Discover Turkey: Your Ultimate Travel Guide -Sastaticket.pk

For people applying for a standard visa, the applicant must fill out the visa form, two passport-sized photos, and a passport that should be valid for at least 6 months after the intended exit date. Also, you'll be asked to provide documents that show you have that money (like bank statements on the date of application), your return flight ticket, and your accommodation details in Turkey. If you are planning a tourist visit, an invitation letter from a Turkish citizen or confirmation of hotel accommodation may also be needed. The fees for the Turkish visa for Pakistanis also differ in the zone, the type, and the visa period, and the processing time takes approximately 10-15 working days.

For a quicker and easier way, the Pakistanis can get a Turkey e-visa. This electronic visa is only for Pakistani citizens fulfilling some preconditions, including holding a valid passport or residence permit for Schengen states, the USA, the UK, or Ireland. The e-visa can be obtained solely through the internet by accessing the official site of the Turkish e-visa. To use, the traveler has to complete the application form, input their passport number, pay the cost of the visa through a credit card, and then receive and download the approved e-visa, generally within 24 hours.

Snorkelling and Diving

May, June, and early April are the best times to visit Turkey since the climate is temperate and flowers are grown. The weather is moderate, with an average between 15-25 C, which is perfect for city touring and archaeological sites such as Istanbul and Ephesus, among others. This is also the best time to visit Cappadocia since the mornings are well suited for ballooning over the beautiful rock formations. This is a busy season; hence, getting daycare, hotel, and airline tickets from Sastaticket at a low price should be done earlier.

Summer is from July to August in terms of temperature, and tourists can feel much hotter, with temperatures in some areas such as Antalya and Bodrum reaching 35 C. This is high payload season as beach tourism gets to its peak, bringing tourists to the Mediterranean and the Aegean regions of Turkey. Unfortunately, summer is the peak season for tourism, so everything, from airline tickets to accommodation and excursions, will be more expensive. Despite the hot temperature, for those who don't have an issue with it, touring in the summer will be great for water sports, sunbathing, or enjoying Turkey's famous coastline and resorts. When looking for cheap fares, try to avoid traveling at peak hours or during the weekends; try to book your flights on weekdays or during off-peak seasons, which can be found on Sastaticket.

Surprisingly, autumn, with its three seasons, including September, October, and November, is another ideal time to visit Turkey. Mid-season sees temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, and average visitor numbers decline as the high season ends. This makes fall a perfect time for Pakistan to Turkey budget traveling as hotel prices are low, and there are not many tourists around. The Fall season also lets you enjoy the lovely Turkish festivity and wine harvest, so it is the perfect combination of tourism and cultural tourism. Cappadocia and Istanbul are pretty stunning in the autumn since there are fewer people and the trees are starting to turn.

Istanbul

It is remiss when visiting Turkey not to take a tour around Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents. Istanbul is a historian's dream featuring head attractions such as the Hagia Sophia, an impressive building that can claim both church and mosque status. Yet another place to visit is Topkapi Palace, a magnificent fortress that was once the home of the Ottoman Sultans. No visitor should fail to take a Bosphorus cruise, which gives you a view of the city skyline and some waterfront districts. This great city also hosts fast-moving and colorful markets such as Ist Vlan's Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, where souvenirs, spices, and famous Turkish delights can be purchased.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is famous for its bizarre topography and strange-looking rocks, which make it an ideal spot for adventurers and photographers. On a high note, there is a fantastic activity, morning hot air balloon riding, that will give you a view of fairy chimneys and valleys of the region. Cave hotels are also standard and are dug into the unusual formation of the rock to provide travelers with the feel of the desert. Cappadocia also has underground cities such as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli and the Göreme Valley with Byzantine churches and painted cave chapels – The Open-Air Museum – is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage.

Antalya

If one wants a laid-back holiday and more sand and sea, then Antalya on the southwestern coast of Turkey is great. Also known as the "Turkish Riviera' it has long sandy beaches, throbbing with some of the glistening holiday resorts, Kaleiçi the most enchanting old town boasting magnificent Ottoman architecture, Roman ruins, and the visit to the historical gateway called Hadrian's Gate. Other locations you can visit from Antalya include Perge and Aspendos, which hold well-preserved Roman theatres and temples.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Pamukkale is among the most popular and memorable sights of Turkey: a landscape featuring white travertine ranks and pools of hot springs. Such terraces also remain focused on mineral water and delight guests and tourists. Hierapolis is located just beside Pamukkale; during your visit, you will see a Roman amphitheater and the Apollo Temple. When you want to relax, you can take a bath in the Cleopatra Antique Pool, which is considered to have curative water because of its sources of minerals.

