10 Best Places to Visit in Turkey: Coast and steeped in history with a view over the mountains, rising Turkey, thousands of years as a gateway between Europe and Asia. Turkey has no place in a trade and cultural exchange has become a country with rich diversity. The point where the East meets the West has left its mark on the richness of culture and breadth of influence and has manifested itself in the country’s mouth-watering culinary landscape as well as numerous religious monuments and archaeological sites.
Once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul stands out on most itineraries but there are many more great destinations. Here you can enjoy staying in boutique hotels inside caves and swimming in hot air balloons over the extraterrestrial landscape of Cappadocia, wandering in the middle of the Greco-Roman world in Ephesus, or simply soaking up the sun in luxury beach resorts. The Aegean Sea. Take a look at the best places to visit in Turkey:
1. Istanbul
Once serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empire, Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and today is one of the largest in the world. Istanbul stretches out on both sides of the Bosphorus, a narrow strait connecting Asia and Europe, making it the only city in the world that spans two continents. Impressive architecture, historical sites, food, shopping, nightlife, and exotic atmosphere all make Istanbul one of the world’s most tourist attractions.
It is the location of many of the city’s impressive historical sites such as the Old Town, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Another important area is the New City, known for its modern-day attractions, skyscrapers, and shopping malls. While Beyoğlu and Galata are popular areas for nightlife and entertainment, the Bosphorus region is home to beautiful palaces, mansions, and city parks.
There is no shortage of exciting things to see and do in Istanbul. One of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a shopping issue not to be missed. Visiting the Turkish bath is also a great way to experience the local culture. The nightlife scene in Istanbul is full of restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs to suit every budget and preference.
2. Cappadocia
Situated in Turkey‘s Central Anatolian region of Cappadocia, most chimneys, cones, mushrooms, and hills renowned for their extraordinary fairytale-like landscape of formation. Natural processes such as ancient volcanic eruptions and erosion have shaped these bizarre formations over the ages, with some rising to heights of 130 feet (40 meters). However, thousands of years ago, humanity added striking touches to the landscape by carving houses, churches, and underground cities from soft rocks.
The Hittites and other residents, who resided in the early 1800s, dug the underground tunnel complexes in search of security from the invading Persians and Greeks. Much later in the 4th century AD, Christians escaping from Rome from religious persecution took refuge in the tunnels and caves of Cappadocia. Today, the region’s natural wonders and historical sites make it a popular destination.
While most of Cappadocia is located in Nevşehir province, some of the main cities in the region are Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Ortahisar, and Mustafapaşa. Many of these towns offer hotels, restaurants, nightlife options, and attractions such as museums, rock castles, fairy chimneys, underground tunnels, old Greek villages, monasteries, and craft markets. Some of the caves in the region actually appeal to hotels and tourists.
3.Ephesus
Europe’s most complete classical metropolis of Ephesus, an ancient region in Turkey’s Aegean region. In the 1st century BC, Ephesus was one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire and had the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ruins of Ephesus are well preserved and are located in a large archaeological site, thus making her one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations.
Ephesus, BC. A Roman settlement was declared in 133 but did not reach its peak until about 200 years later. At one point, when the city became the capital of Asia Minor, Ephesus housed more than 250,000 permanent residents. Saint Paul lived in Ephesus and nurtured Christianity among many other religions. With the decline of the Ephesus port and the looting of the city by the Germanic Goths in the third century, Ephesus fell into decline.
Ephesus was almost forgotten for about 1,500 years. The ruins of this incredible classical city were hidden from the world until the 1860s when an international team of archaeologists began uncovering the remains. Less than 20 percent of Ephesus has been excavated today, but it is still one of the largest accessible archaeological sites in the world.
The most famous building in Ephesus is undoubtedly the Temple of Artemis. The temple was once the largest temple on the planet, and it revealed how important the city of Ephesus was. Unfortunately, the temple was largely destroyed in the fifth century, but it’s still possible to visit the ruins.
Some of the most recently excavated attractions in Ephesus and certainly some of the most popular are Terraced Houses. These were the homes of the wealthiest inhabitants of Ephesus in the first century and were built in the modern Roman style.
