy to fill a week or more while you're visiting Istanbul. It's a beautiful city and there are many neighborhoods worth visiting that are off the beaten path and left out of the guidebooks. Plan ahead so you know everything that you want to see and do.
- Many of the showers throughout the country are solar powered. This means when there's no sun, there's no hot water. This is most common in the smaller towns and countryside. Even if you're assured that there is hot water, prepare for lukewarm at best. You'll find the water is warmest in the late afternoon on a sunny day.
Related:
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Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
Top Tourist Attractions
Ephesus: One of the best preserved ancient cities dating back to the 12th century BC, Ephesus is one of the top travel destinations in the area. It's best visited in the early morning hours or in the evening when the cruise ships have moved on and the crowds are at a minimum. Guides are available to help you understand the history better, but they are not required.
Pamukkale: An incredibly beautiful natural phenomenon, these calcium pools are unlike anywhere else in the world. A handful of pools remain open for wading, but the vast majority are now closed to the public in an effort to preserve this fragile ecosystem.
Blue Mosque: In the heart of Istanbul, this is an incredibly beautiful mosque named for the blue tiles on its interior. It was built between 1609 and 1616 and, like many mosques of that time period, it has a tomb for its founder.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.