Turkey bridges Europe and Asia, where ancient ruins, busy bazaars, and stunning coastlines meet contemporary city life. You can experience layered history, varied landscapes, and a warm, welcoming culture in one trip.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From Istanbul's skyline of domes and modern towers to Cappadocia's rock valleys and the turquoise bays of the Aegean, Turkey offers strong contrasts. Expect lively cities, relaxed seaside towns, and historic sites from many eras side by side.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your starting point to connect to the rest of Turkey and beyond. With good domestic links and a range of stays from boutique hotels to resorts, it is easy to shape a trip around history, coast, or countryside.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Walk through the historic quarter of Sultanahmet to see grand architecture, old streets, and museums that tell the story of empires that once ruled from the city.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat trip along the Bosphorus Strait to see palaces, waterfront mansions, and neighbourhoods spread across both Europe and Asia.
Discover Cappadocia's unique landscape
Visit Cappadocia to explore valleys filled with rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and wide plateau views.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Spend time along the Aegean and Mediterranean shores, where you can swim in clear bays, join boat trips, or enjoy easy-going harbour towns.
Step back in time at ancient Ephesus
Walk the streets of Ephesus to see grand theatres, columns, and ruins that bring the ancient world into focus.
Pamukkale's terraces and thermal pools
See Pamukkale's white terraces and thermal waters, where mineral-rich pools create a striking hillside of travertine.
Wander through traditional bazaars
Browse covered markets in cities such as Istanbul and Izmir for textiles, ceramics, spices, and everyday local goods.
Visit the Gallipoli peninsula
Walk the calm headlands and coves of Gallipoli, where memorials and cemeteries mark a significant First World War campaign.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Istanbul with coastal cities and inland hubs, making longer distances quick to cover. Within regions, buses, minibuses, and intercity coaches reach many towns, while trams and metros help you move easily around major cities.
Local life & culture
Street life in Turkey often centres on neighbourhood squares, waterfronts, and shaded tea gardens where people gather and talk. You will notice a mix of long-held traditions and modern habits in daily life, from family-run shops to contemporary galleries.
Where to unwind
You can unwind along quiet stretches of coast, in hillside villages, or in parks and viewpoints above the cities. Traditional bathhouses and spa hotels in many regions offer calm spaces to pause during a busy trip.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, meze plates, and rich desserts, with each region adding its own style. Istanbul, Gaziantep, and the Aegean and southeastern regions are especially noted for their strong culinary traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir you will find relaxed eateries, contemporary bistros, and cafés serving a mix of local and international flavours. Coastal towns offer plenty of simple spots where you can enjoy fresh, generously prepared food in an easy setting.
Signature & scenic dining
Istanbul's rooftop restaurants, Bosphorus-side terraces, and converted historic buildings create memorable settings for a meal. Around the coasts, waterside venues and hillside restaurants offer wide views over bays and harbours.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in one place. Many are linked to metro lines, making them easy to reach from central districts.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and craft streets in Istanbul, Bursa, and Konya are known for textiles, carpets, copperwork, ceramics, and everyday household items. Smaller town bazaars often showcase regional crafts and seasonal produce.
Evening retail scene
In Istanbul and coastal cities, shops and streets often stay open late, with lit façades and people strolling between cafés and stores. Seasonal night markets and waterfront promenades add to the after-dark browsing atmosphere in many resorts.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild to warm weather across much of Turkey, with typical daytime temperatures around 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). It is often a good time for city sightseeing and inland travel before peak summer crowds on the coast. Summer peak season (July to September) is hot, especially along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where daytime temperatures often range from 28 to 35°C (82 to 95°F) or higher, and popular seaside areas are at their busiest. Autumn shoulder season (October to early November) sees cooler, comfortable days of about 14 to 22°C (57 to 72°F) in many regions, with fewer visitors and pleasant conditions for both city breaks and exploring historical sites. Winter low season (late November to March) can be cool and wet in cities like Istanbul, with temperatures from about 5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F), while some inland areas turn cold and snowy, appealing to those interested in winter scenery and ski resorts.