Country guide · Turkey
Best places to visit in Turkey
4 destinations compared, so you can choose where to spend your time.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
For a first trip to Turkey, start with Istanbul: Byzantine domes, Ottoman palaces and ferries between Europe and Asia. For beaches, look at Istanbul, Antalya and Bodrum. Antalya is the least expensive of the destinations in this guide.
Key facts
- Destinations in this guide
- 4
- Best months overall
- April–June and September–October
- Start with
- Istanbul
- Least expensive here
- Antalya
4 places to visit in Turkey
Best: April–June and September–October · 5 days
Istanbul
Byzantine domes, Ottoman palaces and ferries between Europe and Asia
Best: May–June and September–October · 6 days
Antalya
A walled harbour old town, long beaches and Roman cities below the Taurus Mountains
Best: May–June and September–October · 7 days
Bodrum
A Crusader castle, whitewashed bays and gulet cruises on Turkey's Aegean coast
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Best: April–June and September–October · 4 days
Cappadocia
Fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, underground cities and dawn balloon flights
Compare the destinations
| Destination | Known for | Best time | Ideal stay | Mid-range per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus ferries | April–June and September–October | 5 days | $120–$230 |
| Antalya | Kaleiçi old town and Hadrian's Gate | May–June and September–October | 6 days | $90–$180 |
| Bodrum | Bodrum Castle and Mausoleum at Halicarnassus | May–June and September–October | 7 days | $130–$260 |
| Cappadocia | Hot-air balloons and Fairy chimneys | April–June and September–October | 4 days | $120–$250 |
When to visit Turkey
Across these destinations the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. Timing still varies by place: Istanbul is best in April–June and September–October; Antalya is best in May–June and September–October; Bodrum is best in May–June and September–October.
Signature dishes across Turkey
| Destination | Try first | Also try |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | Simit | Turkish breakfast and Fish sandwich |
| Antalya | Antalya-style piyaz | Şiş köfte and Hibeş |
| Bodrum | Çökertme kebabı | Stuffed courgette flowers and Sea beans |
| Cappadocia | Pottery kebab | Kayseri mantı and Pastırma |
Events through the year in Turkey
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Istanbul: New Year's Eve fireworks over the Bosphorus (31 December–1 January) |
| March | Antalya: Runatolia Antalya Marathon (usually March) |
| April | Istanbul: Istanbul Tulip Festival — millions of tulips in Emirgan and Gülhane parks (usually April) |
| May | Istanbul: Conquest of Istanbul anniversary celebrations (29 May) |
| June | Istanbul: Istanbul Music Festival — classical concerts (usually June) |
| July | Istanbul: Istanbul Jazz Festival (usually July) |
| August | Cappadocia: Hacı Bektaş Veli commemoration in Hacıbektaş, about 45 km north of Avanos (usually mid-August) |
| September | Antalya: Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival — performances in the Roman theatre (in recent years late summer); Cappadocia: Grape harvest in the vineyards (usually September–October) |
| October | Istanbul: Republic Day — flags and celebrations (29 October); Antalya: Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival (usually October) |
| November | Istanbul: Istanbul Marathon — crosses from Asia to Europe over the Bosphorus (usually early November) |
| December | Istanbul: New Year's Eve celebrations at Taksim and along the Bosphorus (31 December); Cappadocia: New Year's Eve celebrations in cave hotels |
How far apart they are
| From | To | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | Antalya | 481 km |
| Istanbul | Bodrum | 462 km |
| Istanbul | Cappadocia | 564 km |
| Antalya | Bodrum | 292 km |
| Antalya | Cappadocia | 411 km |
| Bodrum | Cappadocia | 674 km |
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I go on my first trip to Turkey?
Istanbul: Istanbul spreads across both banks of the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe from Asia. The historic peninsula of Sultanahmet holds Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar within a…
+When is the best time to visit Turkey?
Generally April–June and September–October, though it varies by region.