Discovering Turkey is a captivating journey filled with a myriad of experiences that showcase the country's rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. With a plethora of things to do in Turkey, this enchanting destination offers something for every traveler.
Begin your exploration in Istanbul, where the ancient and modern coexist seamlessly. Visit the iconic Hagia Sophia and the magnificent Blue Mosque, marveling at their architectural grandeur. Stroll through the historic Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets globally, where you can indulge in shopping for unique souvenirs and traditional Turkish delights.
Venture to the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, a region dotted with surreal rock formations and cave dwellings. Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise to witness the breathtaking scenery from above, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Explore the underground cities carved into the soft volcanic rock, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.
Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is another must-visit destination. The terraces of dazzling white travertine formations, filled with thermal waters, create a mesmerizing sight. Relax in the warm pools and absorb the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters, providing a unique spa experience.
Things to Do in Turkey
Turkey's coastline is a haven for sun-seekers and history enthusiasts alike. The ancient city of Ephesus, with its well-preserved ruins, is a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Stroll through the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis, immersing yourself in the past.
For those seeking natural wonders, head to the unique landscapes of Pamukkale. The terraces of white travertine, filled with thermal waters, create a mesmerizing sight. Relax in the warm pools and absorb the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters, providing a unique spa experience.
Escape to the Turquoise Coast, where pristine beaches meet crystal-clear waters. Bodrum and Antalya offer a perfect blend of historical sites, vibrant nightlife, and serene beaches. Explore the ancient ruins of Termessos, perched high in the Taurus Mountains, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Delve into Turkey's diverse culinary scene, indulging in kebabs, mezes, and baklava. Take a culinary tour to savor the authentic flavors and learn about the country's gastronomic traditions. Don't miss the chance to sip Turkish tea or coffee in a traditional çay bahçesi (tea garden), immersing yourself in the local culture.
1. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sophia) Mosque
Highlight: Take in the majestic interior of one of Istanbul's most iconic buildings
Renowned as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the spellbinding Byzantine glory of the Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sophia) is one of the top attractions not only in Istanbul but also in Turkey.
Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, it is reputed to be the greatest architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire and has remained the largest church in the world for 1,000 years.
Its striking exterior is rounded off by fine minarets added after the Ottoman conquest, while the extravagant and cavernous frescoed interior is a magnificent reminder of the power and strength of old Constantinople.
This famous monument is a must for every tourist visiting the country.
2. Ephesus
Highlights: Crane your neck in the Library of Celsus, climb the caves of the Great Theater and walk among the ruins of this ancient city.
Not to be missed, the mighty ruins of Ephesus are a city of towering monuments and marble-pillared streets.
One of the most complete, still-standing ancient cities of the Mediterranean region, this is the place to experience what life was like during the Golden Age of the Roman Empire.
The city's history dates back to the 10th century BC, but the major monuments you see today date back to the Roman era when it was a thriving commercial center.
In particular, the Library of Celsus, the complex of frescoed terraced houses and the Great Theater all indicate the wealth and importance of Ephesus during the Roman period.
A sightseeing trip here will take at least half a day to cover the main highlights and if you really want to explore, make sure you plan your trip so you don't rush.
3. Cappadocia
Highlights: Take in panoramic views from a hot-air balloon, hike through volcanic rock canyons, and marvel at cave-chapel Byzantine art.
Cappadocia's surreal, overturned rock valleys are every photographer's dream.
Cliff ridges and mountain peaks are home to undulating panoramas of wave-like rocks or awkwardly shaped peaks that have been formed by thousands of years of wind and water action.
And if you don't want to hike for the views, it's one of the best destinations in the world to take a hot-air balloon ride.
This unique lunar-like landscape includes frescoed rock-cut churches and cave-cut architecture from the Byzantine era, when the area was home to monastic Christian communities.
In particular, the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the multiple cave-churches of the Ihlara Valley are home to some of the best surviving examples of mid-Byzantine period religious art in the world.
The villages of Cappadocia, cut in half into the hillside, are an attraction in themselves for travelers to explore the surrounding countryside, with their boutique hotels that let you sleep in a cave with total contemporary comfort.
4. Topkapi Palace
Highlights: Soak up the Ottoman finery in the Sultan's Salon
Magnificent beyond belief, Istanbul's Topkapi Palace transports you to the opulent, opulent world of the Sultans.
From here, in the 15th and 16th centuries, the sultans of the Ottoman era built an empire that would stretch through Europe and the Middle East and into Africa.
