Republic Day (29 October) is the most popular and significant national holiday in Turkey, celebrating the 1923 proclamation of the Republic with nationwide parades, concerts, and festivities. Other major holidays include the religious, three-day festivals of Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı) and Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı).
Turkey observes several significant religious holidays, primarily based on the Islamic calendar. The two most important are Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı), marking the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı), commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son.
Istanbul. Istanbul is one of the most important tourist spots not only in Turkey but also in the world. There are thousands of hotels and other tourist-oriented industries in the city.
Istanbul. Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is the economic center of Turkey. It has many places of interest with a long history, among which Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Dolmabachche Palace cannot be missed when visitors go to Istanbul. The former Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built in 1616.
Antalya is much hotter in summer than Bodrum and has a longer warm season. Antalya will be a good choice if you're planning your holiday in autumn. Bodrum has fascinating ancient sites such as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum of Mausolus.
Celebrities in Turkey often stay in exclusive luxury hotels and private villas, particularly in Bodrum (known for its chic bays like Yalikavak and Golturkbuku with spots like The Bodrum EDITION, Macakizi, Maxx Royal), Antalya/Belek (Rixos Premium, Kempinski, Gloria Serenity), and historic Istanbul (Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Pera Palace) for opulent retreats or discreet getaways, choosing places that offer privacy, high-end service, and unique experiences like private beaches or designer amenities.
Where Istanbul is all about action and the Bosphorus, Bodrum is all about playtime by the sea. This glittering hangout on the 'Turkish Riviera' is just over an hour's flight from Istanbul, so it's easy to combine both in one trip. And you should.
Antalya is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast and famous for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking coastal scenery. The crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the golden sands of Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach are perfect for seeking relaxation or participating in water sports.
While France consistently ranks as the most visited country by international tourist arrivals (over 100 million in recent years), Bali, Indonesia was named the #1 destination (city/region) for 2026 by TripAdvisor based on traveler reviews, highlighting different ways to measure tourism success. The United States leads in tourism revenue, showing it's a major player even if not #1 in visitor numbers.
Other modern Second World countries are those that were not aligned with the USSR but do still fall in the middle of the scale; the majority of countries in Latin America and South America are examples of modern Second World countries, as are Turkey, South Africa, and Thailand.
When visiting Turkey, do dress modestly (especially at religious sites), accept tea/hospitality, try local food (like baklava), bargain respectfully in markets, use right hand for eating/passing items, and remove shoes at homes/mosques; don't wear shorts in mosques, speak loudly in places of worship, show excessive public affection, drink alcohol in public, insult the Turkish flag/nation, or use your left hand for dining/passing. Be aware of surroundings, especially regarding scams and sensitive topics like politics or religion.
The best adults-only all-inclusive resorts offer luxury, romance, and relaxation, with top contenders often including Excellence Playa Mujeres (Mexico) for romantic suites, Sandals Resorts (Caribbean) for vibrant luxury like Sandals Royal Barbados, Secrets Resorts (Mexico/Caribbean) known for pristine beaches (Secrets Maroma Beach), and wellness-focused Le Blanc Spa Resort (Mexico), alongside Greek island gems like Stella Island and Spanish options like Barceló Teguise Beach. Your ideal choice depends on your priority: lively fun, quiet romance, or wellness focus, with destinations spanning Mexico, the Caribbean, Greece, and Spain.
What is Bodrum, Turkey Known For? From castle views and bustling bazaars to beach clubs and ancient ruins, discover what makes Bodrum a seaside escape where history and modern energy meet. Bodrum is known for its turquoise waters, whitewashed buildings and lively blend of ancient ruins and glamorous beach life.
Families searching for the ultimate all-inclusive break with all the luxury extras should head straight to Antalya. Holidays in Antalya and its suburb Belek promise access to a blissfully warm sea with a sandy shore (golfers will be right at home here too, thanks to the many coastal golf courses).
From the opulent villas of Bebek and Etiler in Istanbul, to the exclusive coastal retreats of Bodrum and Göcek, Turkey's elite know how to live in style. Whether it's sipping Turkish coffee with a Bosphorus view or sailing into a private bay, these neighborhoods are all about luxury, heritage, and high-end living.
Although they're both beautiful destinations on the west coast of Turkey, there are quite a few differences between the two. Bodrum resembles a Greek landscape, it's dry and dotted with whitewashed houses, while Marmaris is lush and has a more Turkish vibe.
