Drinking Age in Turkey: Alcohol Laws Tourists Should Know

Before any trip, it’s important to understand local laws that may differ from those at home—especially when it comes to alcohol and the drinking age in Turkey.

The legal drinking age in Turkey is 18. Alcohol is legal and widely available throughout the country, though there are some restrictions on when it can be sold and where it can be consumed.

Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, blending traditional values with modern lifestyles. Because of this, attitudes toward alcohol can vary depending on where you are in the country.

Having lived in Turkey since 2019, I’ve seen firsthand how alcohol fits into everyday life here, especially among younger generations.

In this guide, I’ll explain the drinking laws, alcohol culture, and what tourists should know before ordering their first drink in Turkey.

Quick Facts About Drinking in Turkey

• Legal drinking age in Turkey: 18
• Alcohol is legal and widely available
• Store alcohol sales: 6 am – 10 pm
• Bars and restaurants can serve alcohol later
• Legal BAC limit for drivers: 0.05%

Is Alcohol Legal in Turkey?

Yes, alcohol is legal in Turkey.

Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, Turkey maintains a largely secular legal system where alcohol is permitted and widely available. Visitors will find alcohol served in restaurants, bars, hotels, and nightclubs throughout the country.

According to Statista, alcohol consumption in Turkey has gradually increased since the early 2000s, with a significant rise of about 24% between 2002 and 2007. This trend has continued as Turkish society has become more exposed to global cultures and Western lifestyles.

Alcohol is also much more widely available today, with an increasing number of liquor stores, bars, and restaurants serving alcohol in major cities and tourist destinations.

That said, attitudes toward alcohol can vary depending on the region, and visitors should always remain respectful of local customs and drink responsibly.

Tourists visiting Turkey will find alcohol available in several places.

The most common place to buy alcohol is at tekels, small licensed liquor stores found throughout cities and towns.

Alcohol is also sold at major grocery stores such as Migros and Carrefour, along with many restaurants, bars, and hotels.

In major tourist areas like Istanbul, alcohol is easy to find and widely available.

When Can You Buy Alcohol in Turkey?

Alcohol sales from stores are restricted by law.

Most stores are only allowed to sell alcohol between 6 am and 10 pm. After 10 pm, alcohol cannot be purchased from shops or supermarkets.

However, bars and restaurants can continue serving alcohol later into the night, so this restriction usually doesn’t affect travelers much.

Stores that sell alcohol must hold a government license, and the penalties for selling alcohol to minors can be significant.

Alcohol Prices in Turkey

Alcohol prices in Turkey vary depending on whether you are buying from a store or drinking at a bar. As of 2026:

• Domestic beer typically costs 75–125 TL in stores
• Imported beer ranges from 85 to 195 TL in stores
• Expect prices to be double or more in restaurants and bars

Popular local beers include:

• Efes Pilsen
• Tuborg
• Bomonti
• Ferdericks – my personal favorite

Imported alcohol is available but tends to be more expensive due to high import taxes.

Craft beer has also started to grow in popularity, with breweries such as Gara Guzu and Pablo Bira gaining attention.

Prices change frequently due to inflation and taxes, so these estimates may vary over time.

Drinking Laws in Turkey

While alcohol is legal in Turkey, there are several important laws visitors should know.

Although enforcement of the drinking age can vary, tourists should always follow the official regulations. Getting into legal trouble in a foreign country is never worth the risk.

Here are some of the most important alcohol laws travelers should know.

If you do find yourself in a spot of trouble, reach out to Pelin Ercan, who specializes in working with foreigners.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits

Turkey has strict drinking and driving laws.

The legal BAC limit for private drivers is 0.05%, which means even a single drink could put you over the legal limit.

Police frequently conduct roadside alcohol tests, and penalties for drunk driving can include heavy fines, license suspension, or even jail time.

If you plan to drink, it’s best to use taxis or public transportation.

Public Drinking Laws

Public drinking laws in Turkey can be a little confusing.

Technically, drinking alcohol in public places is restricted, but in reality you will often see people enjoying beer or wine in parks, beaches, and seaside promenades, especially in Kadıköy.

Having a quiet drink during a picnic is usually tolerated, but walking around city streets with open alcohol is generally discouraged.

Public Drunkenness

Public drunkenness is taken much more seriously.

Being loud, disruptive, or intoxicated in public spaces can lead to fines or being detained by police for your own safety.

Visitors should drink responsibly and remain respectful in public areas.

Alcohol in the Car

Another rule many visitors don’t know about involves transporting alcohol in vehicles.

If you are driving, alcohol should be stored in the trunk where it cannot be easily reached by the driver. If police stop your vehicle and see open alcohol within reach, you may receive a fine.

Keeping alcohol stored out of reach helps avoid potential issues during traffic stops.

Turkish Alcohol Culture

Alcohol culture in Turkey is diverse and varies widely depending on the region.

Beer remains the most common alcoholic beverage, but wine and spirits are also widely consumed.

One of the most iconic Turkish drinks is rakı, an anise-flavored spirit often called the country’s unofficial national drink.

Rakı is traditionally enjoyed at a meyhane, a type of restaurant specializing in seafood and small dishes known as meze. It is typically mixed with cold water and ice, which turns the drink milky white.

Turkey also produces a growing number of wines and craft beers, giving visitors plenty of options to explore.

Alcohol, Religion, and Culture in Turkey

Alcohol can be a sensitive subject in Turkey because the majority of the population identifies as Muslim.

Islam traditionally prohibits alcohol consumption, and many Turks choose not to drink for religious or personal reasons.

According to the Turkish Statistical Institute, a large portion of the population has never consumed alcohol.

However, Turkey is a diverse country, and attitudes toward alcohol vary widely between regions and generations.

During Ramadan, some restaurants and bars may limit alcohol service, especially in more conservative areas. In major tourist cities, however, many venues continue serving alcohol as usual.

Visitors should always be respectful of local customs when discussing alcohol.

FAQs About Drinking Age in Turkey

What to Know About the Drinking Age in Turkey

The legal drinking age in Turkey is 18, and alcohol is widely available in most cities and tourist destinations.

Although Turkey has a predominantly Muslim population, alcohol is part of everyday social life in many cities, particularly in tourist destinations.

Visitors should still be mindful of local customs and follow the country’s alcohol laws, especially when it comes to drinking in public or driving.

As long as you drink responsibly and respect local culture, enjoying a drink in Turkey can be a fun part of the travel experience.