Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, blending ancient history with lively modern cities and wide open landscapes. You can explore grand monuments, hidden neighbourhoods, and coastlines that feel worlds apart yet closely connected. The country offers both familiar comforts and a sense of discovery.
What to expect
First-time visitors tend to start in Istanbul, with its historic peninsula, busy bazaars, and Bosphorus views. From there, you can reach the surreal rock valleys of Cappadocia, the clear waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and heritage-rich cities such as Izmir and Antalya. Each region has its own pace and character.
Plan your trip
Turkey works well for both short city breaks and longer multi-region journeys. Istanbul is the main international gateway, with onward domestic links by air and road to the rest of the country. From here, you can also continue your travels across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, making Turkey a natural crossroads in your itinerary.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander between centuries-old landmarks, leafy squares, and atmospheric streets around Sultanahmet and the old city walls.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a boat trip to see palaces, wooden mansions, and neighbourhoods lining the strait between Europe and Asia.
Discover Cappadocia's cave landscapes
Walk through sculpted valleys, rock-cut churches, and cave villages in one of Turkey's most distinctive regions.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Swim in clear blue bays, join coastal boat trips, or stroll harbourside promenades in resort towns along the Mediterranean.
Visit ancient ruins at Ephesus
Explore well-preserved streets, theatres, and temples that reveal the scale of this former Roman port city.
Soak in Pamukkale's white terraces
Walk barefoot along mineral-rich pools on bright travertine slopes and visit the nearby ancient site of Hierapolis.
Stroll Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
Browse colourful stalls filled with textiles, ceramics, and aromatic goods in two of the city’s most famous covered markets.
Unwind in a traditional hammam
Experience a time-honoured bathing ritual in one of Turkey's historic bathhouses, with warm marble halls and steam-filled rooms.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Istanbul with major cities such as Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya, making it easy to cover long distances quickly. Intercity coaches and regional buses reach many towns, while local metro, tram, and ferry networks help you move efficiently within larger cities.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Turkey often centres on neighbourhood streets, parks, and waterfronts, where friends and families gather to talk and linger. You will notice distinct styles between regions, from the formal boulevards of Ankara to the relaxed coastal feel of the Aegean and Mediterranean towns.
Where to unwind
You can slow down in Istanbul’s leafy parks, Bosphorus-side promenades, and tea gardens overlooking the water. Further afield, the coasts offer quiet coves and long beaches, while inland plateaus and valleys provide walking trails, viewpoints, and peaceful villages away from the city pace.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, rich vegetable stews, and a wide variety of baked savouries. Different regions put their own spin on classic dishes, with Istanbul mixing influences from across the country and the southeast famous for bold flavours and generous spreads.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities, you will find casual eateries, family-run spots, and contemporary restaurants sharing the same streets. Waterfront districts, central squares, and business areas often have clusters of cafes and dining rooms that stay busy from lunchtime into the night, reflecting a strong culture of shared meals.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for rooftop terraces, Bosphorus-view restaurants, and restored historic buildings turned into elegant dining spaces. Coastal cities feature harbourside tables where you can linger over fresh dishes, while cave-style venues in inland regions create an atmospheric, tucked-away feel.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Istanbul and other major cities bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining under one roof. Many are linked to metro lines or main roads, making them convenient stops between sightseeing or meetings.
Markets & local crafts
Covered bazaars and open-air markets are ideal for browsing textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and regional specialties. Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya are particularly known for their lively market districts, where you can explore narrow lanes filled with small shops and stalls.
Evening retail scene
After sunset, central streets and shopping areas often stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and late-opening stores. In Istanbul, key districts combine boutiques, galleries, and cafes, so you can mix shopping with an evening walk or a relaxed drink.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August, when coastal areas are warm to hot, averaging around 25–32°C (77–90°F), and beach resorts are at their busiest.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October, with milder temperatures of about 15–24°C (59–75°F) and pleasant conditions for city visits and sightseeing.
Low season: November to March, when inland and northern regions can be cold, averaging 5–10°C (41–50°F), while coastal cities are quieter and cooler.