Türkiye (Turkey) holidays

Spanning both East and West, ancient and modern, Türkiye (formerly Turkey) is a global destination like no other. Home to vast stretches of gleaming coastline and more Greek ruins than Greece, your holiday to Türkiye balances natural wonders with a rich tapestry of cultural attractions. Marvel at ancient mosques, experience the sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar and sip some of the strongest tea on Earth.

Top destinations in Türkiye (Turkey)

Antalya

Welcome to Antalya, Türkiye’s famous seaside getaway. Explore Roman ruins and cobblestone streets with views of the Mediterranean. Or sip raki at glamorous beach clubs and shop at colourful bazaars.

Bodrum

Located on Türkiye’s southwest coast, Bodrum lets you marvel at ancient ruins, swim in turquoise seas and party all night long — all in the shadow of a fairy-tale castle.

Dalaman

The good life comes easy in the town of Dalaman. Sunbathe on hidden beaches, soak in thermal springs, and hike to ancient ruins in this laid-back Turkish destination.

Istanbul

A megacity with ancient roots and a modern identity, Istanbul overwhelms you with its riches, from Byzantine churches and trend-setting spas to one of the oldest and largest bazaars on the planet.

Izmir

Find a perfect introduction to Turkish cuisine and culture in Izmir. Beaches, nightlife, museums — Türkiye’s third-largest city has it all in one affordable, user-friendly package.

Ankara

In Türkiye’s storied capital, history lessons go hand in hand with legendary eats. Spend your days visiting grand citadels and castles, then hunt down the best kebab in town.

Türkiye (Turkey): fast facts

Language

Turkish

Currency

Turkish lira (₺)

Time Zone

UTC+3 (TRT)

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Türkiye (Turkey) holiday highlights

Antalya
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Soak up the architecture

Get ready to be wowed by examples of Ottoman, Byzantine and Seljuk-style buildings. You can’t miss the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, two of Istanbul’s most celebrated monuments. On the Black Sea coast, the Sümela Monastery is perched on the face of a sheer cliff. For one of Türkiye’s most impressive castles, visit Alanya Kalesi, which has 140 towers.

See ancient ruins

When it comes to ruins, Greece and Italy have nothing on Türkiye. Visit UNESCO-listed Ephesus, an ancient city and home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. And not far from the coast of Çanakkale, you’ll find the ruins of Troy. In Istanbul, stop by Sultanahmet Square, once the Hippodrome of Constantinople.

Shop the bazaars

One of the essential things to do in Türkiye is to shop at a bazaar. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is the most famous, but there are others worth seeing. Find souvenirs at Gaziantep’s 19th-century Coppersmith Bazaar, or browse traditional textiles at the Old Silk Market in Bursa. In Izmir, spend a day exploring Kemeraltı Market’s shops and tea gardens.

Things to do in Türkiye (Turkey)

Antalya
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Top attractions

Few landmarks capture Türkiye’s rich history like Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, which has served as a cathedral, mosque and museum over its 1,500-year existence. For ancient history, explore the fascinating ruins of Ephesus, the second-most important city under the Roman Empire. And don’t miss the chance to soak in a ‘hammam’ (traditional Turkish bathhouse) — Istanbul’s Cagaloglu Hamami offers healing waters and grand architecture all in one.

Beaches

With more than 8,000 kilometres of coastline, Türkiye has beaches to suit any taste. Relax on the white sands of Lake Salda, often called the ‘Turkish Maldives’, or ramp up the action with a day of surfing at Damlataş and Keykubat beaches in Alanya. For one of the country’s most picturesque spots, swim in Ölüdeniz’s blue lagoon, with its soft sands and turquoise waters.

Nature

One of Türkiye’s most famous natural wonders is Pamukkale’s natural hot springs, set among petrified waterfalls and calcified hills that look like a field of cotton. Another unmissable natural sight is in the region of Cappadocia, where rock castles, cave dwellings and conical rock formations called ‘fairy chimneys’ give it an otherworldly feel.

Culture and museums

In Istanbul, you’ll want to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, one of the most famous museums in Türkiye. Hagia Sophia reverted from a museum to a mosque in 2020, but non-Muslims can still visit. See the rock-cut dwellings and cave churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia. And learn about Turkish art at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest of its kind worldwide.

Cuisine

There’s much to try when visiting restaurants in Türkiye. Mediterranean, Central Asian and Middle Eastern flavours influence dishes like ‘köfte’ (meatballs), ‘mantı’ (dumplings) and ‘lahmacun’ (flatbread topped with mincemeat). If you’re craving something sweet, try ‘baklava’ (sweet, flaky pastries) or ‘lokum’ (Turkish delight). And the day isn’t complete here without a glass of strong Turkish tea.

Family friendly

Budding history buffs will love taking a boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait, where you can see east meet west and the Ottoman masterpiece Topkapi Palace. The white, terraced Travertines of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of ​​Hierapolis are sure to set young imaginations ablaze. Does your family love swimming? Let loose on the beaches of Fethiye.