Remarkably, some homes had hot and cold bathrooms, marble floors, and even heating systems. You can see unusual artworks, mosaics, and even hand-drawn love poems on the walls.
No trip to Ephesus will be complete without seeing the famous Celsus Library. Built-in 123 AD, the library was once one of the largest libraries in the ancient world and ranked third after the libraries of Alexandria and Pergamon. The library has been restored with its two-story design, columns, and capitals making it easy to see.
Be sure to admire the four statues representing the four virtues. While these are no longer original, replica sculptures, you can still see Sophia representing wisdom, Episteme representing knowledge.
edge, Ennoia representing thought, and Arete representing good.
Just two miles from Ephesus is the town of Selcuk, where many visitors prefer to spend time before or after exploring the ruins of Ephesus. In the center of Selçuk, you may want to stop and admire the Roman aqueduct that once supplied water to the city, or you can learn a little more about the archeology of the area by exploring the collections at the Ephesus Museum. You can also browse the market or buy double knot rugs, the region’s most popular souvenir.
4. Bodrum
Turkey Located in Bodrum Mugla Province in the southern Aegean region, once the marble buildings, temples, statues, stone location of the fortified city and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of paved streets. The Ancient World.
After falling into ruins, the city remained a quiet fishing village until the 20th century, when it gained popularity with the writings of Turkish intellectuals. Today, Bodrum’s intriguing ruins, stunning beaches, and cliff-top resorts attract people from all over the world.
On the east side of Bodrum, tourists will find a beautiful beach overlooking the sparkling blue water. Near the beach, there are many cafes, bars, and nightclubs. There are a marina, shopping centers and restaurants on the west side of the town.
Also known as Bodrum Castle, St. A trip to Bodrum is not complete without seeing Peter Castle. Built by the Knights Hospitaller from 1402, the building now operates as a museum. Other attractions include the last ruins of the Mausoleum, the ancient amphitheater, and the Myndos Gate, which once witnessed a bloody war during the siege of Alexander the Great.
Other things to see and do in Bodrum besides the trip include the award-winning Bodrum Underwater Archeology Museum located inside the Bodrum Castle, historic windmills, Turkish saunas, and mud baths, windsurfing, scuba diving and nightclubs, and glass boat tours. bottom dance floors.
5. Side
Side, an important port in ancient Pamphylia and occupied by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, is today a picturesque town of classical ruins and modern resorts overlooking white sandy beaches. In the province of Antalya, Turkey’s Side is located on a small peninsula on the Mediterranean coast, spectacular sightseeing, nightlife and offers outdoor adventures.
Side’s star attraction is an area where ancient Hellenistic and Roman remains were excavated, including a huge amphitheater, an agora, a Byzantine basilica, baths, marble columns, and various temple ruins. The Roman baths were restored to house a museum displaying a number of Roman sculptures and artifacts. The Temple of Apollo overlooking the beach is a magnificent view, especially at sunset.
The quaint town of Side, with its narrow streets and attractive gardens, has many restaurants ranging from delicatessen and pizzerias to a variety of cuisines to luxury dishes. The Manavgat River offers boat tours, white water rafting, and impressive waterfalls just outside the city.
6. Marmaris
One of the most popular seaside resorts of Marmaris in Turkey, with pine-covered mountains, sandy white beaches, turquoise waters, and historic architecture is a perfect setting. Located in southwest Turkey, the Turkish Riviera cruise port along with this stunning, exceptional sightseeing opportunities, water sports, a tourist paradise with great food and lively nightlife.
Marmaris offers so many things to see and do that visitors will be spoiled for choice. A walk through the cobblestone streets of the old quarter offers attractive architecture and a visit to the 16th century Suleiman the Magnificent Castle. Various boat tours take visitors to explore the picturesque bays and neighboring villages.
Jeep safaris offer extraordinary adventures as you cruise around horse safaris, lush pine forests, orange groves, traditional villages and untouched bays, and stunning waterfalls.
Marmaris also offers water parks for the whole family and Turkish baths for complete pampering and relaxation. If this is not enough, there are day trips from Marmaris to important places such as Dalyan, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cleopatra Island.
