40 Incredible Places to Visit in Turkey

40 Incredible Places to Visit in Turkey

Turkey is a transcontinental country located in both European and Asian continents. It’s also one of the famous spots visited by tourists in the world, and that’s because of the beautiful places to visit in Turkey such as historical sites and beaches, great food, and friendly people waiting for you in this country. Read here how to get from Istanbul airport to city center

Read here: Breakfast in Turkey, Mini Guide to Turkey, Travel Guide to Turkey and Is Turkey safe to travel to?

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SIM CARD AT ISTANBUL AIRPORT

I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Istanbul airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Istanbul. Read here Turkey sim card for tourist and best Turkey eSim. 

You can buy the cheapest eSim in Turkey with Airalo Turkey eSim prepaid for $4.50 USD with 1 GB data valid for 7 days (USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10%).

Best Time to Visit Turkey

The months of April, May, September and October are the warm months of Turkey, which make it the best time to go out and explore the beautiful outdoor tourist spots of the country. 

However, June through September are the worst and hottest months of the country so we don’t recommend going to Turkey on those months.

Click here to learn more about Turkey’s weather!

How to Get to Turkey

If you are coming from the United Kingdom, there are daily flights coming from London, Manchester and Birmingham. The travel time is around 4 hours. You can get affordable flights for £100-120 from London with Pegasus Airlines.

There are also daily direct flights from Birmingham with Turkish Airlines, for £200 going to Istanbul. If you are coming from Manchester flights are more expensive with British Airways up to £300.

All the flights are going to Istanbul, one of the most popular destinations in the world. Istanbul is the most populated city, center for economy, culture, and history of Turkey.

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Places to Visit in Turkey

1. Ankara

One of the most famous places to visit in Turkey is the second largest city, Ankara, the capital. Some of the things to do in Ankara are Anitkabir, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque, and Altınköy Açık Hava Müzesi.

2. Istanbul

Image from Wikimedia Commons

There are two different parts in Istanbul: the old city and the new city. In the old city the most famous landmarks are Haghia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. Catholic churches can also be found here.

Visit Taksim Square to taste the cuisine of Istanbul. Bars, restaurants and small eateries are available around here.

3. Pamukkale

Image from Flickr

Pamukkale is a long way from Istanbul, however many tourists see it fit to be visited. It is a thermal pool naturally designed with terraces. It’s also a fine example of a calcium formation that’s proved to be aesthetic. It’s also the site of Hierapolis.

4. Cappadocia

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Many tourists also visit Cappadocia, the beautiful historic region of Turkey. Cappadocia is popular for the hot air balloons especially at sunrise, where you can rise up with the sun. Prices for the ride are worth £100 .

You should also go ahead to Gerome after the ride to visit the fairy chimneys at the Paşabağ Valley.

5. Lake Van

Image from Flickr

Lake Van is the largest body of water in Turkey and the second largest in the Middle East. It is located in the east of Turkey in the provinces of Van and Bitlis. The view of the lake is incredible as it is huge. 

6. Mardin

Image from Wikimedia Commons

If you feel like visiting for the hunt of amazing architecture, the Mardin is the right place for you. The architecture of the houses in this area is beautiful. The designs of the places are really good in Mardin.

7. Antalya

Image from Flickr

Antalya was a major port of Romans way back. Now, it’s filled with hotels and yachts. Many tourists visit this place to take a dip around the beaches.

8. Tortum Waterfall

Image from Wikipedia

Tortum Waterfall’s pics always come out as strong and heavy, and that’s because Tortum Waterfall is the largest waterfall In Turkey. It’s fun and a little bit scary to swim though.

9. Amasya

Image from Flickr

Turkish places have really some sort of historical background dating hundreds of years ago, Amasya is no exception. Amasya is the capital of the Amasya province in the Black Sea region. The place has some impressive rock formations.

10. Ephesus

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Another place dating back to antiquity is Ephesus. Ephesus still has the preserved Library of Celsus, the theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the famous Temple of Artemis.

