Your guide to Türkiye (Turkey)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.