How Does Alcohol Rules Work in Turkey?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Europe/Asia
1The Quick Answer
Drinking age is 18. Alcohol is widely available in tourist areas. Some restrictions apply near mosques and during Ramadan. Raki is the national drink.
2What You Need to Know
Turkey is a secular country with a legal alcohol culture, though this is increasingly politically sensitive. The drinking age is 18. Alcohol is sold at supermarkets, liquor stores (tekel bayii), restaurants, and bars. Restrictions: alcohol cannot be sold within 100 meters of a mosque or school, between midnight and 6am at retail outlets, and during certain religious/national occasions. In conservative and eastern areas of Turkey, alcohol may be harder to find. In tourist resort areas and Istanbul, alcohol is widely available. Raki (anise spirit) is the national drink and central to Turkish dining culture.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Raki is drunk mixed with water (it turns white) and is paired with meze — a cultural dining experience
- 2Efes is Turkey's main local beer — available everywhere in tourist areas
- 3In conservative towns and eastern Turkey, seek out licensed restaurants for alcohol rather than street stalls
- 4Supermarkets stop selling alcohol at midnight — plan evening purchases accordingly
- 5During national election days, alcohol sales are sometimes banned for 24 hours
Important Warning
Turkey's restrictions on alcohol are gradually tightening under the current government. Some areas near religious sites have strict no-alcohol zones. Respect local customs in conservative communities.
How does this compare?
Alcohol Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drinking age is 20. Alcohol is sold in convenience stores 24/7. Drinking in public is legal. Drunk driving has zero tolerance.
Alcohol is only legal at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. Drinking in public is illegal. Legal age is 21. Ramadan has extra restrictions.
Drinking age is 20. Alcohol cannot be sold during election day or Buddhist holidays. Standard hours are 11am–2pm and 5pm–midnight at most venues.
Traveling to Turkey?
You might also need:
More About Turkey
Tipping is expected in Turkey. 10–15% at restaurants, 10–20 TRY for taxis. Always tip in cash directly to the person.
Updated 2025-01
Istanbul has metro, tram, funicular, and ferries. Use an Istanbulkart. Other cities have buses and minibuses (dolmuş). Agree on taxi fares in advance.
Updated 2025-01
Turkey has good private hospitals in cities. Travel insurance is essential. State hospitals are cheap but quality varies. English is spoken at private clinics.
Updated 2025-01
Insulting the President or Turkish identity is a criminal offense. Drug laws are strict. Respect mosques. Buying/exporting antiques without documentation is illegal.
Updated 2025-01
Police: 155. Ambulance: 112. Fire: 110. Tourist Police: 527 4503 (Istanbul). Gendarmerie (rural): 156.
Updated 2025-01
Dress modestly at mosques — head covering required for women, no shorts. Beach and resort areas are relaxed. Istanbul is cosmopolitan; smaller towns are more conservative.
Updated 2025-01
🍺 See Alcohol Rules rules in all countries
Compare all countries →