What to Wear in Turkey: Mosques, Seasons and Walking Days

In Turkey, wear what you would wear in any large European city, and carry a scarf. Cities such as Istanbul are relaxed about clothing, beach towns even more so. The one place with a dress code is a mosque: cover your shoulders and knees, and women also cover their hair. Beyond that, dress for the season, and bring good walking shoes, because old towns are full of hills and cobblestones.

What should you wear to a mosque in Turkey?

When you visit a mosque such as the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia, the dress code is simple:

• Cover your shoulders and knees. Long trousers, a long skirt or a dress below the knee work for everyone.
• Women also cover their hair with a scarf.
• Take off your shoes at the entrance. Socks you are happy to walk in make this easy.
• Time your visit between prayers, because mosques close to visitors during the five daily prayers, and Friday noon is the main weekly prayer.

A light scarf in your day bag solves most of it, for covering hair or shoulders.

What to wear in Turkey in each season?

Layers in spring and autumn, light breathable clothes in summer and a warm, waterproof coat in winter.

What about spring and autumn?

These are the favorite seasons for travel. Pack layers: a light sweater or jacket for the evenings and the wind on the Bosphorus, and comfortable shoes for long walking days.

What about summer?

Summer is hot on the coast and in the cities. Choose light, breathable fabrics, a hat and sunglasses. Long, loose trousers or a light skirt keep you cool and are ready for a mosque visit at the same time.

What about winter?

Winter in Istanbul is cool and often wet, and Cappadocia and the east are cold, with snow some years. Bring a warm coat, waterproof shoes and an umbrella. Read Istanbul in winter for what the city is like then.

For the climate month by month, see our guide to the best time to visit Turkey, and we send you the city forecasts before you pack.

Which shoes and clothes for which day?

• Walking days in old towns: flat, comfortable shoes with a good grip. Cobblestones and hills are everywhere.
• Cappadocia valleys: walking shoes and a layer for early mornings, especially on a balloon day.
• The coast and a gulet: swimwear, a cover-up for the harbor towns and sandals. On a boat, pack light, in a soft bag.
• Evenings out: smart casual is welcome everywhere, from a meyhane to a rooftop bar.

Would you like a guide who tells you what to bring for each day? Mosques, valleys and boat days each need different clothes; send us your route and we will tell you what to pack. Start with a tailor-made trip or our Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque tour.