Turkey welcomes you with a blend of Europe and Asia, ancient ruins, bustling bazaars, and dramatic coastlines along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From the historic streets and skyline of Istanbul to Cappadocia's surreal landscapes and the turquoise beaches of the south, Turkey offers layers of history, culture, and nature in every direction.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your gateway to explore Turkey's diverse regions, with domestic flights, coaches, and ferries linking major cities, coastal resorts, and inland heritage sites across the country.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between grand mosques, historic palaces, and spice-scented bazaars while enjoying sweeping views of the Bosphorus.
Sail the Turquoise Coast
Join a coastal cruise or hire a traditional gulet to discover serene bays, ancient ruins, and clear blue waters along Turkey's south-west coastline.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly terrain
Roam among rock-cut churches and valleys, and watch hot-air balloons drift over the fairy chimneys at sunrise.
Step into ancient Ephesus
Walk marble streets lined with grand ruins, including a theatre and library, that reveal the scale of this once-thriving Roman city.
Unwind in Pamukkale's terraces
See the white travertine pools spilling down the hillside and visit nearby ancient Hierapolis for a mix of nature and history.
Stroll along the Bosphorus
Cruise or walk sections of the shoreline to see Ottoman mansions, lively districts, and bridges that connect Europe and Asia.
Relax in a Turkish bath
Experience a traditional hammam with steam, marble interiors, and soothing treatments in historic bathhouses or modern spas.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Turkey has an extensive network of domestic flights linking Istanbul with regional cities, complemented by intercity buses, urban metros, and ferries that make moving between neighbourhoods, coasts, and inland regions straightforward.
Local life & culture
You will find lively neighbourhood squares, tea gardens, and seaside promenades where daily life unfolds, with traditions shaped by Ottoman, Anatolian, and Mediterranean influences across different regions.
Where to unwind
Retreat to coastal resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean, relax in hillside villages, or head to national parks and valleys for scenic walks and fresh air.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, meze spreads, and rich desserts, with each region, from the southeast to the Aegean, adding its own herbs, spices, and cooking styles.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and other major cities you can eat at waterfront cafes, family-run lokantas, and contemporary restaurants, where menus range from traditional Anatolian recipes to global flavours.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy rooftop terraces with skyline views, waterside venues along the Bosphorus or marina fronts, and refined restaurants that pair Turkish ingredients with modern techniques.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul and other large cities, modern shopping centres bring together international labels, Turkish designers, cinemas, and dining, all in climate-controlled comfort.
Markets & local crafts
Browse historic bazaars and neighbourhood markets for textiles, ceramics, copperware, and regional specialties from areas such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean coast.
Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated streets, late-opening malls, and lively market lanes invite you to stroll, shop, and pause at cafes between purchases.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey has varied climates across its regions, but three broad travel seasons stand out. Peak season runs from June to August, when coastal areas are hot and sunny, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F) and busy beaches and resorts. Shoulder season covers April to May and September to October, bringing milder days of about 18–25°C (64–77°F), fewer crowds, and comfortable conditions for city sightseeing and inland travel. Low season is from November to March, when temperatures can drop to 5–12°C (41–54°F) in many cities, some inland areas see snow, and coastal destinations are quieter, though major sights remain open.