Visiting Turkey on a Budget: An Itinerary for Students
Apply for a Turkish tourist visa online and plan your trip to Turkey on a tight budget. Turkey can be an affordable place to visit for students.
The land of Turks is a large peninsula bridging Europe and Asia. Surrounded by the Aegean Sea, Black Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea on three sides, Turkey has abundant and diverse natural beauty.
Now the question arises as to why Turkey is worth exploring that also on a lean budget. Well, students can delve into the unique fusion of Middle-Eastern and European cultures. From mountains to beaches, Turkey has a spectacular scenic charm that students can explore. They can experience the nature of vibrant cities like Istanbul. Beyond that, they can dive into the vibrant cultural past of Turkey.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism in Turkey was negatively affected. However, since 2021, tourism in Turkey has seen significant recovery. The number of international tourists arriving in Turkey surpassed the previous peak arrivals recorded before the health crisis.
Visiting Turkey on a budget is possible because the country facilitates exploration in such conditions. From budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels one can stay with tight finances without draining their wallet. Meals are relatively cheap in Turkey although very delicious as well as popular worldwide. On top of these, some tourist destinations offer free and discounted entry for students.
If you research Turkey and apply for a Turkish tourist visa online successfully then you can experience a memorable trip.
Planning Your Budget-Friendly Turkish Adventure
Everything begins with minute planning especially when it comes to planning a trip on a tight budget. We have done the legwork.
Setting a Realistic Budget
We know the fact that an expensive or cheap budget is relative. A person from a country with high currency value, and a wealthy background will find Turkey an affordable tourist destination. Whereas, a student with no major income source belongs to a country that has low currency value and can find Turkey a costly place to visit.
Therefore, we have mentioned some realistic digits to help you set a budget based on practicality.
Accommodation: For one person with double occupancy it will cost something around $21.
Local Transportation: You may have to spend around $16.
Food Expenses: To enjoy decent meals keep aside $18 to $20.
Follow the travel hacks we have mentioned below:
- Look for places that offer discounts and budget-friendly accommodations to students.
- Consider utilizing a travel reward credit card.
- Plan to layover instead of boarding on a direct flight.
- Use public transportation.
- Cook your meals and eat street food or buy from small food joints.
- Take free walking tours.
Choosing the Right Time to Travel
Your expenses also depend quite a lot on when you are travelling because timing and seasons matter.
If you book between November and March, you are likely to find cheaper accommodation and flights. It is because these are winter months in Turkey, with cooler and wetter weather conditions. June to September is peak tourist season.
Along with cheap flight tickets and accommodation options, you will be able to get better deals as well in the off-season. Fewer crowds lead to better deals for tourists to sell more.
Budget Travel Tips for Students in Turkey
Buses are a common transport medium in Turkey. Intercity buses are a popular mode to travel across cities on a tight budget. Also, it is easier to find and book bus tickets in advance. You can also travel by trams, metros, and shared taxis.
If you want to fly at cheaper rates then book early and save some extra money. Apply for a Turkish tourist visa online and utilize the scope to save money on the visa. Some Turkish companies offer early bird discounts for people who make reservations ahead of time. You have to stay flexible with dates and timings; you cannot be choosy.
Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank
When it comes to eating on a tight budget without compromising on taste there are several food items which you can try in Turkey. Some of them are, Simit, Borek, Doner Kebab, Gozleme. The list goes on.
- Choose Simit if you want to have bread.
- Choose Borek and Gozleme if you want to have pastry.
- Choose Doner Kebab if you want to have lamb or beef.
Read our Tourist Guide to Best Foods in Turkey
Check out the list of best budget meals in Turkey
- Street food stalls and markets.
- Traditional Turkish restaurants.
- Food courts and restaurants near universities.
- Local cafes and tea houses.
A 7-Day Budget-Friendly Itinerary for Turkey
Suppose you have planned a trip for a week, based on that timeframe we have mentioned some places you should visit and not miss out on.
Day 1-2: Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the most popular and vibrant cities of Turkey which is worldwide famous.
Here you can visit Hagia Sophia which is a cathedral originally built in the 6th century as a Byzantine church. Later, it was turned into a mosque. Visit the Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It has stunning blue tiles and six minarets. Or you can visit the Grand Bazaar which is one the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.
You can take a ferry ride across the Bosphorus where major seas offer routes to numerous countries. The Galata Tower’s exterior and Taksim Square are some free attractions that you can check out. Consider staying in hostels in Taksima and Sultanahmet.
Day 3: Cappadocia
On day 3, travel overnight by bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia to save on accommodation costs which is a smart move. In Cappadocia visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an outdoor museum that showcases cultural and geological heritage. In this museum a student discount is available.
You can also hike through the Love Valley and enjoy the sunrise views from local hilltops. Here cave hostels are budget-friendly.
Day 4-5: Pamukkale and Hierapolis
To reach Pamukkale, travel by a cheap bus or train. Visit the thermal pools and the Hierapolis ruins. This ancient city is known for its thermal pools, ruins, temples and theatres.
The thermal pools are created by mineral-rich hot springs. It is free for students with ISIC cards or discounted entry. You can spend your night at an affordable hostel or a guesthouse.
Day 6: Ephesus and Selçuk
The ancient city of Ephesus is an extremely well-preserved archaeological site. It was an important part of the Roman Empire. You can get a student discount on the entry fee.
You can also go to the charming town of Selcuk located in the Izmir province with a rich history and great natural beauty. At Seluk you will get quite many budget-friendly guesthouses.
Day 7: Izmir or Antalya for Relaxation
In the western part of Turkey, Izmir is a major city which is located on the Aegean coast. It is the 3rd most populated city in Turkey. So if you want to have an urban experience then you can visit this city. Or go to Antalya and experience the beach vibes at an affordable price. Once you are done experiencing the beach and the street, return to Istanbul on an overnight bus or budget flight.
Additional Budget-Friendly Experiences in Turkey
Here are some more free and low-cost activities you can try out in Turkey:
- Hike in Lycian Way or Kackar mountains
- Visit local markets and bazaars
- Attend a free cultural event
- Enjoy the public performances
Apply for Turkish Tourist Visa Online
Getting a Turkish tourist visa online should be your first step after researching and planning your trip to Turkey. Let us see how you can apply for a Turkey evisa for tourists.
- Check the eligibility criteria to obtain a Turkey evisa for tourists.
- Apply from a website that is reputed and has high authority.
- Complete the application form with accurate details.
- Pay the Turkish e-visa fee.
- Wait for approval after applying for the Turkish tourist visa online.
- After approval, you will receive your e-visa on your registered e-mail ID.
- Take a printout of your Turkish tourist e-visa.
- Carry the hard copy during your trip to Turkey.
Apply for a Turkish Tourist Visa Online & Enjoy Your Trip With a Small Budget
Plan your budget-friendly adventure by setting a realistic budget. You should consider spending money on accommodation, transportation, and food carefully by choosing affordable options. Only travel when the flight tickets are cheaper. Turkey is a traveler's paradise, but it can get costly. But you can make the most of a tight budget with a few careful considerations. Start with a Turkey eVisa for tourists, and stay only in student-friendly places. A little will go a long way in taking in Turkey to the fullest.
Check your eligibility for Turkey Visa and apply for Turkey e-Visa 72 hours in advance of your flight. Bahamas citizens, Cypriot citizens and Indian citizens can apply online for Electronic Turkey Visa.