Turkey
Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, and Istanbul embodies that crossroads more than anywhere else, with Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace sitting alongside a buzzing modern metropolis split by the Bosphorus Strait. Beyond Istanbul, Turkey offers the otherworldly fairy chimneys and hot-air balloon rides of Cappadocia, the turquoise coastline of the Turkish Riviera, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Turkish cuisine is one of the world’s great culinary traditions, from kebabs and mezze to baklava and strong Turkish tea and coffee, and Turkish hospitality is renowned throughout the region.
Explore Turkey Destinations: Istanbul.
Capital
Ankara
Main Gateway Airport
Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the world's busiest hubs
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Languages Spoken
Turkish (official), English widely spoken in tourism
Climate & Weather
Varies by region; Mediterranean climate on the coasts, more continental inland with cold winters
Best Time to Visit
April to May and September to October, mild weather for sightseeing across regions
Popular Cities to Fly To
Istanbul is the main gateway, with connections to Cappadocia (Nevşehir), Antalya and Izmir
Popular Attractions
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Cappadocia hot-air balloons, Pamukkale, Ephesus ruins
Food & Culture
Kebabs and meze spreads, baklava, strong Turkish tea and coffee culture, renowned hospitality