Must-See Destinations in Turkey: The 10 Most Popular Spots
Turkey has had an important place in world tourism for many years with its natural beauties, historical heritage, rich cuisine and cultural diversity. As of 2024, Turkey reached record levels as one of the most visited countries worldwide. It reached 52.6 million international visitors and successfully completed the post-pandemic recovery process. The tourism revenue of USD 61.1 billion generated in the same year made Turkey one of the strongest actors of the tourism economy not only regionally but also globally.
According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) data, Turkey became the 4th most visited country in the world in 2024. Both metropolitan attractions and natural wonder destinations have a great impact on this success. While Istanbul and Antalya are the first choice of millions of tourists every year, historical and cultural centres such as Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya and Göbekli Tepe reveal Turkey's rich heritage.
So, what are the most visited tourist attractions in Turkey?
1. Istanbul - A Journey Through Time in the Capital of History
Istanbul is one of the most visited cities not only in Turkey but also in the world. Welcoming 20.2 million tourists in 2023, the city has become competitive with the tourism capitals of Europe by carrying this figure even higher in 2024. Landmarks such as Hagia Sophia Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar offer a wealth of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. The unique view of the Bosphorus and the silhouette stretching from the Galata Tower to the Üsküdar coast make Istanbul not only a city but also a living history museum.
At the same time, Istanbul is a metropolis that attracts visitors at all times of the year with its food and beverage tourism, art events, shopping and nightlife. This city, where both cultural and modern life are intertwined, is the heart of Turkish tourism.
2. Antalya - Turquoise Paradise of the Mediterranean
Antalya became the second most visited city in Turkey in 2023, welcoming between 15 and 16 million tourists. In 2024, this number increased even more, making Antalya one of the top five holiday cities in the world. With its blue flag beaches, luxury resort hotels, ancient city ruins and breathtaking nature areas, Antalya attracts both those who want to have a sea holiday and history and culture enthusiasts.
While ancient cities such as Side, Aspendos, Olympos and Termessos attract the attention of local and foreign tourists, natural beauties such as Düden and Kurşunlu waterfalls offer ideal routes for nature tourism. Antalya is one of the rare destinations where tourism can be done in four seasons, thanks to its sunny weather throughout the year.
3. Cappadocia - Fairytale Land Soaring with Balloons
The Cappadocia region of Nevşehir hosted 4.83 million tourists in 2023. In the first six months of 2025, this number reportedly increased by 10 per cent. Offering a unique geography in the world with its fairy chimneys, underground cities and rock-carved churches, Cappadocia offers a fairytale experience in the sky at the first light of the morning, especially with hot air balloon tours.
Göreme Open Air Museum, Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Underground Cities, Zelve and Paşabağ Valleys are among the main visiting points of the region. This unique region, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, continues to be a fascinating centre of attraction for both local and foreign tourists throughout the year.
4. Pamukkale - The Magic of White and Thermal Heritage
Pamukkale, located in Denizli province, attracted 1.7 million visitors in the first eight months of 2024. The year-end target of around 2.9 million tourists revealed the rising potential of thermal tourism in Turkey. Pamukkale, which gives the feeling of walking on the clouds with its white travertine terraces, is also home to the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Swimming in Cleopatra's Pool, visiting the ancient theatre and relaxing in the healing waters make Pamukkale a unique destination combining health and history tourism. This region, which is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, attracts increasing interest every year.
5. Konya - A Spiritual Journey in the Footsteps of Mevlana
Located in the heart of Anatolia, Konya is one of the strongest representatives of spiritual tourism in Turkey, especially with the Mevlana Museum. With 2.63 million visitors in 2024, the museum offers visitors a deep cultural experience with the tomb of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi and Sema performances.
Konya is also home to impressive examples of Seljuk architecture, traditional cuisine and the legacy of great Turkish thinkers. The city, which attracts attention with its spiritual atmosphere, is an ideal route especially for visitors interested in cultural and faith tourism.
6. Ephesus Ancient City - At the Crossroads of Civilisations
Ephesus, located in Selçuk district of Izmir, is one of the most important metropolises of the ancient world. Attracting 2.63 million visitors in 2024, this archaeological site attracts attention with its structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis and the Grand Theatre. Ephesus, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, was the cultural and commercial centre of Anatolia during the Roman Empire.
Visitors to Ephesus encounter not only an ancient city but also a glorious past that witnesses the building blocks of human history. At the same time, religiously important buildings such as the House of the Virgin Mary are also located in the region.
7. Göreme Open Air Museum - Civilisation Carved into the Rock
Göreme Open Air Museum, located in the Cappadocia region, was visited by 1.08 million tourists in 2024. This area is one of the most popular spots in the region with its Byzantine rock churches, frescoes and monastery complexes.
The museum is of great importance both historically and religiously, as it contains important structures from the early periods of Christianity. This region, which is protected by UNESCO, is of worldwide value in terms of cultural heritage.
8. Zelve / Paşabağ Valley - Sculpture of Nature
Zelve and Paşabağ Valley, which hosted 906 thousand tourists in 2024, is one of the most striking examples of fairy chimneys. The mushroom-shaped rock formations in the valley are natural shapes left by thousands of years of erosion, like works of art.
The region was also used as the living space of the first Christian communities, so it is very rich both geologically and culturally. Zelve, with its hiking trails and open-air galleries, is also an indispensable route for photography enthusiasts.
9. Kaymaklı Underground City - A Civilisation Underground
Kaymaklı Underground City, another impressive point of Cappadocia, hosted 662 thousand visitors in 2024. This city, dug underground with interconnected tunnels, living spaces, places of worship and air chimneys, is a marvel of engineering.
Built thousands of years ago to protect against raids, the underground cities reflect the unique historical character of Cappadocia. Kaymaklı is the most visited of these structures and offers tourists the opportunity to step into a different world.
10. Göbekli Tepe - Ground Zero of History
Göbekli Tepe, located near Şanlıurfa, became the shining star of archaeological tourism by hosting 709 thousand tourists in 2024. Dating back to 10,000 BC, this temple complex is among the oldest known cult structures in the world.
The obelisks and symbols uncovered during the excavations made us rethink many things known about human history. Göbekli Tepe is one of the most valuable archaeological discoveries not only in Turkey but also in the whole world.
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