Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, offering a blend of ancient heritage, coastal beauty, and lively modern cities. You experience historic streets, elegant mosques, and seaside promenades in a single journey.
What to expect
From Istanbul and its iconic skyline to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the turquoise waters of the Aegean, Turkey feels diverse yet easy to navigate. Each region offers its own pace, scenery, and architectural style.
Plan your trip
You can start in Istanbul, then connect onwards to coastal resorts or inland historical towns. Turkey also works well as a gateway to wider Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, with good air, road, and sea links.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between grand landmarks, leafy squares, and old neighbourhoods where past and present sit side by side.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a boat ride to see palaces, bridges, and hillside districts from the water as the city stretches between continents.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Explore valleys and rock formations shaped by nature, and visit underground settlements carved into the earth.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Swim in clear coves, join boat trips, and stroll through relaxed harbour towns along the Aegean and Mediterranean shores.
Step back in time at ancient ruins
Walk through theatres, agoras, and temples at classical sites scattered along Turkey's western and southern coasts.
Soak in thermal and spa towns
Visit regions known for mineral-rich springs and calming landscapes made for slow, restorative days.
Experience Istanbul's arts and museum scene
Browse galleries and museums that showcase everything from archaeological treasures to contemporary design.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Istanbul with major cities and holiday regions across Turkey, making it easy to cover longer distances. Intercity coaches and modern highways then connect coastal resorts, inland towns, and rural areas.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres on neighbourhood streets, local cafés, and waterfront promenades where people gather to talk, stroll, and watch the city go by. In both big cities and small towns, you find a strong sense of hospitality and community.
Where to unwind
You can relax in coastal resorts with long promenades, quiet bays, and scenic viewpoints over the sea. Inland, gentle valleys, national parks, and unique rock landscapes offer peaceful walks and open skies.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey, grills, slow-cooked stews, and dough-based dishes are brought together with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. Different regions add their own twist, from hearty inland flavours to lighter coastal influences.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and other major cities, you can move easily between traditional eateries, casual cafés, and modern restaurants. Streetside spots, waterside terraces, and lively neighbourhoods serve an array of flavours from across Turkey.
Signature & scenic dining
You find memorable dining on rooftop terraces, beside the Bosphorus, and along harbours with open views. Many venues pair city or sea panoramas with thoughtful menus and a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Istanbul and other big cities combine international labels with local brands, cinemas, and dining spots. They offer a comfortable, climate-controlled break between sightseeing stops.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional bazaars and local markets showcase textiles, ceramics, copperware, and decorative pieces, especially in cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya. Smaller towns often have weekly markets where regional products and crafts stand out.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, main shopping streets and central districts stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and late-opening shops. In some cities, neighbourhood markets and pedestrian zones add a relaxed, social feel to night-time browsing.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August, when coastal areas are warm to hot, often around 25–32°C (77–90°F), and cities can feel hotter during the day.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with pleasant days around 18–25°C (64–77°F), ideal for both sightseeing and coastal walks.
Low season: November to March, when coastal regions are milder at around 8–15°C (46–59°F), and some inland areas can be colder with occasional snow.