Turkey offers a rare blend of Europe and Asia, where ancient civilisations, dramatic coastlines, and lively bazaars meet in one endlessly fascinating country.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
You can explore historic Istanbul, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and the turquoise bays of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, each with distinct character and pace.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your entry point to Turkey, then connect by domestic flights, coaches, or self-drive to reach smaller cities, coastal resorts, and inland heritage sites across the region.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Stroll between icons such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, then pause in leafy courtyards and traditional tea gardens.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Sail between Europe and Asia on a Bosphorus cruise, passing waterfront palaces, fortresses, and neighbourhoods that show Istanbul's rhythm from the water.
Journey to Cappadocia
Discover Cappadocia's rock-cut settlements, cave hotels, and valleys shaped by volcanic stone, with sweeping views from hilltop lookouts.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Head to coastal towns such as Bodrum, Fethiye, or Antalya to swim in clear bays, join boat trips, and wander atmospheric old quarters by the sea.
Walk through ancient ruins at Ephesus
Step into the past among marble streets, theatres, and libraries at Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean's most impressive archaeological sites.
Bathe in Pamukkale's terraces
See the white travertine pools of Pamukkale and the nearby ruins of Hierapolis, where mineral-rich waters have shaped the landscape over centuries.
Discover Anatolian towns
Visit inland towns such as Konya, Safranbolu, or Gaziantep to experience local architecture, crafts, and traditional urban life.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
From Istanbul, domestic flights link major Turkish cities efficiently, while intercity coaches and trains connect smaller towns, coastal resorts, and inland regions for a flexible journey.
Local life & culture
In Turkey you will find café-lined streets, bustling neighbourhood markets, and strong traditions of hospitality, with each region expressing its own style in music, crafts, and social life.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in seaside promenades, village guesthouses, and thermal spa towns, or take gentle walks through forests, valleys, and coastal trails across the country.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, rich stews, and meze spreads, with Istanbul, Gaziantep, and the Aegean and Black Sea regions each adding their own specialities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and other large cities you will find street stalls, traditional lokantas, and contemporary bistros side by side, offering everything from quick bites to relaxed meals with friends.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy rooftop terraces overlooking the Bosphorus, waterside restaurants along coastal promenades, and hillside venues in Cappadocia with wide open views.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul features large modern malls and lifestyle centres with international brands and local designers, while cities like Ankara and Izmir offer similar contemporary retail districts.
Markets & local crafts
Explore Istanbul's covered bazaars, Izmir's historic alleys, and towns in Central and Eastern Anatolia for textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and other regional crafts.
Evening retail scene
After dark, Istanbul's shopping streets, waterfront promenades, and neighbourhood markets stay lively, with many areas combining late-opening shops, cafés, and street vendors.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey has varied climates, but three broad travel periods help guide planning. Peak season runs from June to August, when coastal and many inland destinations are warm to hot, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and busy beaches and attractions. Shoulder season spans April to May and September to October, bringing milder weather of roughly 15–25°C (59–77°F), fewer crowds, and generally pleasant conditions for city exploring and sightseeing. Low season is from November to March, when many coastal areas are cooler and quieter, with typical temperatures from 5–15°C (41–59°F), while some inland regions can experience colder conditions and occasional snow.