Turkey sits where Europe and Asia meet, blending ancient history, seafront resorts, and dynamic modern cities. You can explore layered civilisations, striking landscapes, and warm hospitality in one journey.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From Istanbul's mosques and bazaars to Aegean beach towns and the surreal valleys of Cappadocia, Turkey offers vibrant neighbourhoods, heritage sites, and coastal escapes linked by a well-developed domestic network.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your main gateway, with onward flights and buses to coastal regions and inland highlights. Combine city discovery with day trips or short domestic hops to see more of the country in one visit.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between grand monuments, museums, and photogenic streets around Sultanahmet and the Golden Horn.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat trip between continents and watch palaces, hilltop neighbourhoods, and city skylines glide past on both shores.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Roam valleys carved into soft rock, visit rock-cut churches, and consider an early-morning hot air balloon flight for sweeping views.
Visit the ruins of Ephesus
Walk marble streets, theatres, and temples at one of the most impressive ancient cities in the region, near the town of Selçuk.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Relax in seaside towns like Bodrum, Fethiye, or Kaş, where bays, coves, and boat trips showcase clear blue water and rugged hills.
Soak in Pamukkale's terraces
See white travertine pools cascading down the hillside and explore the nearby ancient site of Hierapolis.
Experience Istanbul's Asian side
Cross the water to neighbourhoods such as Kadıköy and Üsküdar for lively markets, waterfront promenades, and local cafés.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Istanbul is Turkey's main hub, with frequent domestic flights to coastal and inland cities, plus intercity buses and some rail links. Within major cities, you can rely on metros, trams, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services to move between districts.
Local life & culture
Daily life centres on neighbourhood squares, waterfront promenades, and pavement cafés where people linger over tea and conversation. Traditions from Anatolian towns sit alongside a contemporary arts, music, and design scene in cities like Istanbul and Izmir.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in coastal resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean, relax in traditional bathhouses, or escape to lakes, forests, and highland plateaus. In Istanbul, leafy parks and hilltop viewpoints offer quieter corners away from busy streets.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, meze spreads, and rich sweets, with regional variations from the southeast to the Aegean. Istanbul brings these influences together, while cities like Gaziantep and Antakya are celebrated for bold flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Istanbul and other large cities, you will find casual eateries, street snacks, and modern bistros on almost every corner. Food streets, waterfront districts, and lively neighbourhoods make it easy to sample classic favourites and contemporary takes in one evening.
Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop terraces, Bosphorus-side restaurants, and restored mansions provide memorable settings for a meal. In coastal regions, seafood and sunset views often go hand in hand, while vineyard visits inland add another dimension to a culinary-focused trip.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul hosts large shopping centres that combine international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining. Similar modern malls can be found in major regional cities, often linked to public transport and open late into the evening.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional bazaars and neighbourhood markets offer textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and other crafts. Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara each have areas where you can browse handmade pieces and regional products to bring home.
Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets stay busy with brightly lit storefronts, cafés, and dessert stops. In Istanbul, both the historic centre and modern districts keep an energetic atmosphere well into the night.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey has varied climates, but three broad patterns can help you plan. From June to August (peak season), coastal and many inland areas are warm to hot, averaging around 25–32°C (77–90°F), with beach resorts at their liveliest. April to May and September to October (shoulder season) bring milder temperatures of roughly 15–24°C (59–75°F), ideal for city sightseeing and exploring ancient sites with fewer crowds. November to March (low season) is cooler at about 5–12°C (41–54°F) in many cities, with colder conditions and possible snow in some inland regions, while parts of the south coast remain relatively mild but quieter.