Turkey blends European and Asian influences, offering historic cities, sparkling coasts, and layered cultures shaped by empires and trade routes.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula, the rock valleys of Cappadocia, and the Aegean and Mediterranean shores, from seaside towns to ancient ruins.
Plan your trip
Base yourself in Istanbul, then connect onwards to Turkey's coastal resorts, archaeological sites, and inland landscapes for a varied journey across the country.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, linked by cobbled streets and lively squares.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat trip between continents and watch Ottoman palaces, fortresses, and waterfront mansions glide by on both the European and Asian shores.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Marvel at rock formations, cave dwellings, and sweeping valleys, with sunrise views that reveal the region's dramatic terrain.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Swim in clear blue bays, sail along rugged coastlines, and wander through relaxed harbourside towns on the Mediterranean shore.
Step back in time at ancient ruins
Visit sites such as Ephesus, Pergamon, and Troy to walk among theatres, temples, and streets that evoke the ancient world.
Soak in Pamukkale's terraces
See white travertine terraces cascading down the hillside, with nearby ancient Hierapolis overlooking the unusual landscape.
Stroll Istanbul's neighbourhoods
Cross from Galata's steep lanes to Kadikoy on the Asian side for independent boutiques, relaxed waterfronts, and street art.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Use domestic flights to cover longer distances between Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the coasts, then rely on buses, trams, and ferries to move within cities and regions.
Local life & culture
You will find café culture, tea houses, and lively squares at the heart of daily life, along with crafts, music, and strong local identities from the Black Sea to the Aegean.
Where to unwind
Unwind along Mediterranean beaches, in thermal spa towns, or on quiet island and lakeside retreats surrounded by forests and mountain views.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Sample grilled meats, meze spreads, stuffed vegetables, and rich desserts, with each region adding its own twist and ingredients.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir you will find street stalls, family-run spots, and modern bistros, serving everything from simple grills to contemporary plates.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy rooftop terraces overlooking city skylines, waterside restaurants along the Bosphorus, and serene vineyard or countryside settings inland.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Browse large malls in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, where international brands sit alongside local designers, cinemas, and leisure spaces.
Markets & local crafts
Explore bazaars and neighbourhood markets for textiles, ceramics, and jewellery, with Istanbul, Gaziantep, and Konya known for traditional craftsmanship.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets in major cities stay lively with illuminated storefronts, open-air cafés, and late-opening boutiques.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey spans several climate zones, from coastal Mediterranean weather to continental inland conditions. In spring (April to June, shoulder season), coastal and city temperatures are often around 15–25°C (59–77°F), with mild days and cooler evenings. Summer (July to early September, peak season) brings hot, dry weather, especially on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where daytime temperatures commonly reach 28–34°C (82–93°F). Autumn and winter (late September to March, low season) can be mild and damp in coastal areas, around 8–18°C (46–64°F), but much colder inland with the possibility of snow.