Ephesus

Tourists interested in history should be satisfied with what is offered here in Ephesus. This Italian city was a gigantic Roman metropolis with some of the best Greco-Roman statues and building remnants evident all over the globe. Walking amongst antique ruins, the most fantastic attractions of this region are the Celsus Library, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theater. Remarkably, some buildings are well preserved, and many objects attract history lovers to the country and the city.

Suggested Travel Itineraries

5-Day Itinerary:

2 days should be spent in Istanbul for sightseeing, which includes visiting different areas such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace; 2 days in Cappadocia consists of a hot air balloon and cave exploration; 1 day in Pamukkale to experience the thermal pools.Spend three days in Istanbul visiting the Bosphorus, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, and then two days in Cappadocia, covering all the points of interest for sightseeing and outdoor activities enSH. Then spend one day in Pamukkale and another day exploring Ephesus.

7-Day Itinerary:

Spend three days in Istanbul visiting the Bosphorus, shopping in the Grand Bazaar, and then two days in Cappadocia, covering all the points of interest for sightseeing and outdoor activities enSH. Then spend one day in Pamukkale and another day exploring Ephesus.

10-Day Itinerary:

Istanbul is a great city to explore further, and it takes at least 3 days to do so. In Cappadocia, spend 3 days on a hot-air balloon ride, hiking, and visiting underground cities. Spend 2 days in Antalya for some seashore and sightseeing, then spend 2 days in Pamukkale and Ephesus.

Accommodation Options

Turkey offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxurious stays, ensuring every traveler finds a place that suits their comfort level and budget. Here's a guide to choosing suitable accommodation in Turkey, with recommendations for Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya and tips for securing the best deals.

Budget Hotels

Turkey offers a vast inventory of budget-friendly accommodations for budget tourists, especially for critical hot spots such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Antalya. Some of them have central locations and offer simple comforts and clean and comfortable rooms, meaning that one could tour main sites without going broke. The budget hotels in the Sultanahmet region of Istanbul place you near attractions such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. There are many places for accommodation in Göreme, including a cheap guesthouse and small inns, which have a rather homelike atmosphere. Kaleiçi, or Old Antalya, is an area of picturesque hotels with reasonable prices, allowing tourists to use public transport and get to the seafront and sightseeing attractions. Better rates can be fixed by directly booking these budget hotels through Sastaticket.com, more so during the high-demand season.

Mid-Range to Luxury Hotels

For more comfort lovers, Turkey offers a wide choice of mid-price to expensive hotels where you will find comfortable accommodations, satisfactory services, and, perhaps, astounding views. There are a variety of mid-price ranges restaurants in districts such as Beyoğlu and Taksim in Istanbul and luxurious hotels overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. A slogan you will frequently hear is Cappadocia cave hotels, where comfort does not conflict with this rural experience, and it comes highly recommended for mid-range or luxury price points. Motels in Antalya: Many luxurious hotels and resorts sit on the Mediterranean coast, exposing their private beaches, swimming pools, and spas. Suppose you are the lucky one to visit Turkey during off-peak season. In that case, you are likely to find fantastic offers on these luxury accommodations when you compare Sastaticket and local booking sites.

Hostels and Airbnb

As for individual tourists, backpackers, and families with restricted budgets, referring to a hostel or an Airbnb apartment is more than appropriate. Hostels are located in all the central cities with outstanding stock in Istanbul, predominantly in the Sultanahmet area and Beyoğlu. These offer shared, multi-occupancy rooms and shared facilities, and since you will book with strangers, you can share costs.

Booking Tips

Overall, to get reasonable offers for accommodations in Turkey, it is crucial to know what time one is looking for them and on what platform. , there are sometimes reasonable prices at the Sastaticket, and it is better to buy tickets in advance or during sales. There is also a need to look for local Turkish website service providers and compare various service prices. Some of these websites may contain special and discounted services you may not find on other general foreign service provider websites. However, for people looking for cheap accommodation, booking during the off-season or at low-end rates will ensure the person is in an area that is well connected with most attractions.

