Turkey is a country with a rich history and diverse landscape. It has served as a bridge between Europe and Asia for thousands of years, allowing for trade and cultural exchange.
This has resulted in a unique and varied culture, which can be experienced through the country’s delicious cuisine and impressive religious monuments and archaeological sites. While Istanbul is a popular destination, there are many other great places to visit in Turkey.
You can have a unique experience by staying in boutique hotels located in caves or floating in hot air balloons above the stunning landscape of Cappadocia. Exploring the ancient Greco-Roman world in Ephesus or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches along the Aegean Sea are also great options.
10. Ankara
Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is a modern and vast city that houses government buildings, businesses, universities, and foreign embassies. It is centrally located in the country and serves as an essential transportation hub for both residents and visitors, connecting them to other major destinations in Turkey.
Despite its emphasis on business, Ankara also offers some historical sites and an arts and culture scene. This city has a rich history due to its past as a home for different cultures like the Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations.
Therefore, ancient structures and ruins can be found throughout Ankara, like the Temple of Augustus, the Citadel, and a Roman Theatre. Additionally, there are numerous historic mosques to explore. A significant landmark in the 20th century is Anitkabir, a mausoleum that houses the tomb of Turkey’s first President, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Furthermore, Ankara boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene with a high concentration of theaters and museums. One of the notable museums is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which contains over 200,000 objects. For those who enjoy shopping, Ankara offers a variety of choices, including traditional markets and modern malls.
Visitors can find a wide range of items such as fresh produce, spices, carpets, and electronics in these shopping venues.
9. Mardin
Located on a hill in southeastern Turkey, Mardin is the capital of the Mardin Province and offers a stunning view of the Mesopotamian plains. It is one of the oldest settlements in the region and is famous for its diverse culture and Old City, which is made up of sandstone buildings that descend the hillside.
The Old City can be easily explored on foot, with its winding streets leading visitors to attractions such as the ancient Deyrü’z-Zafaran Monastery and the medieval Sultan Isa Medresesi, which used to function as an observatory.
Another noteworthy site is the Zinciriye Medresesi, a 14th century Islamic school known for its beautiful courtyards and artwork. An impressive feature of the city is the Great Mosque, identifiable by its tall minaret. Although not accessible to the public, the citadel offers great opportunities for photography.
Within the Old City, numerous shops sell various items like pottery, silverware, leather goods, and traditional headdresses.
8. Bodrum
Bodrum is a city in Turkey, located in the Mugla Province in the southern Aegean region. It used to be the site of the fortified city called Halicarnassus, which had beautiful marble buildings, temples, statues, paved streets, and the famous Mausoleum. However, the city fell into ruins and became a quiet fishing village.
In the 20th century, Turkish intellectuals brought attention to Bodrum through their writings, making it popular once again. Now, people from all over the world come to visit Bodrum for its fascinating ruins, stunning beaches, and resorts on top of cliffs.
If you go to the eastern side of Bodrum, you will find a beautiful beach with amazing blue water. The beach area is also packed with cafes, bars, and nightclubs. On the western side of the town, there is a marina, shopping centers, and restaurants. One of the must-see attractions in Bodrum is the Castle of St.
Peter, which is also known as Bodrum Castle. It was built by the Knights Hospitaller in 1402 and is now a museum. Other interesting places to visit include the remnants of the Mausoleum, an ancient amphitheater, and the Myndos Gate, where a fierce battle took place during Alexander the Great’s siege.
Apart from sightseeing, there are many other things to do in Bodrum. You can explore the award-winning Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which is inside Bodrum Castle.
You can also visit historic windmills, enjoy Turkish saunas and mud baths, try your hand at windsurfing or scuba diving, and take boat tours that have nightclubs and glass-bottomed dance floors.
7. Konya
Konya is an ancient city located in Turkey’s Central Anatolia Region. It is famous for its stunning Seljuk architecture and the Whirling Dervishes. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Konya thrived as the capital city under the Seljuk Dynasty.
Today, you can still see beautiful buildings from that time, like the Alaeddin Mosque, which contains the tombs of several sultans. Another notable structure is the Ince Minare Medrese, which now serves as a museum displaying artifacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Even though it is in ruins, the Seljuk Palace is worth a visit.
One modern architectural attraction is the Seljuk Tower, a tall skyscraper in Turkey that has a rotating restaurant on the top two floors. In the 13th century, Konya was the home of Rumi, a Persian theologian and Sufi mystic. His tomb, known as the Mausoleum of Rumi, is a must-see site, along with the neighboring Melvana Museum.
Rumi’s followers, who are called the Mevlevi Order or the Whirling Dervishes, are famous for their unique religious ceremonies where they spin around in white gowns on their left foot. These ceremonies, called Sama, can be observed weekly at the Mevlana Cultural Centre.
Konya also offers beautiful green spaces and parks, such as Alaeddin Hill in the city center and the Japanese Park with its charming pagodas, waterfalls, and ponds. Due to its conservative nature, Konya does not have as many bars and nightclubs. However, some hotels and cafes do serve alcoholic drinks.
6. Marmaris
Marmaris is a seaside resort in Turkey that has beautiful scenery with mountains, beaches, and turquoise waters. It also has historic buildings to see. There are many things to do in Marmaris, such as sightseeing, water sports, dining, and enjoying the nightlife.