The nightlife in Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most exciting environment. There are hundreds of restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world, from fast food to fine dining. Bars and clubs are found all over the city and on the beaches. Turkish Night Shows with traditional Turkish dishes, appetizers, and belly dances are also not to be missed.
7. Antalya
Situated along the beautiful Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean coastline, Antalya is a large and lively city welcoming tourists with its numerous resorts, hotels, bars, and restaurants. The magnificent landscape surrounds the city with magnificent beaches and lush green mountains full of ancient ruins. From swimming and sailing to mountaineering, sightseeing, and family fun, Antalya offers something for everyone.
A walk around Kaleiçi allows you to take a step into the city’s ancient past with views of the old city walls, Roman gates, labyrinth-like streets, and Clock Tower, as well as historic buildings including beautiful old churches, mosques, and temples. . In the heart of the Old Quarter is Cumhuriyet Square, surrounded by shops, cafes, baths, and street artists.
Antalya’s main beaches Konyaaltı and Lara offer white sands, water sports, holiday villages, bars, and restaurants. Near the beaches are water parks, amusement parks, and a zoo. Artifacts and relics from the region are on display at many museums, including the award-winning Antalya Museum.
8. Konya
The world’s oldest cities and is one of the most remarkable and recognized by the Whirling Dervishes of Konya Seljuk architecture, is a big city in Turkey’s Central Anatolia Region. In the 12th and 13th centuries, Konya prospered as the capital during the Seljuk Dynasty. Today, attractive buildings of that period can still be admired, such as the Alaeddin Mosque, which houses the tombs of many sultans. Another popular example is the İnce Minare Medresesi, a museum where artifacts from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods are exhibited.
Although it is in ruins, the Seljuk Palace is also worth seeing. A modern architectural attraction is one of Turkey’s highest skyscraper and having a rotating restaurant on the top floor of two Seljuk Tower.
In the 13th century, Konya was the home of the Iranian theologian and Sufi Sufism Rumi. Rumi Tomb, which is adjacent to Mevlana Museum, is one of the must-see places in Konya. Rumi’s followers founded the Mevlevi Sect, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, due to the famous religious ceremonies in which they turned on the left foot while wearing white wavy gowns. These ceremonies, also known as Sama, can be watched weekly at Mevlana Cultural Center.
Konya also offers beautiful green areas and parks such as Alaeddin Hill in the city center, and a Japanese Park with cute pagodas, waterfalls, and ponds.
Konya, bars, and nightclubs to which Turkey is one of the more conservative cities not so much. However, some hotels and cafes offer alcoholic beverages.
9. Mardin
Situated on a strategic hill overlooking the Mesopotamian plain in southeastern Turkey Mardin, Mardin is the capital of the province. One of the oldest settlements in the region, Mardin is best known for its cultural diversity and the Old City of sandstone structures that stretch down from the hill.
Mardin’s Old City can be easily visited on foot. The labyrinth of winding streets takes visitors to popular sites such as terraced houses and Deyrü’z-Zafaran Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world, and the Sultan Isa Madrasa, the medieval monument that once served as an astronomical observatory. Zinciriye Madrasah, a 14th-century Islamic school, has beautiful courtyards and artworks.
It is difficult to miss the soaring minaret Grand Mosque. Although closed to the public, the castle offers great photo opportunities. Throughout the Old Town, there are countless shops selling pottery, silverware, leather, and traditional headdresses.
10. Ankara
Turkey’s capital, Ankara, government offices, commercial enterprises, is a large, modern city that is home to foreign embassies and universities. Located right in the center of the country and Anatolia Ankara, citizens, and tourists are likewise an important transport hub that connects to other important destinations in Turkey. But Ankara is not a business. This lively city also offers several historical sites and a bit of art and culture.
Once an ancient city where various cultures such as Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman lived, Ankara is full of ancient buildings and ruins that reflect its history. The most important of these are the Augustus Temple, the Castle, and the Roman Theater. Numerous historical mosques can be found all over the city. Ataturk’s Mausoleum, an important symbol of the 20th century, is a shrine where the first president of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s tomb.
Ankara has a vibrant arts and culture scene with numerous theaters and museums, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is home to more than 200,000 objects. Traditional markets and modern malls offer great shopping options to buy items such as fresh produce, spices, carpets, and electronics.