Why visit Turkey?
Turkey offers a rich meeting point of cultures, where ancient civilisations, vibrant bazaars, and dramatic coastlines sit side by side. You can wander historic streets one day, then relax by the sea or in the mountains the next.
What to expect
You will find contrasts between Istanbul's historic peninsula, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean resort towns, and the Black Sea's green hills. Each region has its own character, shaped by history, landscape, and local traditions.
Plan your trip
You can combine Istanbul's urban energy with time in smaller towns or beach resorts, making Turkey an easy multi-stop holiday. Its location also makes it a natural gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia for wider regional journeys.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Stroll through Istanbul's old quarter to see grand landmarks, landscaped squares, and bustling streets filled with history.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a leisurely cruise between Europe and Asia, passing elegant waterfront houses, palaces, and lively neighbourhoods.
Discover Cappadocia's landscapes
Experience Cappadocia's sculpted valleys, ancient cave dwellings, and sunrise views over the region's otherworldly terrain.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Head to the Mediterranean shoreline for clear seas, pine-covered hills, and laid-back harbour towns.
Visit ancient archaeological sites
Walk through the remains of historic cities scattered across Turkey, where theatres, forums, and gates still stand.
Soak in traditional hammams
Unwind in a historic bathhouse, where warm stone rooms and steam offer a distinctive way to relax.
Wander colourful bazaars
Browse lanes filled with textiles, ceramics, spices, and lamps, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Turkish markets.
Explore the Anatolian interior
Travel inland to discover smaller cities, open plateaus, and historic caravan routes that shaped trade across the region.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
You can travel between major Turkish cities by domestic flights, long-distance coaches, or intercity trains on key routes. Within cities, trams, metros, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services make it easy to move between neighbourhoods.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres on neighbourhood squares, tea gardens, and waterfront promenades, where people gather to talk and watch the world go by. You will notice regional traditions in music, hospitality, and festivals from the Aegean to eastern Anatolia.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in coastal resorts, lakeside retreats, or small stone-built towns in the hills. In and around Istanbul, parks, islands, and forested areas offer green escapes from the city streets.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey you will find grilled meats, savoury pastries, and hearty vegetable dishes that vary by region. Coastal areas often highlight fresh produce and seafood, while the interior leans towards robust flavours and warming plates.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul and other large cities, you can eat in simple local eateries, contemporary bistros, and cafes that stay open late. Neighbourhood streets often cluster many options together, making it easy to sample different styles in one evening.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, you can dine on rooftops overlooking city skylines or along the Bosphorus with the water at your feet. In other regions, courtyards, restored mansions, and seafront terraces provide atmospheric settings for long, relaxed meals.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul you will find large shopping centres that mix international labels with local brands, cinemas, and dining options. Other major cities also offer modern malls where you can shop, eat, and spend a full afternoon indoors.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets in Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara showcase textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and local specialties. In smaller towns, weekly bazaars and craft shops are good places to look for handmade items and regional products.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central districts in Istanbul and other cities stay lively, with illuminated streets and late-opening shops. In some areas, small boutiques, cafes, and stalls create a relaxed evening atmosphere for strolling and browsing.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather across much of Turkey, with coastal areas averaging 25–30°C (77–86°F) and higher inland. This is the busiest time in beach resorts and major cities.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder temperatures of around 15–25°C (59–77°F), with generally pleasant conditions for sightseeing. Coastal waters are often still warm, and crowds are lighter than in high summer.
Low season: November to March is cooler, with coastal areas around 5–15°C (41–59°F) and some inland regions dropping below 0°C (32°F). This period can bring rain or snow, but offers a quieter experience at many historic sites.