Türkiye’s transcontinental culture clash, its east-west spice mix of inspirations, tastes, traditions, faiths, and civilizations. This is what makes this nation so alluring at the point where Europe and Asia meet. This region is rich in sensory experience, from its bazaars and mosques to its cuisine and culture; unique and romantic, from its Ottoman castles to the fairytale Cappadocia.
Due to its thriving entertainment sector, historical significance, and natural beauties that may be transported over the Bosporus to other areas of the world. Türkiye has just lately begun to feature in tourism advertisements. Equally diversified are its beautiful areas. It is possible to discover historical treasures and surreal landscapes inland.
We’ve created a list of the most stunning places to Visit in Türkiye to assist in your search for these spots.
1. Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya)
Hagia Sophia is a magnificent piece of architecture and a significant landmark for both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. It has always been the most valuable of its period. It was once a church, then a mosque, and is now a museum in the Turkish Republic.
It’s a good idea to stroll around the exterior of Hagia Sophia before entering to get a better view of the massive dome, buttresses, and minarets.
These are massive in size, and Sultanahmet Square’s fountain offers one of the greatest vantage locations for photographing pictures. You may also visit the Sultans’ Tombs on the Hagia Sophia grounds, a collection of three smaller dome-shaped structures decorated with elaborate Islamic themes and inscriptions.
Its Byzantine architecture and history utterly fascinate me as I go over inside. Everywhere you turn, there is so much detail that it takes hours to properly comprehend the structure. The Hagia Sophia is a work of art, with mosaic embellishments, marble pillars, and paintings.
Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Entry to Hagia Sophia is free. Before stepping onto the mosque’s carpets, take off your shoes. Please respect the mosque’s daily five prayers by being quiet, not making a lot of noise, and refraining from running or standing in front of those who are praying.
Things to remember.
Read More: VISIT HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE – COMPLETE GUIDE
2. Cappadocia
Every photographer’s goal is to capture the beautiful, swooping rock valleys of Cappadocia.
Take a horseback ride across the area, go on a hot air balloon adventure lift, and don’t forget to sip Turkish tea. The ultimate wishlist trip is riding in a hot air balloon, and Cappadocia is one of the best places to go on this journey! flight over the fairy chimneys which are cone-shaped rock formations, valleys, and caves of Cappadocia. Enjoy your visit and discover Cappadocia from above for the most incredible perspective of the entire planet!
I liked Cappadocia because of the region’s scenery, vibrant rock colors, & striking shapes that nature’s wrath has carved out over many thousands of years. There are plenty of activities to experience in Cappadocia, like hiking, exploring underneath towns and tunnels, and enjoying the hospitality and delicious meals of a cave hotel, but a hot air balloon trip can’t be missed.
Location: Cappadocia, Türkiye
Things To Do: Visit Goreme National Park, Visit Devrent Valley, Explore Love Valley, Visit Pasabag
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September and October.
Best Places To Stay: Natureland Cave Hotel, Evi Cave Hotel
Things to Know
Read More: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT – MY EXPERIENCE
3. Ephesus
Ephesus is a historic monument in Aegean Turkey, Located in Selcuk, a little village 30 kilometers from Kusadasi, and is considered to be Europe’s most complete classical city. The Great Theater, the complex of terraced buildings with frescoes, and the Celsus Library all provide reminders of its prosperity and significance during the Roman era.
The Basilica of St. John was built as a way to promote Christianity when it was introduced in the 1st century since it had a foothold as a significant economic hub at the time. During the Byzantine era, the city was in a strategically important commercial position.
Only 15% of this rich repository, which has the biggest collection of architectural Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean, has been discovered. The most well-known destination in this area that serves as a reminder of the value of knowledge is the Celcius Library.
It was wonderful for me to be able to freely go through the ruins of temples, stores, homes, streets, churches, and state places. All around the area, you may find remnants from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Early Christian periods. Since Ephesus is home to the biggest concentration of Roman remains in the eastern Mediterranean, it is magnificent.
Location: Atatürk, Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye
Entry Fee: 11.5 Euro per person (200 TL)
Ephesus is open to visitors every day of the week, and visiting hours may vary depending on the summer and winter seasons.
