Turkey’s popularity is mainly due to Istanbul and the Turkish Riviera. But beyond these, there are many more wonderful sights awaiting tourists!
A small part of its territory lies in Europe, the larger part in western Asia. The European part borders Greece and Bulgaria. Its culture is very diverse, combining Eastern and Western traditions, due to its particular location and history.
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Best places in Turkey
Istanbul
Turkey’s capital is situated on both banks of the Bosphorus, which separates Europe from Asia.
The city has a rich historical heritage, as it was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire under the name Constantinople, and later the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Its unique location, architectural monuments, and artistic creations found in its museums and palaces have made it a popular destination for tourists.
There are many world-famous attractions in the city. The most well-known is, of course, the Hagia Sophia, which is one of the significant works of ancient architecture. Additionally, the Topkapi Palace should be highlighted, which is not coincidentally among the most beautiful palaces in the world.
Cappadocia
The wonderful region located in central Turkey is famous for its breathtaking geological formations and historical significance.
Its landscape was shaped by volcanic activity, resulting in unique cone-shaped rocks and cave dwellings characterizing the area.
Popular and unique attractions in the world include the numerous, oddly shaped „Fairy Chimneys”, the moonlike landscape of the Göreme valley, Göreme National Park, rock churches, the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, Zelve valley, Avanos (pottery), Uchisar rock fortress, Ihlara valley, and Soglani.
Hot air balloon rides are a must-have experience for visitors, featured in almost all photos.
Fethiye
The city located in the southwestern part of the country, on the Mediterranean coast, is surrounded by beautiful beaches.
The white sandy beach of nearby Ölüdeniz, the Blue Lagoon, is one of Turkey’s most iconic beaches. Its name means Dead Sea, referring to its calm waters that rarely have waves.
Fethiye’s historical attractions include the Lycian rock tombs dating back to the 4th century BC. The most impressive tomb is the Tomb of Amyntas, which towers over the city.
Amasya
The city in north-central Turkey is popular for its beautiful setting, historic Turkish wooden houses, and rich historical heritage.
Its most valuable sights are the old Ottoman-era mansions. One of the most elegant such buildings is the Hazeranlar House, built in 1872 by Defterdar Hasan Talat Efendi for his sister, Hazeran.
Another significant monument is the rock-cut tombs towering above the city, where the kings of Pontus were buried.
The city has given rulers, artists, and scientists to the world, and an important phase of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s life is also associated with it. This shows that Amasya is also an historically important settlement.
Izmir
Turkey’s third-largest city is also called the pearl of the Aegean Sea.
The ancient Roman agora, located in the historical center of the city, is an impressive archaeological site. Its main square is Konak Square, where the famous Clock Tower stands. Built in 1901, the tower is one of the symbols of the city. The most beautiful part of the city is the seaside promenade, Kordonboyu, where you can find many restaurants and bars along with a wonderful view.
It hosts popular and renowned festivals every year. The most famous is the İzmir International Festival, where many world-famous performers, orchestras, and dance ensembles perform. Another important event is the İzmir European Jazz Festival.
Mardin
It is a meeting point of several cultures and religions, reflected in its historical buildings and diverse population.
Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, creating a special atmosphere with its narrow, winding streets and closely packed sandstone houses. Most of the buildings bear the stylistic features of Ottoman and Syrian Orthodox architecture.
Among its religious buildings, the most important is the Deyrulzafaran Monastery. This ancient Syrian Orthodox structure was built in the 5th century and is considered one of the oldest monasteries in the Christian world.
Antalya
One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and the center of the Turkish Riviera.
Antalya’s historical center, Kaleiçi, awaits visitors with narrow, cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, and historical buildings. The old town contains numerous monuments, of which the most spectacular is Hadrian’s Gate. This impressive three-arched gate was built in 130 AD in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Düden Waterfalls
Located near Antalya, it is one of the most impressive natural sights in the region. The Düden River forms two separate waterfalls, the so-called Upper Düden and Lower Düden Waterfalls.
At the Upper Düden Waterfall, water plunges from a cave, which you can walk behind, providing a unique experience. The park has walkways, picnic areas, and viewpoints.
The Lower Düden Waterfall is located right on the beach, where the Düden River plunges water from a steep cliff into the sea. The sight is particularly impressive as the water falls from more than 40 meters high.
Pamukkale
Literally meaning „cotton castle”, it is one of the world’s rare wonders and part of UNESCO World Heritage.
The snow-white limestone pools were created by hot spring water rich in calcium hydrogen carbonate and carbon dioxide, about 35°C, gushing from underground and flowing down the hillside. The place was visited as a spa even in ancient times.
There are several hot springs in the vicinity of Pamukkale, which are also used by newly built spas and hotels. Because of this, it has become one of the destinations of modern health tourism.
