Why visit Turkey?
Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, offering historic cities, coastal resorts, and mountain landscapes in one journey. You will find a blend of ancient sites, contemporary art, and lively neighbourhoods.
What to expect
Begin in Istanbul, with its strait-side skyline, grand monuments, and buzzing districts. From there, you can connect to the beaches of the Aegean and Mediterranean, the surreal valleys of Cappadocia, and historic towns scattered across Anatolia.
Plan your trip
You can combine city stays, coastal escapes, and inland adventures in a single itinerary. Turkey also works well as a gateway for exploring the wider Eastern Mediterranean and surrounding regions by air, road, or sea.
Discover Turkey
Discover Turkey
Top experiences in Turkey
Explore Istanbul's historic peninsula
Stroll between grand landmarks, ancient streets, and waterfront viewpoints in the city’s atmospheric old quarter.
Cruise along the Bosphorus
Take a boat trip between two continents and see palaces, fortresses, and neighbourhoods lining the strait.
Discover Cappadocia's otherworldly valleys
Walk or ride through rock formations, cave dwellings, and sweeping viewpoints over central Anatolia.
Relax on the Turquoise Coast
Spend easy days by the sea in resort towns backed by pine forests and rugged hills.
Wander ancient ruins at Ephesus
Trace colonnaded streets and theatres that reflect the region’s long classical history.
Soak in Pamukkale's terraces
Visit gleaming white formations and nearby ancient remains set above a wide valley.
Immerse yourself in Istanbul's neighbourhoods
Explore waterside promenades, steep backstreets, and modern cultural districts on foot or by tram.
Experience Turkey's way of life
Getting around
You can connect between major Turkish cities by domestic flights from Istanbul’s airports, which offer frequent services across the country. Intercity coaches and an expanding rail network link key hubs, while local transport such as trams, metros, and ferries help you move easily within urban areas.
Local life & culture
Daily life often centres around neighbourhood squares, waterfront promenades, and local cafés where people meet and linger. You will notice regional differences in architecture, music, and traditions between coastal towns, central Anatolia, and large cities such as Istanbul and Izmir.
Where to unwind
Along Turkey’s coasts you will find beaches, sheltered coves, and walking paths with sea views. Inland, national parks, high plateaus, and valleys offer hiking and open-air activities, while many hotels and resorts feature spas, thermal facilities, and tranquil gardens.
A taste of Turkey
National dishes & specialties
Across Turkey you will encounter grilled meats, vegetable stews, flatbreads, and meze-style spreads shared at the table. Istanbul, Gaziantep, and coastal cities are known for distinctive regional takes and long-established culinary traditions.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir you can find relaxed eateries, contemporary restaurants, and cafés that stay busy from day to night. Coastal towns and resort areas add seafront terraces and seasonal venues, offering a mix of Turkish favourites and international influences.
Signature & scenic dining
In Istanbul, hilltop and waterside restaurants offer views over the Bosphorus and city skyline. Across the country, restored mansions, historic caravanserais, and boutique hotels often house memorable dining rooms with a strong sense of place.
Retail therapy in Turkey
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir feature large shopping centres that bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining. Many are linked to metro lines or major roads, making them easy to reach during a city stay.
Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and bazaars across Istanbul, Bursa, and central Anatolia showcase textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and other crafts. Smaller towns often have weekly markets where you can browse regional products and everyday goods side by side.
Evening retail scene
In larger cities, shopping streets and malls stay active into the evening with bright window displays and late-opening stores. In popular districts and resort areas, you can pair an evening stroll with browsing boutiques, stalls, and small artisan shops.
Best time to visit Turkey
Peak season: June to August brings warm to hot conditions, especially along the coasts, with average temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). This is a popular time for beach holidays and lively resort towns.
Shoulder season: April to May and September to October offer milder weather, with averages around 15–25°C (59–77°F). These months suit city sightseeing, inland travel, and exploring outdoor sites with fewer crowds.
Low season: November to March is cooler, especially inland, with averages around 5–15°C (41–59°F) and colder conditions in some eastern and central areas. City breaks remain appealing, though some coastal resorts operate on a quieter schedule.