Turkey brings together Europe and Asia in one journey, where ancient sites, coastal resorts, and lively cities sit side by side. You experience layered history, warm hospitality, and striking landscapes in a single trip.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From the mosques and bazaars of Istanbul to Cappadocia's rock valleys and the beaches of the Aegean coast, Turkey offers varied experiences. You can explore historic towns, modern galleries, and seaside promenades in one itinerary.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your first base, then add on short domestic flights or intercity buses to reach key regions. Turkey also makes a good gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia for wider regional journeys.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic heart
Wander between landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, then pause in shaded courtyards and leafy parks.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait to see Istanbul's palaces, mansions, and neighbourhoods from the water as Europe and Asia frame the skyline.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly valleys
Walk or ride through rock formations and cave dwellings, and, if you wish, watch dawn break over the landscape from a hot-air balloon.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Head to coastal towns such as Bodrum, Fethiye, or Antalya for clear waters, beaches, and yacht-filled bays backed by hills and ruins.
Step back in time at Ephesus
Visit the ancient city near Selçuk to walk along marble streets and past grand façades that evoke daily life in the classical world.
Bathe in Pamukkale's white terraces
Stroll barefoot along mineral-rich travertine pools that cascade down the hillside beside the ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis.
Shop and stroll in Istanbul's bazaars
Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, browsing textiles, ceramics, and aromatic stalls in covered lanes.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Istanbul with major cities such as Ankara, Izmir, Antalya, and Kayseri, making it easy to cover distance quickly. Intercity coaches, local buses, and short ferry crossings complete most journeys within regions.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres on neighbourhood squares, waterfront promenades, and tea houses where people gather to talk and play games. Each region has its own character, from cosmopolitan Istanbul to the more traditional pace of Anatolian towns and fishing villages along the coast.
Where to unwind
You can relax in landscaped city parks, coastal promenades, and traditional bathhouses, or retreat to quiet valleys and lakes in central and eastern Turkey. Many coastal resorts combine beach time with easy access to walking trails and ancient sites.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Classic dishes such as kebabs, pide, and meze platters are found across the country, with regional twists from Istanbul and the Aegean to southeastern cities. You will notice generous use of fresh vegetables, herbs, and grilled meats.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul, areas such as Karaköy, Kadıköy, and Nişantaşı offer an easy mix of street food spots, cafés, and modern bistros. Other cities and coastal resorts have relaxed eateries along main streets and harbours where you can sample local and international flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Dine at terraces overlooking the Bosphorus or the Golden Horn, or choose cliffside and marina restaurants along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Many venues pair city or sea views with seasonal menus for unhurried evenings.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, large shopping centres bring together international brands, cinemas, and dining in one place, with similar complexes in Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya. They offer convenient, climate-controlled spaces to browse both global and local labels.
Markets & local crafts
Historic bazaars in Istanbul, Izmir's Kemeralti Market, and smaller town markets are known for textiles, copperware, carpets, and ceramics. You can also find regional crafts in Cappadocia and along the Black Sea and Aegean coasts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, main avenues and waterfront districts in Istanbul and other major cities stay lively, with illuminated shopfronts, late-opening boutiques, and bustling side streets. In resort towns, promenades blend evening shopping with cafés and harbour walks.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather across much of Turkey, with average temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F), making it pleasant for city walks and sightseeing. Summer peak season (July to September) is hot, especially along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where temperatures often reach 28–34°C (82–93°F) and the sea is warm for swimming. Autumn shoulder season (October to early November) sees cooler days of about 12–22°C (54–72°F), with clearer skies in many regions and more comfortable conditions for exploring inland areas such as Cappadocia. Winter low season (December to March) can be cool and wet in Istanbul at around 5–10°C (41–50°F), and cold with snow in central and eastern Turkey, while some coastal areas remain relatively mild.