Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, offering a mix of ancient ruins, lively cities, and dramatic coastlines along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From the energy of Istanbul and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the beaches of Antalya and Bodrum, you find layers of history, warm hospitality, and varied landscapes.
Plan your trip
Use Istanbul as your gateway to explore wider Turkey, with onward flights and road links connecting you to coastal resorts, inland plateaus, and historic towns.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Wander through Sultanahmet to admire grand mosques, centuries-old palaces, and atmospheric streets lining the Bosphorus.
Sail the Turquoise Coast
Join a traditional gulet cruise from towns like Fethiye or Marmaris to swim in hidden coves and sheltered bays along clear blue waters.
Discover Cappadocia's landscapes
Roam valleys filled with rock formations and cave dwellings, with sunrise hot-air balloons painting the sky in soft colours.
Step into ancient Ephesus
Walk marble streets lined with temples, theatres, and libraries that reveal the scale of one of the Mediterranean's great ancient cities.
Relax in Antalya's old town
Stroll cobbled lanes, Roman-era walls, and a picturesque harbour, then unwind on nearby beaches backed by mountains.
Soak in Pamukkale's terraces
See bright white travertine pools cascading down the hillside, with remains of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis above.
Shop and stroll in Istanbul's bazaars
Browse carpets, ceramics, spices, and textiles in covered markets and nearby streets buzzing with local life.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights link Istanbul with major cities like Antalya, Izmir, and Kayseri, while intercity buses and trains connect towns, coastal resorts, and inland regions.
Local life & culture
You experience a sociable café culture, lively neighbourhood squares, and traditions that blend influences from Anatolia, the Black Sea, and the Mediterranean.
Where to unwind
Unwind on sandy beaches along the south and west coasts, in quiet mountain villages, or in thermal spa towns dotted across the interior.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Try grilled meats, meze spreads, savoury pastries, and regional stews, with Istanbul, Gaziantep, and the Aegean coast each known for distinctive flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across cities like Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara you find street-side eateries, family-run lokantas, and contemporary bistros serving both local and international dishes.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy meals overlooking the Bosphorus, rooftop terraces with city views, or seaside restaurants in coastal towns serving fresh, simply prepared produce.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, large shopping centres bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Browse for textiles, ceramics, copperware, and jewellery in historic bazaars and local markets in cities such as Istanbul, Bursa, and Konya.
Evening retail scene
After dark, popular streets in Istanbul and coastal towns light up with late-opening boutiques, small shops, and lively pedestrian areas.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey has varied climates across its regions. In general, summer (June to August) is peak season, with coastal areas around Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir seeing average temperatures of about 25–30°C (77–86°F) and warm seas for swimming. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are shoulder season, bringing mild days of roughly 15–25°C (59–77°F), pleasant for city walks and inland sightseeing. Winter (November to March) is low season in many coastal resorts, with Istanbul averaging 5–10°C (41–50°F) and some inland regions dropping below 0°C (32°F), while ski areas in the mountains come into their own.