Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, blending ancient history with everyday modern life. You find grand ruins, lively bazaars, and coastal towns with a relaxed, welcoming pace.
What to expect
From Istanbul's skyline of domes and towers to Cappadocia's soft rock valleys and the Turquoise Coast's beaches, each region feels distinct. Inland cities and Anatolian villages reveal another side, with quieter streets and timeless traditions.
Plan your trip
You can focus on one region or link several in a single journey, using Istanbul as your main gateway. From Turkey, it is easy to continue on to Europe, the Middle East, or the eastern Mediterranean, opening up wider journeys.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Stroll between grand landmarks, museums, and old neighbourhoods that reveal layers of Byzantine and Ottoman history.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Sail between two continents and see Istanbul's palaces, mansions, and waterfront districts from the water.
Discover Cappadocia's landscapes
Wander through valleys, rock-cut dwellings, and hilltop viewpoints that showcase the region's otherworldly scenery.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Relax in harbour towns and swim in clear bays backed by forested hills and coastal trails.
Walk through ancient Ephesus
Visit one of the Mediterranean's best-preserved ancient cities, with marble streets, theatres, and grand facades.
Bathe in Pamukkale's terraces
See white travertine pools cascading down the hillside and explore nearby ancient spa ruins.
Experience Anatolian towns
Spend time in quieter inland towns where traditional crafts, architecture, and daily life are close at hand.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
Istanbul is well linked by trams, metro lines, buses, and ferries that cross the Bosphorus. Between regions, you can use domestic flights, intercity coaches, or self-drive routes that connect coastal towns and inland centres.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres on neighbourhood squares, tea gardens, and waterfront promenades. You will notice a mix of European and Asian influences in music, design, and social customs, with each region adding its own accent and pace.
Where to unwind
In cities, you can pause in leafy parks, waterfront walks, and traditional bathhouses. Beyond the urban centres, forested hills, national parks, and quiet coves along the Aegean and Mediterranean offer calmer places to slow down.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
You find grilled meats, slow-cooked stews, and rich vegetable dishes on many menus, with each region adding its own touches. Coastal areas highlight fresh seafood, while central regions are known for hearty oven-baked dishes and savoury pastries.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul, streets lined with cafés and small eateries keep you well fed from morning to late night. Other cities such as Izmir, Ankara, and Bursa offer modern restaurants and casual spots where regional flavours are reinterpreted in contemporary ways.
Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop terraces in Istanbul, waterside restaurants along the Bosphorus, and harbour-side tables on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts pair meals with memorable views. In some regions, restored mansions and historic houses provide atmospheric settings for long, unhurried dinners.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul offers large shopping centres with international brands, cinemas, and dining zones under one roof. Similar lifestyle malls in Ankara and Izmir mix fashion, homeware, and entertainment, often connected to public transport.
Markets & local crafts
Historic bazaars and local markets are ideal for textiles, ceramics, and handmade goods, especially in Istanbul, Bursa, and Cappadocia's towns. In coastal resorts, smaller weekly markets showcase regional produce and artisan pieces from nearby villages.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, shopping streets stay active into the evening with lit storefronts and busy side alleys. Waterfront promenades and central squares often combine late-opening shops with cafés, adding to the night-time atmosphere.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather, with coastal areas often around 28–32°C (82–90°F) and inland regions sometimes hotter. This is the most popular time for beach holidays and island-hopping along the Aegean and Mediterranean.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder conditions, roughly 18–25°C (64–77°F) in many regions. These months suit city sightseeing and inland travel, with fewer crowds and more comfortable daytime temperatures.
Low season: November to March is cooler, especially inland where temperatures can fall to 5–10°C (41–50°F) or lower, with snow in some areas. Coastal cities are quieter and generally milder, while highland regions feel distinctly wintry.