Best Destinations in Turkey for Foreign Travelers to Explore
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Turkey is a fascinating country that offers unique experiences to its visitors with its historical richness, breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture and hospitality. Bearing the traces of great civilisations (Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman), this land is home to diverse landscapes ranging from the Mediterranean coast to the Anatolian plateaus. Whether you are a history buff, a sun and sea enthusiast, an adventure seeker or a gastronomy lover, Turkey has something for everyone. Whether it's ancient cities like Ephesus, ballooning in Cappadocia, sailing in turquoise bays, getting lost in the Grand Bazaar, watching Whirling Dervishes or simply relaxing on the beaches, Turkey is a dream destination. We would like to introduce you to these carefully selected, wonderful stops for those planning to explore Turkey. So, where to visit in Turkey? What to see in Turkey? And what to do in Turkey? Let's explore together.👇
1. Istanbul: The Imperial Capital Where Continents Meet
As the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is a unique metropolis with thousands of years of history and dynamic energy, connecting Asia and Europe. As the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, the city has a rich history with its majestic mosques, palaces and monuments. It is also a modern and vibrant city with contemporary art galleries, bustling streets, world-class restaurants and neighborhoods of distinctive character. The Bosphorus is a cultural bridge that separates and unites two continents, so a ferry or boat trip is critical to understanding the city.
Must-See Sites
Hagia Sophia Mosque: The sacred cathedral-turned-mosque in the heart of the historic peninsula, a symbol of power in its architecture and history.
Topkapi Palace: A huge complex where the Ottoman sultans lived for centuries, with majestic courtyards, the Harem section and priceless collections.
Blue Mosque: An elegant Ottoman mosque, famous for its six minarets and more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles.
Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world; a labyrinth of carpets, ceramics, jewellery and more. Offers the experience of bargaining.
Basilica Cistern: An impressive underground cistern with hundreds of columns (including the famous Medusa heads) and a mystical atmosphere.
Activities to Do
Bosphorus Cruise: A must-do experience to see the city's skyline, palaces and mansions from the sea.
Explore Neighbourhoods: Go beyond Sultanahmet and explore vibrant neighbourhoods with a different character, such as Beyoğlu (İstiklal Cd.), Galata, Kadıköy (Asian side), Balat.
Turkish Bath: A relaxing and cultural experience with traditional scrub and foam massage.
Spice Market: A sensory experience filled with spices, teas, Turkish delights and exotic scents.
Climb Galata Tower: A 360-degree panoramic view of Istanbul, the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus from the medieval tower.
2. Cappadocia: Land of Fairy Chimneys and Hot Air Balloons
Located in Central Anatolia, Cappadocia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fairy-tale region formed over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and erosion, famous for its unique rock formations (“fairy chimneys”), rock-carved churches, massive underground cities and iconic hot air balloons. Natural wonders are intertwined with thousands of years of history and adventure, offering visitors both a visual feast and a profound cultural experience.
Must See Places
Göreme Open-Air Museum: UNESCO-listed complex of rock-cut monasteries and churches with well-preserved Byzantine frescoes.
Uchisar Castle: The highest point in the region, the natural rock castle offers spectacular panoramic views.
Underground City (Kaymakli or Derinkuyu): Fascinating cities meters underground, used as refuges by early Christians.
Devrent Valley: A valley full of interesting rock formations that look like animals.
Paşabağ (Monks Valley): Known for its impressive mushroom-shaped, multi-hatched fairy chimneys.
Activities to Do
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Soar over the valleys at sunrise and witness unforgettable views (must book in advance, weather dependent, consider details such as cost/operator).
Hiking in Valleys: Discover hidden churches and formations by walking in valleys such as Güllüdere (Rose), Kızılçukur (Red) and Aşk (Love).
Cave Hotel Stay: Experience the spirit of Cappadocia by staying in authentic hotels carved into the rocks.
Pottery Making: Try traditional pottery making in the town of Avanos.
Horseback Riding: Exploring the “Land of Beautiful Horses” on horseback.