Walking in the old part of town is nice, and you can visit the Castle of Suleyman the Magnificent. You can also take boat tours to see the bays and nearby villages. Horse and jeep safaris are available for more adventurous experiences. Marmaris has water parks and Turkish baths for relaxation.
Additionally, you can take day trips to other interesting places like Dalyan, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cleopatra Island. The nightlife in Marmaris is vibrant with many restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from. You can also enjoy Turkish Night Show venues with traditional food and belly dancing.
5. Istanbul
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and used to be the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. It is unique because it spans across both sides of the Bosphorus, which is a narrow strait connecting Asia and Europe. This makes Istanbul the only city in the world that is on two continents.
The city is famous for its impressive architecture, historical sites, delicious food, great shopping, lively nightlife, and exotic atmosphere. The Old City is the best place to visit if you want to see the incredible historical sites like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
The New City, on the other hand, is known for its modern attractions, tall buildings, and shopping malls. Beyoglu and Galata are popular areas for nightlife and entertainment, while the Bosphorus area is home to beautiful palaces, waterfront mansions, and urban parks.
There are so many exciting things to do in Istanbul, like exploring the Grand Bazaar, which is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Another great way to experience Turkish culture is by visiting a Turkish bath.
And if you’re looking for a fun night out, Istanbul has a wide range of restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs to choose from, no matter your budget or preference.
4. Ephesus
Ephesus is an ancient city in Aegean Turkey that was once a major city in the Roman Empire. It was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins of Ephesus are well-preserved and attract many tourists.
The city was officially declared a Roman settlement in 133 BC and reached its peak around 200 years later, with over 250,000 residents. St. Paul even lived in Ephesus and spread Christianity. Over time, Ephesus declined due to the decline of its harbor and the sacking of the city.
For 1,500 years, the city was forgotten until archeologists began excavating it in the 1860s. Today, only a small portion of Ephesus has been excavated, but it remains one of the largest accessible archeological sites in the world. The most famous structure in Ephesus was the Temple of Artemis, although it was mostly destroyed.
Another popular attraction is the Terraced Houses, which were the homes of the wealthy residents and had luxurious features. The Library of Celsus, one of the largest libraries in the ancient world, is also a must-see. Selçuk, a town near Ephesus, offers additional sites to explore, such as the Roman aqueduct and the Museum of Ephesus.
Visitors can also enjoy shopping at the local market and purchasing double knot carpets as souvenirs.
3. Cappadocia
Cappadocia, located in Central Anatolia in Turkey, is famous for its unique and enchanting landscape, which includes formations that look like chimneys, cones, mushrooms, and pinnacles. These peculiar shapes were formed by natural processes like volcanic eruptions and erosion, taking place over a long period of time.
Some of these formations reach staggering heights of up to 130 feet (40 meters). However, thousands of years ago, people made their mark on this landscape by carving houses, churches, and even underground cities into the soft rock.
The earliest inhabitants, including the Hittites, used these underground tunnels to protect themselves from invaders like the Persians and Greeks as early as 1800 BC. Later, in the 4th century AD, Christians seeking refuge from religious persecution in Rome also found solace in the tunnels and caves of Cappadocia.
Today, Cappadocia is a popular destination due to its natural beauty and historical significance. While most of the region falls within the province of Nevsehir, there are several main towns worth visiting, such as Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Ortahisar, and Mustafapasa.
These towns offer various amenities for tourists, including hotels, restaurants, and nightlife options. Additionally, they boast attractions like museums, rock castles, fairy chimneys, underground tunnels, old Greek villages, monasteries, and handicraft markets.
Interestingly, some caves in the region have been transformed into hotels, catering specifically to tourists.
2. Side
Side, an ancient port in Pamphylia, was taken over by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. Nowadays, it is a beautiful town that combines historic ruins with modern resorts and stunning beaches.
Located on a small peninsula in the Antalya Province along Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast, Side is a great destination for sightseeing, enjoying the nightlife, and engaging in outdoor activities. The main attraction of Side is the excavated site of ancient ruins from the Hellenistic and Roman eras.
You can explore a gigantic amphitheater, an agora, a Byzantine basilica, public baths, marble columns, and several temples. The Roman baths have been restored as a museum, showcasing various Roman statues and artifacts. The Temple of Apollo, which overlooks the beach, is a particularly breathtaking sight, especially during sunset.
The town itself is charming, with its narrow streets and lovely gardens. You’ll find a wide range of dining options, from casual delis and pizza shops to upscale restaurants offering different cuisines.
If you venture outside of Side, you can visit the Manavgat River, where you can take boat tours, go white-water rafting, and witness impressive waterfalls.
1. Antalya
Antalya is a large city located on the Turkish Riviera. It has beautiful beaches and mountains with ancient ruins. The city has many resorts, hotels, bars, and restaurants for tourists to enjoy. There are plenty of activities to do in Antalya, such as swimming, sailing, mountain climbing, and sightseeing.
The Old Quarter, called Kaleiçi, is a historic area with city walls, Roman gates, and old churches, mosques, and temples. Cumhuriyet Square is the center of the Old Quarter and has shops, cafes, Turkish baths, and street performers. The main beaches in Antalya, Konyaalti and Lara, offer white sands, water sports, and various amenities.
There are also nearby water parks, amusement parks, and a zoo for family fun. Additionally, Antalya has several museums displaying artifacts and relics from the area, including the famous Antalya Museum.
