Turkey is where East meets West in the most literal sense — Istanbul literally straddles two continents, with one foot in Europe and one in Asia. It's a country of extraordinary contrasts: ancient and modern, secular and devout, mountain and coast, opulent and austere. Turkey offers some of the world's most important historical sites, a cuisine that rivals any in the world, and landscapes that range from the turquoise Aegean coast to the extraordinary rock formations of Cappadocia.
When to visit
April to June and September to October are the ideal months — warm, sunny and manageable crowds.
July and August are very hot and very busy, particularly on the coast. Cappadocia and Istanbul are crowded but still enjoyable.
Winter is cold in Istanbul and Cappadocia (snow is possible) but mild on the southern coast. A wonderful time to visit Istanbul's museums without summer queues.
Top destinations
Istanbul — One of the world's great cities, with 2,500 years of history layered across its seven hills. The Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar are the unmissable landmarks. Beyond the monuments, explore the bohemian neighbourhoods of Beyoğlu and Karaköy, take the ferry between the European and Asian shores, eat fish sandwiches on the Galata Bridge and drink çay in a traditional tea house. Istanbul deserves at least four days.
Cappadocia — One of the world's most surreal landscapes. Thousands of fairy chimneys (volcanic rock formations shaped like towers and cones) rise from the valleys of central Anatolia. Take a hot air balloon flight at dawn — it's expensive but one of the most extraordinary experiences in travel. Stay in a cave hotel, explore the underground city of Derinkuyu, and hike through the Rose and Göreme Valleys.
Pamukkale — Terraced white calcium formations cascading down a hillside, filled with warm mineral water. The ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis sits at the top. Extraordinary and unique.
Ephesus — One of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in the world. The Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the Temple of Hadrian are magnificent. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds.
The Aegean Coast (Bodrum, Cesme, Alaçatı) — Turkey's Aegean coastline rivals Greece for beauty with far fewer tourists. Bodrum has excellent nightlife and a magnificent crusader castle. Alaçatı is a charming whitewashed village known for windsurfing and boutique hotels.
The Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Ölüdeniz, Kaş) — The Mediterranean coast has crystal-clear water, dramatic mountains dropping to the sea, ancient Lycian ruins and excellent sailing. Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon is one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
Trabzon and the Black Sea Coast — The underexplored northeastern coast has lush green mountains, waterfalls and the extraordinary Sumela Monastery clinging to a cliff face.
Getting around
Turkish Airlines and Pegasus connect all major cities efficiently and cheaply — domestic flights are excellent value booked in advance. Long-distance buses (Flixbus, Metro Turizm) are comfortable and cover routes flights don't. Dolmuş (shared minibuses) are the local transport in most towns.
Food you must try
- Kebab — The döner, the Adana, the şiş and the İskender are all distinct and all magnificent. Don't judge Turkish kebab by what you know from home.
- Meze — Small plates of hummus, dolma, börek, cacık (Turkish tzatziki), patlıcan (aubergine) and more. Order a spread and eat slowly.
- Balık ekmek — Fish sandwich from a boat in Istanbul. Simple and perfect.
- Simit — A sesame-crusted bread ring sold from carts throughout Turkey. The definitive Turkish street food.
- Baklava — The original and still the best. In Turkey it's lighter and less sweet than the versions you know.
- Turkish breakfast — An elaborate spread of cheese, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, eggs, honey, clotted cream, bread and tea. One of the world's great morning meals.
Practical tips
- E-Visa required for most nationalities before arrival — apply at evisa.gov.tr. It takes minutes and is valid for 90 days.
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Cards are accepted in tourist areas but cash is useful in markets and smaller towns.
- Bargaining is expected in the Grand Bazaar and markets.
- Hamam: Visit a traditional Turkish bath — the Çemberlitaş Hamamı in Istanbul (built 1584) is the most beautiful.
- Tea culture: Refusing tea is mildly offensive. Accept it, drink it slowly.
Staying connected in Turkey
4G coverage is excellent in Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and most tourist areas. Remote mountain areas can be patchy. Get an InstantESIMs Turkey eSIM before you fly — plans start from $2.