3. Ephesus (Selcuk): Journey to the Splendor of the Ancient World
Located near Selçuk on the Aegean coast, Ephesus is one of the best preserved and most magnificent ancient cities in the Mediterranean (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The once important Greco-Roman metropolis reflects the splendor of the past with its marble streets, huge theater, elegant library and temples. Its connection to the history of early Christianity (St. Paul, St. John, the Virgin Mary) gives the area a spiritual depth.
Must-See Places
Library of Celsus: A Roman library with a magnificent facade that has become the symbol of the ancient city.
The Great Theatre: With a capacity of 25,000 people, it is one of the largest in the ancient world.
Temple of Hadrian: A well-preserved temple with elegant reliefs on Kuretler Street.
Terrace Houses: Luxury villas of Ephesus' wealthy, with mosaics and frescoes offering a unique glimpse into Roman private life (separate ticket required, well worth it).
Temple of Artemis Site: The site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (only one column remains in Selçuk).
Activities to Do
Comprehensive Exploration of the Ancient City: Take time to walk along the marble streets and explore the agora, Odeon and other buildings (a guide or audio guide is recommended).
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary: A visit to the peaceful sanctuary on Mount Bulbul.
See Basilica of St. John: Visit the impressive ruins of the basilica in Selçuk.
Visit Ephesus Museum: See important artefacts from Ephesus (statues of Artemis, etc.) at the museum in Selçuk.
Explore Selçuk & Şirince: Visit the town of Selçuk and the nearby village of Şirince, famous for its traditional houses and fruit wines.
4. Pamukkale: Nature's White Miracle
Pamukkale (“Cotton Castle”) near Denizli is a unique natural wonder, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by thermal waters. Just above this surreal landscape are the extensive ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman spa city of Hierapolis. Pamukkale's uniqueness comes from the integration of these natural formations with rich ancient history.
Must-See Attractions
Travertine Terraces: White mineral formations resembling frozen waterfalls and shallow thermal pools.
Hierapolis Ancient Theatre (Hierapolis Theatre): An impressive and well-preserved Roman theatre located in the ancient city.
Hierapolis Necropolis: One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Turkey, containing various types of tombs.
Ancient Pool (Cleopatra's Pool): A thermal pool offering the experience of swimming between ancient columns in warm, mineral-rich water.
Martyrium of St. Philippus: The remains of a 5th-century mausoleum dedicated to St. Philippus the Apostle.
Activities to Do
Walk Barefoot on Travertines: Walk on the white terraces in designated areas (Shoes should be removed, be careful with surfaces, not all pools are always full).
Swim in Cleopatra's Pool: Relaxing in the historic thermal pool (usually at an additional cost).
Visit Hierapolis Archaeological Museum: See artifacts from local excavations in the museum in the ancient Roman baths.
Paragliding: Experience a flight over the white terraces and ancient ruins.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Sunrise tour to see the landscape from a different angle (not as common as Cappadocia, but available).
5. Antalya: Capital of Turquoise Beaches
The heart of Turkey's Mediterranean coast and known as the 'Turkish Riviera', Antalya is a vibrant city that combines beach fun with history. Its charming old city centre, Kaleici, bustling harbour, wide beaches (Konyaalti, Lara) and natural beauty (Düden Waterfalls) are the highlights. It is also an excellent starting point, with easy access to important ancient cities such as Perge and Aspendos.
Must-See Attractions
Kaleici (Old Town): The historic heart of Antalya, with restored Ottoman mansions, ancient ruins and narrow cobbled streets leading to the old harbor.
Hadrian's Gate: A well-preserved, well-preserved, three-arched Roman gate, dated 130 A.D., provides access to Kaleici.
Old Harbour/Marina: Picturesque Roman harbour below Kaleici; boats, restaurants and a tour starting point.
Duden Waterfalls: Consists of two parts; the Lower Duden falls directly into the Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs.
Antalya Archeology Museum (Antalya Museum): One of the most important museums in Turkey; extensive collection from Paleolithic to Ottoman (especially Perge sculptures).
