Why visit Turkey?
Turkey offers a blend of European and Asian influences, where ancient ruins, historic cities, and dramatic coastlines sit side by side. You experience living history in bustling bazaars, seaside resorts, and modern neighbourhoods.
What to expect
You can wander the historic streets of Istanbul, explore Cappadocia's valleys, or relax along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Each region has its own character, from Ottoman-era towns to lively beach cities and quiet countryside.
Plan your trip
Turkey is a convenient starting point for exploring both Europe and the Middle East, with strong transport links across the country. You can combine city stays with coastal escapes or inland adventures, tailoring your route to the pace and style of trip you prefer.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Stroll between grand mosques, palaces, and museums in Sultanahmet, where centuries of history are layered in a walkable area.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait to see Istanbul's skyline, Ottoman mansions, and waterfront neighbourhoods from the water.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Walk or drive through valleys filled with rock formations and cave dwellings, and see panoramic views from hilltop viewpoints.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Swim in clear bays, join boat trips, and explore seaside towns along the Aegean and Mediterranean shores.
Visit the ruins of Ephesus
Wander through one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the region, with impressive streets, theatres, and library façades.
Soak in Pamukkale's terraces
See the white travertine terraces and visit nearby ancient remains, combining natural scenery with archaeological sites.
Experience Istanbul's neighbourhoods
Spend time in areas like Beyoglu, Karakoy, or Kadikoy, where historic streets, galleries, and cafés create a lively local scene.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya, helping you cover long distances quickly. Intercity buses and growing rail links connect towns and regions, while local trams, metro lines, and taxis make city travel straightforward.
Local life & culture
You will notice a relaxed yet energetic rhythm, with people gathering in cafés, teahouses, and squares throughout the day. Historic traditions, handicrafts, and music mix with contemporary art and design, especially in larger cities and coastal hubs.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in coastal resorts, on island day trips, or in hillside villages overlooking the sea. Inland, spa towns, scenic valleys, and wide national park areas offer walks, viewpoints, and quieter stays away from busy streets.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey you find grilled meats, savoury pastries, and vegetable dishes that vary by region. Istanbul brings together flavours from across the country, while coastal towns highlight fresh produce and dishes influenced by the nearby seas.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities, you can eat at simple local eateries, contemporary bistros, and bakeries that stay busy from morning to late evening. Neighbourhood streets and waterfront areas often line up cafés and restaurants, giving you many options within a short walk.
Signature & scenic dining
You can enjoy memorable meals on rooftop terraces, waterside restaurants, and venues with views of city skylines or bays. Some destinations offer refined tasting menus or chef-led kitchens that reinterpret classic dishes in modern settings.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul and other large cities, modern malls bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining. These centres are convenient for picking up fashion, electronics, and everyday essentials in a single stop.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and covered bazaars are known for textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and decorative items, especially in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara. Smaller towns often have weekly markets where you see local produce and simple household goods side by side.
Evening retail scene
In busy districts, many shops and boutiques stay open into the evening, with well-lit streets creating a lively atmosphere. Popular pedestrian avenues combine shopping with street food, cafés, and people-watching after dark.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season
June to August is peak season, especially in coastal areas, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Beach resorts are lively and inland cities can feel hot in the afternoons.
Shoulder season
April to May and September to October form the shoulder season, with milder temperatures of about 18–25°C (64–77°F). These months suit city exploration and combined itineraries across regions.
Low season
November to March is low season, when many coastal resorts are quieter and inland areas can be cool, from 5–12°C (41–54°F). Major cities remain active but bring cooler, sometimes rainy days.