What to wear in Turkey: Packing Guide for Turkey trip

I spent 10 days on a family vacation to Turkey exploring 3 distinct parts: Istanbul, Cappadocia and Izmir. This fascinating and vast country is spread across Europe and Asia continents, and does into fit into the classic mould of either. So I did wonder what to wear in Turkey as a women, how to dress in Istanbul and outside the capital city. 

Turkey is still a secular country, but a Muslim majority nation. So different norms apply how to dress in Turkey depending on the area you are visiting (large cities vs rural areas), depending on season, and certain activities like a mosque visit. So, let’s dive into all the travel tips to help you organise your packing list for Turkey.

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How to dress in Istanbul and other big cities in Turkey

Although Turkey is often thought of as a Muslim and conservative country, I saw most young Turkish women in Istanbul, dressed in western clothing. I wore shorts, capris, pants, T-shirts, sleeveless tops, flowing dresses during my Istanbul itinerary, and all of that was perfectly fine. I am told the same is true for other large cities like Ankara, Izmir etc.

For many evenings, I would change into a dress before dinner after a long day spent in shorts / capris and T-shirt / top for sightseeing. A light cardigan or jacket may be required for evenings in Istanbul, if you are visiting in early spring or late autumn season. For city sightseeing, do wear shoes that are most comfortable for walking. There was a lot of walking we did both in the old Sultanahmet area and the more modern areas around Taksim, Beyglou etc.

You can easily make do with my Greece packing list for itemised packing for your Turkey trip, if you are only doing main cities and top attractions on your Turkey trip.

What to wear in Eastern Turkey, smaller towns and rural areas

If you are visiting outside of metropolitan cities, especially in Central and Eastern Turkey, do be mindful of the more modest dressing norms there. Women here would dress in long dresses below the knees, and not show bare arms. This is not to say that you have to cover your head. I did not have to do that anywhere in Turkey except during mosque visits. 

You can choose to wear pants instead of shorts, and a T-shirt instead of a crop top. This would just display local cultural sensitivity and avoid any unwanted attention as a tourist.

Turkey Packing Guide for Mosques

Be it metropolitan cities, or rural areas, there are strict guidelines to be followed by women on what to wear in Turkey as a woman before entering any mosque. 

You must remove your shoes to enter the mosques, so be sure your clothing is comfortable for being barefoot. Women’s legs must be fully covered and their arms must be covered to their elbows. Men may wear shorts but the shorts must touch the top of their knees. Women need to cover their hair completely. I recommend you to carry a large scarf or stole for this.

What to pack for Cappadocia

We visited Turkey in September, when the day temperatures in Cappadocia was moderate and nights a bit chilly. So when visiting Cappadocia, you do need to bring a warm clothing layer for the cool mornings / evenings and then shed the outer layer in the hot afternoons. Even if you visit Cappadocia in summer months, for a hot air balloon experience, you would get up and out quite early in the morning. So an outer layer is a must.

We visited Cappadocia with your 1.5 year daughter, so did not really hike any of the stunning valleys in this region. But if you do plan to hike as part of your Cappadocia itinerary, then all the standard hiking gear need to be packed: hiking pants, sturdy hiking shoes, T-shirt or top, and an outer layer.

Even without hiking, there was a LOT of walking to explore the open-air museums of Zelve and Goreme and the underground city tour, so I was glad that I had put on my comfortable sports shoes. 

How to dress at Turkish Beach Resorts

A stay at the Turkish Riviera for a beach holiday is the perfect and relaxing ending to a cultural tour of Turkey’s highlights. The Turkish Riviera is located along the southwestern coast of Turkey and is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful landscapes.

Mini dresses, denim shorts, short strappy t-shirts, bikinis, swimwear, linen shirts, flip-flops, sandals, everything is acceptable at beach towns and resorts at the Turkish Riviera. But do limit swimwear only by the poolside or the beaches, and not on the main streets in the beach towns. If you are spending an extended time at the beach resorts, here is a complete family beach packing list.

What to pack for Turkey depending on season

During summer months, while the beaches are great, the heat in Istanbul or Cappadocia can be overwhelming.

• You can take your summer clothes – summer dresses, shorts, T-shirts with you, along with flip-flops, sandals, and sneakers.
• Packing cubes are useful for inner wear to keep them separate. See options here for Packing cubes.
• Sunglasses, sun screen, and a cap or hat are important for sun protection.
• A toiletry bag is needed to pack all your toiletries. See some of the options for travel: Toiletry Bag.

Spring or autumn months are the best time to visit this country. Although weather patterns in different parts of Turkey vary, you will mostly need your summer clothing plus a light and a thick outer jacket / sweater, full pants or jeans, and shoes.

Winters are quite harsh, especially in the east and north of Turkey. You need to pack thick clothes, sweaters, sweatshirts, thermal underwear, waterproof shoes, and boots, being prepared for rain, snow, and storm. 

Travel Essentials for Turkey

Passport: Carry your valid passport that has at least 6 months of validity.

Visa: Most nationalities need a visa to enter Turkey. For our trip, we had a valid US visa and that exempted us from taking any separate visa for Turkey. Many countries have eligibility to apply for an e-visa to enter Turkey, single-entry for a maximum stay of 30 days. For some countries, Turkey allows applying for even multiple entry via e-visa process. Visit their official site for e-visa.

Travel insurance: It is best to buy proper travel insurance.for all family members before a trip Turkey. See the insurance products by Visitors Coverage.

Credit cards: Carry your credit cards to be used at all the hotels, hi-end restaurants and for pre-booked tours in Turkey.

Cash: Some cash is needed during your Turkey trip. Especially if you are travelling outside Istanbul to smaller towns in central and eastern Turkey. Do note that due to the volatility of the Turkish Lira, euros is often accepted in Turkey.

Since we are not backpackers and were taking domestic flights across the country, a suitcase with wheels worked best for us. Check out these options for purchase: Suitcase with wheels

A light day pack is good for city sightseeing and day trips. Browse through these options for Light Backpack for the day.

Check out these posts for planning your Turkey trip –

Classic Turkey Itinerary: Places to visit in Turkey: Explore the Classic Turkey Itinerary

See Istanbul Itinerary suggestions and Istanbul Food Tour to explore the capital city

For Cappadocia, do read What to Do in Cappadocia: Highlights in 3 days

Explore the stunning ancient ruins at Ephesus walking tour: Visiting​ the ancient city of Ephesus

If you are looking for sea, sand and beach resorts, check out this post on Turkish beach holidays.

Also, check out Landmarks in Turkey

Visiting Turkey in September? See the Weather, Travel Tips, Best places

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