Turkey offers a striking blend of Europe and Asia, where ancient sites, lively bazaars, and coastal landscapes sit alongside modern, energetic cities.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
You can explore the historic heart of Istanbul, the rock valleys of Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and cultured inland cities with rich heritage.
Plan your trip
Turkey works well for both short city breaks and longer multi-region journeys, and it also serves as a convenient gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and the Caucasus.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula
Wander between grand mosques, palaces, and museums in Sultanahmet, and look out over the Bosphorus from hilltop viewpoints.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat trip along the strait to see waterfront palaces, neighbourhoods, and bridges that link Europe and Asia.
Discover Cappadocia’s landscapes
Walk or drive through valleys of rock formations and cave dwellings, and consider an early-morning balloon flight for sweeping views.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Head to seaside towns such as Antalya, Fethiye, or Bodrum for beaches, clear water, and access to nearby ancient ruins.
Visit ancient Ephesus
Explore the streets, theatres, and temples of one of the eastern Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical cities near the town of Selçuk.
Soak in Pamukkale’s terraces
See striking white travertine pools on the hillside and combine your visit with the nearby ruins of Hierapolis.
Stroll Istanbul’s bazaars
Browse textiles, ceramics, spices, and crafts in the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, and pause in traditional tea houses nearby.
Experience Ankara’s museums and monuments
In the capital, visit important museums and landmark monuments that trace the story of the modern Turkish Republic and earlier civilisations.
Experience Turkey’s way of life
Getting around
Turkey has a broad domestic flight network linking Istanbul with coastal and inland cities, alongside intercity coaches, high-speed trains on key routes, and local buses and trams within major urban areas.
Local life & culture
In Turkish cities you will find vibrant neighbourhoods centred on street life, tea and coffee houses, and strong traditions of hospitality, while smaller towns move to a slower rhythm shaped by local crafts and community events.
Where to unwind
You can relax in coastal resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean, enjoy gentle walks in Cappadocia’s valleys, or seek green escapes in city parks, forested hills, and lakeside hideaways across the country.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey you can sample grills and kebabs, meze spreads, savoury pastries, and sweet treats such as baklava, with regional variations in cities like Istanbul, Gaziantep, and Izmir.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul, Ankara, and coastal cities you will find neighbourhoods filled with casual eateries, contemporary restaurants, and cafés that blend traditional recipes with modern cooking styles.
Signature & scenic dining
Opt for rooftop terraces in Istanbul with Bosphorus views, harbourside tables in Aegean and Mediterranean towns, or atmospheric stone-house restaurants in regions such as Cappadocia.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir feature large shopping centres that bring together international labels, Turkish designers, cinemas, and dining options under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Look for textiles, carpets, ceramics, and copperware in historic bazaars and neighbourhood markets across Istanbul, Bursa, and Konya, where many items are still made by skilled craftspeople.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central districts in Istanbul and other big cities stay lively with illuminated shopping streets, late-opening boutiques, and streetside stalls near cafés and restaurants.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather across much of Turkey, with coastal and inland cities often ranging between 15°C and 24°C (59°F to 75°F), ideal for sightseeing before peak summer crowds. Summer peak season (July to August) is warm to hot, especially along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where temperatures can reach 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F), drawing beach travellers and cruise visitors. Autumn shoulder season (September to November) cools to around 14°C to 23°C (57°F to 73°F) in many regions, while winter low season (December to March) can be chilly and wet in cities like Istanbul, with temperatures from about 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F), and colder, often snowy conditions in central and eastern areas.