10 things you shouldn’t do when you’re in Turkey but probably do
Turkey is an incredibly popular holiday destination. Also among the Dutch; last year, more than 1.3 million Dutch people visited the country! No surprise, because the hospitable people, Turkish cuisine, amazing Istanbul (tips for a city trip!) and beautiful beaches (such as Antalya on the Turkish Riviera) are the perfect ingredients for a successful holiday. Want to blend in with the locals a little and avoid being seen as yet another clumsy tourist? Here are 10 things you’d better not do.
Tourist in Turkey? Don’t do this
Turkey is a paradise for lovers of food and drink, with beautiful beaches and a wonderful culture, but it helps to take local customs into account. The tips below will set you on your way.
1. Thinking döner in Turkey is the same as in the Netherlands
“Where’s my garlic sauce? And why don’t I get a side of fries?” Because you’re in Turkey! Here you get döner the way it was meant to be: fresh, flavourful and without half a litre of sauce to hide the taste. Döner is taken very seriously in Turkey. This is also clear from the trip to the European Union—Turkey wants to safeguard the authenticity of its döner and thus ensure that snack bars and restaurants deviating from the traditional preparation method can no longer use the name döner.
No ketchup on your döner
So show this wonderful dish a little respect. Please… please!—no dollop of ketchup on this Turkish masterpiece. Want to experiment? Ask for acı sos (spicy sauce) or some sumac for extra flavour.
2. Downing raki as shots
Raki, Turkey’s national drink, is not tequila and certainly not vodka. It’s an (ahem) elegant drink that you’re meant to sip slowly, preferably accompanied by mezze and good conversation. But no, some tourists think they have to set the Bosphorus on fire by downing a glass of raki as if it were a free shot at an all-you-can-drink resort (been there, done that, forever shame). Want an authentic experience? Mix it with water, drink slowly and toast with a heartfelt şerefe!
3. Eating baklava with a knife and fork
Baklava is a heritage of the Ottoman palace kitchens. A symphony of crisp filo pastry, pistachios (or walnuts) and honey. Personally, I think this is an unbelievably delicious treat. I put it straight into my mouth in one go, as it should be. So don’t grab a knife and fork as if you’re about to cut a meatball. You simply pick up baklava with your hands and let that sweet honey slide between your fingers.
4. Expecting everyone to speak English
No, the average market vendor in a small village in Anatolia does not speak English. And no, speaking louder won’t help. Learning a few basic Turkish words such as ‘teşekkür ederim’ (thank you) or ‘merhaba’ (hello) works wonders. And if you really want to impress: learn how to say ‘how much does this cost?’ Even though there’s a good chance you’ll still end up in a serious bargaining conversation.
5. Not bargaining (or worse: being too enthusiastic or doing it in the wrong place)
Speaking of bargaining… in Turkey, it’s almost an art form. Or at least an expression of cultural expression. But some tourists take it too seriously and try to haggle over a bottle of water as if their life depended on it. On the other hand, there are also people who simply pay the asking price without question. Tip: a little bargaining is normal and even expected, but do it with a smile and keep it friendly.
Bargaining in restaurants
And, well… bargaining in restaurants—yes, I’ve genuinely experienced this—is also a no-go. As mentioned, bargaining is normal in Turkey, but not in a restaurant! “Can’t I get that kebab for half price?” No, you can’t.
6. Staying at your all-inclusive resort
Yes, the buffet is endless and yes, unlimited cocktails sound like a dream. But if you don’t get any further than the pool (and no, don’t put your towel on your sun lounger at the crack of dawn!) and the beach bar, you’re missing out on the real Turkish experience. Get out and explore! Since this year, Turkey has no fewer than 22 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Try a local restaurant (but do read point 10 below first and thank us later), visit a bazaar or get lost in an old neighbourhood. Chances are you’ll make your best memories there.
The best restaurants according to Michelin
And do you want to visit one of the best restaurants in Turkey? The 2024 Michelin Guide includes 32 restaurants in Istanbul, Izmir and Muğla.
7. Complaining about coffee grounds in your Turkish coffee
The culture and tradition of drinking Turkish coffee was declared intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013. But don’t expect an Italian-style experience; Turkish coffee is not espresso and certainly not an Americano. It’s a ritual. You take small sips of the strong coffee—which, just like in Italy, is served with a glass of water to neutralise the taste in your mouth—and you don’t drink it all; you don’t stir the coffee grounds into your coffee but leave them at the bottom.
Reading the coffee grounds
And yet you always see tourists take a sip and then look puzzled at the sediment on the bottom. “Yuck! What is this?!” That, dear tourist, is the coffee grounds, and you’re not supposed to drink them. In fact, you can have your future told from them—but not if you accidentally slurp them up like muddy water. Reading coffee grounds? No need when you’ve got facts like these on your radar before you leave.
8. Not tipping (or tipping excessively)
In many Western countries, a generous tip is standard, but in Turkey it isn’t compulsory. Of course, a tip is appreciated, but tipping 20% is excessive, while giving nothing at all is inappropriate. The best approach? Round up the amount a little and leave something between 5–10% if you were satisfied. And no, that doesn’t mean throwing a few coins on the table as if you’re making a wish in a fountain.
9. Going to a mosque or other religious building dressed like Bianca Censori
You don’t have to show up in a burqa, but if you’re visiting a mosque, a crop top and micro-shorts aren’t the best choice. Don’t let Bianca Censori influence you; bring at least a scarf or something that covers you up, and you won’t get stern looks (or a friendly but clear refusal at the entrance).
10. Not knowing what’s on the menu
Ah, there’s nothing better than trying the local cuisine on holiday! But beware: not every dish is suitable for a sensitive Dutch stomach. No, with some Turkish dishes, you really want to know what they mean… To help you get started: you might want to avoid these ten Turkish delicacies…
Good preparation is half the battle
In short: skip the ketchup, don’t try to haggle over a plate of kebab, learn a few Turkish words and take it easy with that raki! Have a great holiday!
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