Complete Travel Guide to Turkey for Pakistani Tourists

Turkey is one of the most popular travel destinations for Pakistanis. From historic mosques and beautiful beaches to delicious food and friendly people, it offers a complete experience for every kind of traveler. In this Complete Travel Guide to Turkey for Pakistani tourists, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip — including visa steps, places to visit, food to try, and tips to travel smartly.

🛂 Visa Requirements for Pakistani Tourists

Pakistani citizens need a visa to enter Turkey. Luckily, the process is simple if you apply for an e-Visa online.

📌 How to Apply for an e-Visa

• Visit the official Turkish e-visa website: www.evisa.gov.tr
• Choose Pakistan as your nationality
• Fill out the form with your passport and travel details
• Pay the visa fee using a credit or debit card
• Download and print your e-Visa — it usually arrives within 24 hours

Note: You must have a valid visa or residence permit from the US, UK, Ireland, or Schengen countries to apply for a Turkish e-visa.

If you don’t meet that requirement, you must apply through the Turkish Embassy in Pakistan.

📑 Required Documents

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
• Passport-size photo
• Confirmed return ticket
• Hotel booking
• Bank statement or proof of funds
• Travel insurance

💵 Visa Fee and Processing Time

• E-visa: around $60 USD
• Embassy visa: varies, takes 1–3 weeks
• Always apply early to avoid delays

🛫 Flights from Pakistan to Turkey

✈️ Where to Fly From

Major Pakistani cities like Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi offer flights to Turkey.

🚀 Airlines to Choose

• Turkish Airlines – Direct flights to Istanbul
• PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) – Also offers direct flights
• Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad – With short layovers

💰 Flight Cost Tips

• Round trip tickets usually cost PKR 160,000 – 250,000 (economy)
• Book 3–6 weeks in advance for better rates
• Use comparison sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights

Let me know if you’d like me to continue with the next sections:

• Top Cities to Visit in Turkey
• Where to Stay
• Turkish Food to Try
• And more…

🏙️ Top Cities to Visit in Turkey

Turkey is full of beautiful cities. Each one has something special to offer. Whether you like history, nature, or shopping, there’s a city for you.

Here are the top cities recommended in this travel guide to Turkey for Pakistani tourists:

🕌 Istanbul – Where East Meets West

Istanbul is the most famous city in Turkey. It is the only city in the world that lies on two continents — Asia and Europe.

Things to do in Istanbul:

• Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
• Take a ferry ride on the Bosphorus Strait
• Explore the Grand Bazaar for shopping
• Try street food like simit, doner kebab, and baklava

Istanbul has a strong Islamic history, so Pakistani tourists will feel at home.

🎈 Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloons and Fairy Chimneys

Cappadocia is like a dream. The landscape is full of unique rock shapes, called fairy chimneys.

Top things to do in Cappadocia:

• Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise
• Stay in a cave hotel
• Hike through the valleys
• Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum

It’s a great place for couples, photographers, and adventure lovers.

🏖️ Antalya – Beaches and Resorts

If you love the beach, you’ll love Antalya. It’s a coastal city with blue water, clean beaches, and sunny weather.

Best things to see in Antalya:

• Relax on Konyaaltı Beach
• Walk through the old town called Kaleiçi
• Visit Düden Waterfalls
• Take a day trip to Pamukkale (cotton castle)

Antalya is perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.

🕌 Bursa – History and Spiritual Vibes

Bursa is an important city in Islamic and Ottoman history. It’s less crowded than Istanbul but full of culture.

Highlights of Bursa:

• Visit the Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii)
• Enjoy a Turkish bath (Hammam)
• Shop for silk and spices in local markets
• Ride the cable car to Mount Uludağ

It’s a peaceful and spiritual place, ideal for family trips.

🏨 Where to Stay in Turkey

Choosing the right place to stay is very important, especially if it’s your first time traveling.

Best Areas for Tourists

• Istanbul: Sultanahmet (for history) or Taksim (for shopping and nightlife)
• Cappadocia: Göreme for cave hotels
• Antalya: Lara Beach for resorts, Kaleiçi for culture
• Bursa: Osmangazi for budget hotels and mosques

Hotel Options for Pakistani Tourists

• Budget: Hostels, guesthouses (PKR 3,000–5,000 per night)
• Mid-range: 3–4 star hotels (PKR 6,000–10,000 per night)
• Luxury: Resorts, boutique hotels (PKR 15,000+ per night)

Most hotels offer halal food and are friendly to Muslim tourists.

Would you like me to continue with the next sections?

• Turkish Food Pakistani Tourists Will Love
• Currency & Budgeting Tips
• Shopping in Turkey
• Cultural Tips
• and so on…

🍽️ Turkish Food Pakistani Tourists Will Love

One of the best parts of traveling to Turkey is trying the delicious local food. Turkish food is full of flavor and is often halal, which makes it ideal for Pakistani tourists.

