Get ready to expand your bucket-list, because the recommended places to visit in Turkey are plentiful. Tourists looking to make a sightseeing trip will be surprised by what awaits. From east to west, places to see include national parks, tombs, temples, archaeological sites, museums, monasteries, heritage sites, countryside landscapes for trekking, golden beaches, mountainous villages, cosmopolitan cities and for those who want it, in some places a lively nightlife scene.
Such is the excitement; an adventurous tour of Turkey’s main sights always leaves travellers with an urge to return. To prove its popularity, we need only look at the thousands of holidaymakers and curious explorers who now live here all year round, or own a second holiday home so they can soak up more of Turkey’s addictive vibes. So, to find out where to go and what to see, let’s look at the best places to travel to.
Places to Visit in Turkey
1: Ancient City Ephesus Ruins
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus hosts millions of visitors every year, who admire historical landmarks like the Celsius library, grand theatre, terraced Roman houses, and agora. Sitting in Selcuk, many people stay overnight in Kusadasi, but we recommend extending your stay because, alongside Ephesus, many other attractions await. They include the Virgin-Mary’s house high in the rolling green hills. Run by the Catholic church, they believe it was the place of her assumption. The Temple of Artemis was one of the ancient world’s seven wonders, and Saint John’s Basilica, his last resting place. For a bit of fun and delicious Turkish cuisine, head to Sirince winemaking village.
- What to see in Ephesus—Turkey.
- Unique places to visit in Selcuk.
2: Places in Cappadocia
For surreal places to go, head to the central Anatolian Cappadocia region. This place defies beliefs with fairy chimney rock formations, beautiful valleys, and cave hotels and churches. The number one attraction, Goreme Open-Air Museum, is bursting with old cave churches dating from early Christianity. The impressive interior frescoes depict scenes from the Bible and are widely unmatched for their well-preserved status. Three nights is enough to see the main sights, including underground cities like Derinkuyu, a sprawling network of tunnels and rooms that hid citizens of invasion. But the number one attraction is an early morning hot-air balloon ride, just as the sun rises over Anatolia.
- About the hot-air balloon trips of Cappadocia.
- Guide to the Cappadocia region of Turkey.
3: Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis
As another heritage site, these two marvellous places are a recommended day trip, although hotels nearby offer reasonable prices should you want to stay overnight. For natural wonders boasting of Mother Nature’s power, Pamukkale tops the list. White calcium pools trickling down the hillside led to its nickname of the cotton castle, a resemblance of its appearance from far away. After paddling in the pools, stop by the museum to see ancient sculptures, then swim in Cleopatra’s pools full of healing thermal waters and last, end up in Hierapolis ancient city, that Roman soldiers used as a place of rest and recovery. Read things to do in Pamukkale.
4: Bodrum Peninsula of Turkey
Fronting the Aegean-sea, the Bodrum peninsula is often a port of call for celebrities and high-profile business executives from around the world. Let’s not forget the Saudi royalty either. Its famous status is not a newfound trend but dates back nearly 70 years. Despite an upmarket profile, Bodrum also does an exceptional job of hosting budget travellers, so do not think you have to break the bank. Travel destinations to put on your list include prestigious Yalikavak, the cosmopolitan town centre, rustic Gumusluk, the water sports haven of Gumbet and Turgutreis, a time-honoured British favourite. If time allows, we recommend a week-long road trip of the Bodrum peninsula to visit resorts, beaches, and the principal attractions like Bodrum castle and Underwater Archaeology Museum.
- Bodrum area guide and resort information.
- Travel guide to the best beaches in Bodrum.
- How to road trip the Bodrum peninsula.
5: Mediterranean Antalya
Hosting a long stretch of coastline, Antalya city centre is a beach holiday favourite. Lara and Konyaalti are two of Turkey’s best and the first is Turkey’s version of Las Vegas thanks to large, all-inclusive themed hotels. Our favourite destination is the old town part known as Kaleici, where we stroll cobbled paths to discover Ottoman architecture and the majestic Hadrian’s gate. Finish with lunch in a harbourside café before visiting other attractions, including the Aquarium. Shopping and nightlife in Antalya are the Mediterranean’s best, and for any traveller who gets curious, buses run to many other resorts like golfing Belek, historical side and bustling Alanya.
