Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, blending ancient civilisations, layered history, and coastal beauty. You can wander atmospheric old towns, relax on sunlit shores, and explore vibrant modern cities.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From Istanbul’s grand mosques and bustling bazaars to Cappadocia’s sculpted valleys and the turquoise shores of the Aegean, Turkey offers striking contrasts. Expect lively street life, layered architecture, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Plan your trip
Base yourself in Istanbul to explore iconic landmarks, then connect onwards to coastal resorts or inland regions. Turkey also serves as a gateway between Europe and the Middle East, ideal for multi-stop journeys.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula
Stroll between landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, discovering centuries of Ottoman and Byzantine history in one compact area.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Sail between continents on a Bosphorus cruise, passing waterfront palaces, hillside neighbourhoods, and iconic bridges that link Europe and Asia.
Discover Cappadocia’s dreamlike landscapes
Walk or tour through valleys of rock formations and cave dwellings, and, if you wish, rise early to watch or join hot-air balloons drifting over the terrain.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Head to coastal towns such as Antalya, Bodrum, or Fethiye for beaches, clear waters, and a mix of ancient ruins and modern seaside life.
Step back in time at Ephesus
Wander through remarkably preserved streets, theatres, and libraries at Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s most impressive ancient cities near modern-day Izmir.
Pamukkale’s terraces and thermal waters
See the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis, where mineral-rich pools cascade down the hillside.
Bazaars and neighbourhood walks in Istanbul
Browse traditional shops in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, then explore characterful districts such as Karaköy, Balat, and Kadıköy on foot.
Visit Gallipoli and the Dardanelles
Take a reflective journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula, exploring memorials, coastal scenery, and the narrow strait that has shaped regional history.
Experience Turkey’s way of life
Getting around
Turkey has a wide network of domestic flights linking Istanbul with cities such as Izmir, Antalya, and Kayseri, ideal for covering long distances quickly. Intercity buses and trains connect major towns, while local trams, metros, and taxis help you move easily within cities.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Turkey revolves around neighbourhood squares, tea gardens, and lively streets where people gather to talk and trade. You will notice strong regional identities, from the energetic pace of Istanbul to more relaxed rhythms along the Aegean and Black Sea coasts.
Where to unwind
You can unwind in traditional bathhouses, coastal promenades, or green city parks such as Istanbul’s Gülhane Park. Further afield, tranquil mountain villages, lakes, and coastal trails offer quiet escapes in nature.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, rich stews, fresh salads, and layered pastries, with each region offering its own twist. Istanbul brings flavours from across the country together, while Gaziantep, the Aegean, and the southeast are especially celebrated for local specialities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find casual eateries and modern bistros in Istanbul’s Karaköy, Beyoğlu, and Kadıköy districts, as well as waterfront strips in cities like Izmir and Antalya. Street-side cafés and bakeries make it easy to grab a quick bite between sights.
Signature & scenic dining
In Istanbul, rooftop terraces and waterfront restaurants offer city or Bosphorus views, especially beautiful at sunset. Around the coast, harbourside taverns let you dine by the water, with views of marinas, coves, or historic skylines.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, large malls and lifestyle centres combine international brands with local designers, cinemas, and dining. Other major cities such as Ankara and Izmir also feature modern shopping complexes with fashion, electronics, and homeware.
Markets & local crafts
Historic bazaars in Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya are known for textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and copperware. Smaller town markets across Anatolia showcase handmade crafts, regional produce, and everyday goods used by local communities.
Evening retail scene
After dark, Istanbul’s main shopping streets and some bazaars remain lively with illuminated storefronts and late-opening cafés. In coastal cities, seafront promenades and old-town alleys offer relaxed evening browsing in boutiques and souvenir shops.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild to warm weather across much of Turkey, with temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and blooming landscapes, ideal for sightseeing in Istanbul and inland regions. Summer peak season (July to September) is hot, especially along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, where temperatures can reach 28–35°C (82–95°F), drawing beach travellers and cruise visitors. Autumn shoulder season (October to November) cools to roughly 12–22°C (54–72°F), creating comfortable conditions for city breaks and exploring historic sites with fewer crowds. Winter low season (December to March) is cooler, with coastal areas around 5–15°C (41–59°F) and some inland regions dropping below freezing, offering quieter cities and snowy mountain landscapes.