Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, blending ancient history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cities. You can explore grand monuments, seaside towns, and living traditions in one journey.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From the minarets and bazaars of Istanbul to coastal resorts and inland highlands, Turkey offers busy urban energy and quiet rural scenery. Expect warm hospitality, layered history, and lively neighbourhoods day and night.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your main gateway, then connect onwards to beach regions, archaeological sites, and nature escapes across the country. Turkey also works well as a starting point for exploring wider Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Walk between grand squares, palaces, and mosques, and take in sweeping views across the Bosphorus and Golden Horn.
Cruise on the Bosphorus
Sail between two continents and watch waterfront palaces, hilltop neighbourhoods, and bridges drift by from the water.
Step into vibrant bazaars
Lose yourself among lanes filled with textiles, ceramics, spices, and local crafts in Istanbul's historic market districts.
Relax in a traditional hammam
Set aside time in a historic bathhouse to unwind with steam, stone, and soothing water rituals.
Discover Turkey's coastal charm
Plan side trips from Istanbul to reach resort regions known for clear waters, seaside promenades, and relaxed evenings.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
From Istanbul, domestic flights link you quickly with other Turkish cities and coastal regions. Within major cities, you can rely on metro lines, trams, buses, and taxis, while intercity coaches and organised tours help you reach smaller towns and landmarks.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Turkey flows through busy squares, café-lined streets, and neighbourhood parks where people gather to talk and unwind. You will notice strong local pride in history, crafts, and the arts, with a rhythm that balances tradition and modern city living.
Where to unwind
Find calm in Istanbul's waterfront promenades, leafy parks, and viewpoints overlooking the Bosphorus. Across Turkey, coastal resorts, hot spring areas, and countryside retreats offer space to slow down, walk, and enjoy open landscapes.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, rich stews, and sweet treats layered with nuts and syrup, with regional variations between the coast, central plains, and eastern highlands.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul you will find casual eateries, cafés, and contemporary restaurants side by side, serving everything from traditional comfort food to modern plates and international flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Look for rooftop and waterfront restaurants in Istanbul that pair city or strait views with carefully prepared menus, turning a simple meal into a memorable evening.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul offers large shopping centres that bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining, giving you an easy all-in-one retail stop.
Markets & local crafts
In Istanbul and other historic towns you can browse markets for handwoven textiles, copperware, ceramics, and leather goods, often crafted using long-standing techniques.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and some bazaars in major cities stay lively with lit-up storefronts, late-opening boutiques, and food stands that keep the atmosphere energetic into the night.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey spans several climate zones, but you can think of the year in three broad travel seasons. Peak season runs from June to August, when many coastal regions are hot and dry, with typical daytime temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Shoulder season covers April to May and September to October, bringing milder days of roughly 18–25°C (64–77°F), which many travellers find comfortable for both city walks and sightseeing. Low season falls between November and March, when some inland areas can be cold, with averages from 5–12°C (41–54°F), and higher regions may see snow, though coastal cities tend to stay relatively mild and wetter.