City
Istanbul
Turkey
The city on two continents, with grand mosques, bazaars, palaces and ferries across the Bosphorus.
Southern Europe
Turkey
A country spanning two continents, with Istanbul's imperial skyline, Greek and Roman ruins, Aegean beaches and Cappadocia's rock valleys.
For storytellers
Why Turkey matters
Turkey sits across two continents, with a small slice in south-eastern Europe and the rest in Asia, and you feel that the moment you reach Istanbul. Ferries cross the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia while minarets and domes crowd the skyline. Beyond the city you can stand in the battlefield of Gallipoli, walk the marble streets of Ephesus, float in thermal pools at Pamukkale and watch balloons rise over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Add Aegean beaches, famously generous food and tea at every stop, and you have one of the richest travel destinations on the planet. This guide covers the Europe-facing west and the highlights most visitors combine with it.
Talking points
- Istanbul is split between Europe and Asia by the Bosphorus strait.
- Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.
- Pamukkale's white terraces and ancient Hierapolis sit side by side.
- Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and cave churches are best at sunrise.
- Turkish food, from breakfast spreads to kebabs and baklava, is a reason to visit by itself.
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- Capital
- Ankara
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish lira (TRY)
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to October for sightseeing; July and August are hot, especially on the coast and in the interior.
Where to base yourself
Cities and towns in Turkey
City
Antalya
Turkey
The capital of the Turkish Riviera, with a Roman-era old town, beaches and mountains.
City
Canakkale
Turkey
A port on the Dardanelles and the gateway to Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields.
City
Izmir
Turkey
Turkey's relaxed Aegean metropolis, with a bazaar, a seafront and an easy-going spirit.
Top places
What to see in Turkey
- Top places
- Church, mosque or temple 5
- Historic site 4
- Market 3
- Neighbourhood 3
- Palace 2
- Tower 2
- Ruins 2
- Shopping 1
- Bridge 1
- National park 1
- Viewpoint 1
- Waterfall 1
- Castle 1
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Blue Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet Mosque, known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
Ruins · UNESCO
Ephesus
Selcuk, Turkey
One of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Mediterranean, with a grand library facade.
National park · UNESCO
Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Pamukkale, Turkey
White travertine terraces and thermal pools beside an ancient spa city.
Palace · UNESCO
Topkapi Palace
Istanbul, Turkey
The home of Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, treasure and Bosphorus views.
Historic site · UNESCO
Basilica Cistern
Istanbul, Turkey
A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir with hundreds of columns.
Historic site · UNESCO
Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme, Turkey
A valley of rock-cut churches painted with Byzantine frescoes.
Market
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey
A huge covered market of lanes selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and lamps.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Suleymaniye Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
A grand sixteenth-century mosque by the architect Sinan, on a hill above the Golden Horn.
Historic site
Anzac Cove and Gallipoli
Canakkale, Turkey
Beaches, trenches and memorials from the 1915 Gallipoli campaign.
Palace
Dolmabahce Palace
Istanbul, Turkey
A lavish nineteenth-century palace on the shore of the Bosphorus.
Shopping
Istiklal Avenue
Istanbul, Turkey
A lively pedestrian avenue with shops, cafes and a vintage red tram.
Neighbourhood
Kaleici Old Town
Antalya, Turkey
Antalya's old quarter of Ottoman houses, a Roman gate and a harbour.
Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Selimiye Mosque
Edirne, Turkey
Sinan's self-declared masterpiece, with a huge dome and slender minarets.
Market
Spice Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey
A colourful bazaar for spices, Turkish delight, tea and dried fruit.
Neighbourhood
Balat Neighbourhood
Istanbul, Turkey
A hillside neighbourhood of brightly painted houses, cafes and old synagogues and churches.
Castle
Bodrum Castle
Bodrum, Turkey
A crusader castle on the harbour, now home to an underwater archaeology museum.
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