by Welcome to Türkiye — a country where ancient history, vibrant modern life and warm hospitality come together. Stretching between Europe and Asia, Türkiye offers travellers an extraordinary mix of cultures, landscapes, flavours and experiences.
And if you are planning your first trip, Istanbul is the perfect place to begin.
Set on both sides of the Bosphorus, Istanbul brings together two continents in one fascinating city. From the historic streets of Sultanahmet and the majestic Hagia Sophia to the lively neighbourhoods of Beyoğlu, Kadıköy, Balat and Karaköy, every part of the city tells a different story.
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, Turkish food, shopping, nightlife, art or simply discovering everyday life, Istanbul offers countless ways to experience Türkiye.
Discover Türkiye: Where East Meets West
Türkiye is a country of remarkable contrasts. Ancient cities and archaeological sites exist alongside modern metropolitan centres, while traditional bazaars, contemporary art spaces, coastal resorts and lively neighbourhoods create a fascinating cultural mosaic.
For travellers, the country offers much more than Istanbul. You can explore the landscapes of Cappadocia, relax along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, discover ancient ruins, experience traditional Turkish cuisine or travel through the diverse regions of Anatolia.
The official GoTürkiye travel guide highlights destinations and experiences ranging from Istanbul and Cappadocia to the Mediterranean, Aegean and Black Sea regions.
Istanbul: The City Between Two Continents
Istanbul is one of the world’s great crossroads. The Bosphorus separates its European and Asian sides while connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.
The city combines an extraordinary historical heritage with a dynamic contemporary culture. Travellers can explore imperial palaces, historic mosques, museums, bazaars and centuries-old neighbourhoods before moving on to modern restaurants, galleries, cafés and cultural venues.
Among the places worth discovering are:
- Hagia Sophia
- The Blue Mosque
- Topkapı Palace
- The Basilica Cistern
- The Grand Bazaar
- The Spice Bazaar
- Galata Tower
- İstiklal Avenue
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- The Bosphorus
- Balat and Fener
- Kadıköy and Moda
- Üsküdar
- The Princes’ Islands
These are only the beginning. GoTürkiye’s Istanbul guide includes destinations across the Historic Peninsula, Beyoğlu, the Asian side, the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, historic bazaars and the Princes’ Islands.
What to Experience in Istanbul
A trip to Istanbul is not just about visiting famous monuments. It is about experiencing the city.
Take a ferry across the Bosphorus. Walk through the colourful streets of Balat. Enjoy Turkish breakfast with simit and çay. Explore the Spice Bazaar. Wander along İstiklal Avenue. Taste traditional street food. Visit a Turkish hammam. Watch the sunset over the Bosphorus.
The official Istanbul travel guide also highlights experiences such as Turkish coffee, street food, shopping, museums, art, gastronomy, local neighbourhoods and cultural experiences.
Turkish Culture and Hospitality
Hospitality is an important part of Turkish culture. Visitors are often welcomed with generosity, conversation and, of course, something to eat or drink.
Tea, or çay, is part of everyday social life, while Turkish coffee has a long cultural tradition. Sharing food is another important part of the experience, whether you are sitting down to a traditional breakfast, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant or trying street food while exploring the city.
Türkiye’s cultural diversity is also visible in Istanbul, where historic places of worship, neighbourhoods and communities reflect the city’s long cosmopolitan history.
Turkish Cuisine: A Journey of Flavours
Food is one of the best ways to discover Türkiye.
Turkish cuisine combines regional traditions and influences from centuries of history. In Istanbul, travellers can try everything from simit, döner and kebabs to meze, Turkish breakfast, baklava and Turkish coffee.
Street food is particularly popular with visitors. Try local specialities while exploring markets, waterfront neighbourhoods and busy city streets — eating is part of the Istanbul experience.
Türkiye Travel Essentials
Before travelling, it is useful to know a few basic facts about the country.
Official name: Republic of Türkiye
Capital: Ankara
Largest city: Istanbul
Official language: Turkish
Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
Location: Türkiye lies at the crossroads of Europe and Asia
Seas: Black Sea, Sea of Marmara, Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea
Time zone: UTC+3
Major cities: Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Antalya, Bursa, Konya, Adana and Gaziantep
Türkiye’s geography is remarkably diverse, ranging from the Black Sea region and central Anatolia to the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
Four Seasons, Many Destinations
Türkiye can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on where you want to go and what you want to experience.
Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for exploring cities and historical sites. Summer is popular for coastal destinations, while winter opens the door to skiing and snowy landscapes.
Istanbul itself can be experienced in every season, with each period offering a different atmosphere — from sunny Bosphorus days to atmospheric winter walks through the historic city.
Why Visit Istanbul and Türkiye?
There are many reasons to put Türkiye on your travel list:
- Explore thousands of years of history.
- Experience a unique meeting point between Europe and Asia.
- Discover spectacular architecture and historic landmarks.
- Taste one of the world’s great culinary traditions.
- Cruise or walk along the Bosphorus.
- Explore colourful neighbourhoods and traditional markets.
- Experience Turkish hospitality and everyday life.
- Discover beaches, mountains, valleys and ancient cities beyond Istanbul.
- Enjoy a destination where tradition and contemporary culture exist side by side.
Start Your Istanbul Adventure
Türkiye is much more than a destination to tick off a travel list. It is a country to taste, explore, experience and remember.
And Istanbul is the perfect introduction.
Come for Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus. Stay for the food, neighbourhoods, cafés, art, history and unexpected discoveries around every corner.
Whether this is your first visit or your return to a city you already love, Istanbul always has something new to reveal.
Welcome to Istanbul. Welcome to Türkiye — and let your journey begin.