The interiors, with their decadently exuberant tiling and lavish jeweled decorations, are an unforgettable peek into the foundations of Ottoman power.
In particular, don't miss the Imperial Council Building, where the Grand Vizier conducted the business of the Empire; Arms collection displayed in the Imperial Treasury; A world-class collection of miniature paintings; and the magnificent harem rooms, which were designed by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan.
The surrounding public gardens were once the sole domain of the royal court but are now open to the public and provide a quiet, green respite from the city streets.
5. Pamukkale
Highlights: Hike the famous White Terraces, swim in the antique pool, then take in the views from the theater's cavernous upper level.
One of Turkey's most famous natural wonders, the pure white travertine terraces of Pamukkale ("Cotton Castle" in English) look like a snowfield out of the slopes in the green landscape.
Although the travertines themselves are a highlight of a trip to Turkey, scattered across these calcite hilltops are the vast and sprawling ruins of an ancient spa town, the Greco-Roman Hierapolis.
After exploring the ancient theater, its views across the countryside and the remains of the city's agora, gymnasium, necropolis and grand gate, you can swim in the mineral-rich waters that made this ancient spa town famous, in the antique pool.
Then, walk down the travertine hill, through the upper terrace water ponds, to the small modern village of Pamukkale below.
For the best photographs, the travertines light up in the evening when the sun sinks below the horizon.
6. Antalya
Highlights: Wander the winding alleyways of the old town, laze on the beach, or embark on a history-filled tour among the mountainside ruins.
This bustling Mediterranean hub has something for everyone.
The two main beaches outside the city are sun-drenched paradises in summer and attract holidaymakers from across Europe. Although the old town area, tucked right in the middle of the city, with its cobbled streets punctuated by Ottoman-era buildings, is a great place to explore.
The Antalya Museum is renowned as one of the best in the country, with an amazing collection of Hellenistic and Roman marble statuary, and bags of attractions outside the city for travelers who want to use Antalya as a base.
In particular, Antalya is an easy base for day trips to some of Turkey's most famous Greco-Roman ruins, including Aspendos and Parz, just outside the city, and the ruins of the city of Side.
7. Travel to the Mediterranean
Highlights: Experience a scenic slow-motion cruise of Turkey's dramatic coastline from the sea
Turkey's Mediterranean coastline has plenty of ruins and plenty to do, but for many people, it's all about soaking up the sun while enjoying the picturesque views of the coast.
Yachting is the number one activity for visitors to Bodrum and Fethiye for good reason. Steep jungle-covered slopes, hidden coves with small white-sand beaches, and hundreds of scattered islands are perfect for exploring by sea. Even die-hard landlubbers will be impressed.
One of the most famous trips is known as the Blue Cruise and travels from Fethiye down the south coast to Nama near Olympos, home to the famous natural phenomenon of Chimera.
8. Mount Nemrut
Highlight: Hike to the summit to watch the sun rise over the mountaintop ruins
The best sightseeing drawcard for eastern Turkey, the funerary mound at the summit of Mount Nemrut is strewn with the broken remains of the once massive statue that protected it.
This strange and lonely place has to be one of the strangest archaeological sites in Turkey. Giant stone heads of long-forgotten gods stare down from the summit, creating an eerie atmosphere atop the barren mountaintop.
The summit was built by Antiochus I, ruler of the Kingdom of Commagene, which was located here in the buffer zone between the Roman and Parthian empires.
Antiochus I dedicated this huge funerary mound to himself as a demonstration of his importance, erecting a 50-meter-high artificial pinnacle on top of Nemrut and then decorating it with statues of himself and various gods.
The most popular time to visit is sunrise, so you can see the statues from dark.
9. Oludeniz
Highlights: Turkey's tandem paragliding hub, resort living and lazy beach life
Impossibly turquoise-blue water. check Green forests roll down the hills to white-sand beaches. check Just a short drive from Fethiye, the sheltered cove of Ölüdeniz is Turkey's most famous beach, and with views that could be straight off a picture perfect postcard, it's easy to see why its popularity hasn't waned.
If the beach is too crowded, it's time to take to the skies and enjoy the stunning aerial view of a tandem paragliding dive from the top of the mighty Babadağ (Mount Baba), which rises behind the shore.
Oh, did we mention that Ölüdeniz is one of the best paragliding destinations in the world? check
10. Aspendos
Highlight: Admire this monument to Roman rule
Just south of the resort town of Antalya, the jaw-dropping colossus of the Roman Theater of Aspendos celebrates the pomp and ceremony of Marcus Aurelius' rule.
