Turkey sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, where ancient civilisations, layered history, and dramatic landscapes come together. You can explore lively cities, coastal resorts, and timeless archaeological sites in a single trip.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Why visit Turkey?
What to expect
Expect a blend of bustling bazaars, grand architecture, and relaxed coastal towns, anchored by Istanbul on the Bosphorus. From Cappadocia’s valleys to the Turquoise Coast, the country offers both urban energy and wide open spaces.
Plan your trip
Turkey works well for both short city breaks and longer itineraries combining Istanbul with inland and coastal regions. It is also a convenient gateway between Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, with good domestic flight and road networks.
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula
Wander between landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace, then pause in leafy courtyards and traditional tea gardens.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a ferry or cruise to see palaces, wooden waterside mansions, and hilltop fortresses lining the strait between Europe and Asia.
Discover Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes
Walk through valleys of rock formations, visit underground cities, and admire the sunrise from panoramic viewpoints.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Swim in clear coves, sail between sheltered bays, and explore ancient ruins dotted along the Mediterranean shore.
Step back in time at Ephesus
Stroll marble streets, theatres, and temples in one of the best preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean region.
Unwind at Pamukkale’s terraces
Walk barefoot on white travertine pools and visit the nearby ruins of Hierapolis on the plateau above.
Soak up daily life in Turkish bazaars
Browse stalls filled with textiles, ceramics, spices, and sweets, while taking in the sounds and colours of the market streets.
Experience Turkey’s way of life
Getting around
Turkey has an extensive domestic flight network linking Istanbul with regional cities and resort areas, ideal for covering long distances quickly. Within cities, you can combine metro, trams, buses, and taxis, while intercity buses and car hire suit overland journeys.
Local life & culture
Daily life in Turkey revolves around neighbourhood squares, cafes, and tea houses where people gather to talk and watch the world go by. You will notice a strong sense of hospitality, with local traditions reflected in music, crafts, storytelling, and family-run guesthouses.
Where to unwind
You can unwind in traditional bathhouses, quiet courtyards, and city parks, or retreat to coastal promenades and forested hills. The country’s long coastline and mountain scenery offer gentle walks, scenic viewpoints, and calm places to slow down.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey you will find grilled meats, filled pastries, meze spreads, and rich desserts, each with regional variations. Istanbul brings together flavours from across the country, while cities like Gaziantep and Adana are known for their distinctive culinary traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul’s neighbourhoods, from Karaköy to Kadıköy, you can move between simple local eateries and contemporary restaurants in a few streets. Other cities and resort towns offer waterfront cafes, modern bistros, and family-run spots that make it easy to eat well at any time of day.
Signature & scenic dining
Fine dining restaurants and rooftop terraces across Turkey pair carefully prepared menus with city skylines, sea views, or historic backdrops. In coastal regions, harbourside venues let you linger over long meals while watching boats and the changing light.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir feature large shopping centres that combine international brands, Turkish designers, cinemas, and dining. These modern complexes offer air conditioned comfort and a wide mix of fashion, homeware, and electronics.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional bazaars and neighbourhood markets across Istanbul, Bursa, and Konya are ideal for finding textiles, copperware, ceramics, and carpets. Smaller artisan workshops often showcase handmade jewellery, leather goods, and decorative pieces with regional patterns.
Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and waterside promenades in Istanbul and coastal towns stay lively, with illuminated storefronts and late opening hours. Many historic market areas also remain busy into the evening, blending shopping with street life and casual dining.
Best time to visit Turkey
Spring shoulder season runs from April to June, with mild days around 15–25°C (59–77°F) in much of the country and cooler evenings, ideal for city sightseeing and inland travel. Summer peak season spans July to September, when coastal regions can reach 28–34°C (82–93°F) and inland cities often climb higher, drawing visitors to beaches and the Mediterranean. Autumn shoulder season stretches from October to early November, with comfortable temperatures of about 12–22°C (54–72°F) and clearer skies, especially good for cultural touring and hiking.