Turkey brings together Europe and Asia, where ancient cities, Mediterranean coasts, and mountain landscapes meet vibrant modern life. You can explore layers of history while enjoying warm hospitality and lively neighbourhoods.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From the minarets and markets of Istanbul to seaside resorts and inland highlands, Turkey offers atmospheric old towns, UNESCO-listed ruins, and busy waterfront promenades. Expect a mix of historic monuments, contemporary museums, and relaxed café culture.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your gateway into Turkey and beyond, with domestic links to coastal hubs and central Anatolia. Plan time to wander historic quarters, take a cruise along the Bosphorus, and then extend your journey to the country’s beaches or interior.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula
Stroll past grand mosques, palaces, and museums in Istanbul’s old city, where iconic domes, courtyards, and ancient streets sit side by side.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a leisurely boat trip between Europe and Asia, passing ornate waterfront mansions, hilltop fortresses, and lively neighbourhoods along the strait.
Discover Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes
Head inland to wander valleys filled with rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and panoramic viewpoints over the plateau.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Relax in coastal towns framed by pine-covered hills, clear water, and sheltered bays ideal for swimming and sailing.
Walk through ancient ruins at Ephesus
Roam one of the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical cities, with column-lined streets, theatres, and grand facades.
Visit Pamukkale’s terraces
See white mineral terraces cascading down a hillside, and explore the nearby ruins of the ancient city that once overlooked them.
Shop and wander in Istanbul’s bazaars
Lose yourself in covered markets and nearby streets filled with textiles, ceramics, and traditional wares alongside modern boutiques.
Experience Turkey’s way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights connect Istanbul with major cities and resorts across Turkey, making it easy to cover long distances. Within cities, use trams, metros, buses, and readily available taxis or ride-hailing services to move between neighbourhoods, waterfronts, and historic sights.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Turkey unfolds in lively squares, waterfront promenades, and neighbourhood cafés where people linger and socialise. You will notice a blend of European and Asian influences in architecture, music, arts, and traditional crafts, especially in districts overlooking the Bosphorus.
Where to unwind
Across Turkey, you can slow down in coastal towns, hilltop viewpoints, and urban parks overlooking waterways and skylines. Traditional bathhouses, seaside promenades, and quiet valleys in the interior offer relaxed settings to pause between days of sightseeing.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for rich grills, savoury pastries, and shared plates of salads and vegetable dishes, with each region adding its own style. Istanbul brings together flavours from across the country, while coastal areas highlight fresh produce and lighter preparations.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and larger cities, you will find simple eateries, family-run spots, and modern restaurants lining busy streets and waterfronts. Dining areas range from lively market quarters to contemporary districts where you can try both traditional recipes and updated interpretations.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant with views over the Bosphorus, a rooftop terrace in a historic district, or a quiet garden courtyard. Many places pair local flavours with impressive city or coastal scenery, turning dinner into a relaxed evening experience.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul hosts large shopping centres and lifestyle complexes where you will find international brands, cinemas, and dining all in one place. These modern malls sit alongside central shopping streets lined with boutiques and department stores.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional bazaars and neighbourhood markets showcase textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and other crafts, especially in Istanbul and key regional cities. Look for stalls and small workshops where artisans continue long-established techniques in a contemporary setting.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets and waterfront promenades in Istanbul come alive with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening stores. In busy areas, you will find boutiques, small stalls, and cafés side by side, creating a relaxed, energetic atmosphere for an evening stroll.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey has a mix of coastal and inland climates, with distinct seasons. Peak season runs from June to August, when coastal areas such as Istanbul and the Aegean and Mediterranean shores are warm to hot, averaging around 25–30°C (77–86°F), and higher inland. Shoulder season spans April to May and September to October, bringing milder conditions of about 15–25°C (59–77°F), pleasant for city walking and visiting historic sites. Low season is typically November to March, when coastal cities can be cool and rainy, averaging 5–15°C (41–59°F), and some inland regions experience colder temperatures and occasional snow.