Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, blending ancient civilisations with modern city life. You will find historic ruins, coastal retreats, and lively bazaars within a short journey of each other.
What to expect
First-time visitors often start in Istanbul, with its skyline of domes and minarets and a dynamic café culture. Further afield, Cappadocia, the Turquoise Coast, and the Aegean and Black Sea regions all offer distinct landscapes and ways of life.
Plan your trip
You can combine city discovery in Istanbul with coastal stays or inland adventures on a single itinerary. Turkey also works well as a gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, making it easy to build a wider regional journey.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between grand monuments, museums, and waterfront promenades where the Bosphorus meets the Golden Horn.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a scenic cruise to see palaces, hillside neighbourhoods, and bridges linking Europe and Asia from the water.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Walk or drive through valleys of rock formations and cave dwellings carved into soft volcanic stone.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Swim, sail, or relax on beaches framed by pine-covered hills and clear blue bays.
Step back in time at ancient sites
Visit well-preserved theatres, temples, and streets at archaeological sites scattered across the country.
Soak in traditional bathhouses
Experience a classic hammam, where heated rooms and marble interiors create a soothing retreat from the city.
Stroll vibrant bazaars and streets
Browse textiles, ceramics, and spices in lively market districts and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Istanbul with major cities and resort areas across Turkey quickly and efficiently. Intercity coaches, regional buses, and growing rail connections make it straightforward to reach smaller towns and inland regions.
Local life & culture
Daily life moves between busy streets, waterfronts, and neighbourhood squares where people gather to talk and relax. You will see influences from Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia reflected in architecture, design, music, and social traditions.
Where to unwind
Along the coasts you can find quiet coves, walking trails, and harbourfront promenades ideal for a gentle pace. Inland, valleys, plateaus, and spa towns offer fresh air, open views, and natural springs for a slower, restorative stay.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey you will encounter grilled meats, meze spreads, stuffed vegetables, and rich pastry-based desserts. Coastal regions add fresh seafood, while inland areas lean towards hearty, slow-cooked dishes and oven-baked specialities.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and other large cities, you will find everything from simple local eateries to sleek contemporary cafés and bistros. Street-side spots, family-run kitchens, and modern restaurants all showcase regional styles and seasonal ingredients.
Signature & scenic dining
Waterside terraces along the Bosphorus and coastal promenades set the scene for long, unhurried meals with wide views. In historic districts, restored townhouses and courtyards offer atmospheric settings that make dinner feel like part of the sightseeing.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, large shopping centres bring together international brands, homegrown labels, cinemas, and dining options under one roof. Similar complexes in major regional cities provide convenient, all-weather places to spend an afternoon.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional bazaars and neighbourhood markets showcase carpets, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork produced in different regions. Cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya are good bases for finding both everyday items and handmade keepsakes.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central districts in Istanbul and resort towns stay lively with illuminated shopfronts and open-late boutiques. Pedestrian streets and waterfront areas invite you to combine browsing with an evening stroll.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather across much of Turkey, with coastal areas often around 25–32°C (77–90°F). Beach resorts are at their busiest and popular sights see the highest visitor numbers.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October usually offer mild, pleasant conditions around 15–25°C (59–77°F). This is a comfortable time for city exploring, inland travel, and sightseeing with fewer crowds.
Low season: November to March is cooler, with temperatures ranging roughly from 5–15°C (41–59°F) in many regions, and colder conditions inland. Some coastal resorts are quieter, but major cities remain active and cultural attractions stay open.