Turkey brings together Europe and Asia in one country, where ancient ruins, Ottoman architecture, and dramatic coastlines sit alongside lively modern cities.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
You can explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula, atmospheric bazaars, and waterfront districts, then venture to Cappadocia’s rock valleys, the Aegean coast, or the ruins scattered across Anatolia.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your arrival gateway, then connect by domestic flights or long-distance coaches to explore wider Turkey, from beach resorts to high plateaus and historic inland towns.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul’s historic heart
Wander between the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, then pause in shaded courtyards with views over the Bosphorus.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat ride between two continents, passing Ottoman mansions, hilltop palaces, and waterfront neighbourhoods that glow at sunset.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Swim in clear blue bays, sail between small harbours, and discover ancient ruins tucked into pine-covered hillsides along the Mediterranean shore.
Discover Cappadocia’s landscapes
Roam through valleys of sculpted rock, rock-cut churches, and hilltop viewpoints, with sunrise skies dotted by hot-air balloons in season.
Step back in time at ancient sites
Visit classical cities such as Ephesus, Pergamon, or Hierapolis, where theatres, colonnaded streets, and baths reveal Turkey’s layered history.
Soak in thermal waters
Bathe in mineral-rich pools at destinations like Pamukkale, where terraces of white limestone overlook the surrounding plains.
Lose yourself in labyrinthine markets, browsing textiles, ceramics, spices, and metalwork as you experience the country’s trading heritage.
Experience Turkey’s way of life
Getting around
From Istanbul, you can connect to major Turkish cities and coastal regions by domestic flights, intercity buses, or car rental, with well-developed road links between popular destinations.
Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods come alive in the evenings, with residents gathering in parks, seafront promenades, and tea gardens, reflecting a culture that blends tradition, hospitality, and contemporary urban life.
Where to unwind
Relax in seaside towns along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, walk forested trails in national parks, or seek calm in traditional bathhouses and quiet hillside villages.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
You will find kebabs, meze spreads, stuffed vegetables, and rich pastries across the country, with each region adding its own flavour and ingredients.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Istanbul’s streets are lined with casual eateries, bakeries, and contemporary cafes, while other cities offer simple family-run restaurants and modern venues serving both local and international dishes.
Signature & scenic dining
Dine on rooftop terraces overlooking city skylines, choose waterfront restaurants by the Bosphorus, or enjoy atmospheric meals in restored historic houses and stone-carrelled courtyards.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Istanbul and other major cities combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, offering convenient one-stop destinations.
Markets & local crafts
Bazaars in Istanbul, Izmir, and central Anatolian towns showcase textiles, carpets, ceramics, copperware, and leather, often crafted using long-established techniques.
Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets and covered markets stay lively, with illuminated storefronts, late-opening boutiques, and relaxed browsing in pedestrian-friendly districts.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather across much of Turkey, with typical daytime temperatures of 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for city sightseeing and inland exploration. Summer peak season (July to early September) is warm to hot, often 25–35°C (77–95°F) or higher, especially on the coasts, drawing visitors to beaches and outdoor dining. Autumn shoulder season (late September to November) sees comfortable 12–22°C (54–72°F) days, with cooler evenings and fewer crowds. Winters in many regions are a low season, with temperatures that can drop below 10°C (50°F), and colder conditions inland.