Domestic Flights

Turkey is a big country, and if you intend to move from one city to another, for example, from Istanbul to Cappadocia, then to Antalya, then a flight is the best option. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines; are both more affordable and offer consistently better service with decent in-flight offerings, for the most part. AnadoluJet is yet another LCC targeted at low-cost consumers. Most of these airlines have direct flights connecting the larger cities, minimizing overland transit. Many local airlines are affordable depending on the time one is flying because many booking sites, such as the Sastaticket, often post promotions.

Public Transport

In Turkish cities, public transportation is reliable, secure, and, of course, relatively inexpensive. Istanbul is crisscrossed by many metro lines, trams, buses, and ferries that interconnect its neighborhoods and main sites. A T1 tram line runs near famous places like Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, while the M2 metro line connects livelihood central regions. The one that is highly recommended is Istanbulkart, which is a reloadable card that could help to go over all the public transportation in Istanbul.

Intercity Travel

Trains: Intercity services are available in Turkey, operated by a TCDD, where passengers can enjoy comfortable, scenic train journeys. There are highways between Integras Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, and Eskişehir, with high-speed trains making travel easy and fast. If one wants more time to travel, then there are the country's scenic rail, such as the Eastern Express, which operates from Ankara to Kars and has picturesque views.

Buses: Another type of public transportation widely used for intercity transportation is long-distance buses, which are quite cheap. Turkey has an efficient bus operator with comfortable coaches that are well-known operators such as Metro Turizm, Kamil Koç, and Pamukkale. Buses may contain sleeper seats, internet connectivity, food, and drinks in long travels. Most bus stations, majorly known as Otogar, are located within central business districts, and one can book a bus online.

Car Rentals: If you wish to travel independently, then making an arrangement for car rentals is a wise choice, especially in areas that are situated in natural settings such as the Cappadocia district or the Aegean. There are many international and local car rental companies in Turkey, and booking a car before arriving in the country is advisable to unlock better deals on the market. In general, the traffic in Turkey is safe if you do not think about it all the time as a foreign driver: it is good to be familiar with the driving patterns, particularly for specific regions, especially in large cities.

Turkish Cuisine Overview

cuisine is a delightful blend of flavours, drawing influences from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian traditions. Some popular dishes you must try include:

Kebabs: Grilled meats are a staple in Turkish cuisine, with varieties like şiş kebab (skewered meat) and doner kebab (thinly sliced meat from a vertical rotisserie) being particularly famous.
Mezes: These small plates or appetisers are often served before the main course. They feature items like hummus, baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves (dolma), and various salads. They are perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavors.
Baklava: This sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough, filled with nuts and drenched in syrup, is a must-try dessert. Each region has its variations, so be sure to taste a few.
Pide: Sometimes referred to as Turkish pizza, pide is a flatbread topped with various ingredients, including cheese, minced meat, and vegetables, then baked to perfection.

These dishes reflect the heart of Turkish culture, and many can be found throughout the country, from fine dining establishments to street vendors.

Halal Food Availability

One of the significant aspects of dining in Turkey is its alignment with Pakistani dietary preferences. Most Turkish cuisine is halal, making it easy for Pakistani travelers to find meals that fit their dietary restrictions. Most restaurants, from upscale venues to local eateries, ensure their dishes adhere to halal practices so you can enjoy the local cuisine without concern.

Recommended Restaurants and Street Food

When it comes to dining in Turkey, there's a wide range of options depending on where you are:

Istanbul: Take the time to walk around the colorful area of Karaköy to find modern and globalized cafes/restaurants and the old-school lokantas. Please use two reliable sources to find two recommended restaurants in İstanbul: Pandeli Restaurant is a grill restaurant there, and this place offers organic Turkish Foods and views. You will find Çiya Sofrası in Kadıköy, and over there, many more menus are prized for their regional specialty. Tasting more traditional Turkish snacks such as simit (sesame bread ring) and dürüm (a rolled wrap) is also essential.
Antalya: This coastal city is also rich in seafood, which is served in a number of restaurants with seafront views. For lovers, Club Arma restaurant with views to the sea is fantastic. The Old Town has many local restaurants serving very tasty Georgian cuisine. Definitely try Piyaz, a chickpea salad that is common in this area.
Cappadocia: This place is special. Topdeck Cave Restaurant is famous for its homely atmosphere and tasty meals prepared in the cave. It is also advisable to visit food markets to taste original Gözleme —a kind of filled crepes—and pottery kebab—meat on a stick cooked on a clay table.

