Discover Turkey
Explore Turkey's beautiful Mediterranean coastline, historic cities, ancient ruins, spectacular landscapes, delicious food and unforgettable holiday experiences.
Turkey Travel Guide
Turkey is one of the world's most varied holiday destinations, combining vibrant cities, ancient history, beautiful Mediterranean and Aegean coastlines, dramatic landscapes and a rich food culture. From Istanbul and Cappadocia to Antalya, Bodrum and Pamukkale, Turkey offers something for almost every type of traveller.
Capital: Ankara
Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
Language: Turkish
Best for: Beaches, city breaks, history, food, culture, road trips and family holidays
Popular destinations: Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, Bodrum, Izmir, Fethiye, Pamukkale and Ankara
Turkey stretches across two continents and offers an extraordinary mix of European, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Anatolian influences. Its long coastline is ideal for summer holidays, while inland regions offer mountains, valleys, archaeological sites and spectacular scenery.
Whether you want to relax at a luxury resort, explore ancient ruins, take a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia or experience the energy of Istanbul, Turkey makes an excellent year-round destination.
Best Places to Visit in Turkey
Turkey has an enormous variety of destinations, from historic cities and Mediterranean resorts to ancient ruins, mountain landscapes and unique geological wonders.
Istanbul
Turkey's spectacular transcontinental city combines centuries of history with vibrant neighbourhoods, shopping, restaurants, nightlife and the famous Bosphorus.
Highlights: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Galata Tower, Bosphorus and Sultanahmet.
Antalya
Antalya is one of Turkey's most popular Mediterranean destinations, offering beaches, luxury resorts, historic streets and easy access to ancient sites.
Highlights: Kaleiçi, Konyaaltı Beach, Lara Beach, Duden Waterfalls, Perge, Aspendos and Side.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is famous for its unusual rock formations, underground cities, cave dwellings and unforgettable hot-air balloon experiences.
Highlights: Göreme, fairy chimneys, hot-air balloons, underground cities, valleys and cave hotels.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is famous for its brilliant white travertine terraces and thermal waters, alongside the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Highlights: Pamukkale Travertines, Hierapolis, thermal pools and Cleopatra's Pool.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a stylish Aegean resort known for beautiful bays, beach clubs, marinas, restaurants and a lively summer atmosphere.
Highlights: Bodrum Castle, marina, beaches, boat trips, restaurants and nearby coastal villages.
Izmir & Ephesus
Izmir is a lively Aegean city and a useful base for exploring some of western Turkey's most important archaeological sites.
Highlights: Izmir waterfront, Ephesus, Åžirince, ancient ruins, Aegean beaches and local cuisine.
Best Things to Do in Turkey
Explore Istanbul
Discover Istanbul's historic peninsula, grand mosques, palaces, bazaars and waterfront neighbourhoods. Take time to explore both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus.
Take a Hot-Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
A sunrise balloon flight over Cappadocia's valleys and fairy chimneys is one of Turkey's most memorable travel experiences.
Relax on the Turkish Riviera
Spend time along Turkey's Mediterranean coastline, where destinations such as Antalya, Fethiye, KaÅŸ and Kemer offer beaches, clear waters, boat trips and resort experiences.
Visit Ancient Ephesus
Explore one of the most impressive ancient sites in Turkey, with monumental ruins that reveal the importance of the ancient city.
See Pamukkale
Walk around the famous white travertine terraces and discover the nearby ruins of Hierapolis, where natural thermal waters meet ancient history.
Take a Turkish Bath
Experience a traditional hammam during your trip. Turkish baths combine relaxation with a centuries-old bathing tradition and are particularly popular in Istanbul.
Turkish Food to Try
Turkish cuisine is one of the country's biggest attractions, with influences from Anatolia, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Balkans. Every region has its own specialities.
Kebab
Turkey has countless regional kebab styles. Try traditional grilled meat dishes in local restaurants and specialist kebab houses.
Meze
Turkish meze includes a wide selection of small dishes such as hummus, stuffed vegetables, yoghurt-based dips and seafood.
Baklava
This famous pastry combines layers of thin dough, nuts and sweet syrup and is a must-try dessert when visiting Turkey.
Turkish Breakfast
A traditional Turkish breakfast can include cheeses, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, bread, jams and other small dishes.
Gözleme
Gözleme is a traditional flatbread filled with ingredients such as cheese, spinach or minced meat and cooked on a hot griddle.
Turkish Tea & Coffee
Turkish tea is part of everyday life, while Turkish coffee is an important part of the country's traditional coffee culture.
Which Part of Turkey Should You Visit?
| Region | Best For |
|---|---|
| Istanbul | City breaks, history, culture, shopping, food and nightlife |
| Antalya & Turkish Riviera | Beaches, resorts, families, couples, boat trips and sunshine |
| Cappadocia | Landscapes, hot-air balloons, adventure, photography and romance |
| Aegean Coast | Beaches, ancient ruins, sailing, resorts and relaxed summer holidays |
| Bodrum | Luxury holidays, beaches, restaurants, nightlife and boat trips |
| Central Anatolia | History, culture, archaeological sites and inland landscapes |
Getting Around Turkey
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights are one of the quickest ways to travel between Turkey's major cities and tourist destinations, especially when combining Istanbul with Antalya or Cappadocia.
