Discover Turkey
Istanbul is two continents pouring tea for each other across a strait.
Istanbul's mosques and bazaars, Cappadocia balloons and Aegean beaches in one country.
Capital
Ankara
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Best Time
April to June, September to October
Vibe
Layered, vibrant, hospitable
Budget
$$$Why Turkey
Turkey is an entire trip on its own — culture, food and landscape that span continents. Istanbul alone justifies the flight; everything beyond is a bonus.
Must Try
- Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) — a table that doesn't end
- Pide and lahmacun from a real ocakbaşı
- Rakı with mezze on a fish-restaurant terrace
Must Visit
- Istanbul's Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet
- Cappadocia's fairy chimneys
- Pamukkale's white terraces
Before You Go
- Cash for bazaars, cards elsewhere
- Tea is offered constantly — accept once, at least
- Friday prayers slow city traffic noticeably
Local Legend
The 'evil eye' (nazar) is hung on doorways, cars, cradles and even airplane cabins across Turkey — said to absorb envious looks and protect the wearer. When the glass cracks, locals say it did its job.
Explore by Category
What to Visit in Turkey
Cities
- Ankara
Landmarks
- Istanbul's Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet
- Cappadocia's fairy chimneys
- Pamukkale's white terraces
Nature Spots
- Bodrum and the Aegean coast
Stories from Turkey
View allfirst-day
Local insight
A Bosphorus bar served travellers rakı with watermelon and white cheese as the muezzin's call rose from one side of the water and answered itself from the other. Travellers ordered another round. That was Istanbul.
hidden
A local legend
The 'evil eye' (nazar) is hung on doorways, cars, cradles and even airplane cabins across Turkey — said to absorb envious looks and protect the wearer. When the glass cracks, locals say it did its job.
sunset
The one line that stays
Istanbul is two continents pouring tea for each other across a strait.
4 Quizzes about Turkey
View allFood Lover Quiz
Which Turkey dish matches you?
Destination Quiz
Which Turkey neighbourhood should you visit first?
Culture Quiz
Test your Turkey ritual know-how.
Adventure Quiz
What's your Turkey travel vibe?
On the map
Where is Turkey?
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