Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe and Asia meet, offering grand cities, ancient ruins, and dramatic coastlines. You experience layers of history alongside lively neighbourhoods and warm hospitality.
What to expect
From Istanbul on the Bosphorus to Cappadocia and the turquoise Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, each region has its own character. You find historic sites, seaside towns, and modern urban life within a single journey.
Plan your trip
You can start in Istanbul, then connect onward to other regions by air or road. Turkey also works well as a gateway between Europe and the Middle East, letting you combine several countries in one itinerary.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's Old City
Wander the historic peninsula to see grand mosques, palaces, and centuries-old streets overlooking the Bosphorus.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat ride between continents, passing waterside mansions, hilltop forts, and neighbourhoods along the strait.
Discover Cappadocia's landscapes
Travel inland to see otherworldly rock formations and cave dwellings, with sweeping views over valleys and villages.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Head south to seaside towns where clear waters, sheltered bays, and coastal paths invite slow, sunny days.
Step back in time at ancient sites
Visit archaeological sites such as Ephesus, Pergamon, or Troy to see amphitheatres, temples, and old city streets.
Soak in thermal and spa towns
Unwind in regions known for mineral-rich springs and spa hotels set amid rural landscapes.
Stroll lively promenades and squares
Join evening walks along city avenues and coastal promenades lined with cafés, shops, and street musicians.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Turkey has an extensive network of domestic flights linking Istanbul with coastal and inland cities, making long distances easy to cover. Intercity coaches and expanding motorways connect major hubs, while local buses, trams, and taxis help you move within cities.
Local life & culture
Daily life spills onto streets, cafés, and neighbourhood squares, where people gather to talk, trade, and linger over drinks. You will notice a mix of European and Asian influences in architecture, language, and customs, with distinct traditions in each region.
Where to unwind
You can slow down on sandy beaches and sheltered coves along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Inland, valleys, plateaus, and national parks offer hiking, gentle village walks, and scenic viewpoints for sunset and sunrise.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey, you find grilled meats, savoury pastries, and rich vegetable dishes that vary from region to region. Coastal areas lean towards seafood and olive oil-based plates, while inland towns offer hearty comfort food suited to cooler climates.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In big cities, you can eat at simple corner eateries, contemporary bistros, and lively café streets within a short walk. Smaller towns and resorts offer family-run spots and seaside terraces, often with menus that blend local recipes and modern twists.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for rooftop terraces, waterside restaurants, or venues set in historical buildings with city or sea views. In wine-producing regions and rural valleys, countryside restaurants and tasting rooms pair local produce with quiet, scenic settings.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul and other major cities, large malls bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining options under one roof. They are convenient places to shop, meet friends, and escape hot or cold weather.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and neighbourhood shopping streets showcase textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and homeware. Cities and regions across the country have their own specialities, especially in historic centres and artisan quarters.
Evening retail scene
After dark, main avenues and pedestrian streets glow with shopfronts, cafés, and dessert spots that stay open late. In busy seasons, you may also find evening markets and stalls adding to the lively atmosphere.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather across much of Turkey, with coastal areas often around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Beach resorts and major cities are at their busiest, especially during school holidays.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder conditions, typically 18–25°C (64–77°F) in many regions. These months suit city sightseeing and coastal walks, with fewer crowds and more comfortable daytime temperatures.
Low season: November to March is cooler, from about 5–15°C (41–59°F) in many cities, and colder in inland or highland areas. Some coastal resorts are quieter, but urban centres remain active, and this can be a calmer time to explore.