Car Hire
Hiring a car is particularly useful for exploring the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, where you can visit beaches, villages, ancient ruins and scenic viewpoints at your own pace.
Intercity Buses
Long-distance buses connect many Turkish cities and tourist areas and can be a practical option for travellers who prefer ground transport.
Trains
Rail travel is useful on selected routes, particularly around major cities and parts of central Turkey. High-speed services connect several important destinations.
Turkey Travel Budget
| Travel Style | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Budget | Hostels, guesthouses, local restaurants, public transport and free attractions |
| Mid-range | Comfortable hotels, restaurants, domestic transport, car hire and selected tours |
| Luxury | Five-star resorts, boutique hotels, private tours, fine dining, yacht trips and premium experiences |
Turkey offers a wide range of accommodation and dining options. Costs can vary significantly between Istanbul, major resorts, smaller towns and peak summer destinations.
10-Day Turkey Itinerary
Days 1–3: Istanbul
Explore Sultanahmet, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Take a Bosphorus cruise and spend time discovering neighbourhoods such as Karaköy and Beyoğlu.
Days 4–5: Cappadocia
Fly to Cappadocia and explore Göreme, the valleys and underground cities. If conditions allow, enjoy a sunrise hot-air balloon experience.
Day 6: Pamukkale
Travel towards Pamukkale to see the famous white terraces and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Days 7–8: Antalya
Continue to Antalya for Mediterranean beaches, Kaleiçi, waterfalls, restaurants and relaxing coastal scenery.
Day 9: Ancient Sites
Take a day trip to one of the ancient sites around Antalya, such as Aspendos, Perge or Side, depending on your interests.
Day 10: Antalya & Departure
Enjoy a final morning by the Mediterranean before travelling to the airport for your flight home.
Turkey Travel Tips
- Plan around the seasons: Summer is ideal for the coast, while spring and autumn can be excellent for sightseeing and exploring inland destinations.
- Allow enough time: Turkey is a large country, so avoid packing too many destinations into one short trip.
- Try local restaurants: Some of Turkey's best food experiences are found away from the main tourist streets.
- Carry comfortable shoes: Historic cities, archaeological sites and Cappadocia's valleys involve plenty of walking.
- Keep some cash: Cards are widely accepted, but cash can still be useful for smaller shops, markets and local businesses.
- Respect religious sites: Dress appropriately when visiting mosques and other religious buildings.
- Book popular experiences early: Cappadocia balloon flights, popular hotels and summer resorts can become busy during peak periods.
- Explore beyond the resorts: Turkey's villages, archaeological sites, mountains and food culture offer some of the country's most memorable experiences.
Turkey Holiday Phrasebook
Useful Turkish for hotels, restaurants, beaches, taxis, shopping and everyday holiday moments. Search below or choose a category, then tap a phrase to hear it spoken using a Turkish voice available on the visitor's device.
Language note: Pronunciation spellings are approximate. Audio uses the Turkish speech voice supplied by the visitor's browser or device, so the exact voice and gender can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey
What is the best place to visit in Turkey?
Istanbul is ideal for history and city breaks, Antalya is excellent for beaches and resorts, and Cappadocia is perfect for dramatic landscapes and unique experiences.
What is Turkey famous for?
Turkey is famous for its ancient history, Mediterranean beaches, Istanbul, Cappadocia, Turkish cuisine, bazaars, mosques, archaeological sites and spectacular natural landscapes.
Is Turkey good for a holiday?
Yes. Turkey is an excellent destination for beach holidays, family holidays, couples, city breaks, luxury travel, food lovers, history enthusiasts and road trips.
How many days do you need in Turkey?
Around 10 days is a good starting point for combining Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Mediterranean coast. Two weeks or more allows you to explore at a more relaxed pace.
What are the best beaches in Turkey?
Popular beach destinations include Antalya, Fethiye, KaÅŸ, Bodrum, Marmaris and the Aegean coastline. Each area offers a different combination of beaches, resorts and coastal scenery.
Is Turkey expensive?
Turkey offers options for a wide range of budgets. Prices vary depending on the destination, accommodation level, season and type of experience.
What food should you try in Turkey?
Try kebabs, meze, baklava, Turkish breakfast, gözleme, fresh seafood, Turkish tea and Turkish coffee.
Is Turkey good for families?
Yes. Turkey offers family-friendly resorts, beaches, swimming, boat trips, water parks, cultural attractions and a wide choice of accommodation.
Is Turkey good for couples?
Turkey is excellent for couples, with romantic coastal resorts, boutique hotels, Cappadocia balloon rides, boat trips, rooftop restaurants and luxury spa experiences.
Can you explore Turkey by car?
Yes. A road trip is particularly enjoyable along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, where you can combine beaches, ancient ruins, villages and scenic drives.
Ready to Discover Turkey?
From the historic streets of Istanbul and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the beaches of Antalya and the white terraces of Pamukkale, Turkey offers an unforgettable holiday full of culture, adventure, sunshine and incredible food.
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