Activities to Do
Explore Kaleici: Wander the atmospheric streets, admire the architecture, shop and dine.
Beach Relaxation: Relaxing and swimming at the city beaches (pebble Konyaalti or sandy Lara).
Boat Trip: Explore the coastline, see waterfalls from the sea, and swim in the bays with tours departing from the Old Harbour.
Visit Ancient Perge: Explore the ruins (collonaded street, stadium, etc.) of the nearby impressive Pamphylian city of Perge.
See Aspendos Theatre: Visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman theatre (still used for performances).
6. Fethiye & Ölüdeniz: Blue and Green Paradise
Fethiye and the world-famous Ölüdeniz, one of the most spectacular places on the Turquoise Coast, is a paradise for those seeking both adventure and tranquility with its iconic Blue Lagoon, Babadağ ideal for paragliding, untouched beaches, boat tours, historical Lycian rock tombs, Kayaköy ghost town and natural wonders such as Butterfly Valley, Saklikent Canyon.
Must See Places
Oludeniz Beach & Blue Lagoon: Turkey's most photographed beach; spectacular sand cape and calm turquoise lagoon.
Butterfly Valley: Steep-walled canyon accessible by boat; famous for waterfalls and butterflies (in season).
Kayaköy (Ghost Town): An Atmospheric village of abandoned stone houses and churches, bearing traces of the exchange.
Saklikent Canyon: One of the deepest canyons in the world; hiking in icy water.
Fethiye Rock Tombs (Lycian Rock Tombs): Impressive ancient Lycian tombs (Amintas Tomb) carved into the hillside overlooking Fethiye.
Activities to Do
Paragliding from Babadağ: A world-class experience; tandem flight from Babadağ with a bird's eye view of Ölüdeniz.
Boat Trip: Swim in turquoise bays on the '12 Islands' or Butterfly Valley tours.
Hiking Lycian Way: Explore sections of Turkey's famous hiking route near Fethiye/Ölüdeniz.
Beach Enjoyment: Relaxing in places like Oludeniz, Belcekiz or Calis Beach.
Explore Fethiye Market & Harbour: Visiting the centre of Fethiye, Paspatur bazaar and harbour.
7. Bodrum: Aegean's Favorite
Known as the ancient Halicarnassus, Bodrum is a peninsula on the Aegean coast, characterised by its history and vibrant atmosphere. With its iconic St. Peter's Castle, the Underwater Archaeology Museum, the Mausoleum heritage, beautiful beaches, gulet boats, vibrant nightlife and quaint villages, Bodrum is attractive for both history and vacation enthusiasts.
Must-See Attractions
Bodrum Castle: A magnificent medieval castle and museum house built by the Knights of St. Jean, overlooking the harbour.
Museum of Underwater Archaeology: Award-winning museum inside the castle; incredible finds from ancient shipwrecks (including the Uluburun Shipwreck).
Mausoleum of Halicarnassus Site: The foundations and small museum of the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Ancient Theatre: Restored Greco-Roman theatre on the hillside overlooking Bodrum; great views.
Windmills: Iconic stone windmills set in the hills with panoramic views.
Activities to Do
Boat Trip / Blue Cruise: Daily bay tours or a multi-day Blue Cruise on traditional gulets.
Beach Relaxation: Enjoying the popular beaches of the peninsula, such as Bitez, Ortakent, Gümüşlük or the beach clubs in Yalıkavak and Göltürkbükü.
Explore Bodrum Town & Marina: Wandering the narrow streets, shopping, experiencing the nightlife (Bar Street), and walking around the marina.
Visit Gümüşlük Village: Explore the quaint village famous for its seaside fish restaurants.
Water Sports & Diving: Windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing or scuba diving.
8. Konya: Mevlana's Spiritual Legacy
Located in central Anatolia, Konya has a deeply spiritual atmosphere, being the home of Sufi mystic Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi and the center of the Mevlevi order (Returning Dervishes). As the former Seljuk capital, the city is important for both religious and cultural tourism with its impressive mosques, madrasas and Mevlana Museum.