Best Time To Visit: March to mid-June
Points to Ponder
Best Places To Stay: Celsus Boutique Hotel, Ayasoluk Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
4. Pamukkale
Southwest Turkey’s environment is somewhat similar to a dream because of the mineral-white forests of petrified water, the countless waterfalls that tie all of these pools together, and the rows of terraced warm water pools. The snowfield-like Pamukkale travertine terraces, also known as Cotton Castle in English, are one of Türkiye’s most well-known natural beauties. They flow down the slope amid the surrounding vegetation and are completely white.
After viewing the ruins of the city’s agora, gymnasium, necropolis, and massive gates, as well as the old theatre with its views of the surrounding countryside, you may take a dip in the historic pool’s mineral-rich waters, which helped make this spa town famous in antiquity.
Most of the 17 springs are batheable since the water they come from ranges in temperature from 35 °C (95 °F) to 100 °C (212 °F). Since the 2nd century BC, they have attracted tourists, and legend has it that Cleopatra herself took a dip in one of its pools.
Come at twilight as the sun has set to get the greatest pictures of the sparkling travertines.
You’d be excused for thinking it was a snow-capped mountain when you first saw it. These tiered lakes of travertine are a natural occurrence. Calcium carbonate, which is present in the hot water in motion, causes lime deposits.
Location: Denizli, Türkiye
Highlights: Explore the Hierapolis Museum, Visit the Hierapolis Theatre, Visit the Pamukkale Castle, Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: April to mid-June
Best Places To Stay: Hotel Alida, Venus Suite Hotel
Things to Know
5. Topkapı Palace
Among Turkey’s greatest tourist attractions is the Topkapi Palace. A picture of the Ottoman sultans’ regal way of life may be seen at the Topkapi Palace. The Ottoman sultans built their empire from here in the 15th and 16th centuries, expanding it throughout Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Until 1853, the palace served as the Ottoman Empire’s governmental and iconic residence. It was then converted into a museum in 1924. Many beautiful halls and chambers are now on show at the palace museum.
Don’t miss the Imperial Council building, where the Grand Vizier conducted business for the empire, the Imperial Treasury, an exhibition of weaponry, the entire global collection of miniature paintings, the spoon maker’s diamond, the Topkapi dagger, the Ottoman clothing, armor, and the opulent Harem apartments, which were created by renowned Ottoman architect Sinan.
The Harem, which has roots that reach back to Asia, is yet another fascinating feature of the Topkapi Palace. Harems were fairly widespread in Asian nations, in contrast to Western societies. A Sultan or an Emperor would have several slave girls, all of whom would bear heirs. The empire’s hold on power was maintained by adopting this strategy.
However, in contrast to previous empires, the Ottomans educated their concubines to be elegant, wise, and capable women since any one of them may someday succeed the Valide Sultana (mother of the Sultan). An ordinary slave girl was allowed to rule an empire by becoming the mother of the Sultan. Town councilors and noblemen had such little impact over the Sultan during the Sultanate of Women because of their immense authority. Women from history like the legendary Hurrem and Kosem Sultan called the Topkapi Palace home.
Location: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Timings: 9 Am – 6 pm (except for Tuesday)
Topkapi Palace charges 200 Turkish Lira per person for entrance. Each participant must pay an extra 100 Turkish Lira to enter the Harem. Children under 12 can enter for free, and those under (6) can also enter the Harem for free. Those who have a 72-hour Museum Pass are eligible for free entrance to th e museum.
Things to Know
6. Patara
With such a vast Mediterranean coastline, Türkiye has a beach for every kind of sunbather, but one of its most well-known stretches of sand is Patara. In the surroundings of Fethiye along the Turkish Riviera in the province of Antalya sits Patara Beach. It is 12 kilometers long.
Saint Nicholas, also known as Nikolaos of Myra, is a Christian saint. He lived in the 4th century and subsequently inspired the birth of the conventional Santa Claus, who was born in Patara.
There are a few cost-estimating places to stay here, and locals own beach cafés with umbrellas and loungers that you may rent. Moreover, if you’re lucky, you could be able to see the moon rise and the sun set simultaneously from a dune’s crest.
The huge ruins of Ancient Patara, contain buildings, temples, bathhouses, and colonnaded streets. It is the city’s renovated bouleuterion, and a theatre with seating for 5,000 people, add to the experience. They are located right behind the dunes. The yearly Nomadic Walk, a specific cultural event, is also held in Patara, and we heartily encourage everyone to go.