11. Uzungöl

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Uzungöl is a lake located in the Çaykara district of Trabzon Province. The area has been commercialized nowadays with establishments popping out to cater with the tourists needs. The lush scenery combined with the beautiful scenery of the lake is beautiful.

12. Düden Waterfalls

Düden Waterfalls is Antalya, a waterfall situated at a magnificent landscape. Although not as big as Tortum, Düden Waterfalls still packs its own awe.

13. Blue Lagoon Öludeniz

Blue Lagoon Öludeniz is located in the resort village of southwest coast turkey. The Lagoon has varying shades of Turquoise hued waters. Many tourists swim here in Summer.

14. Mamure Castle

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Mamure Castle is a medieval castle in the Anamur District of Mersin Province, Turkey. This castle dates back to the 13th century. The castle is really old as you can tell, but how well it shows you its age is amazing.

15. Aspendos

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Another ancient Greco-Roman city in Antalya province of Turkey. It’s an ancient theater with staggered chairs. The place is old but is sure to give you chills.

More Places to Visit in Turkey

16. Side

Side, Turkey is a relaxing, family friendly resort on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast near Antalya Airport. You could also go to the Side Museum displaying mostly Hellenistic and Roman statuary.

17. Bodrum

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Bodrum City had a medieval fortress built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Now, it is being dubbed as the St. Tropez of Turkey.

18. Hattusha

Hattusha is a UNESCO site. It was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the Bronze Age. The ruins are near Boğazkale just 220 kilometers far from Ankara.

19. Sumela

Image from Flickr

Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery built on the side of the cliff. It was closed recently because of threats regarding rock falls. Well, it’s nestled 1200 meters above ground, so it’s better to be safe.

20. Mount Nemrut

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Mount Nemrut (2552m) is located in southeastern Turkey, and above the Euphrates River valley. It is the site of extensive ruins of the tomb of Antiochos I. The place is a blend of eeriness and fascination with both the tomb and the mountain’s peak.

21. Myra’s Rock Tombs

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Yet another one of the most famous places to visit in Turkey is the Myra’s Rock Tombs. It’s a historical place in Antalya Province. You’ll be fascinated with the ancient tombs here in the form of statues.

22. Harran Beehive Houses

Image from Flickr

Located in Harran, these astonishing beehive houses prove that Turkey has indeed one of the most unique architectural styles. These houses are shaped like beehives so the inhabitants can be protected from earthquakes, wind storms, and other natural calamities.

23. Fethiye

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Another one of the best places to visit in Turkey is the port city of Fethiye. Don’t forget to experience their natural harbor with clear, blue waters, and the rock tombs. 

You can also visit the Butterfly Valley Natural Reserve located in the southern part of the city.

24. Ani

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Ani is located in the eastern part of Turkey, and is known as the “the city of a thousand and one churches.” It was a ruined medieval city in the past, so in the present time, it looks like a ghost town. 

However, tourists can still visit this city and take pictures of The Monastery of the Hripsimian Virgins, Ruins of the Mausoleum of the Child Princes, the ruins of the Church of Saint Gregory of Tigran Honents, and many other historical ruins.

25. Kas

Image from Flickr

When planning about the places to visit in Turkey, you should not miss visiting the town of Kas. It’s a small seaside town on the Mediterranean coast in southwestern Turkey. You can visit the famous Kaputaş Beach and the Old Amphitheatre in Kas.

26. Patara

Image from Flickr

Another city in Turkey that you should experience is Patara. It’s home to the famous Patara Beach, with clear blue waters and fine sand. Patara is one of the most commercialized cities in this country.

27. Gaziantep

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Gaziantep is formerly known as Antep, but many locals still call the city Antep. It’s dubbed as the Gastronomy City of the country, making it to our list of places to visit in Turkey. You should try the famous delicacies here such as the Pistachio Coffee, Cheesecake Pistachio and Baklava.

