Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe and Asia meet, with historic trading cities, coastal towns, and mountain landscapes. You can walk through ancient ruins, Ottoman-era streets, and contemporary neighbourhoods in a single trip.
What to expect
Istanbul is the country’s cultural crossroads, with a skyline of domes and modern towers beside the Bosphorus. Beyond the city, Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and Anatolian heartlands offer very different scenery and pace.
Plan your trip
You can combine city sightseeing, coastal relaxation, and inland exploration in one itinerary. Turkey also works well as a gateway to the wider region, linking Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia through its major transport hubs.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula
Stroll between centuries-old landmarks, grand squares, and waterfront promenades in the city’s atmospheric old quarter.
Cruise the Bosphorus
Take a boat ride between continents, passing palaces, fortresses, and lively neighbourhoods along the strait.
Discover Cappadocia’s otherworldly valleys
Walk or drive through rock formations, cave dwellings, and open-air museums carved into soft stone landscapes.
Unwind on the Turquoise Coast
Spend lazy days in seaside towns, combining swimming, boat trips, and walks through pine-covered hills.
Step back in time at ancient Ephesus
Wander through marble streets, theatres, and temples that showcase the scale of a once-thriving classical city.
Soak in Pamukkale’s terraces
See striking white mineral pools cascading down a hillside, paired with nearby ancient ruins on the plateau above.
Experience Istanbul’s arts and design scene
Browse independent galleries, design shops, and contemporary museums in revitalised districts along the Golden Horn.
Journey through Anatolian towns
Visit smaller inland cities and villages to see traditional architecture, workshops, and quieter local life.
Experience Turkey’s way of life
Getting around
Domestic flights connect Istanbul with major regions, making it easy to pair the city with Cappadocia, the coast, or Anatolia. Intercity coaches and improving rail links cover medium distances, while local public transport and taxis work well for city travel.
Local life & culture
You will find a sociable street culture, with people gathering in squares, waterside promenades, and café-lined avenues. Regional cities each have distinct identities shaped by history, architecture, and local crafts, giving you a strong sense of place as you move around.
Where to unwind
Along the coasts, you can relax on beaches, quiet coves, and harbourside promenades backed by green hills. Inland, open plateaus, valleys, and mountain regions offer walking routes, viewpoints, and small retreats where you can slow your pace.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey, you will find grilled meats, rich stews, savoury pastries, and a wide variety of vegetable dishes. Istanbul brings together influences from across the country, while regions like the southeast and the Aegean each have their own well-known flavours.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities, you can eat at simple local eateries, waterfront cafés, and relaxed modern restaurants in the same day. Neighbourhoods often specialise in certain styles, from traditional grills to contemporary menus that reinterpret classic recipes.
Signature & scenic dining
Many restaurants make the most of rooftop terraces, waterfront views, or historic settings in renovated buildings. On the coast and by the Bosphorus, long, leisurely meals beside the water are a highlight of an evening out.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul offers large modern shopping centres with international brands, cinemas, and dining areas under one roof. Newer lifestyle hubs mix boutiques, cafés, and cultural venues, giving you places to shop and spend time in between sightseeing.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and covered bazaars showcase textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and decorative items. Cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya are good starting points if you want to explore regional crafts and local specialties.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, central streets and shopping districts stay lively with illuminated storefronts and outdoor seating. Some areas host late-opening shops and stalls, so you can browse, stroll, and people-watch after the daytime heat has eased.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot weather across much of Turkey, with coastal areas often between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F), ideal for beach stays but busy in popular resorts.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder conditions, typically 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F), comfortable for city sightseeing, inland exploration, and coastal walks with fewer crowds.
Low season: November to March is cooler, around 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F) in many cities, with colder conditions and occasional snow inland, bringing a quieter atmosphere and a different view of historic sites.