Turkey, also known as the Republic of Turkiye, was established in 1923 and is located in Anatolia in West Asia. It has a population of around 86 million people as of 2024. The country features the landmarks of the Ottoman, ruins of Byzantine, Roman, and Greek. People from all over the world visit the country to witness historical sites that date back thousands of years. The best things to do in Turkey include visiting Cappadocia which is also home to the famous sites of profound religious significance for Islam and Christianity.
Places to Visit in Turkey
The following are the best things to do in Turkey;
- Discover Cappadocia
- Visit the Blue Mosque
- Indulge in traditional Turkish food
- Visit Pamukkale
- Shop around the Grand Bazaar
- Take a ferry ride across the Bosphorus Strait
- Visit Hagia Sophia
- Witness the ancient city of Ephesus
- Attend a Dervish show
- Hike up the mount Nemrut
- Explore Izmir
1) Discover Cappadocia
Cappadocia is one of the most popular destinations in Turkey located right in the center of Turkey, about a distance of 300 kilometers from Ankara city. It is not only famous for its breathtaking natural beauty but is also known for its rich history and amazing places to stay. It is surrounded by beautiful rock formations, cave dwellings, and a sky filled with colorful hot air balloons. The best way to appreciate the vast landscape is to see it from the air, which is why riding a hot air balloon over Cappadocia is the most famous activity in Turkey.
Visitors can stroll through the Goreme National Park and also hike in the four famous valleys of Goreme i.e. Rose, Red, Love, and Pigeon Valley. All of these valleys have different features that make them worth visiting. Love Valley is full of stunning rock formations which are phallic-shaped, pigeon valley is the center of beautiful rock formations that once housed pigeon carriers. Lastly, there are Red and Rose valleys where bright red and pink colored sandstone ridges create a breathtaking scene especially when the sun sets.
2) Visit the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, originally known as Sultan Ahmad Mosque is an Ottoman-era mosque located in Istanbul. It is one of the most famous and iconic landmarks to visit in Turkey. The mosque was built between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Sultan Ahmad I and remains a functioning mosque to this day.
The mosque was named the Blue Mosque due to the beautiful blue tiles on its interior. Its stunning architecture and grand design with six majestic minarets and grand domes penetrating Istanbul’s vibrant skyline. The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship which means that visiting times are restricted so visitors should plan the visits around the prayer times.
3) Indulge in Traditional Turkish Food
One of the things that should not be missed is to experience the local cuisine. Baklava is the most popular and beloved sweet of Turkish people. Another famous thing to try out in Turkey is the coffee and the ever-refreshing traditional Turkish tea known as “Çay”.
When visiting the river Bosphorus in Istanbul, visitors should try out the famous fish sandwich with a green salad, onions, and lemon juice dressing which is traditionally served with a shot of pickle juice. Some of the other must-try traditional local cuisines include kebabs,menemen, and meze.
4) Visit Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a natural site located in western Turkey’s Denizli Province and is known as a “cotton castle” in Turkish. It is another one of the most popular destinations in Turkey known for its stunning landscape and mineral-rich thermal waters. These pools are absolutely beautiful and the perfect place for a relaxing dip or simply enjoying while soaking in the amazing surroundings.
Visitors can visit two hours before the sunset when the crowd is minimal and the view as the sun sets is mesmerizing. Pamukkale is not just about the limestone terraces. Behind these thermal pools, there is an ancient city called Hierapolis which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. This ancient city features fascinating ruins including temples, bathhouses, and theaters which offer a glimpse into its rich history.
5) Shop Around the Grand Bazar
Another popular place to visit in Turkey is the Grand Bazaar located in Istanbul. It is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world established in the 15th century during the rule of Sultan Mehmet. The bazaar features 61 streets and consists of more than 4000 shops. It is one of the best places to stroll through and get an unforgettable experience of a traditional Middle Eastern spice market.
The bazaar is a network of crisscrossing streets full of people. While wandering through its streets, people can find a treasure trove of goods from stunning jewelry and beautiful trinkets to amazing handcrafted gifts and unique souvenirs. The Grand Bazaar is just not a shopping market but also a cultural experience. Bargaining is a tradition of this market so visitors should know how to negotiate the prices.
6) Take A Ferry Ride Across the Bosphorus Strait
Bosphorus Strait is a popular and unique waterway that separates Istanbul’s European and Eastern sides. It stretches 31 kilometers and is lined with grand palaces, historical landmarks, and charming waterfront mansions. It reflects the rich history and stunning architecture of Istanbul city. The strait offers the most breathtaking views in Istanbul city, where the Black Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea which is framed by towering Rumeli fortress while offering a stunning view of the Galata Bridge at a distance.