Location: Gelemiş, Antalya Province, Türkiye
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Horseback riding, Exploring Patara Ruins, and Water sports at Patara Beach.
Entry fee: The entrance fee for Patara Beach is 7.5 TL.
Best Time To Visit: April, May, October and November
Best Places To Stay: Patara Prince Hotel & Resort, Hotel Patara Sun Club
Things to Remember
7. Antalya City
Everyone may find something else to enjoy in this thriving Mediterranean center.
If owning over 5,000 pieces of art, 13 exhibition halls, and an outdoor gallery isn’t unique, we don’t know what is! The 75,000-square-foot Antalya Muzesi is located. It draws almost 30% of the state’s overseas visitors and is known as the “Tourism Capital of Türkiye.”
A stroll around Kaleiçi, the Old Quarter, provides a glimpse into the city’s historical history with sights of the old city walls, Roman gates, confusing streets, and historic buildings like the Clock Tower and lovely, older churches, mosques, and temples. Cumhuriyet Square is located in the center of the Old Quarter. It has shops, cafes, Turkish baths, and street entertainers on either side.
The town now rises to prominence for its nightlife, upscale dining, and thrill-seekers. Who come from all over the world to enjoy the Mediterranean sun and escape the gloom of the city. There are boutique hotels, renovated Ottoman houses, and a bustling contemporary city just outside your door.
Location: Bahçelievler, Konyaaltı Cd. No:88, 07050 Muratpaşa/Antalya, Türkiye
Timings: 8.30 am – 7 pm
Entry Fee: Approximately 35 Turkish Lira per person.
Antalya is at its finest throughout the year, but October is the greatest month to go since the temperature is much more bearable and there are less tourists than in the summer. When compared to other cities, Antalya’s prices could be a little on the expensive side, but the visit is undoubtedly worthy.
Things to Know
8. The Blue Mosque
This famous mosque (officially called the Sultanahmet Mosque), The mosque, which was built by Sultan Ahmed I, was created by Sedefkar Mehmet Aga pupil of Sinan. He is the most illustrious architect of the Ottoman dynasty, resembling the Hagia Sophia. The mosque is just across from Hagia Sophia.
The inside of the prayer hall, which is coated with tens of thousands of blue Iznik tiles and gave the mosque its name, is lighted by shards of light from 260 windows. Although the Blue Mosque has six short minarets and a vast courtyard complex, all of it is on a massive scale. Pay particular attention to the floral details of the mosque; several flowers, including tulips, roses, and more, are carved on the mosque to make it appear precious and rich. This scenic mosque with the domes and the blue color scheme has a unique touch of design.
Location: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Timings: Any time in the day except prayer time (5 times a day)
It is advised to go when there aren’t prayers being said, as it is closed five times a day. Women are asked to cover their heads and legs, and males must also be completely clothed according to the mosque’s strict dress code.
Important Note
9. Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is a unique historical mausoleum in Eastern Türkiye that resembles ancient Egyptian architecture. Turkish people often refer to it as the “Residence of Gods” because of this.
Perhaps there is no need to introduce the recognizable head sculptures of Nemrut Dai since they are a true treasure of eastern Türkiye and a well-known popular destination in Turkey. Every tour of eastern Türkiye, and in my perspective any travel to Türkiye, must include a stop at this creepy ruin.
The 8th wonder of the world, this ancient location is surrounded by huge sculptures of the Greek and Persian gods as well as King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene, two lions, two eagles, and other creatures. It is located on the Arsameia historic route.
Antiochus I built a massive funeral monument on its summit and devoted it to himself as a sign of his importance. And then decorated it with sculptures of himself and other gods. Zeus Oromasdes, Apollo-Mithras-Helios-Hermes, Commagene-Tyche, and Heracles-Verethragna-Artagnes-Ares are a few of the Greco-Persian deities you could see when visiting the 2,150-metre-high.
Don’t you want to go and see it for yourself?
My long adventure into the isolated Central Türkiyeregion in pursuit of these undamaged deity sculptures at the summit of Mount Nemrut began with the response, “Hell yeah!”
Location: Taurus Mountains, Türkiye
Things to do: explore the places nearby like Cendere Bridge, Karakus, etc.
