Best Travel Apps to Use When Visiting Turkey

Visiting Turkey is an incredible experience, filled with ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture. However, navigating a new country can be challenging, especially if you don't speak the language or aren’t familiar with the area. Thankfully, technology makes traveling much easier, and with the right apps, you can make the most of your journey. Here are the best travel apps to use in Turkey to ensure your trip is smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

1. Google Maps: The Ultimate Navigation Tool

Google Maps is a must-have for navigating Turkey’s cities, towns, and attractions. Whether you’re in bustling Istanbul, exploring Cappadocia, or trying to find your way to a lesser-known beach in Antalya, Google Maps will guide you with reliable directions.

Features:

• Public Transportation Routes: Find bus, tram, and ferry routes, especially useful in cities like Istanbul where public transit is widely used.
• Offline Maps: Download maps for offline use so you can access directions even without internet access.
• Nearby Attractions: Easily locate restaurants, attractions, and landmarks with reviews from other travelers.

Travel Tip: Use the offline map feature to download the area you’re visiting before you head out to save on data costs and ensure you’re never lost.

2. BiTaksi: The Go-To App for Taxis

BiTaksi is an essential app for getting around in cities like Istanbul and Ankara. It connects you to licensed taxis quickly and easily, providing a safer and more reliable option compared to hailing cabs on the street.

Features:

• Cashless Payments: Pay for your ride using a credit card directly through the app or opt for cash payments.
• Real-Time Tracking: Track your taxi in real time, know exactly when it will arrive, and follow your journey on the map.
• Rating System: You can rate drivers and view their ratings before booking, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.

Travel Tip: Use BiTaksi instead of regular taxis to avoid scams or being overcharged. It also allows you to share your ride details with friends or family for added safety.

3. Moovit: Navigate Public Transportation

Moovit is a great app for navigating public transportation in Turkey’s larger cities, such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. With real-time schedules and route information, you can easily figure out the best way to get around using buses, trams, or metro lines.

Features:

• Real-Time Arrival Information: Get live updates on bus or tram arrivals, ensuring you’re not left waiting longer than expected.
• Trip Planner: Enter your destination, and Moovit will provide the best public transportation route options, including walking directions.
• Service Alerts: Receive notifications on any disruptions or delays in the public transit system.

Travel Tip: Save your common routes or favorite locations in the app to quickly access directions when needed.

4. İBB CepTrafik: For Navigating Istanbul Traffic

If you’re planning to rent a car or navigate Istanbul on your own, İBB CepTrafik is a helpful app that provides real-time information on the city’s traffic. It’s designed by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to help residents and tourists navigate the often busy and congested roads.

Features:

• Live Traffic Cameras: View live traffic cameras to gauge how congested certain areas are before you head out.
• Traffic Density Maps: Check which roads are congested and get suggestions for alternate routes to avoid traffic jams.
• Public Parking Information: Locate nearby parking areas with availability information.

Travel Tip: Use this app to plan your drive around Istanbul, especially during peak hours when traffic can be intense.

5. Google Translate: Overcome Language Barriers

The Google Translate app is an invaluable tool for overcoming language barriers in Turkey, especially in areas where English is not widely spoken.

Features:

• Text Translation: Translate text between English and Turkish for easy communication with locals.
• Camera Translation: Use your camera to translate signs, menus, or labels—ideal for navigating restaurants or stores.
• Offline Translation: Download the Turkish language pack before your trip to access translations even when you’re offline.

Travel Tip: Use the conversation feature to have real-time translated conversations with locals, which can be very helpful when asking for directions or recommendations.

6. GetYourGuide: Book Tours and Activities

GetYourGuide is perfect for booking tours, attractions, and activities across Turkey. Whether you want to take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, tour the ancient ruins of Ephesus, or cruise along the Bosphorus, this app helps you find the best options.

Features:

• Skip-the-Line Tickets: Book tickets for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
• Verified Reviews: Read reviews from other travelers to find the best experiences.
• Flexible Booking: Many activities offer free cancellation or rescheduling, giving you the flexibility to adjust your plans.

Travel Tip: Use GetYourGuide to book activities in advance, especially during peak travel seasons when tickets can sell out quickly.

7. XE Currency Converter: Manage Your Budget

XE Currency Converter is a handy app for converting prices from Turkish Lira (TRY) to your home currency. This app is especially useful for managing your budget and understanding how much you’re spending during your trip.

