Turkey bridges Europe and Asia, where ancient civilisations, seaside resorts, and vibrant cities meet. You can explore historic sites, lively bazaars, and dramatic coastlines in one trip.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
From Istanbul's skyline of domes and towers to Cappadocia's rock valleys and the Turquoise Coast's beaches, Turkey offers varied landscapes and cultures. Busy urban centres sit alongside tranquil villages and archaeological treasures.
Turkey is a rewarding base for exploring both Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. With a mix of modern infrastructure and historic charm, you can combine city breaks, coastal escapes, and inland adventures in one itinerary.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic heart
Wander through Istanbul's old city to see grand mosques, ancient basilicas, and palaces, then stroll between continents across the Bosphorus.
Sail the Turquoise Coast
Cruise along Turkey's southwestern shores on a traditional wooden gulet, stopping at sheltered bays, islands, and harbour towns.
Discover Cappadocia's landscapes
Walk or drive through valleys of sculpted rock formations and cave dwellings, and watch the sunrise over the region's unique scenery.
Visit ancient ruins at Ephesus
Step through marble streets, theatres, and libraries in one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved classical cities near the Aegean coast.
Relax at Pamukkale's terraces
See the white travertine pools cascading down the hillside and explore the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Stroll along Istanbul's Bosphorus
Take a ferry or boat tour to admire waterfront mansions, historic fortresses, and neighbourhoods lining both the European and Asian shores.
Unwind in coastal resort towns
Spend easy days in seaside destinations such as Bodrum, Antalya, or Fethiye, with beaches, marinas, and relaxed promenades.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Turkey has an extensive network of domestic flights linking Istanbul with coastal and inland cities, as well as intercity buses and improving rail links. Within major cities, you can use metros, trams, taxis, and ride-hailing services to get around efficiently.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Turkey blends European and Asian influences, with café culture, neighbourhood tea houses, and lively streets. You will find strong traditions of hospitality, handicrafts, music, and storytelling across different regions.
Where to unwind
Relax in coastal resorts along the Aegean and Mediterranean, stroll in Istanbul's parks and waterfront promenades, or seek quiet in mountain villages and lakeside retreats. Many hotels and resorts offer spas and traditional bath experiences to help you unwind.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Turkey is known for grilled meats, savoury pastries, hearty stews, and rich desserts. Istanbul, Gaziantep, and the Aegean and southeastern regions each have distinctive takes on classic dishes and ingredients.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can enjoy simple neighbourhood eateries, contemporary bistros, and café-lined streets across Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and resort towns. Menus often combine traditional recipes with modern presentations and a range of vegetarian-friendly options.
Signature & scenic dining
Dine with views of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, cliff-top vistas along the Turquoise Coast, or atmospheric courtyards in historic districts. Many venues pair local produce with panoramic city or sea views for memorable evenings.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir feature modern malls with international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These centres combine shopping with leisure, making them convenient stops during your city stay.
Markets & local crafts
In Istanbul, coastal towns, and Anatolian cities, you can browse for textiles, ceramics, jewellery, metalwork, and homeware. Traditional bazaars and neighbourhood markets often showcase handmade goods alongside everyday items.
Evening retail scene
After dark, central districts in Istanbul and major resort towns stay lively with illuminated streets, late-opening boutiques, and stalls. You can pair evening shopping with cafés and waterfront walks.
Best time to visit Turkey
Turkey has varied climates, but you can broadly think in three travel seasons. Peak season runs from June to August, when coastal regions are hot and sunny, with average temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F) and warm sea conditions. Shoulder season covers April to May and September to October, bringing milder weather of about 18–24°C (64–75°F), fewer crowds, and comfortable conditions for city sightseeing and inland travel. Low season is from November to March, when coastal areas cool to roughly 8–15°C (46–59°F) and some resorts quieten, while central and eastern regions can be much colder and snowy, especially in mid-winter.