Must-See Places
Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum: The iconic complex housing Rumi's mausoleum, a former dervish lodge and museum, is an important centre of visitation.
Alaeddin Mosque: One of the oldest and largest Seljuk mosques on Alaeddin Hill.
Selimiye Mosque: A mosque with classical Ottoman architecture next to the Mevlana Museum.
Ince Minareli Madrasa (Stone and Wood Works Museum): Seljuk madrasa famous for its unique stone work, now a museum.
Aziziye Mosque: Late Ottoman mosque with baroque and rococo decorations.
Activities to Do
Watch Whirling Dervish Ceremony: Watch the fascinating ritual of the Whirling Dervishes (usually on Saturday evenings at the Mevlana Cultural Centre).
Explore Historical Konya Bazaar: Strolling through historical bazaars such as Bedesten.
Visit Çatalhöyük Neolithic Site: Visit one of the oldest settlements in the world on the UNESCO list.
Tasting Etliekmek: Try Konya's famous thin, long, minced meat pita.
Strolling in Alaeddin Hill Park: Relax in the park on the hill and enjoy the view of the city.
9. Trabzon The Green Pearl of the Black Sea
Trabzon, in northeastern Turkey, is a Black Sea city waiting to be discovered with its lush green plateaus, raging sea, historical buildings and distinctive culture. The iconic Sumela Monastery and the scenic Uzungol are the most well-known sights. The city centre is also a delight with views of the Hagia Sophia Museum, Atatürk Mansion and Boztepe.
Must-See Attractions
Sumela Monastery: A breathtaking Greek Orthodox monastery built on a steep cliff.
Uzungöl: A lake famous for its natural beauty, surrounded by pine trees among the mountains.
Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum: A beautiful example of late Byzantine architecture, the former church is now a museum.
Atatürk Pavilion: The elegant building where Atatürk stayed.
Boztepe: A hill with a bird's eye view of the city and the Black Sea; popular for tea gardens and scenery.
Activities to Do
Visit Sumela Monastery: Explore the monastery in the national park and enjoy the view.
Explore Uzungöl: Walking around the lake, tasting local delicacies, and visiting the plateaus.
Visit Karaca Cave: Impressive dripstone cave in nearby Gümüşhane (day tour).
Explore Trabzon City Centre and Bazaar: Sightseeing around the square and Kemeralti Bazaar.
Hike in Altındere Valley National Park: Nature walks in the park where Sumela is located.
10. Mardin: Mesopotamia's Stone City
Located in Southeastern Anatolia, on a hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plain, Mardin is a fascinating city (UNESCO Tentative List) with its yellow stone houses, narrow streets and unique atmosphere where different cultures (Assyrian, Arab, Kurdish, Turkish) and religions coexist. Artuqid architecture, religious centres such as the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, madrasahs, mosques and bazaars stand out.
Must-See Attractions
Old Town Architecture & Streets: Authentic texture with yellow stone houses, abbaras and narrow streets.
Deyrulzafaran Monastery: Important Syriac Orthodox monastery outside the city.
Zinciriye Madrasa (Zinciriye Madrasa): Historic Artuqid madrasa with a beautiful view.
Kasımiye Madrasa (Kasımiye Madrasa): Impressive 15th-century madrasa with its large courtyard and symbolic pool.
Grand Mosque: One of the oldest mosques in Mardin, an Artuqid-era structure.
Activities to Do
Get Lost in Old Town Streets: Wander aimlessly through the narrow streets to feel the spirit of the city.
Visit Dara Ancient City: Explore the impressive ruins of the nearby Eastern Roman garrison city.
Day Trip to Midyat: Visit the nearby town, famous for its similar stone architecture and culture.
Try Local Flavours: Try local delicacies such as Assyrian wine, Mırra coffee and Mardin doughnuts.
Shop in Bazaars: Buy traditional products such as copperware, filigree silver, and soap in the historical bazaars.
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