28. Marmaris

Image from Flickr

Marmaris is known as the Mediterranean resort town of the country, making it one of the most famous places to visit in Turkey. In fact, it’s a popular travel spot for beach lovers. You can visit the Dalyan Turtle Beach and other beautiful beaches in the town where you can relax, sunbathe, swim, dive, or even go on a cruise.

29. Pergamum

Image from Flickr

This was once one of the most powerful and rich ancient cities in Mysia. In the present times, you can find a lot of old, historical ruins. 

30. Mount Ararat

Image from Wikimedia Commons

This dormant compound volcano in the eastern part of Turkey is a great view to see. Its volcanic cones are Greater Ararat and Little Ararat. Greater Ararat is the highest peak in Turkey with an elevation of 5 137 meters.

More Places to Visit in Turkey

31. Safranbolu

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Another town in the Black Sea region of northern Turkey is Safranbolu, known for places to visit in Turkey such as the Crystal Glass Terrace, Safranbolu Evleri History, Canyon of Tokatlı, and Bulak Mencilis Mağarası.

32. Hattusa

Image from Flickr

Also known as Hatussha, this city was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1986 because of its beauty and rich cultural features. There’s a lot of preserved constructions here such as temples, royal residences, and fortifications. It’s home to the famous Lions’ Gate and Royal Gate.

33. Alacati

Image from Wikimedia Commons

Indeed one of the popular places to visit in Turkey is Alacati. It’s a town on the Çeşme Peninsula known for beautiful beaches, old stone houses, and the winemaking tradition.

34. Konya

Image from Wikimedia Commons

This city in Turkey is known as the pilgrimage spot for the Sufis because of the tomb of the founder of Mevlana order, Jelaleddin Rumi, in the Mevlana Museum. There are also other places to visit in Konya such as the Karatay Madrasa, Alâeddin Mosque, Konya Science Center, and many more. 

35. Hagia Sophia

Image from Flickr

Yet another one of the most famous places to visit in Turkey is the Hagia Sophia. It was once a Greek Cathedral, that turned into an Ottoman Mosque, but is now a museum. It was once the world’s largest building and was known for its marvelous, gigantic dome.

36. Bursa

Image from Wikimedia Commons

If you want to relax and engage yourself to nature in Turkey, then the “Green Bursa” is a must-visit place. It’s the 4th most populous city in Turkey, but it’s rich in parks with lots of trees. It’s also known for its mosques and historical sites from the early Ottoman Empire. 

37. Mugla

Image from Flickr

Mugla is the province in Turkey where the famous Marmaris is located. It has a lot of stunning beaches and resorts. One of the most famous beaches is the Blue Lagoon. You should also visit the Bodrum Castle, one of its historical sites.

38. Mersin

Image from Wikipedia

This port city in the southern part of Turkey is known for its distance to Tarsus, a nearby pilgrimage site for Christians where St. Paul was born. Don’t miss to visit the Cleopatra Gate, one of the ruins of the old Roman defensive walls. There’s also the Mersin Museum where you can find archaeological artifacts and sculptures.

39. Black Coast

Image from Wikipedia

Turkey’s Black Coast is where the Black Sea Region is located. There’s a lot of seaside towns and some undeveloped beaches in the region. If you are staying in Turkey for quite some time, then the Black Sea Region is one of the places to visit in Turkey. 

There are many tourist spots to visit, such as the city of Trabzon, Altındere National Park, Soumela Monastery, Sinop, Rize, Amasra, Karaca Cave, and a lot more.

40. The Blue Mosque

And last on our list of places to visit in Turkey is the famous Blue Mosque located in Sultan Ahmet, İstanbul. It’s also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a historic mosque that still functions today. It was believed to be constructed between 1609 to 1616.

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There you have it guys, our top places to visit in Turkey! Which Turkey tourist spots would you love to visit next? Did we miss your favorite ones? Let us know!

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Happy travels!