Turkey offers a rare blend of Europe and Asia, where ancient ruins, Ottoman palaces, and dynamic modern cities sit beside sunlit coasts and dramatic landscapes.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
You can wander the historic streets of Istanbul, explore archaeological sites along the Aegean, and escape to cave valleys and hot-air balloon horizons in Cappadocia.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your starting point, then connect onwards by domestic flight or road to coastal resorts, inland heritage towns, and scenic mountain regions across Turkey.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul’s historic heart
Stroll between landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia, then dive into the lanes and courtyards of the nearby old city bazaars.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Sail between continents on a Bosphorus cruise, passing waterfront palaces, wooden mansions, and hillside neighbourhoods that showcase Istanbul’s layered history.
Discover Cappadocia’s surreal valleys
Walk through valleys dotted with rock-cut homes and churches, and watch or join sunrise hot-air balloon flights drifting above the sculpted landscape.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Head to Mediterranean towns such as Antalya and Kaş for clear seas, ancient ruins by the water, and relaxed days on beaches and coastal trails.
Step into ancient Ephesus
Near the Aegean coast, wander the marble streets of Ephesus, where grand theatres, libraries, and temples recall the city’s role as a major Roman port.
Bargain in Istanbul’s bazaars
Browse textiles, ceramics, lamps, and spices in historic bazaars, where you can practise your bargaining skills and pick up distinctive Turkish handicrafts.
Soak in Pamukkale’s terraces
Visit the white travertine pools of Pamukkale and the nearby ruins of Hierapolis, pairing natural hot springs with views over the surrounding plains.
Experience Turkey’s way of life
Getting around
From Istanbul, domestic flights link quickly to major cities such as Izmir, Antalya, and Ankara, while intercity buses and hired cars are useful for reaching resorts and inland towns.
Local life & culture
You will encounter sociable café culture, lively neighbourhood squares, and a strong tradition of hospitality, with each region showing its own architecture, music, and everyday rhythms.
Where to unwind
Relax in coastal resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean, stroll parks and leafy promenades in Istanbul and Ankara, or seek quiet in mountain villages and highland plateaus.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey you can sample grilled meats, savoury pastries, vegetable stews, and sweet treats such as syrup-soaked desserts, with Istanbul, Gaziantep, and the Aegean coast each known for distinct flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul you will find everything from street-side eateries to contemporary bistros, while cities such as Izmir and Antalya offer relaxed waterfront dining and neighbourhood restaurants with regional menus.
Signature & scenic dining
Dine on rooftop terraces overlooking the Bosphorus, choose clifftop restaurants along the Mediterranean, or enjoy refined tasting menus in converted mansions and historic buildings.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, large malls and lifestyle centres combine international brands with local labels, while other major cities such as Ankara and Izmir offer modern complexes with shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Markets & local crafts
Seek handwoven textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and carpets in Istanbul’s historic bazaars, coastal town markets along the Aegean, and regional centres in central Anatolia.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and open-air malls in Istanbul and other big cities stay lively, with illuminated storefronts, late-opening boutiques, and inviting cafés nearby.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather across much of Turkey, with averages around 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for city sightseeing and inland travel. Summer peak season (July to September) is warm to hot, often 25–35°C (77–95°F) or higher in inland and coastal areas, popular for seaside holidays. Autumn shoulder season (October to early November) cools to about 12–22°C (54–72°F), comfortable for exploring cities and historical sites with fewer crowds, while many coastal areas remain pleasantly warm. Winter low season (December to March) can be cool or cold, roughly 5–12°C (41–54°F) in many cities, colder in inland and mountain regions, with fewer visitors and a quieter pace.