Darker cells are stronger weather or travel-fit months. The second row is crowd pressure.
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Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
When is the best time to go?
Start with April, May, June, September & October. Choose July & August only with a written reason.
Is this a good honeymoon pick?
Romance score 86/100 sits next to crowd 74/100 — read both.
How crowded does it get?
On red months, empty midday or change region.
What should I budget per day?
Use bands in TRY. Mid is the baseline. Not a live fare.
Do I need a visa?
E-visa or visa-on-arrival is common — still apply before you fly.
How many days do I need?
Countries breathe at 7–12 days, honeymoon islands at 5–8. Continents: pick one region.
The table starts at kebap.
A short phrase (merhaba) is the door to etiquette.
Food
- kebap — kebap is a coordinate on the Turkey table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- meze — meze is a coordinate on the Turkey table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- pide — pide is a coordinate on the Turkey table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- baklava — baklava is a coordinate on the Turkey table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- kahvalti breakfast — kahvalti breakfast is a coordinate on the Turkey table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
Etiquette
- Greeting — merhaba — hello
- Sacred sites — Cover shoulders and knees; read no-photo signs before the caption.
- Tipping — Tipping customs differ; read whether service is already on the bill.
- Queues — Skipping a queue is not a time save; it is a scene you cannot unshoot.
Festival notes
- tulip / spring Istanbul — tulip / spring Istanbul lands in April — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Hidirellez — Hidirellez lands in May — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Republic Day travel — Republic Day travel lands in October — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Istanbul winter culture — Istanbul winter culture lands in December — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
Phrases
- merhaba — merhaba: hello. Timing beats accent.
- lira — lira: local currency swings. Timing beats accent.
- hamam — hamam: bath house. Timing beats accent.
- dolmus — dolmus: shared minibus. Timing beats accent.
Culture is a speed, not a checklist. Slow is more accurate.
When to goPlacesHow to travelCultureCostHoneymoon notesToday