Considered the best surviving example of a classical-era theater still standing in the world, the highly restored, 15,000-seat theater is one of the star attractions of antiquity.
While the theater is the main reason to visit here (and for most visitors on a half-day trip from nearby Antalya or Side, the theater is all they see) the Aspendos site offers many other ruins to explore.
There are remnants of an aqueduct, agora, stadium and basilica from the Byzantine era scattered over the vast hilly area surrounding the theater.
11. Patara
Highlights: Hike among Lycian ruins then relax on Turkey's longest beach
With such a long Mediterranean coastline, Turkey has a beach for every type of sun worshipper, but Patara is one of Bali's most famous spots.
Following the coastline for 18 kilometers, the beach offers plenty of space, so even in the height of summer, you can still find a quiet spot away from the crowd.
Adding to the experience, just behind the sands, are the extensive ruins of ancient Patara, including a colonnaded street, the restored Buleuterion (city parliament), and a theater that seated 5,000 people.
Once you've had your sun, sand and swim, wander behind the sand dunes and explore the ruins of this once prosperous Lycian city.
Patara is easily accessible from both Kas and Fethiye.
12. Pergamum
Highlights: Ruins from the Acropolis and Theater and panoramic views across the surrounding hills
There are many Greco-Roman ruins in Turkey, but modern-day Pergamum cannot be so romantically placed as ancient Pergamum.
Once home to one of the most important libraries in the ancient world (which rivaled the Library of Alexandria) and the famous medical school run by Galen, the remains of the Temple of Pergamum are now dramatically perched on a hilltop.
It's an incredibly atmospheric place to explore. The Acropolis area, with its theater cut into the hillside, contains the most ruins and offers sweeping panoramic views across the countryside.
13. Blue Mosque
Highlight: A rich interior with finely detailed blue-and-white tiles from the Ottoman era
This famous mosque (officially known as the Sultanahmet Mosque), facing the Hagia Sophia Mosque across Istanbul's Sultanahmet Park, is one of Turkey's most spectacular monuments.
Built by Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque was designed in imitation of the Hagia Sophia by the architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, a disciple of Sinan, the most famous architect of the Ottoman era.
With six narrow minarets and a sprawling courtyard complex, everything about the Blue Mosque is grand but it's best known for its prayer hall interior covered in thousands of blue Iznik tiles (for which the mosque earned its iconography). 260 Section of light from window.
Non-worshipping visitors are welcome outside of prayer times. Everyone must cover knees and shoulders and women must wear headscarves.
14. Troy
Highlight: Walking among the ruins of one of the most famous mythical cities of the classical world
One of the most well-known ancient ruins in Turkey, this site is considered by many to be the Troy of Homer's Iliad.
Whether or not it is the Troy of the Trojan War myth, the multi-layered, rambling ruins here reveal a vast history of occupation, abandonment and reclamation that stretches back to the early Bronze Age.
The ruins include well-preserved city walls and fortifications, the remains of a palace, megaron (Mycenaean hall complex) and houses, a later Roman-era sanctuary, and the Odeon monument.
Just down the road from the Troy site is the new Troy Museum, one of the best museums in Turkey.
The vast and carefully curated collection inside tells the story of Troy, from its earliest occupation to modern times, including the mythology that surrounds the site; Controversial and damaging excavations of early archaeological works here; and the story of the disappearance of gold, silver and copper artifacts (known as Priam's Treasure), now housed in Moscow's Pushkin Museum, which were uncovered at the site and smuggled out of Turkey by Heinrich Schliemann.
15. Ani
Highlight: This vast site of crumbling churches set high on the steppe
The ruins of the mighty Silk Road city of Ani sit abandoned on the plains opposite Turkey's modern border with Armenia.
Once the capital of the Armenian Kingdom, Ani's golden age came to an end in the 14th century after Mongol invasions, earthquake devastation and trade route disruptions all played their part in the city's decline.
The beautiful red-brick buildings in the steppe grass still have a mesmerizing effect on all who wander by.
Don't miss the Church of the Redeemer and the Church of St. Gregory, with their elaborate stonework and fresco remains still visible; The huge Ani Cathedral building; and the Manusehr Mosque, built by the Seljuk Turks when they captured the city in the 11th century and believed to be the first mosque to become Turkey.
16. Safranbolu
Highlight: Lazily wandering cobblestone streets through the old town of wood-beamed palaces
Turkey's best-preserved Ottoman city is a gorgeously lit space of meticulously restored wooden mansions that were once home to wealthy merchants and have now been converted into boutique hotels and restaurants.
