Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe and Asia meet, offering a mix of historic cities, coastal escapes, and highland landscapes. You will find ancient ruins, lively bazaars, and welcoming small towns in one memorable journey.
What to expect
Most visitors start in Istanbul, with its skyline of domes and minarets, then head to the cave hotels of Cappadocia, the Aegean coast, or the Mediterranean Riviera. Inland, you can explore archaeological sites and mountain villages at a gentler pace.
Plan your trip
Turkey works well for short city breaks and longer cross-country itineraries. With Istanbul as a major hub, you can combine it with wider travels across Europe, the Middle East, or Central Asia in a single trip.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul s historic peninsula
Wander between grand mosques, palaces, and museums in Sultanahmet, then pause in leafy courtyards for tea with a view.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a leisurely boat trip between continents, passing Ottoman mansions, hilltop fortresses, and busy waterfront neighbourhoods.
Stay in Cappadocia s cave hotels
Sleep in carved stone suites, then rise early to see hot-air balloons drift over valleys of chimneys and cliffs.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Swim in clear bays, sail between sheltered coves, and stroll through small harbour towns backed by pine-covered hills.
Step back in time at Ephesus
Walk marble streets lined with columns and theatres, imagining life in one of the ancient Mediterranean s great cities.
See Pamukkale s white terraces
Follow walkways past gleaming mineral pools and nearby ruins, where natural springs and history meet on the hillside.
Relax in a traditional hammam
Book a steam, scrub, and massage in a historic bathhouse for a soothing break during your travels.
Hike the Lycian Way
Join a section of this coastal trail to find clifftop views, quiet beaches, and scattered ruins above the sea.
Experience Turkey s way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Istanbul with key regions across Turkey quickly, from the Mediterranean coast to Cappadocia and the east. Intercity coaches, regional trains, and car hire give you flexibility to explore smaller towns and rural areas.
Local life & culture
In Turkey you can linger over tea in pavement cafes, barter gently in covered bazaars, and watch backgammon games in neighbourhood squares. Coastal towns feel laid-back, while inland cities and villages reveal strong local traditions and seasonal rhythms.
Where to unwind
You can unwind on long sandy beaches, shaded waterfront promenades, and quiet islands off the Aegean shore. Inland, high plateaus, lakes, and national parks offer walking trails, viewpoints, and picnic spots away from the crowds.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, filled pastries, hearty stews, and rich breakfast spreads. Istanbul, Gaziantep, and the Black Sea coast each put their own stamp on classic dishes, from spicy plates to lighter seafood.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In major cities you will find cosy lokantas, casual kebab houses, contemporary bistros, and waterfront cafés serving both local and international menus. Neighbourhoods often specialise in certain styles of dining, giving you a different flavour in each district.
Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a rooftop terrace with city views, a waterside restaurant along the Bosphorus, or a courtyard in a historic mansion. In regions like Cappadocia and the coast, many hotels pair regional cooking with dramatic natural backdrops.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul offers large shopping centres with international brands, cinemas, and dining, often linked to major transport routes. Other big cities have modern malls where you can find fashion, electronics, and services in one place.
Markets & local crafts
Covered bazaars and weekly markets are ideal for browsing textiles, ceramics, copperware, and regional specialties. Cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya showcase both traditional craftsmanship and newer design-focused studios.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets in major cities stay lively with lit storefronts, cafés, and dessert shops. In coastal towns, promenades combine small boutiques and souvenir stores with relaxed places to sit and people-watch.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August sees warm to hot weather, especially along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F), ideal for beach stays and late evenings outdoors.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October bring milder conditions of about 15–25°C (59–77°F), comfortable for city sightseeing, hiking, and inland travel with fewer crowds.
Low season: November to March is cooler, with coastal areas around 8–15°C (46–59°F) and some inland regions dropping lower, suited to quieter city visits and cultural trips.