Here are some dishes you must try, as recommended in this travel guide to Turkey for Pakistani tourists:

🍢 Must-Try Turkish Dishes:

• Doner Kebab – Thin slices of meat served in bread or wraps
• Kofta (Köfte) – Turkish-style meatballs, juicy and flavorful
• Menemen – Turkish scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers
• Baklava – A sweet pastry with honey and pistachios
• Lahmacun – Turkish flatbread with minced meat topping
• Pide – Turkish pizza in a boat shape

🥗 Halal Food Availability:

• Most restaurants in Turkey serve halal food
• You can always ask by saying: “Bu helal mi?” (Is this halal?)
• Istanbul and Bursa have many halal-certified restaurants

☕ Drinks and Desserts:

• Turkish tea (çay) – Served everywhere, even in shops
• Turkish coffee – Strong and served in small cups
• Lokum (Turkish delight) – Colorful, sweet, and soft

Turkish food feels close to home for Pakistanis — flavorful, satisfying, and full of variety.

💱 Currency and Budgeting Tips

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY). It’s cheaper than the Euro or Dollar, which is great for Pakistani tourists.

💰 Currency Exchange

• 1 Turkish Lira = around 10–12 Pakistani Rupees (rates vary)
• Exchange small amounts at the airport, but better rates are found in city exchange offices
• You can also withdraw cash using a debit card, but check fees first

📊 Budget Guide

Here’s a basic daily budget (in PKR):

Tips to save money:

• Use public transport instead of taxis
• Eat at local diners (Lokantas)
• Visit free or low-entry museums and mosques

🛍️ Shopping in Turkey

Turkey is known for quality goods, affordable prices, and beautiful markets. Shopping is a big part of the experience.

👜 What to Buy:

• Turkish Delight and Spices
• Handmade carpets and rugs
• Evil eye souvenirs (Nazar)
• Gold jewelry and silverware
• Clothing and leather goods

🏬 Best Shopping Spots:

• Grand Bazaar (Istanbul) – One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world
• Spice Bazaar (Istanbul) – Great for gifts and food items
• Taksim Street – Modern shops, local brands, and boutiques
• Local markets in Antalya and Bursa – Affordable and authentic

💡 Shopping Tips:

• Bargaining is common, especially in bazaars
• Cash is preferred in small shops
• Some tourists can claim tax refunds for large purchases (ask the shop).

🕌 Cultural Tips and Do’s & Don’ts for Pakistani Tourists

Turkey has a rich culture with a mix of Eastern and Western influences. While the people are friendly and welcoming, it’s important to respect local customs.

✅ Do’s

• Dress modestly when visiting mosques
• Remove your shoes before entering mosques
• Use polite greetings – “Merhaba” means hello
• Respect prayer times in religious areas
• Ask before taking photos of people or in religious places

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t speak loudly in public transport or religious places
• Avoid public displays of affection
• Don’t litter or disrespect historical sites
• Avoid discussing politics or religion in public

Turkish culture shares many values with Pakistani culture, so you’ll feel comfortable and familiar.

📱 Internet, SIM Cards, and Staying Connected

Staying connected is easy in Turkey. You can buy a local SIM card or use free Wi-Fi available in most hotels and restaurants.

📶 Buying a SIM Card

• Top providers: Turkcell, Vodafone, Türk Telekom
• Tourist SIM packages include data, calls, and texts
• Cost: Around TRY 300–400 (PKR 3,000–4,000) for 20–30GB

🌐 Free Wi-Fi

• Most hotels, cafés, and airports offer free Wi-Fi
• Internet speed is good in big cities
• Always use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi for security

Use apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, XE Currency, and HalalTrip to make travel easier.

✈️ Travel Tips and Best Time to Visit Turkey

🕰️ Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April to June) – Mild weather, flowers blooming
• Autumn (September to November) – Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
• Summer (July and August) – Great for beach trips but very hot
• Winter (December to February) – Snow in Cappadocia and Uludağ (for skiing)

🧭 General Travel Tips

• Buy a transport card in Istanbul (Istanbulkart)
• Learn basic Turkish words – it helps in local areas
• Keep your passport and cash safe – use a neck wallet or belt pouch
• Download offline maps before going to remote areas

🧠 Final Thoughts on the Travel Guide to Turkey for Pakistani Tourists

Turkey is a beautiful country filled with history, nature, and warm people. It’s easy to travel, affordable, and Muslim-friendly — making it one of the top choices for Pakistani travelers.

With this complete travel guide to Turkey for Pakistani tourists, you now have everything you need to plan your trip with ease — from visas to food, from sightseeing to shopping.

So pack your bags, apply for your visa, and get ready to explore Turkey.

If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, don’t miss our guide to the 10 best places to visit in Pakistan.