Popular
Spain
Tapas, flamenco & Moorish heritage
β¦ Overview
Why Visit Turkey?
Turkey is one of the world's great crossroads β a country that has been the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, a bridge between Europe and Asia, and home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth. This is a place where you can drift over rose valleys in a hot air balloon at dawn, haggle for hand-woven rugs in a centuries-old bazaar, and eat some of the most generous, complex and deeply satisfying food you'll ever encounter.
Turkish culture is built on thousands of years of layered history. The country is 97% Muslim yet deeply secular in its cities, warm and hospitable to strangers, and fiercely proud of its culinary heritage. Sharing food is an act of friendship here β don't be surprised to be invited into a stranger's home for Γ§ay (tea).
π« Book via Viator
Top Experiences in Turkey
Loading live experiences from Viatorβ¦
β¦
Powered by Viator β trusted by 40 million travellers
Free cancellation on most experiences Β· 24/7 support Β· Instant confirmation
π Food & Drink
What to Eat in Turkey
Turkish cuisine is one of the world's great food traditions β a mosaic of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan influences refined over centuries of Ottoman court cooking. It is the cuisine of slow cooking, of charcoal and spice, of fresh bread and generous mezze.
π₯
DΓΆner & Lahmacun
The original street food β slow-roasted meat carved to order, or a thin flatbread topped with spiced minced lamb. Istanbul's back streets are full of tiny lokantalarΔ± serving these for a few lira.
π«
Meze Culture
A Turkish meal begins with meze β dozens of small plates of hummus, cacΔ±k (yoghurt with cucumber), bΓΆrek (flaky pastry), stuffed vine leaves, and charred aubergine. Order raki alongside and the evening will last for hours.
π
BalΔ±k Ekmek
On the Galata Bridge in Istanbul, fishermen grill mackerel fresh off their boats and stuff it into crusty bread with onion and parsley. It costs next to nothing and tastes extraordinary.
π³
Turkish Breakfast
The Turkish breakfast (kahvaltΔ±) is a spread β olives, white cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, clotted cream, eggs cooked multiple ways, and endless bread. Budget 90 minutes and don't eat beforehand.
π―
Baklava & Sweets
KarakΓΆy GΓΌllΓΌoΔlu in Istanbul has been making baklava since 1820. The pistachio version β thin pastry, crushed nuts, clarified butter and sugar syrup β is the benchmark. Turkish delight (lokum) comes a close second.
β¦ Must-See
Highlights of Turkey
π‘ Insider Tips
Travel Tips for Turkey
- β¦ Dress modestly when visiting mosques β carry a headscarf and remove shoes.
- β¦ The Istanbul Museum Pass covers 15 major attractions β excellent value over 3+ days.
- β¦ Bargaining is expected in bazaars. Start at 40% of the asking price.
- β¦ Turkish breakfast is best eaten on a rooftop in Istanbul with Bosphorus views.
- β¦ Take the overnight sleeper train from Istanbul to Ankara for a classic journey.
Turkey at a Glance
βοΈ
Flight from UK
~4 hours from London
π
Best time to visit
AprilβJune & SeptemberβNovember
π°
Currency
Turkish Lira (βΊ)
π£
Language
Turkish
β¦ AI-Powered
Plan Your Turkey Trip with Souk
Tell me how long you have, who you're travelling with and what food and culture you love β I'll build your perfect Turkey itinerary.
- Day-by-day cultural itineraries
- Best restaurants and food experiences
- Halal-friendly options highlighted
- Budget guidance and transport tips
- Direct links to Viator booking pages