Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, where ancient empires, coastal landscapes, and lively cities come together. You can explore layered history, creative modern districts, and seaside towns on a single trip.
What to expect
You will find contrasts between the grand mosques and bazaars of Istanbul, the rock formations of Cappadocia, and the turquoise shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Inland cities reveal quieter neighbourhoods, archaeological sites, and relaxed café culture.
Plan your trip
You can combine a city break in Istanbul with time in smaller coastal or inland regions, thanks to extensive domestic links. Turkey also works well as a gateway to nearby European and Middle Eastern destinations, giving you many itinerary options on either side of your stay.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between grand landmarks, atmospheric streets, and the waterfront to feel Istanbul's layered history up close.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a boat trip between continents and watch palaces, forts, and neighbourhoods drift by on both European and Asian shores.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Head to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts for sheltered bays, clear waters, and relaxed harbour towns.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Walk or drive through valleys of unusual rock formations and hilltop viewpoints dotted with traditional villages.
Step back in time at ancient sites
Visit preserved theatres, streets, and ruins from classical and earlier eras across western and southern Turkey.
Stroll through lively bazaars
Browse textiles, ceramics, and spices in covered markets and local shopping streets filled with independent traders.
Relax in traditional bathhouses
Experience historic bath culture in restored hammams, combining warm marble interiors with soothing rituals of rest.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
You can connect from Istanbul to many Turkish cities on frequent domestic flights, ideal for covering long distances quickly. For shorter routes, intercity coaches, private transfers, and hire cars provide flexible options across popular coastal and inland regions.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres around neighbourhood cafés, squares, and waterfronts where people gather to talk and linger. You will notice differences in pace between Istanbul's busy districts, relaxed resort towns, and more traditional inland cities.
Where to unwind
Along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, seaside promenades and sheltered bays give you plenty of space to slow down. Inland, you can unwind on scenic walks, at viewpoints, or in quiet villages surrounded by fields and rolling hills.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Signature dishes vary by region, with hearty grills and savoury pastries in many cities, and vegetable-focused plates along the coasts. Istanbul brings together flavours from all over the country, while central regions often lean towards robust, warming recipes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul, you can move between simple cafés, meyhanes, and contemporary restaurants in a single evening. Coastal cities balance laid-back spots near the water with newer venues that rework traditional flavours in lighter, modern ways.
Signature & scenic dining
You will find memorable meals on rooftop terraces overlooking skylines and waterways, especially in Istanbul. Around the coasts, harbourside restaurants and hilltop viewpoints offer long, unhurried dinners with wide open views.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, large malls and mixed-use centres bring together international labels, Turkish brands, and dining in one place. Other major cities also have modern shopping complexes with cinemas, supermarkets, and family-friendly facilities.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and bazaars remain key places to find textiles, jewellery, and hand-painted ceramics. Cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Bursa are known for workshops and stalls offering regional crafts and speciality goods.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, central shopping streets in Istanbul and other cities stay lively with open-front boutiques and cafés. Some neighbourhoods add a festive feel with illuminated façades and extended hours, encouraging you to browse after dark.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings hot, dry weather, especially along the coasts, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Beach resorts are busy and days are long and sunny.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder conditions, around 18–25°C (64–77°F), ideal for city sightseeing and exploring historic sites with fewer crowds.
Low season: November to March is cooler, with many regions seeing 5–12°C (41–54°F), and some inland areas dropping lower. Coastal areas are quieter, and you may encounter rain or occasional snow inland.