Find the best time to visit Türkiye (Turkey)

Events in Türkiye (Turkey)

Istanbul Tulip Festival (April): The Ottoman Empire was the original supplier of tulips to Europe. Come early April, Emirgan Park is the epicentre for tulip blooms, but you’ll find bulbs across Istanbul’s parks, roundabouts and roadways.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Festival (August): Hot-air balloons take flight over Cappadocia every day. But for this popular festival, hundreds of balloons synchronise their flights each sunrise and sunset, making for an unforgettable spectacle against the landscape.

Mevlana Festival (December): Held in Konya to honour the 13th-century poet Rumi, this spiritual celebration draws large crowds each year. Visitors come to witness the whirling dervishes perform the Sema, a mesmerising ritual of spinning meditation rooted in Sufi tradition.

Weather in Türkiye (Turkey)

March – May: Warm, sunny days make spring prime time for hiking. Türkiye’s love affair with tulips goes back to the Ottoman Empire — come in early April to see these flowers in full bloom.

June – August: Summer signals peak tourist season, and for good reason. The Mediterranean and Aegean waters are warm, and the cities are at their liveliest.

September – November: Beach holidays are still possible in September and early October. This is a great time to see the vineyards awash with autumnal colours.

December – February: Turkish winters can be cold, making it a good time to enjoy ski resorts like Sarıkamış and Erciyes. If you’re looking to tour ancient ruins without the crowds, this is your season.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Know the local gestures. A click of the tongue accompanied by raised eyebrows means ‘no’, while bobbing your head side to side says ‘I don’t understand’. When it comes to how to dress, it’s best to keep things modest, especially when you’re away from tourist areas. And if you’re visiting a mosque, be sure to cover up and remove your shoes at the door.

Health and safety

Don’t drink tap water, and avoid raw or undercooked foods. Measles cases have increased in recent years, so check that your vaccinations are up to date. Dogs and wildlife can carry rabies. Avoid petting animals and seek immediate medical attention if bitten. From May to October, mosquito-borne illnesses can be a risk, depending on which region you’re visiting.

LGBTQ+ travel

Same-sex relationships are legal in Türkiye, but social attitudes can be conservative, especially outside major cities. There are no legal protections against discrimination, and Pride events are often restricted. LGBTQ+ travellers should take care and avoid public displays of affection. In Istanbul, Beyoğlu stands out for its more welcoming vibe, with plenty of queer-friendly cafes, bars and clubs.

Budget

If you’re organising a cheap holiday in Türkiye, plan to spend about 300 Turkish liras (TRY) for an inexpensive meal and around TRY100 for a coffee. If you need to travel by taxi, a short ride will usually cost around TRY115.

Getting around Türkiye (Turkey)

Bodrum

Public transportation

Buses: In Türkiye, long-distance buses often come with added perks — including an onboard server! Book with dependable companies, including Pamukkale Turizm and Anadolu Ulasim, and expect comfortable seats, affordable fares and the chance to order drinks and snacks.

Trains: Türkiye’s sweeping expanse is connected by a comprehensive network of high-speed and regional trains. Prices are often reasonable, but delays are common, so allow yourself plenty of time.

Boats: One of the best sightseeing activities in Istanbul is hopping aboard a ring route passenger ferry on the Bosphorus. Boats are also a great way to travel along the Turquoise Coast. In the summer, ferries from Bodrum run daily to nearby Greek islands.

Domestic flights

Flying is the best option if you want to zip between destinations efficiently. Domestic carriers include SunExpress, AJet, Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines. The cheapest fares are booked well in advance. Baggage and security lines can be slow, so arrive at least two hours before your departure.

Domestic flights

Driving

Hiring a car in Türkiye is straightforward, so long as you have an international licence. Highways between major cities and the coast are in good condition and easy to navigate. However, city driving can be a challenge due to heavy traffic.

Car hire

FAQs about Türkiye (Turkey) holidays

Check with your local government for travel advisories in Türkiye. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and purse snatching can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas. There are many stray dogs and cats in Türkiye — keep your distance and don’t pet them.
Hotel rates and airfares tend to skyrocket in Türkiye in summer, so keep costs low by travelling in late spring or early autumn. Cheap, tasty meals abound here, and transport is reasonable year-round.
Türkiye’s currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). You’ll find lots of exchange offices and ATMs throughout the country, especially in bigger towns and cities. It’s considered normal to tip around 10% for good service in Turkish restaurants, bars and cafes.
The country’s official language is Turkish, but you’ll also hear Kurdish, Zazaki and Arabic. Many locals in the tourist and hospitality industries know some English. Still, attempting to speak a little Turkish is appreciated. Start with ‘merhaba’ (hello) and ‘teşekkürler’ (thanks).
Spring and autumn are considered the best times to visit Türkiye, with April, May, September and October offering blue skies and warm weather. July and August are the hottest months, and most visitors tend to hit the coast during this time. As a result, the cities are usually less crowded — good news for bargain travellers.
If you’re chasing a beach getaway, head to the seaside cities of Antalya or Bodrum. Both offer incredible scenery, historic sites and lively nightlife. For a city break, Istanbul offers world-class restaurants, galleries, shopping and architecture.