Turkey offers a rare blend of continents, where rich heritage, coastal beauty, and vibrant city life meet across Europe and Asia.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From Istanbul's historic skyline to the beaches of the Aegean and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, you can explore ancient sites, lively bazaars, and modern neighbourhoods in one trip.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your gateway to Turkey and the wider region, with easy domestic flights and coach links that connect you to coastal resorts, inland spa towns, and cultural heartlands.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between grand mosques, palaces, and museums in Sultanahmet, where centuries of history line the shores of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a leisurely cruise between Europe and Asia to see Istanbul's waterfront mansions, hilltop fortresses, and bridges from the water.
Discover Cappadocia's rock formations
Journey inland to admire otherworldly valleys, cave dwellings, and towering rock chimneys carved by nature and history.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Head to resort towns along the Mediterranean and Aegean seas for clear waters, coastal walks, and bays backed by pine-covered hills.
Uncover ancient cities
Visit archaeological sites such as Ephesus, Pergamon, or Troy to walk along stone streets lined with theatres, temples, and city walls.
Bathe in mineral-rich pools
Soak in thermal waters at spa towns like Pamukkale, where terraced white formations and thermal springs create striking landscapes.
Stroll lively bazaars
Browse colourful stalls in Istanbul's bazaars, where textiles, ceramics, spices, and crafts showcase Turkey's artisanal traditions.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Turkey has an extensive network of domestic flights linking Istanbul with major cities, while intercity coaches and trains connect smaller towns and regions at a relaxed pace.
Local life & culture
You will find a warm, sociable culture where meeting in neighbourhood squares, teahouses, and waterfront promenades is part of daily life in both big cities and small towns.
Where to unwind
Retreat to coastal promenades, lakeside parks, or mountain plateaus, and look for traditional bathhouses and spa hotels that offer quiet corners to slow down.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey, grilled meats, savoury pastries, meze spreads, and rich desserts are staples, with Istanbul and Gaziantep especially known for their diverse culinary heritage.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul's bustling districts and along the coasts, you can move from simple eateries to contemporary restaurants, sampling regional flavours from across Anatolia in one city.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose rooftop terraces with views over Istanbul's skyline, waterfront restaurants along the Bosphorus, or serene vineyard and countryside settings.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, large shopping centres bring together international labels, Turkish designers, cinemas, and dining, often linked by metro and major highways for easy access.
Markets & local crafts
Look for handwoven textiles, ceramics, and metalwork in Istanbul, Ankara, and towns across Central Anatolia, where workshops and markets highlight local craftsmanship.
Evening retail scene
After dark, Istanbul's main shopping streets glow with lights, while neighbourhood lanes fill with late-opening boutiques, cafes, and small vendors.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather, with coastal and city temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F), making it ideal for sightseeing. Summer peak season (July to September) is hot, often 25–35°C (77–95°F) or higher in inland areas, popular for beach holidays. Autumn shoulder season (October to early November) offers cooler days of 12–22°C (54–72°F), with pleasant conditions for both cities and inland landscapes. Winter low season (December to March) can be cool or cold, from 0–10°C (32–50°F) in many regions, with snow likely in central and eastern areas.