Features:

• Real-Time Exchange Rates: Get the latest exchange rates to ensure you know exactly what you’re spending.
• Offline Access: Save recent rates for offline use, making it easy to convert currency even without internet access.
• Price Comparison: Use the app to calculate and compare prices when shopping for souvenirs, food, or transportation.

Travel Tip: Use XE Currency Converter when shopping in local markets or buying souvenirs to avoid being overcharged.

8. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Apps: Book Domestic Flights

If you’re planning to travel within Turkey, the Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines apps are essential for booking and managing your domestic flights.

Features:

• Flight Booking: Easily search and book domestic flights at competitive rates.
• Check-In and Boarding Pass: Use the app to check in for your flight and download your boarding pass to your phone.
• Flight Status Updates: Receive real-time updates on flight schedules, gate changes, and delays.

Travel Tip: Subscribe to the airlines’ newsletters for notifications about flash sales and discounts, helping you save money on your domestic flights.

9. Yemeksepeti: Order Food Like a Local

Yemeksepeti is Turkey’s most popular food delivery app, allowing you to order from a wide range of restaurants. Whether you’re craving local Turkish dishes or international cuisine, Yemeksepeti makes it easy to have food delivered to your accommodation.

Features:

• Variety of Options: Choose from thousands of restaurants, including local eateries and international chains.
• Order Tracking: Track your order in real time and receive notifications about the status of your delivery.
• Cash or Card Payments: Pay for your order using cash, credit card, or online payment options.

Travel Tip: Use Yemeksepeti when you’re too tired to go out after a long day of sightseeing, or if you want to try local food without leaving your hotel.

10. Sahibinden: Find Rental Cars and Local Services

Sahibinden is a versatile app where you can find rental cars, book local services, and even find vacation rentals. It’s particularly useful if you’re planning a road trip in Turkey or need specific services during your stay.

Features:

• Car Rentals: Easily find rental cars for exploring areas like Cappadocia or the Turkish Riviera.
• Local Listings: Discover local services and rentals, often at more affordable rates compared to traditional agencies.
• Filter Search: Use the filter feature to find exactly what you need, including availability and price.

Travel Tip: Book rental cars well in advance during peak seasons to ensure availability and avoid higher prices.

FAQ: Best Travel Apps to Use in Turkey

Q: Which app is best for navigating public transportation in Turkey?
A: Moovit is a great app for navigating public transportation in Turkey’s major cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara, offering real-time schedules and route planning.

Q: Is it safe to use taxi apps in Turkey?
A: Yes, BiTaksi is a reliable taxi app that connects you with licensed taxis in cities like Istanbul and Ankara, ensuring safe and straightforward rides.

Q: What app should I use to book activities in Turkey?
A: GetYourGuide is an excellent app for booking tours and activities, offering a wide range of experiences with verified reviews and flexible booking options.

Q: How can I manage my budget while traveling in Turkey?
A: Use XE Currency Converter to get real-time exchange rates and convert prices from Turkish Lira (TRY) to your home currency. This will help you manage your spending effectively and avoid overpaying.

Q: What is the best app for finding food in Turkey?
A: Yemeksepeti is the best food delivery app in Turkey, allowing you to browse thousands of restaurants and order local or international cuisine directly to your accommodation.

Q: Are there any good apps for booking domestic flights in Turkey?
A: The Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines apps are perfect for booking and managing domestic flights. They offer easy booking, flight check-in, and real-time status updates.

Conclusion: Best Travel Apps to Use in Turkey

Having the right travel apps can make your visit to Turkey much smoother, more enjoyable, and stress-free. Whether you need navigation assistance, local food recommendations, or a way to book tours, these apps provide essential support for every aspect of your trip.

• Use Google Maps and Moovit for easy navigation, ensuring you never get lost.
• Book taxis safely with BiTaksi and manage traffic with İBB CepTrafik.
• Make dining convenient with Yemeksepeti, or find the best tours with GetYourGuide.
• Stay within your budget with XE Currency Converter, and use Sahibinden for rental cars if you're planning a road trip.

By downloading these essential travel apps, you'll be fully prepared to navigate Turkey like a local, allowing you to focus on enjoying the country’s rich culture, history, and beauty.