Ankara
The capital of Turkey since 1923, it is the second-largest city after Istanbul.
Ankara is not a traditional tourist destination in the conventional sense. Cultural tourism is significant, with museums standing out. The historical and archaeological museums here display numerous valuable, ancient Anatolian artifacts.
Its most famous attraction is the Anıtkabir, located on a hill in the Anittepe district. This is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who was the founder, first president, and greatest reformer of the Turkish Republic. In the adjacent museum, you can find Atatürk’s memorabilia: his letters, personal items, photographs, and a wax figure of the president.
In the old part of the city, there are numerous historical monuments, such as ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Turkish style buildings and narrow, winding streets. Among the notable sights are the Temple of Augustus and the Hacı Bayram Mosque.
Kurşunlu Waterfall
Located near Antalya, it is part of Kurşunlu National Park.
The waterfall plunges from a height of 18 meters and continues into seven small lakes. It is surrounded by lush, green forest that is home to numerous plant and animal species.
Ephesus
An ancient Greek city on the Aegean coast, it is one of the most important and best-preserved archaeological sites in the world.
Founded in the 10th century BC, it was one of the largest and most important cities in Asia Minor during Roman times. It was famous for its Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately, only a few columns remain today, but it was once a huge and impressive structure.
One of the most impressive buildings is the Library of Celsus. It originally contained 12,000 scrolls and conceals a sarcophagus where Celsus, the library’s namesake, rests.
The theater is the best-preserved building in Ephesus. It hosted not only theatrical performances but also public gatherings and community events. Its auditorium is 50 meters in diameter, carved into a hillside. It could accommodate 24,000 people.
Konya
The city is famous for its rich history, religious and cultural heritage, especially due to the traditions of Sufi mysticism and the Mevlevi dervishes.
The Mevlana Museum is Konya’s most famous attraction and one of the most visited places in Turkey. It houses the tomb of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, the famous Persian poet and Sufi mystic, and founder of the Mevlevi dervish order.
Enthusiasts of architecture and applied arts consider Konya a treasure trove of Seljuk art. The best example of this is the Alaeddin Hill in the city center, which is home to the Seljuk-era Alaeddin Mosque.
Mount Nemrut
Located in the southeastern part, it is one of the country’s most important and spectacular archaeological sites and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
The mountain was the most important sanctuary and burial site of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene. King Antiochus I built his own mausoleum and temples to ensure divine status for himself.
The statues on the mountaintop are monumental in size and depict King Antiochus I and various gods. These gods include Apollo, Zeus, Hercules, and Tyche.
The mountain is easily accessible from the city of Adıyaman, which can be reached by car or local tours.
Safranbolu
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and one of the best places in Turkey where visitors can gain insight into the everyday life and architectural style of the Ottoman era.
Most of the buildings in the old town date from the 18th and 19th centuries and were built in traditional Ottoman style, which includes a combination of wood and stone.
The city has more than a thousand traditional Ottoman houses, many of which now function as museums, guesthouses, or restaurants. These houses are known for their distinctive architectural style, characterized by prominent wooden balconies, ornate window frames, and tiled roofs.
It gets its name from saffron, which has been cultivated in the area for centuries. Saffron products, such as sweets and soaps, can be purchased in local markets and shops.
Trabzon
The city on the Black Sea coast was once an important trading center of the Byzantine Empire. It was also known as the capital of the Empire of Trebizond in the Middle Ages.
Its most famous attraction is the Ayasofya Museum, also known as Hagia Sophia. The 13th-century Byzantine church later functioned as a mosque and is now a museum. The church’s beautiful frescoes and mosaics are impressive examples of Byzantine art.
The Atatürk Köşkü is an elegant villa built for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The villa is located in a beautiful garden and now operates as a museum, showcasing Atatürk’s life and work.
Lake Van
Turkey’s largest lake is located in the Eastern Anatolia region. The salty, volcanic lake was formed during the eruption of Mount Nemrut volcano.
Lake Van has exceptionally clear, blue water, and the surrounding mountains offer a breathtaking view. Its area is about 3,755 square kilometers, and its deepest point is about 450 meters.
Akdamar Island is one of its most popular tourist attractions. The Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, built in the 10th century, is located on the island. The church is famous for its impressive stone carvings and frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The building is an outstanding example of Armenian architecture.
Aspendos
The ancient city located in Antalya province is famous for its impressively preserved Roman theater.
It is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world, built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius in the 2nd century. It can accommodate about 15,000 spectators and has excellent acoustics, still allowing for concerts and performances today.
Another significant structure is the aqueduct. This is a channel bridge built in the 2nd century to ensure water supply. It carried water from the mountains to the city of Aspendos for more than 15 kilometers, with the help of numerous bridges.
