From the gorgeous turquoise coastline to the ancient ruins of the Roman period, Türkiye has everything that one loves about a European getaway but with slashed prices, all thanks to the Turkish lira's depreciating value. Given that the lira's value has been forecasted to dip even further against the US dollar this year, there's no better time than now for keen Indian travellers to take advantage of the favourable conversion rates. Add to that the increase in the number of low-cost carriers flying to Istanbul, ample options for budget stays, affordable street food, and a thriving network of public transport systems, and you've struck gold. So, without further ado, get planning your dreamy holiday to the country of fables and beauty with our budget hacks.
Begin in the atmospheric city of Istanbul, home to many grand remains of the Byzantine Empire such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace. In addition, go souvenir-shopping from one of the 4,000 shops in Grand Bazaar, hop on a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, and unwind at the 16th-century Kılıç Ali Paa Hamam. From Istanbul, you can go on to explore other popular destinations across Türkiye such as Cappadocia and Antalya, as round-trip flights to these places are cheap and cost approximately INR 6,000 if booked in advance. For sightseeing, buy the MuseumPass Türkiye, available on muze.gov.tr, which gives you access to almost 300 museums across the country for INR 14,784.
Indian travellers can apply for an e-visa on evisa.gov.tr only if they have a valid Schengen, UK, Ireland, or US visa. Others must apply through an authorised agent or at the embassy with supporting documents to obtain a sticker visa. The e-visa costs approximately INR 3,718, and the sticker visa costs INR 17,635 (excluding appointment fees).
The official currency used in Türkiye is the lira. As per current conversion rates, INR 1 equals TRY 0.39. Even though debit and credit cards are widely accepted, use cash to avoid forex markups.
Istanbul Airport is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Depending on the airline, non-stop return flights typically cost between INR 41,000 and INR 58,000.
A centrally located four-star hotel in Istanbul would cost approximately INR 5,000 per night—Stay Inn in Taksim Square is a good option. You can also consider private rooms or dorms in hostels. A few top-rated hostels close to the centre are Cheers Hostel, Archeo Hostel, The Local, and Jumba Hostel. Meanwhile, BnBs are more affordable in destinations like Cappadocia, Bodrum, and Antalya.
Türkiye offers an extensive and affordable public transport network. Buses and trains are economical options for inter-city travel, although they take longer. Kamil Koç buses are popular, with tickets available for pre-booking online. Train tickets can be booked at tcdd.gov.tr/en. Domestic flights are cheaper for shorter travel times, with low-cost carriers like Pegasus available. In cities, the metro, tram, and bus are ideal for getting around, and the IstanbulKart provides access to all modes of transport. The card costs INR 1,808 and can be topped up as needed, with approximately INR 1,289 lasting a week.
Street food is your best bet when in Türkiye if you want to save money. A typical day of eating out and enjoying popular delicacies, such as simit, borek and midye dolma would cost approximately INR 515.
Türkiye offers a treasure trove of souvenirs. From beautiful Turkish rugs (small ones averaging INR 4,000-8,000) to sweet treats like lokum (around INR 400-800 per kilo), there's something for everyone. Don't forget to pick up an evil eye charm (INR 500-1,000) for good luck, and remember to bargain in the bazaars for the best deals.
The optimal time to visit Türkiye is based on your preferences. April, May, September, and October offer pleasant temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, ideal for exploring the country's ancient wonders. Summer (June to September) brings scorching heat, which is perfect for beach relaxation but uncomfortable for site visits. From late October temperatures cool down, with November to March being colder, prompting coastal hotel closures.