Best Time To Visit: May and September
Best Places To Stay: Zeus Otel, Gunes Motel Nemrut
Things to Remember
10. Aspendos
The jaw-droppingly huge Roman Theater of Aspendos. It is a historic site south of Antalya that dates back to the second century. It symbolizes the pomp and ceremony of Marcus Aurelius’ empire. The walls of this historic location have a large, dramatic architecture that draws the audience together.
The huge Aspendos Roman Theatre, which formerly held over 15,000 people, is one of the few remaining examples of Marcus Aurelius’ reign. The land also has the ruins of a basilica, a stadium, an agora, and a waterway. However, the theatre is a big attraction.
You may ascend the essential steps to the spectacular vistas once you’ve entered the theatre. As you pass through the arches that encircle the theater’s upper tier, you can feel its majesty. We were amazed!
In addition to many other things, I found a hustling metropolis, peaceful rural towns, verdant mountains, clear waters, ocean views, ruined historic cities, and Unesco World Heritage Sites. Turkey’s beauty and abundance of ancient and scenic attractions really stunned me.
Additionally, the theatre boasts a breathtaking perspective. Aspendos is among the greatest Roman theatres outside of Italy when you look at each of the Roman theatres around the globe.
Location: Serik, Antalya Province, Türkiye
Best Time: March to May
260 Lira – 75 TL each person at Aspendos, 75 TL at Perge, and 10 TL per person at Kursunlu. Depending for your preferences, lunch and a drink will cost about 100TL per person.
Things to Know
11. Marmaris
Marmaris, one of Türkiye’s most well-known coastal resorts, is surrounded by picture-perfect scenery, including pine-covered hills, sand-white dunes, crystal-clear waters, and ancient buildings. On the Turkish Riviera in southern Türkiye, you’ll find this spectacular maritime port. It is a tourist haven with outstanding viewing options, water sports, delicious restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Indeed it is, the much more stunning spot I’ve seen so far is Marmaris. I simply said it, & I won’t go back on it. As a massively famous summer stop for European visitors, particularly us Brits, there isn’t a shortage of food and lodging in Marmaris, Turkey.
The 16th-century Palace of Suleyman the Great is accessible by a stroll through the old quarter’s cobblestone lanes, which also have excellent architecture.
In contrast to jeep safaris, which provide off-the-beaten-path adventures, horse safaris canter via verdant pine woods, orange orchards, medieval villages, uninhabited coves, and breathtaking waterfalls.
Turkish spas for complete pampering and relaxation are also available it, along with water slides for the whole family. If that isn’t enough, It is the starting point for a variety of day journeys to famous locations including Dalyan, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cleopatra Island.
At the Lidya Hotel, I still have vivid memories of my very first swimming lesson. Marmaris holds a particular space in my heart and will forever.
Location: Marmaris, Türkiye
Things To Do: Scuba diving, Rafting, Jeep Safari Tour, Boating, Horse riding, Quad Safari
Best Time To Visit: June and September
Best Places To Stay: Green Nature Diamond Hotel, Grand Yazıcı Club Turban
Things to Know
12. The Grand Bazaar
Among the city’s biggest and oldest markets is the Grand Bazaar. Vendors are shouting for your attention as they scatter around selling traditional Turkish items. In the middle of the 15th century, during the early Ottoman Empire’s period of conquest, Sultan Mehmet II gave the order for its establishment.
The Grand Bazaar remains to be a key marker of nationhood, a venue for global trade, and the hub of the state’s financial development. We do advise you to participate in grocery shopping and mix it with the goodness of discounts that, if nothing else, help you improve your negotiating abilities. The Grand Bazaar, which was once a small area with a few houses and stores, is now a city inside a city with thousands of items for sale, including everything from jewels and rugs to antiques and sweets.
Other items worth purchasing at the market include Turkish crockery, Turkish tea, jewels, blankets, and precious antiquities. Make sure you put up a strong bargain to get the best deal for your buy.
With 4,000 street businesses and 30,000 square meters of space, the bazaar presently attracts more than 200,000 people each day.
Location: Beyazıt, Kalpakçılar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.