- Why is Antalya so famous?
- Antalya area guide and resort information.
6: Seaside Fethiye
Antalya and Fethiye are two destinations for explorers because they both sit on the turquoise coast. Belonging to the Turkish riviera, this stretch of coastline is a popular sailing route, otherwise called a blue cruise. Travellers jump on board a traditional gulet boat for three nights, to explore coves, towns, villages, and historical ruins belonging to the Lycian Way, a 500-kilometre trekking route. Fethiye is an exciting place to explore and get around quickly because of local buses. Attractions include the blue lagoon in Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley, and Kayakoy ghost village. Also, visit Calis beach, and take a seat in a seaside restaurant for a marvellous sunset view.
- 15 Reasons why we love Fethiye.
- Fethiye information: Area and resort guide.
7: Tour the Northeast Black-sea region
When thinking of Turkey, many people assume golden beaches and tourist towns, yet Trabzon and Rize have risen in popularity thanks to stunning landscapes. The region’s natural beauty puts it on the map as one of the country’s greenest places, a result of ideal weather climate and soil conditions. It is Turkey’s tea-growing capital, and hazelnuts are a vital export. Waterfalls dotted around the region portray perfect beauty, but must-visit places include picturesque Ayder plateau and Uzungol. This is where you see how locals thrive off their natural habitat. Sumela Monastery, perched on the side of a cliff face, gives off amazing natural beauty views over the Macka national park and adds a historical twist to your journey.
- Trabzon: The gem of northeast Turkey.
- Excellent reasons to explore Turkey’s black sea region.
8: Southeast Turkey Trio
Many people sign up for guide tours of the southeast to Gaziantep, Sanliurfa and Mardin. Even if you are a die-hard fan of Turkey, this region presents a side never seen before. Old Mardin earns international fame thanks to the architectural style of houses and mosques. Gaziantep’s fortress is a stunning landmark, but the city is more noted for culinary delights like baklava and pistachio nuts. Sanliurfa is a conservative hub and home to Balikgol, and cave of Abraham. While there, hire a driver and travel 30 minutes to famous Gobeklitepe, the world’s first human-made temple.
9: Mount Nemrut
When people visit Cappadocia, some go on to Mount Nemrut, a mystical archaeological sight with fantastic sunrise views to boot. Much is still to be learned about the iconic statue heads sitting on top of a mountain. Standing at roughly 2 metres high, in the eastern Taurus mountain range, they are a UNESCO site. As home to the mausoleum of Antiochus I, an ancient king who ruled over Commagene kingdom, its unique status stems from its ability to intertwine Greek and Persian influences.
10: Historical Istanbul
It sounds cliché, but for first-time visitors, Istanbul sitting nearby the sea of Marmara should always be your number one destination. Formerly known as Constantinople, and spread over two continents, it would take a lifetime to explore the city thoroughly, but visitors should head to the old city part, the Sultanahmet district. It was from here, the Byzantine and Ottoman empires ruled, and many historical buildings count themselves as Turkey’s top visited attractions. They include the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and Basilica cistern. A short walk away; the Grand Bazaar tops the list. Dating from the Ottoman-empire, this ancient building is one of the world’s largest markets. Other things include crossing over the Galata Bridge to make your way to the new city part known as Taksim, or jump on board a ferry to explore the Bosphorus strait.
- Exploring the Sultanahmet and Fatih areas.
- Istanbul city guide and general information.
Other Articles of Interest
Lakes of Turkey: Some people prefer sights of natural beauty rather than historical importance, in which case, these lakes should be on your bucket list. From Eastern Lake van to western Bafa near Bodrum, many lakes feature surrounding restaurants serving up traditional Turkish cuisine.
Famous Castles: As you can see, the long list of places to visit in Turkey is endless but if you like the old fashioned castles and fortress, put these sites on your itinerary. From famous castles like Kars city to weird fortress-like Uchisar, they are a journey back into Turkey’s history.
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