Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, blending ancient history with modern energy. You will find grand imperial architecture, coastal resorts, and timeless villages side by side. It is a country of layered civilisations, lively streets, and striking natural landscapes.
What to expect
Istanbul offers grand mosques, palaces, and buzzing neighbourhoods on both sides of the Bosphorus. Further afield, Cappadocia, the Turquoise Coast, and Anatolian cities reveal cave dwellings, beaches, and wide plateaus. You can move from sea views to mountain horizons in a single trip.
Plan your trip
Turkey works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys combining several regions. Istanbul is a natural first stop, with onward links across the country. From here, you can connect to surrounding countries, making Turkey a convenient base for exploring the wider region.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between grand imperial landmarks, museums, and old neighbourhoods that tell the story of the city across centuries.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a boat ride between two continents and see waterside palaces, wooden mansions, and lively districts from the water.
Unwind on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts
Head to resort towns and smaller bays for beaches, clear waters, and gentle evenings by the sea.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes
Walk or drive through valleys of unusual rock formations and carved homes, with wide views over the plateau.
Visit ancient sites across Anatolia
See theatres, temples, and city ruins that reflect Greek, Roman, and other civilisations spread across the land.
Soak in traditional bathhouses
Experience a historic bathing culture in elegant marble interiors that are designed for rest and reset.
Stroll vibrant neighbourhood streets
Spend time in local districts filled with small shops, cafés, and daily life unfolding at an easy pace.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Major cities such as Istanbul are linked by frequent domestic flights, making it easy to reach distant regions quickly. Intercity buses, modern highways, and growing rail links connect coastal towns, inland cities, and smaller hubs across Turkey.
Local life & culture
Daily life mixes old and new, from traditional meeting places and family-run shops to contemporary galleries and modern venues. Each region has its own character, with coastal towns, inland cities, and rural communities offering different rhythms and customs.
Where to unwind
You can relax in seaside towns, lakeside retreats, and rural getaways surrounded by hills and open landscapes. Urban parks, scenic viewpoints, and promenades along the water also give you quiet spaces within the country’s busiest cities.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, and slow-cooked stews that vary from region to region. Coastal areas feature fresh seafood and vegetable dishes, while inland regions lean towards heartier plates and rich baked specialties.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and other major cities, you will find casual eateries, cafés, and contemporary restaurants side by side. Street-side spots, family-run kitchens, and modern venues offer a wide range of flavours, from traditional recipes to global influences.
Signature & scenic dining
Across Turkey, you can dine on rooftops, by the water, or in restored historic buildings with atmospheric interiors. Many venues pair city or sea views with thoughtful menus, turning a simple meal into a memorable part of your trip.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul and other large cities feature modern malls that combine international labels with local brands. These lifestyle centres often include cinemas, dining options, and family facilities for an easy day out.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets across Istanbul, Ankara, and coastal towns showcase textiles, ceramics, and other handcrafted items. Smaller regional centres often have weekly markets where you can see local produce and craft traditions on display.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, certain shopping streets and districts stay lively into the evening with illuminated storefronts and late-opening boutiques. Night-time promenades near the water also combine strolling, people-watching, and browsing small shops.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather, especially along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, with averages around 25–30°C (77–86°F). Coastal areas are busy, with long daylight hours and lively seaside towns.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). This is a comfortable time for city sightseeing and exploring inland regions, with generally pleasant days and cooler evenings.
Low season: November to March is cooler, with averages around 5–15°C (41–59°F), and some inland and eastern areas can be colder. Cities are quieter, and certain coastal resorts are calmer, making this period better for slow-paced urban stays.