Turkey
Where East meets West across two continents

About Turkey

Overview

Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, blending Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur with otherworldly landscapes and a legendary coastline. Istanbul's domes and bazaars, Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and hot-air balloons, and the calcite terraces of Pamukkale showcase remarkable variety. Ancient cities like Ephesus stand near turquoise Mediterranean bays perfect for cruising. Rich cuisine and warm hospitality make every visit memorable.

On the map

Touristic sites

The landmarks that shape a journey through Turkey, explore them on the map.

  • 1
    Hagia Sophia, IstanbulA monumental former cathedral and mosque, one of the world's great architectural masterpieces.
  • 2
    Topkapi Palace, IstanbulThe opulent former Ottoman imperial palace overlooking the Bosphorus, filled with treasures and courtyards.
  • 3
    Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed), IstanbulA striking 17th-century mosque famed for its cascading domes and blue Iznik tilework.
  • 4
    Goreme, CappadociaA surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings, world-renowned for sunrise hot-air balloon flights.
  • 5
    EphesusOne of the best-preserved ancient cities, with the grand Library of Celsus and a great theater.
  • 6
    PamukkaleDazzling white travertine terraces of mineral pools beside the ancient spa city of Hierapolis.
  • 7
    Kaleici, AntalyaThe charming old town of Antalya, with Ottoman houses, a Roman harbor, and Mediterranean gateway access.
  • 8
    Mount NemrutA remote mountaintop crowned with giant ancient stone heads and royal tomb sanctuary at sunrise and sunset.
Best time to travel

Spring and autumn offer warm days and fewer crowds

The best times to visit Turkey are spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to October, when the weather is warm and pleasant for sightseeing and the coast. Summer is hot and busy, particularly along the Mediterranean and Aegean beaches. Winter is cooler and can be cold in Cappadocia and inland Anatolia, though it offers atmospheric snowy scenes. Shoulder seasons balance comfortable temperatures with thinner crowds.

April–JuneSpring brings mild, comfortable weather ideal for cities and ruins.
September–OctoberAutumn offers warm days, sea swimming, and fewer crowds.
July–AugustHot, busy peak summer, best for beaches and the coast.
November–MarchCooler and often cold inland; quieter cities and snowy Cappadocia.
Good to know

Turkey at a glance

The practical essentials for planning your trip. Our team confirms the details for your dates and nationality.

Best time to travelSpring (April–June) and autumn (September–October)
CapitalAnkara (Istanbul is the main gateway)
LanguageTurkish
CurrencyTurkish lira (TRY)
Entry / visaUS and UK ordinary-passport holders are visa-exempt for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as are most EU citizens; some nationalities use an official e-Visa
Getting aroundDomestic flights and high-speed trains cover long distances; trams, ferries, and taxis serve Istanbul, with car hire useful on the coast.
What to book

Best tours in Turkey

A taste of our most-loved journeys. Every one is a flexible starting point for your tailor-made trip.

Classic & Cultural

Turkey Highlights: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus

The essential Turkey, Istanbul's imperial monuments, Cappadocia's cave hotels and balloon-filled skies, and the classical ruins of Ephesus.

Classic & Cultural

Classical Turkey Grand Tour

A grand archaeological loop across Anatolia, from the whirling dervishes of Konya to the travertines of Pamukkale and the battlefields of Gallipoli.

Adventure & Nature

Turquoise Coast Blue Cruise

A traditional wooden gulet along Turkey's Turquoise Coast, secluded bays, swim stops and slow days on the Aegean.

Classic & Cultural

Flavours of Turkey

A journey for the palate, Istanbul street food and bakeries, a Cappadocia cooking class, Aegean produce and the wine village of Sirince.

See all Turkey programs
Why Turkey

The specials

Cappadocia by Balloon

Drifting over fairy chimneys at sunrise in a hot-air balloon is one of the world's most iconic travel experiences.

Istanbul's Two Continents

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul dazzles with imperial mosques, palaces, bazaars, and Bosphorus cruises.

Turquoise Coast

Ancient ruins meet sparkling bays along the Aegean and Mediterranean, ideal for gulet cruising and beach days.

Questions about Turkey?

Read our frequently asked questions, or tell us what you're dreaming up and we'll design it around you.

Travel facts verified from Lonely Planet, Best time to visit Türkiye, Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa information for foreigners, Wikipedia, Turkish lira. Sample tours are suggested starting points; details and pricing are finalised by the Tourkom team.