There is really nothing to do in town. Instead, it's a place to simply walk the streets and admire the old world atmosphere.
It is also known for its traditional sweets and handicrafts and has many beautiful shops where you can pick up a unique souvenir.
If you are road-tripping inland from Istanbul, this is a great place to stop for the night and enjoy the historical atmosphere.
17. The Bosphorus
Highlight: Take a scenic tour of Istanbul's famous Continental Divide
One of the world's great waterways, the Bosphorus strait separates Europe from Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara (and therefore to the Mediterranean).
Cruising along the Bosphorus, by local ferry, on a tourist ferry cruise, or a private boat, is one of the best tourist attractions in Istanbul. This is Istanbul's most relaxing sightseeing opportunity.
On board, it's all about soaking up the scenery from the water, with the seafront lined with Ottoman palaces; the villa; and the wooden palace outside Rumeli Castle, built by Mehmet the Conqueror; and (north along the strait), the Byzantine-era walls of Anadolu Citadel.
18. Gaziantep Jiugma Mosaic Museum
Highlight: A magnificent collection of Greco-Roman mosaic art
Due to the ongoing aid response following the February 2023 earthquake in Turkey, the Gaziantep Dziugma Mosaic Museum is temporarily closed. For information on reopening, visit the official museum website.
The city of Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey is a great highlight for Gaziantep's famous baklava and wandering the alleys of its old town district, but its most famous attraction is the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
The museum houses both the largest and most important mosaic collection in the world.
Almost all of the Hellenistic and Roman-era floor mosaics on display here are originally from the Greco-Roman ruins of the city of Zeugma, now half-submerged due to the construction of the Bericic Dam. The mosaics, cleverly curated and displayed so that they are seen from their best angles, give visitors a sense of the artistry of the Greco-Roman era.
Although there are many large mosaics, the most famous mosaic in the collection, known as the Gypsy Girl, is one of the smallest pieces. It is dramatically displayed in its own darkroom, so that the intricate artistry of the piece can be better appreciated.
19. Göbeklitepe
Highlight: Soaking up the atmosphere standing amongst the world's oldest religious monument
One of Turkey's most important ancient ruins, the hilltop site of Göbeklitepe near Sanliurfa has made hundreds of headlines worldwide, been anointed UNESCO World Heritage Site, (and provided the inspiration for the Netflix series The Gift) since it opened to the public.
This small site of tall T-shaped pillars, carved with animal figures and anthropomorphic details, dates back to the pre-Pottery Neolithic period and archaeologists believe it to be the world's oldest religious sanctuary.
While it may not have the wow-factor of Turkey's many, much later Bronze Age and Greco-Roman ancient sites, Gobeklitep's importance to our understanding of early human history has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in southeastern Turkey.
20. Sumela Math
Highlight: Exploring this stunning Byzantine religious center tucked into the side of a mountain
With its stunning, solitary setting, built into the face of a cliff, the Sumela Monastery (Monastery of the Virgin Mary) is the star attraction for visitors along the Black Sea coast.
A stroll around this abandoned religious complex, whose church interior is lined with glittering and vibrant frescoes, is a must for anyone making a long journey through Turkey's northeastern region.
The monastery was first opened in the Byzantine era and only ceased to function as a functioning religious center in 1923, when the monks were forced to leave as part of a Greek-Turkish population exchange.
Today, walking around its empty cells, it is easy to imagine the isolated life of the monks who once lived here.
FAQ
Q1: What are some popular tourist attractions in Turkey?
A1: Turkey boasts renowned attractions such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, the ancient city of Ephesus, the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, Pamukkale's terraces, and the historic Blue Mosque.
Q2: How can I obtain a visa to visit Turkey?
A2: To obtain a visa for Turkey, you can apply online through the official e-Visa website. Fill out the application form, make the payment, and once approved, download and print your e-Visa for entry.
Q3: What is the best time to visit Turkey?
A3: The ideal time to visit Turkey is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and tourist destinations are less crowded.
Q4: Are credit cards widely accepted in Turkey?
A4: Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, popular tourist spots, and most hotels. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas.
Q5: What is the official currency of Turkey?
A5: The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). It's recommended to exchange currency at authorized exchange offices for the best rates.
Conclusion: Turkey is a treasure trove of experiences, and the list of things to do in Turkey is truly endless. Whether you're captivated by ancient history, fascinated by natural wonders, or simply seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, Turkey has it all. Embrace the enchantment of this diverse destination and create memories that will last a lifetime. With countless things to do in Turkey, every moment is a new adventure waiting to be explored.
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