Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, offering grand historic cities, coastlines, and layered cultures. You find ancient ruins, lively bazaars, and a mix of modern life with deep tradition in one trip.
What to expect
Most trips centre on Istanbul, with its skyline of domes and bridges, then stretch to Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, or the ruins of sites such as Ephesus. You can move from busy city streets to quiet village lanes in a single day.
Plan your trip
Turkey works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys across the region. With Istanbul as a major hub linking Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, you can also use your visit as a springboard to explore further afield.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between grand mosques, museums, and ancient streets in Sultanahmet, where centuries of empire history meet the Bosphorus.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a ferry or cruise to see palaces, wooden mansions, and hillside neighbourhoods lining the strait between two continents.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Travel inland to walk or float past rock formations, carved homes, and valleys that glow at sunrise and sunset.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Head to coastal towns such as Antalya or Fethiye for clear seas, beaches, and boat trips to sheltered bays.
Step back in time at Ephesus
Visit one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, with marble streets, theatres, and grand facades.
Relax in Pamukkale's thermal terraces
Walk beside white travertine pools and warm springs, then explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis above.
Experience Istanbul's neighbourhoods
Stroll through areas such as Beyoğlu, Karaköy, and Kadıköy for galleries, cafes, and views across the Golden Horn.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Istanbul with cities across Turkey, making it easy to combine regions in one trip. Intercity coaches, local buses, and a growing rail network connect major hubs, while ferries and trams help you move smoothly within Istanbul.
Local life & culture
You experience daily life in busy tea houses, neighbourhood squares, and lively streets where people linger late into the evening. Traditional music, handicrafts, and storytelling remain strong, while different regions show distinct styles in architecture, dress, and hospitality.
Where to unwind
Along the coasts, you find beaches, walking trails, and quiet coves for time by the water. Inland, valleys, hot springs, and national parks offer hiking and calm views, giving you many ways to step back from the city pace.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey, grilled meats, fresh breads, meze plates, and vegetable dishes show how simple ingredients can be layered with flavour. Different regions are known for their own styles, from rich stews in the east to olive oil-based dishes along the Aegean.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, you find casual eateries, bakeries, and modern bistros on almost every street. Food culture is social and relaxed, so you can easily sample regional favourites, street snacks, and contemporary twists in the same day.
Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop terraces and waterfront restaurants in Istanbul and coastal towns pair views with carefully prepared menus. In some regions, restored mansions and cave-style spaces offer intimate settings that turn a simple meal into a memorable part of your journey.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir feature large shopping centres with international brands, cinemas, and dining areas. These modern hubs sit alongside smaller streets where local designers and boutique stores showcase contemporary Turkish style.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets remain key places to find textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and other handmade items. Istanbul, Gaziantep, and Konya are known for distinctive crafts, while many smaller towns have weekly markets where regional products and designs stand out.
Evening retail scene
In central districts, shops often stay open into the evening, with lit-up streets creating a relaxed atmosphere for strolling. Some neighbourhoods blend shopping with cafes and dessert stops, so you can combine browsing with unhurried breaks.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather, especially along the coasts, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F), ideal for beach stays and long evenings outdoors.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer mild days of about 15–25°C (59–77°F), comfortable for city walks, cultural visits, and exploring both inland and coastal regions.
Low season: November to March is cooler, with averages from 5–15°C (41–59°F) depending on the region, quieter sights, and a chance of snow in some inland and northern areas.