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Türkiye✨ 10 best things to do in Türkiye

Things to do in Türkiye

1. Float over CappadociaDrift in a hot-air balloon at sunrise above fairy chimneys, cave villages and rose-coloured valleys.
2. Explore the Hagia SophiaStand beneath the vast dome of this landmark that has served as church, mosque and museum over 1,500 years.
3. Shop at the Grand BazaarLose yourself among thousands of shops selling carpets, lamps, spices and jewellery in one of the world's oldest covered markets.
4. Walk ancient EphesusStroll marble streets to the towering façade of the Library of Celsus in one of the best-preserved Roman cities anywhere.
5. Soak in Pamukkale's terracesWade through gleaming white travertine pools above the ruins of ancient Hierapolis.
6. Cruise the BosphorusSail between Europe and Asia past palaces, mosques and wooden waterside mansions.
7. Experience a Turkish bathRelax in a historic hammam with a steamy scrub and foam massage.
8. Sail the Turquoise CoastJoin a traditional gulet cruise between hidden coves and ancient ruins along the Lycian shore.
9. Hike the Lycian WayWalk sections of a long coastal trail past Lycian tombs, pine forests and dazzling sea views.
10. Feast on Turkish foodSavour kebabs, mezze, fresh simit, baklava and strong Turkish tea and coffee.

Türkiye🗺️ Where to visit in Türkiye

Where to go in Türkiye

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  IstanbulMarmara · history & cultureA city spanning two continents, packed with Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, bazaars and buzzing neighbourhoods.
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  CappadociaCentral Anatolia · landscapesSurreal rock formations, cave hotels, underground cities and rock-cut churches.
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  EphesusAegean · ancient citySpectacular Greco-Roman ruins near the town of Selçuk.
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  PamukkaleAegean interior · natural wonderSnow-white calcium terraces and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis.
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  AntalyaMediterranean · coast & old townA charming old harbour, Roman gates and beaches, with mountains rising behind.
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  Fethiye and ÖlüdenizTurquoise Coast · beachesA stunning blue lagoon, paragliding and the gateway to boat trips and the Lycian Way.
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  Göbekli TepeSoutheast · archaeologyA mind-bending prehistoric site that is reshaping ideas about the origins of civilisation.
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  Mount NemrutSoutheast · mountaintop monumentColossal stone heads of ancient gods watch over a summit famous for its sunrises.

Türkiye🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Türkiye

Best time to visit Türkiye

Türkiye's coasts enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, while the Anatolian interior has hot summers and cold, often snowy winters. Istanbul is cooler and more changeable than the southern coast.

Typical daytime highs and rain in Istanbul (approximate averages).

Türkiye🎉 Festivals & events in Türkiye

• April
  Istanbul Tulip FestivalMillions of tulips burst into colour across the city's parks, celebrating a flower long associated with the Ottomans.
• June–July
  Kırkpınar Oil WrestlingWrestlers coated in olive oil compete near Edirne in one of the world's oldest continuously held sporting events.
• December
  Mevlana Whirling Dervishes FestivalKonya hosts ceremonies of the whirling dervishes commemorating the poet Rumi.
• October
  Republic DayCelebrated on 29 October with flags, parades and fireworks marking the founding of the republic.

Türkiye🧭 Türkiye itinerary ideas

How many days in Türkiye?

Türkiye🎒 Backpacking Türkiye – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $35–55 a day

• Long-distance buses are comfortable, frequent and affordable, and overnight routes save on accommodation.
• Istanbul's Sultanahmet and Kadıköy areas, Göreme in Cappadocia and Olympos on the coast are popular with budget travellers.
• Eat at lokantas (canteens) serving home-style dishes, and grab simit, pide or döner for cheap, tasty meals.
• Get a rechargeable transit card in Istanbul for cheaper trams, metros and ferries.
• Bargaining is expected in bazaars – stay friendly and be prepared to walk away.

Türkiye🛡️ Safety & money in Türkiye

Emergency: 112 police, fire & ambulance

Türkiye🛬 Getting to Türkiye

Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport are the main international hubs, with many flights also serving Antalya, İzmir, Dalaman and Bodrum. Türkiye has land borders with Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Syria, and ferries connect the Aegean coast with nearby Greek islands.

✈️ Cheap flights to Türkiye: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Türkiye💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Türkiye

• Istanbul is one of the very few cities in the world located on two continents.
• Göbekli Tepe is believed to be thousands of years older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
• Tulips were cherished in the Ottoman Empire long before they became a symbol of the Netherlands.
• Santa Claus is linked to Saint Nicholas, a bishop who lived in Myra, on Türkiye's southern coast.
• Turkish coffee and its traditional preparation are recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Türkiye❓ Türkiye travel FAQ

Türkiye travel questions