City breaks in Turkey 2026

Istanbul is the perfect destination for a first city trip, as its mosques, palaces, bazaars, and the strait—which you can cross by ferry—are all concentrated in a few neighbourhoods that you can explore on foot. Izmir suits you better if you want a coastal city within easy reach of Ephesus. In Antalya, the old city, surrounded by city walls, sits right beside the beaches. Ankara and Bursa are especially recommended for travellers who have already seen the classic sights and are now looking for more tranquil urban landscapes.

Three cities, Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya, cover most of what you might want from Turkish cities. Istanbul has impressive historical landmarks and an incredibly busy culinary scene. Izmir is known for its flat landscape, mild climate, and laid-back atmosphere; a short drive away, you can explore Roman-era ruins. Antalya is the perfect choice for a holiday that combines a variety of experiences, as here you can enjoy the narrow streets of the Ottoman era, harbour views, and swimming in the sea—all in a single trip.

In April, May, September, and October, the weather is the most stable, allowing you to spend the whole day walking around the city. Because Istanbul can be very humid in the summer, and it gets extremely hot in the southern cities by midday, it’s best to plan excursions for early morning or evening. In winter, the north is cool and rainy, but quiet, and hotel prices throughout the country are generally lower than during the high season.

If you plan to visit one city, allow for 3–4 nights; if visiting 2 cities, allow for 6–8 nights. Istanbul on its own fills 4 days of exciting adventures if you visit the Bosphorus, the bazaars, and one or two museums. Since domestic flights between the major cities run frequently and the flight time is about an hour, it’s entirely possible to visit 2 cities during a week-long holiday.

In most hotels, breakfast is included in the room rate; as a rule, this does not consist of hot meals, but rather a buffet featuring cheese, olives, eggs, bread, and fruit. Apartments more often quote rates without breakfast. Air conditioning is standard, rooftop terraces are common in Istanbul and Antalya, and airport transfers are widely offered as a paid service.

Both work, though the cities suit them in different ways. Couples get rooftop restaurants, hammams, and evening ferry rides. Antalya and Izmir are particularly well-suited for families. Seafront promenades give children somewhere to run, and the distances between attractions are short. Since it’s difficult to get around with a pushchair in Istanbul due to the hills and large crowds, choose a hotel near a tram stop.