Timings: 10 am – 6 pm
13. Konya
Going back in time, Konya is known for its relations with Sufism, remarkable Seljuk architecture, Whirling Dervishes, and the renowned poet Rumi. The significant cultural hub of Turkey is Konya, which was once known as Iconium. There are also beautiful Seljuk-era structures that are seen today, such as the Alaeddin Mosque, which contains the tombs of various sultans. The Ince Minare Medrese, which is now a museum and houses antiquities from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, is another well-known illustration.
The spinning, also known as “Sufi spinning,” is a kind of Sama, an active form of meditation. The Dervishes rotate their bodies repeatedly in imitation of the planets orbiting the sun while listening to music and focusing on God.
Additionally, Konya has gorgeous parks and natural areas, including Alaeddin Hill in the heart of the city and Japanese Park, which features beautiful pagodas, waterfalls, and lakes.
Realistically speaking, Konya doesn’t have a lot of exciting things to do. However, Konya was precisely what we required after having spent a month traveling around Türkiye‘s more well-known locations. We got a warm, genuine feeling of Turkish culture in Konya, a city off the main route.
Türkiye’s Konya is frequently regarded as the region’s most religiously traditionalist city. Since we had only visited the more well-known tourist areas of Türkiye, we were really unsure of what to anticipate.
To my amazement, however, we found that Konya is a contemporary, global city where life is much like it is anywhere else. Yes, you will notice more conventional Islamic attire. Mosques may be found anywhere. But Konya is also a secure, hygienic, and practical city. And because Konya is a university town, many of its citizens are rather youthful and stylish. Well, that didn’t go as planned.
Location: Konya, Türkiye.
Things To Do: Visit the Tile Museum, the Alaeddin Hill, the Museum of Wooden and the Stone Carving, Sightseeing, Souvenir hunting
Best Time To Visit: June to August
Best Places To Stay: hich hotel, Hilton Garden Inn
Things to Remember
14. Ankara
Türkiye’s “Beating Heart” is Ankara, which is also the country’s capital and second-largest city. It’s a major city at an elevation of 850 meters. It is located in the center of the vast High Anatolian Plateau’s Eastern Edge. The area around the city is famed for its many Steppes, young volcanoes, and stunning, widely spaced-out golden wheat fields.
Government offices, department shops, academic institutions, and foreign embassies are found in it, a vast, up-to-date metropolis. It is a historic city that was formerly home to people from many different civilizations, including the Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Anitkabir, a famous monument from the 20th century, is a mausoleum where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s burial is located.
Before you reach the outskirts of this metropolis of more than five million people, Ankara is already in view. Instead of having a single, identifiable downtown like many of the cities, they appear to be a lot of separate regions with tall, contemporary structures. It actually made me think of Houston when I was far away. Ankara is far more exciting than I could have imagined, and it actually is.
Along with seeing ancient landmarks, visitors may also take advantage of attractions like Wonderland Eurasia, Altinkoy Open Air Museum, the Atakule Observation Tower’s rotating café, and many more. Unquestionably, It is among the top tourist destinations in Türkiye.
The Citadel, a maze of twisting lanes that are surrounded by and spilled out from the castle walls, is where most of Ankara’s famous places are located. One of Türkiye’s top museums, the renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is nearby and exhibits artifacts from nearly most of the major ancient monuments in the nation, going back to at least as Neolithic times.
Location: Altingbag district, Ankara, Türkiye
Best Time: During Sunset.
Read More: Things to do in Ankara – Travel Guide
15. Kabak Bay
Kabak Bay refers to the coastline near the town of Lycia. From Lüdeniz, tourists may go here in about an hour by dolmus, taxi, or vehicle. There are no stores or ATMs in the neighborhood. A trip to the Kabak is a getaway from the city. Typically, visitors could see lounging on the beach, sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. A day hike is another option if you’re feeling very adventurous.
Kabak would likely be my choice if I had to pick somewhere in Turkey to do nothing at all. Previously, only artists and the most tenacious tourists would venture to Kabak, a hidden treasure of Turkey’s southern shore with a lovely and deserted white sand beach.
Even while Kabak is still peaceful and stunning, it is now significantly more busy due to the construction of resorts and yoga studios that cater to a different type of tourist than it formerly did.
Location: Uzunyurt, 48300 Uzunyurt Köyü Fethiye/Fethiye/Muala, Türkiye
Best Time: Autumn and springtime
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