Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where ancient civilisations, coastal resorts, and vibrant cities meet. You will find layered history, warm hospitality, and striking landscapes in one journey.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From the bustling streets and skyline of Istanbul to the surreal rock formations of Cappadocia and the turquoise shores of the Aegean, Turkey offers lively bazaars, atmospheric old towns, and calm seaside escapes.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your gateway to explore wider Turkey, with domestic flights reaching coastal hubs and inland regions. Combine culture-rich city days with time in nature to see the country from different angles.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Walk between grand mosques, palaces, and Byzantine landmarks in Istanbul's old quarter, where centuries of architecture line narrow streets and lively squares.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait to see Istanbul's skyline, Ottoman mansions, and waterfront neighbourhoods from the water as Europe and Asia frame each bank.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Wander through valleys filled with rock formations, cave dwellings, and ancient churches carved into stone in the heart of Cappadocia.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Head to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts for clear water, sheltered bays, and relaxed towns set against forested hills and ancient ruins.
Step back in time at Ephesus
Visit the ruins of Ephesus to walk along marble streets, past columns, theatres, and temples that tell the story of a once-thriving ancient city.
Soak in Pamukkale's travertine terraces
See the white calcite terraces and warm pools of Pamukkale, paired with the nearby ruins of Hierapolis set above the valley.
Stroll through traditional bazaars
Browse covered markets in Istanbul and other cities for textiles, ceramics, spices, and local crafts in a lively atmosphere.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights from Istanbul connect you quickly to coastal cities and inland regions, while intercity buses and trains help you reach smaller towns. Within cities, taxis, trams, metros, and ferries make it easy to move between neighbourhoods.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Turkey is social and community-focused, with time spent in neighbourhood cafes, parks, and along waterfront promenades. Each region has its own traditions, from Black Sea villages to Aegean harbour towns and Anatolian cities.
Where to unwind
Relax in coastal resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean, wander leafy parks and hilltop viewpoints in Istanbul, or retreat to cave-style guesthouses in Cappadocia overlooking quiet valleys.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, meze spreads, and syrup-soaked desserts, with Istanbul offering a mix of regional favourites from across the country.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and major cities, you can enjoy casual eateries, contemporary restaurants, and street-side spots serving everything from quick snacks to shared plates, reflecting Anatolian, Aegean, and Black Sea flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Dine on rooftop terraces in Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorus, or choose waterfront and hillside restaurants in coastal towns where views of harbours and bays frame your meal.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul offers large, modern shopping centres and lifestyle complexes, where international brands sit alongside local designers, cinemas, and dining options under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Browse traditional markets in Istanbul and other cities for textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and copperware, with different regions known for carpets, woven goods, and handmade souvenirs.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and some bazaars stay lively, with illuminated storefronts, late-opening boutiques, and relaxed promenades where you can combine browsing with strolls and cafe stops.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey spans several climate zones, but you can think of three broad travel seasons. From June to August (summer, peak season), coastal areas are hot and dry, with temperatures often around 28–32°C (82–90°F), ideal for beach holidays but warm for city sightseeing. April to May and September to October (spring and autumn, shoulder season) bring milder weather of about 18–25°C (64–77°F) in many regions, comfortable for exploring cities, ruins, and inland landscapes. November to March (winter, low season) is cooler, from about 5–12°C (41–54°F) in many cities, with colder conditions and occasional snow in inland and eastern areas.