What Should You Pack for Turkey?
Turkey’s weather varies by season, so layering is key! In spring and fall, you’ll want a light jacket for cooler mornings, but afternoons can warm up nicely. Summers are hot, so pack lightweight clothes like dresses and shorts. In winter, coastal areas are milder, but you’ll need warmer clothing in the interior and highlands. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cities and historical sites.
Make sure you’re prepared for: Visiting Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, exploring Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, relaxing on Antalya’s beaches, and enjoying Turkish baths.
Dress Code
Turkey is a mix of modern and traditional, so dress appropriately depending on the region. In coastal cities and tourist spots, casual attire is fine, but in more conservative areas, it’s respectful to dress modestly. Women should consider packing a scarf to cover their shoulders or head when visiting mosques. For evenings out in cities like Istanbul, smart-casual attire works well, but keep the weather in mind.
*Note: I’m not paid to place any links, and all my recommendations are based on my own experiences and research.
That said, this article contains affiliate links from which I may earn a commission and that help run this site at no cost to you.
Spring
50 – 68°F
(10 – 20°C
)
Summer
75 – 95°F
(24 – 35°C
)
Fall
50 – 72°F
(10 – 22°C
)
Winter
35 – 50°F
(1 – 10°C
)
Spring: Mild with occasional rain and breezy days.
Summer: Hot and dry, with sunny skies.
Fall: Mild and pleasant
Winter: Cool, with snow in higher regions.
Spring
1.5 inches of rain
Summer
0.3 inches of rain
Fall
2.1 inches of rain
Winter
3.7 inches of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Perfect for summer days spent visiting historical sites like Ephesus—I loved having these on warm afternoons.
2. Long Sleeve Shirts: Great for cooler days or covering up when visiting mosques.
3. Sweaters: Perfect for early mornings or evenings in cities like Istanbul.
4. Tank Tops: Ideal for layering under a jacket or wearing alone on hot days—My favorite style for this is a simple, breathable cotton option.
5. Casual Jacket: A must for cooler nights, especially in spring and fall.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Pants: Comfortable and versatile, great for city exploration and visiting historical sites—I really liked wearing these in Istanbul!
2. Leggings: Perfect for long travel days or under dresses in cooler weather.
3. Shorts: Ideal for summer beach trips or sightseeing in Antalya.
4. Dresses: Great for casual dinners or walking along the Bosphorus.
5. Skirt: A stylish option for visiting markets or cafes—A flowy, knee-length skirt is a great choice.
6. Jumpsuit: Perfect for evenings out or stylish sightseeing.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Turkey’s cities and ruins—I always bring these for long sightseeing days!
2. Flats: Ideal for evenings out, especially in Istanbul.
3. Swimsuit: Necessary for beach days in Antalya or Bodrum.
4. Beach Coverup: Great for days spent lounging at the beach.
5. Flip Flops: Perfect for the beach or poolside.
6. Sunglasses: Essential for sunny days in the coastal areas.
7. Hat: A must for sun protection during summer.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Ideal for short trips or keeping essentials handy when traveling between cities.
2. Daypack: Perfect for exploring historical sites and carrying water, sunscreen, and other essentials.
3. Purse: A stylish option for keeping personal items safe while shopping in markets or dining out.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Layering is important: The weather can change throughout the day, especially in spring and fall.
- Comfortable shoes: Exploring cities like Istanbul involves a lot of walking and uneven streets.
- Dress modestly in some areas: In rural or more conservative regions, it’s respectful to wear modest clothing, especially for women.
- Bring sun protection: Turkey gets very hot in summer, so don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
Turkey Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TURKEY?
April and May are great for visiting Turkey as the weather is mild, perfect for sightseeing. April’s also great because the famous Tulip Festival happens in Istanbul, showcasing beautiful gardens. It’s also less crowded compared to the summer months, which means shorter lines at popular tourist attractions.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN TURKEY?
Tulip Festival (April): A beautiful display of tulips throughout Istanbul, perfect for solo travelers or couples who enjoy nature.
International Istanbul Film Festival (April): A major event for film lovers and solo travelers, showcasing movies from all over the world.
Whirling Dervishes Festival (December): Held in Konya, this is an unforgettable spiritual event, ideal for culture enthusiasts and families.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN TURKEY?
Turkey is known for its rich cultural history and diverse landscapes. Visit Istanbul for iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Head to Cappadocia to experience the unique fairy chimneys and take a hot air balloon ride. One of my favorite destinations is Pamukkale, where you can see stunning white terraces and relax in thermal pools. For a beach vacation, Antalya on the Mediterranean coast is ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT TURKEY?
Ideally, plan for 10-14 days to fully explore the major highlights of Turkey, but a week is enough for key spots like Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: On day one, explore Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. On day two, take a cruise on the Bosphorus and visit Topkapi Palace.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day three, fly to Cappadocia and explore the fairy chimneys. On day four, take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and visit Göreme Open-Air Museum. On day five, explore underground cities like Derinkuyu.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: On day six, head to Pamukkale and explore the travertine terraces. On day seven, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and relax in the thermal pools.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: On day eight, travel to Ephesus to explore ancient ruins. On day nine, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. On day ten, fly to Antalya for a relaxing beach day.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, explore the Taurus Mountains. On day twelve, visit a local Turkish bath for relaxation. On days thirteen and fourteen, explore the Aegean coast or take a boat tour along the Mediterranean.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN TURKEY?
2 Days
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 1 Pair of Shoes
- 2 Pairs of Socks
- 1 Casual Jacket
5 Days
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Dresses
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 1 Pair of Shoes
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Casual Jacket
1 Week
- 5 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Comfortable Shoes
10 Days
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Comfortable Shoes
2 Weeks
- 7 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- 2 Sweaters
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Pair of Comfortable Shoes
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR TURKEY?
High heels: The cobblestone streets in cities like Istanbul make high heels impractical.
Thick winter coat: Unless visiting in the middle of winter, layers are better for Turkey’s changing temperatures.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO TURKEY ?
Airfare: $500 – $1,000 depending on the season and departure location. Flights can be cheaper in the fall and winter.
Accommodation: $50 – $200 per night depending on the city and hotel choice. Rates are higher in popular areas like Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Transportation: $20 – $50 for public transport or bus tours, while domestic flights between cities range from $50 – $100.
Meals: $20 – $40 per day depending on your dining preferences, with affordable street food and mid-range restaurants.
Activities: $30 – $100 for entrance fees, tours, and experiences like hot air balloon rides.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN TURKEY? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Tipping is appreciated in Turkey, especially in restaurants and for services. Tip 10-15% at restaurants, and give $1-$2 per bag for hotel services or at cafes.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TURKEY BEFORE I VISIT?
- Dress respectfully: Especially in rural areas or when visiting mosques, women should bring a scarf to cover their head.
- Bring Turkish Lira: Although credit cards are accepted in most places, it’s useful to have cash for smaller purchases or in markets.
- Learn basic Turkish phrases: Locals appreciate visitors who try to speak Turkish, even a few words can go a long way!
- Bargain in markets: Haggling is expected in many Turkish markets, especially for souvenirs or handmade goods.