Türkiye
Türkiye bridges two continents and thousands of years of history, from the Hittites and ancient Troy to Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus with Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and the Grand Bazaar's labyrinth of shops. Beyond it lie Cappadocia's fairy-chimney valleys dotted with dawn balloons, the white travertines of Pamukkale, the ruins of Ephesus, and Mediterranean and…
Country overview
Türkiye bridges two continents and thousands of years of history, from the Hittites and ancient Troy to Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul straddles the Bosphorus with Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and the Grand Bazaar's labyrinth of shops. Beyond it lie Cappadocia's fairy-chimney valleys dotted with dawn balloons, the white travertines of Pamukkale, the ruins of Ephesus, and Mediterranean and Aegean beaches. Turkish cuisine — kebabs, mezes, baklava, and endless tea — is a highlight in itself, matched by legendary hospitality. The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts — Bodrum, Fethiye, Antalya — pair ancient ruins with turquoise bays and gulet cruises. A traditional hammam bath is an essential ritual, and Turkish hospitality means endless small glasses of çay and often an invitation to share a meal. Whirling dervish ceremonies in Konya and Istanbul add a spiritual dimension to the journey.
- Capital
- Ankara
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish lira (TRY)
- Region
- Asia
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to October; summer for the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts
Cities in Türkiye
Antalya Guide coming soon
Bodrum Guide coming soon
Bursa Guide coming soon
Goreme Guide coming soon
Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city on two continents, straddling the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia with 2,700 years of history…
Explore city
Izmir Guide coming soon
Tarsus Guide coming soon
Weather
Live conditions, straight from the forecast — never estimated.
Top attractions
Hagia Sophia
The 1,500-year-old architectural marvel that has been a cathedral, mosque, and museum.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet)
The six-minaret Ottoman masterpiece facing Hagia Sophia across Sultanahmet Square.
Topkapi Palace
The sprawling palace of the Ottoman sultans with the treasury, harem, and Bosphorus views.
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest covered markets, with thousands of shops across 61 streets.
Dolmabahçe Palace
The opulent 19th-century palace on the Bosphorus blending Ottoman and European styles.
Göreme and Cappadocia
Fairy-chimney rock valleys, cave churches, and dawn hot-air balloons over an otherworldly landscape.
Ephesus
The best-preserved classical city of the eastern Mediterranean, with the Library of Celsus.
Pamukkale
Dazzling white travertine terraces of thermal pools above the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Mount Nemrut
A mountaintop sanctuary with colossal 2,000-year-old stone heads at sunrise.
Düden Waterfalls and Antalya Old Town
Waterfalls plunging into the Mediterranean beside the charming walled old town of Kaleici.
Where to stay
Live pricing and availability are not connected — check the property’s official site.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
A landmark luxury hotel in a century-old neoclassical building steps from the Blue Mosque.
Live pricing not connected
Çirağan Palace Kempinski
An Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus with an infinity pool facing the water.
Live pricing not connected
Pera Palace Hotel
The historic 1892 hotel built for Orient Express passengers, once host to Agatha Christie.
Live pricing not connected
Museum Hotel
A Relais & Chateaux cave hotel carved into the rock with an extraordinary collection of antiquities.
Live pricing not connected
Sultan Cave Suites
The famous cave hotel whose rooftop terrace is the classic Cappadocia balloon photograph.
Live pricing not connected
Argos in Cappadocia
A luxury cave hotel built around a historic monastery with tunnels and terraces.
Live pricing not connected
Where to eat
Live pricing and availability are not connected — check the property’s official site.
Mikla
The pioneering rooftop restaurant blending Anatolian traditions with Scandinavian technique.
Karaköy Lokantasi
A beloved art-deco lokanta serving classic Istanbul dishes since the 19th-century tradition.
Hamdi
The famous kebab restaurant overlooking the Golden Horn, a mecca for meat lovers.
Sunset Grill & Bar
An Istanbul institution with Bosphorus views and a celebrated sushi and grill menu.
Nusr-Et Burger
The casual arm of the Salt Bae steakhouse empire, popular across Türkiye.
Practical information
The essentials for planning — always verify time-sensitive details with official sources before you travel.
Population
Approximately 86 million
Area
783562
Time zones
UTC+3 (TRT, no daylight saving)
Driving side
right
Emergency numbers
112
Visa information
Many nationalities enter visa-free or can get an e-Visa online before travel.
Source: Editorial research · Last updated: 2026-10-10