The best way to experience the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait is by taking a leisurely ferry ride, offering visitors the opportunity to soak in the beauty of Istanbul from the water. Sunset and Dinner cruises are particularly famous as they provide unforgettable and breathtaking views of the skyline of Istanbul city as it lights up against the backdrop of a vibrant sunset.
7) Visit Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia officially known as Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is a church turned mosque which serves a major historical and cultural site in Istanbul. Its stunning architecture has made it the most iconic landmark in the city of Istanbul and its cultural significance has earned it a mention in one of the most famous authors ‘Dan Brown’s’ novel Inferno.
Hagia Sophia was originally established by the Byzantine Empire as the primary church of its capital between 532 and 537 AD and was later transformed into a mosque when the Ottoman Empire took control in 1453. The best thing about the Hagia Sophia is its stunning interior which features a massive dome-shaped hallway and the eight large Arabic calligraphic roundels that bear the name of Allah, Mohammed, his grandsons Hasan and Hussein, and the four caliphs. It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the world.
8) Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus
Ephesus is an ancient Greek city which is located outside the town of Selçuk at a 40 minutes distance from Izmir and is home to the Great Library of Celsus which was once the third-largest library in the Roman world, after those in Alexandria and Pergamum. It was considered the most important Greek city and port city and was also a trade hub in the Mediterranean Sea.
A thing to see in Ephesus City is its Ancient Theater which can seat more than 20,000 spectators and was built 2000 years ago. Ephesus is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can find everything here, from ancient buildings and a grand library to two theaters and much more.
9) Attend a Dervish show
Dervish is a spiritual ceremony of Sufism that involves people who dance to music dedicated to the almighty. This involves rituals known as Sama and Dhikr which were initiated by Rumi, the Sufi Saint in the 13th century. These rituals combine soothing melodies, rhythmic movements, instruments, and poetry that aim to facilitate spiritual growth.
The Whirling Dervishes are members of a Muslim spiritual order, best known for their captivating spinning dance, or “whirling,” which serves as a form of devotion and a way to connect with God. The sacred dance proves to be one of the most soul-stirring experiences for many people while offering a unique connection to spirituality.
10) Hike up the Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is one of the best places to visit in Turkey for people who want to know about the history. It is located in southeastern Turkey and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Turkey.
Mount Nemrut is a massive mountain that features giant statues that represent various Greek, Persian, and Anatolian gods at the summit. The summit stands over 24,00 meters above sea level and the statues are believed to have been built over 2000 years ago in the 1st Century BC by the King Antiochus I. Mount Nemrut is one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey.
11) Explore Izmir
Izmir is one of the best places to visit in Turkey located in the western side of Turkey near the Aegean Sea. It is also one of the richest cities in Turkey. After Istanbul and Ankara, it is the third largest city with more than three million residents. The city offers a blend of cultural, archeological, and historical sites and is also a famous university town which is why more of the population is young students.
The main highlight or the best spot in Izmir is Kordon, a picturesque long walkway that stretches along the Aegean Coastline. While there are no beaches in this area, the stunning path offers breathtaking views and a lively atmosphere with street musicians and snack vendors along the way. Some other places to visit in Izmir are Kemeralti Bazaar, the youthful Alsancak Square, the ruins of ancient Smyrna, and the stunning Konak Square.
Conclusion
Turkey has a blend of rich history and cultural heritage. It has beautiful beaches, stunning mountains, cities, and amazing weather which is the reason why is one of the most favorite travel destinations of people. Some of its cities have more historical treasures than the entire nation. It is also home to the ‘Lycian Trail’ which is one of the most famous long hiking trails in the world. Turkey is a must-visit place for everyone as it not only offers some of the most magical sites in the world. From its breathtaking landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine to its vibrant culture and warm, welcoming people, Turkey offers an unforgettable experience.
FAQs
Is Turkey Budget-Friendly?
Yes, Turkey is a budget-friendly country as it offers affordable accommodation, public transport, and street food which makes it accessible for visitors.
What is the Best Time to Visit Turkey?
The best time to visit Turkey is summer and autumn when the weather is mild and it is easy to explore the places.
Is Turkey a Safe Country?
Yes, turkey is a safe country with tourist areas such as Cappadocia and Istanbul being well-secured. However, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings.
Is Turkey Worth Visiting?
Yes! Turkey offers a mix of rich history, beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and amazing culture. It is a destination that gives an unforgettable experience to everyone.
