Turkey offers a rich blend of ancient history, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes, from bustling bazaars to tranquil coastal towns. You experience a meeting point of cultures between Europe and Asia in every journey.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From the historic streets and skyline of Istanbul to coastal resorts and inland heritage sites, Turkey balances old-world charm with modern city life. You can explore grand monuments, neighbourhoods, and scenic shores in a single trip.
Plan your trip
Turkey is an ideal gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and the Caucasus, with Istanbul as a natural hub for onward connections. Allow time to explore the city itself before extending your journey across the country or region.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander through Istanbul's historic core, where grand architecture, museums, and centuries-old streets sit close to the waterfront.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a relaxing cruise between continents on the Bosphorus, passing palaces, historic fortresses, and lively neighbourhoods on both shores.
Discover hilltop viewpoints and cityscapes
Climb to one of Istanbul's many viewpoints to see the city's domes, bridges, and waterways spread out below you.
Stroll through historic bazaars
Lose yourself in covered bazaars and side streets, where stalls are filled with textiles, crafts, and everyday wares.
Unwind by the Marmara and Golden Horn
Walk along the waterfront promenades by the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn for sunset views and a sense of local life.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Istanbul is well connected by metro, tram, buses, and ferries, making it easy to move between key districts and sights. For journeys beyond the city, Turkey offers domestic flights, coach networks, and intercity trains linking major regions.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Turkey blends neighbourhood cafés, lively streets, and strong community ties, especially in Istanbul's distinct districts. You will notice a mix of European and Asian influences in architecture, language, and social customs.
Where to unwind
In Istanbul, you can relax in leafy parks, along waterside promenades, or in traditional bathhouses for a slow afternoon. Coastal areas and countryside retreats across Turkey offer quiet beaches, rolling hills, and fresh air when you are ready to leave the city behind.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, and meze, with Istanbul bringing together regional favourites from across the country. Each area adds its own touch to shared classics, from the coasts to inland towns.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul, you find street-side eateries, modern bistros, and cafés side by side, serving both traditional flavours and contemporary takes. Neighbourhoods on both the European and Asian sides offer relaxed spots for any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
Many restaurants in Istanbul make the most of rooftop terraces or waterfront settings, pairing local dishes with sweeping views. You can choose from intimate historic venues or sleek contemporary spaces for a memorable evening.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul offers large modern shopping centres and lifestyle complexes, where you find international labels alongside Turkish designers. These hubs often combine retail with dining, cinemas, and leisure spaces.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and small independent shops across Istanbul showcase textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and homewares. Other Turkish cities also have local bazaars where artisans sell handmade goods reflecting regional styles.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, Istanbul's main shopping streets and promenades stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and late-opening boutiques. Cafés and eateries nearby make it easy to combine browsing with a relaxed night out.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild temperatures of around 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for city walks and sightseeing. Summer peak season (July to August) is warmer, typically 25–30°C (77–86°F) or higher in some regions, drawing more visitors to cities and coasts. Autumn shoulder season (September to November) offers comfortable 12–22°C (54–72°F) days, with fewer crowds and pleasant conditions for both urban and coastal travel. Winter low season (December to March) can be cool to cold, especially inland, with averages around 5–10°C (41–50°F) in many cities.