Why visit Turkey?
Turkey brings together Europe and Asia in one country, where ancient ruins, layered history, and vivid city life meet sweeping coasts and mountain landscapes.
What to expect
Explore the cultural energy of Istanbul, the surreal terrain of Cappadocia, and coastal towns along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, each offering a distinct pace and style.
Plan your trip
You can use Istanbul as your entry point to Turkey, then connect easily to other regions by domestic flights, buses, or self-drive journeys across the wider region.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Stroll between grand mosques, ancient churches, and former palaces in Sultanahmet, where centuries of empires have left their mark.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Sail between Europe and Asia on a Bosphorus cruise, admiring Ottoman mansions, hilltop fortresses, and the changing skyline.
Discover Cappadocia's cave valleys
Wander through sculpted valleys, rock-cut homes, and underground cities, with the option of viewing the landscape from a sunrise balloon ride.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Head to coastal towns such as Bodrum or Fethiye for clear bays, sheltered coves, and relaxed days by the sea.
Visit the ruins of Ephesus
Walk the marble streets of one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the region, with its grand library facade and theatre.
Unwind in Pamukkale's terraces
See bright white travertine pools stepping down the hillside, with nearby ancient spa ruins adding to the sense of place.
Soak in a traditional hamam
Experience a historic bathhouse, where heated marble rooms and steam create a calming break from city exploring.
Explore the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
Browse covered alleys filled with textiles, ceramics, and fragrant spices, enjoying the atmosphere as much as the shopping.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
From Istanbul, you can reach key regions of Turkey by domestic flights, intercity coaches, or train links, with many travellers combining an internal flight with shorter road trips.
Local life & culture
You will find a strong café culture, busy neighbourhood squares, and a tradition of hospitality, with each region expressing its own character in architecture, music, and daily rhythms.
Where to unwind
Across Turkey, you can relax on beaches, in coastal villages, around lakes, or in spa towns, as well as in city parks and hill viewpoints that look over the water or valleys.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, rich vegetable stews, stuffed pastries, and a wide variety of meze, with regions such as the southeast and the Aegean each offering their own take.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Istanbul and Ankara you can try street snacks, café menus, and contemporary restaurants that blend local flavours with international influences, from waterfront promenades to lively backstreets.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for rooftop terraces with skyline views, Bosphorus-side restaurants, and scenic spots in coastal and inland towns where the setting is as appealing as the menu.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, modern shopping centres combine international labels with local brands, often alongside cinemas and dining, offering everything in one place.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets in Istanbul, Izmir, and cities across Anatolia are good places to look for textiles, ceramics, copperware, and other handmade items that reflect regional styles.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and some markets stay lively, with illuminated storefronts, late-opening boutiques, and a relaxed atmosphere for browsing.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F) in many coastal and city areas, ideal for beach breaks and long evenings outdoors.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October are milder, around 15–25°C (59–77°F), comfortable for city sightseeing and exploring inland regions with fewer crowds.
Low season: November to March is cooler, from about 5–15°C (41–59°F) in western cities, with colder conditions inland, making it quieter but still suitable for cultural visits and city stays.