Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, offering a blend of ancient civilisations, atmospheric old towns, and dramatic coasts, all wrapped in warm, welcoming hospitality.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
You can explore the vibrant streets and historic icons of Istanbul, discover archaeological sites scattered across the country, and relax in seaside resorts or rugged mountain landscapes.
Use Istanbul as your gateway to wider Turkey, with onward links by air, road, and sea to regions such as Cappadocia, the Aegean coast, the Turquoise Coast, and the Black Sea.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between landmark mosques, palaces, and ancient cisterns, then pause in leafy courtyards and rooftop terraces overlooking the Bosphorus.
Sail the Turquoise Coast
Join a traditional gulet cruise to swim in clear bays, visit small harbours, and watch sunsets from the deck of your boat.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly valleys
Walk among rock formations and cave dwellings, with the option to admire the landscape from a hot air balloon at sunrise.
Uncover ancient Ephesus
Stroll through marble streets, towering columns, and theatres in one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved classical cities.
Relax in coastal resort towns
Spend lazy days on beaches, stroll marinas lined with cafes, and enjoy boat trips to nearby islands and hidden coves.
Visit Pamukkale's terraces
Walk barefoot on white mineral terraces shaped by thermal springs and explore the nearby ruins of Hierapolis.
Experience the Bosphorus by boat
Cruise between continents, passing waterfront palaces, wooden mansions, and lively neighbourhoods hugging the shoreline.
Roam Anatolian towns and bazaars
Explore cobbled streets, traditional houses, and local markets where daily life unfolds at a gentler pace.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
From Istanbul, you can connect to major Turkish cities by domestic flights, intercity coaches, and an expanding rail network, while local buses, trams, and ferries help you move easily within urban areas.
Local life & culture
You will find street life centred on neighbourhood squares, tea gardens, and waterfront promenades, with a mix of contemporary arts, traditional crafts, and strong regional identities between east and west.
Where to unwind
Relax in coastal resorts, lakeside towns, and mountain villages, or spend time in green city parks and scenic viewpoints looking over the Bosphorus or Anatolian plains.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey, you will encounter grilled meats, meze spreads, baked pastries, and rich desserts, with Istanbul, Gaziantep, and the Aegean region each known for distinct culinary traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and other large cities, you can enjoy neighbourhood eateries, contemporary bistros, and waterfront cafes that serve both classic Turkish flavours and global cuisines.
Signature & scenic dining
Seek out rooftop terraces with skyline views, Bosphorus-front restaurants, and atmospheric historic settings for memorable meals that showcase the country’s sense of place.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul offers large modern malls and lifestyle centres with international brands, cinemas, and dining, while cities such as Ankara and Izmir also feature extensive shopping complexes.
Markets & local crafts
Explore traditional markets and bazaars in Istanbul, Konya, and eastern Anatolian towns for textiles, ceramics, copperware, and other handmade crafts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, lively pedestrian streets and illuminated shopping districts in Istanbul and resort towns stay open late, with boutiques, small shops, and stalls adding to the night-time atmosphere.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild temperatures of around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in much of Turkey, with blooming landscapes and comfortable sightseeing conditions. Summer peak season (July to September) is warm to hot, with many coastal areas reaching 25–35°C (77–95°F), popular for beach holidays and island-hopping. Autumn shoulder to low season (October to November) usually offers 10–20°C (50–68°F) in many regions, fewer crowds, and clearer skies, though eastern and inland areas can cool rapidly as winter approaches.