Dining Budget

Dining costs in Turkey can vary widely, depending on the type of restaurant and location. On average, a budget meal in a local restaurant can cost around 50-100 TRY (Turkish Lira), while a mid-range meal for two at a more excellent restaurant might set you back about 200-400 TRY. Street food is a fantastic budget-friendly option, with items like kebabs or simit often costing less than 30 TRY.

For budget-conscious travellers, consider lunch specials or set menus commonly offered in restaurants. Eating at local eateries rather than tourist hotspots can save money while giving you a more authentic dining experience. Tipping in Turkey is customary, usually around 10-15%, so remember to factor that into your dining budget.

Embassy Details for Turkey

The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Pakistan is the official diplomatic mission that handles visa applications, consular services, and assistance for Pakistani citizens traveling to Turkey. The embassy is located in Islamabad, with consulates in Karachi and Lahore. It is important to visit the embassy or consulate for visa applications, legal documentation, or if you need help while traveling in Turkey.

Embassy Address (Islamabad): Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Consulate General (Karachi): Abdullah Haroon Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Consulate General (Lahore): 71-A, H Block, DHA, Lahore, Pakistan.

Before traveling, it’s best to confirm the embassy details and required visa documentation by visiting the embassy website or contacting them directly for updated information.

Driving License in Turkey

If you are planning to drive in Turkey, it’s essential to be aware of the requirements for foreign drivers. Pakistani drivers can use their national driving license for up to three months in Turkey, provided it is in English or accompanied by an official translation. If you plan to stay longer than three months, you may need to apply for a Turkish driving license. Additionally, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP), which can be obtained in Pakistan before traveling.

It’s also advisable to check the road rules and driving conditions in Turkey, especially if you plan to rent a car.

Common Turkish Words for Greetings

Learning a few basic Turkish words for greetings can enhance your travel experience in Turkey. Here are some common Turkish phrases:

Merhaba – Hello
Günaydın – Good Morning
İyi akşamlar – Good Evening
Hoşça kal – Goodbye (when you’re leaving)
Nasılsınız? – How are you? (Formal)
Teşekkür ederim – Thank you
Evet – Yes
Hayır – No
Lütfen – Please
Afedersiniz – Excuse me / Sorry

These basic words will help you communicate better with locals and show respect for their language and culture during your visit to Turkey.

Chargers & Electrical Devices

Turkey uses 230V and 50Hz electricity, and the plug types are Type C and Type F. If your electronic devices have different plug types, you will need to carry a plug adapter. Most modern electronics (like phone chargers, laptops, etc.) work on 230V, but it’s always best to check the voltage of your devices to avoid damage. Power strips with built-in adapters can be very helpful for charging multiple devices at once.

It’s also a good idea to bring your own power bank for portable charging, especially if you plan to explore Turkey’s tourist spots where power sources may not be readily available.

Health Insurance in Turkey

While Turkey has a good healthcare system, it is highly recommended for international travelers, including Pakistani tourists, to have travel health insurance. A solid health insurance plan will cover any medical emergencies, hospital stays, or prescription medications. Ensure your policy includes coverage for medical evacuation if necessary. The Turkish healthcare system provides quality care in major cities, but in case of a medical emergency, it’s crucial to have insurance that will cover the costs. Many travel agencies also offer health insurance packages for tourists visiting Turkey.

Cash & Money Exchange

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While major credit and debit cards are accepted in cities, you should carry some cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas or markets. Pakistani Rupees (PKR) can be exchanged for Turkish Lira at currency exchange offices or banks in Turkey. Currency exchange is also available at airports, but the rates may not be as favorable.

ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas, so you can withdraw Lira directly from your bank account. Always notify your bank before traveling abroad to avoid any issues with your card.

Wifi & SIM in Turkey

Wi-Fi is widely available in Turkey, especially in urban areas, tourist destinations, hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Many places offer free Wi-Fi for customers, so you won’t have trouble staying connected.

For data services, you can purchase a Turkish SIM card at the airport, or from mobile providers such as Vodafone, Turkcell, or Türk Telekom. These SIM cards offer affordable data packages for internet access. To use a Turkish SIM card, make sure your phone is unlocked. You’ll need to present your passport when purchasing a local SIM card, as it’s required for registration.

Why Turkey?

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Turkey at a glance

Visa Regulation

Best Time to Visit

Things to Do

Cuisine & Dining

Currency

Connectivity

Turkey Must-See Attractions

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

The Blue Mosque

Grand Bazaar

Grand Firday Mosque

Visa Requirements and Process

Best Time to Visit Turkey