Guidebook Updates for Turkey

When we learn of critical changes to the information in our Istanbul guidebook, we post them here. (Of course, it's still smart to reconfirm critical transportation and sightseeing details locally.) Armed with a Rick Steves guidebook and these late-breaking updates, you're set for a great trip!

Across Turkey

For books printed before April 2027, the following may apply:

  • Turkey's VAT is 10–20 percent depending on the type of good, and the minimum purchase is now 1,000 TL.

Cappadocia

For books printed before November 2024, the following may apply:

  • Ortahisar Castle in Cappadocia is now open daily April–Sept 9:00–20:00, Oct–March 9:00–18:00.

Ephesus

For books printed before November 2024, the following may apply:

Istanbul

For books printed before April 2027, the following may apply:

  • The Istanbul MuseumPass is now easily available online as a QR code to show at any museum covered by the pass. Beware scam sites and unauthorized resellers fraudulently selling the pass — buy only via the official Muze.gov.tr site. Also beware scammers selling fake individual tickets to Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace (unlike the pass, individual tickets are available only in person).
  • At Topkapı Palace, there is no Harem-only ticket. The $50 combo-ticket (currently the only available option) includes the palace, Harem, and nearby Hagia Irene.
  • Pre-paid tickets to the Basilica Cistern (a.k.a. the Underground Cistern) are now available online.
  • The Chora Church has reopened as both a mosque and museum following a years-long restoration effort. The central nave is now part of the functioning mosque, so it is only open to men (but visitors can view its attractions from the doorway). Admission is about $21 (audioguide available for $6). Hours: Sat–Thu 9:00–11:00, Fridays open only for Muslim worship. A strict dress code is being enforced for the entire church, including the museum. Women need to have heads fully covered and men must have shoulders and knees fully covered. Headscarves ($2) and body covers ($4) can be purchased on site. Visitors must now enter the mosque grounds on the north side, from Kariye Türbesi Sokak, and walk around to the mosque-museum's entrance on the south side of the building, passing through security on the way.

For books printed before January 2026, the following may also apply:

  • Tap-to-pay is now accepted on all public transit in Istanbul. The price of each individual ride is higher than when using the İstanbulKart, but only slightly. The İstanbulKart now costs about $4. All rides still cost about $1, except for the Marmaray train to Asia (each ride now about $2).