Overview
Troy is an archaeological site near the Dardanelles in north-west Turkey, linked with Homer's story of the Trojan War. The hill of Hisarlık contains nine main layers of settlement, from the early Bronze Age to the Roman period, found by the excavations of Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870s and later teams. UNESCO listed the site in 1998.
Today a walking route leads through the ruins, with fortification walls, house foundations, a ramp and a sanctuary, and information boards explain the layers. A large wooden horse, a replica, stands near the entrance and is popular with children. The excellent Troy Museum, opened in 2018 just outside the site, displays the finds and tells the story from the earliest settlements to the Roman era.
Highlights
- The nine layers of the ancient city
- The wooden horse replica near the entrance
- The Troy Museum and its finds
- Views over the plain and the Aegean coast
Best time to visit
April to October is the best time. Spring has flowers and cooler days, and summer is hot with little shade. Winter is cool and damp, but the site is rarely crowded.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Good
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Best
- JunJune: Good
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Best
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Good
- DecDecember: Not ideal
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Istanbul (IST) or Çanakkale (CKZ), then take a bus or drive. Troy is about 30 km south of Çanakkale, with minibuses and taxis from the town, and about 5 hours from Istanbul by road. Many people combine it with the Gallipoli battlefields.
What to expect
The site visit takes about an hour or two, plus time for the museum. Paths are flat but uneven, and there is little shade. A guide helps to make sense of the ruins. Tickets cover the site, and the museum charges separately.
Practical tips
- Visit the museum first for context, then the ruins.
- Wear a hat and bring water, as there is little shade.
- Hire a guide if you want to understand the layers.
- Combine with Gallipoli and Çanakkale on a two-day trip.
Frequently asked questions
Was Troy a real city?
Yes, archaeologists have found a series of cities at the site, though the connection with Homer's story is debated.
Is the horse original?
No, it is a modern replica.
How long do I need?
Two to three hours for the site and the museum.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (Go Türkiye)
- Republic of Türkiye e-Visa
- UK government travel advice: Turkey
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Jorge Láscar from Australia (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Jorge Láscar from Australia (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Jorge Láscar from Australia (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
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