Introduction
Turkey is a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It has a rich history and culture that spans thousands of years. Turkey has so much to offer visitors, from ancient ruins to natural wonders to vibrant modern cities.
When you visit Turkey, you can explore Ottoman palaces, go hot air ballooning over fairy tale landscapes, relax on beautiful beaches, and shop in colorful bazaars. Turkey’s most popular places to visit give you a glimpse of why it’s such a fascinating destination.
Istanbul
Istanbul is likely the first place you’ll visit in Turkey. This major city has been the capital of three great empires - Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. In Istanbul, you can see historic gems like the 15th-century Topkapi Palace, the remarkable Byzantine church Hagia Sophia, and the iconic Blue Mosque with its six minarets. One of the best things to do is take a Bosphorus river cruise to see Istanbul’s skyline and beautiful waterfront palaces. The city’s Grand Bazaar offers fabulous shopping as well.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s unique volcanic landscape looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. Its “fairy chimneys” are tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered on valleys and hillsides. When visiting Cappadocia, you can stay in cave hotels carved into the rock faces. One of the best activities here is taking a hot air balloon ride over the wondrous landscape at sunrise. You’ll get panoramic views over valleys dotted with stone villages. You may also want to visit underground cities and rock-cut churches built by early Christians escaping persecution.
Ephesus
For history lovers, Ephesus is one of Turkey’s most famous sites. These well-preserved Greek and Roman ruins were once a thriving port city and capital of Asia Minor. As you explore Ephesus’ magnificent ruins, you’ll walk down marble streets rutted by chariot wheels, see intact monuments and columns, and visit one of the largest outdoor theatres from antiquity. Make sure to also see the restored Terrace Houses where wealthy Romans lived 2000 years ago with their glorious mosaics still intact.
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is home to Turkey’s famous “cotton castle” white travertine terraces filled with hot, mineral-rich waters. As you walk over Pamukkale’s terraces, you can bathe on shallow pools or lie along the rims. The water flowing down these stepped limestone formations has left white mineral deposits that resemble giant frozen cascades. This UNESCO site is truly one of Turkey’s most stunning natural wonders. The ancient Roman bath spa city Hierapolis where you can tour ruins is located just above these magical white terraces.
Göreme National Park
Göreme National Park is a spectacular landscape full of rock formations and valleys that look straight out of a fantasy world. Its lunar-like terrain comes from volcanic eruptions that covered the region in ash. Over time, wind and water eroded the ash layer into porous rock called tuff. You can hike through those valleys with fair chimneys topped by huge boulders. Göreme National Park also has dozens of rock-cut churches from the Byzantine era decorated with colorful frescoes. For a memorable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the national park.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is an iconic Istanbul landmark you must include on your Turkey itinerary. This opulent palace was the residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Its dazzling splendor highlights the power and wealth once held by Ottoman rulers. As you explore Topkapi Palace’s royal pavilions, you’ll see sprawling courtyards, lavish ceremonial halls, extravagant treasures including diamond-encrusted thrones, and the stunning harem quarters that once held concubines. Make sure to also admire scenic views of the Bosphorus Strait and Sea of Marmara from the palace.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is one of Turkey’s most famous historical sites thanks to its grand scale and exquisite details. This historic mosque was built in the early 1600s and gets its name from the mesmerizing blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior. When visiting this Istanbul icon, you can admire the mosque’s cascading domes, six slender minarets, and 200 stained-glass windows. Stand in the spacious courtyard to grasp the Blue Mosque’s full majesty capped off by a series of half domes. As this mosque is still used today, dress modestly and avoid visiting during prayer times if you are not Muslim.
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut holds fascinating ancient ruins unlike anywhere else worldwide. At the summit of this 7000-foot-high mountain is a spiritual site created in the 1st century BC as a temple for different gods. The mountaintop complex has toppled colossal statues lining the East and West Terraces along with giant carved heads of gods emerging from the rockface. It’s an incredible sight as if mythical beings were pulled from the land itself. Sunrise and sunset offer phenomenal views over the statues when the fading light throws the ancient faces into shadow.
Dalyan
Dalyan is a tranquil small town located along Turkey’s southwest coast. One of Dalyan’s most scenic spots is Iztuzu Beach, a long shore fronted by the turquoise Mediterranean. As you relax along the golden sand stretching for over 4 kilometers, you may catch a glimpse of loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the beach. A river channel near Dalyan is home to Lycian cliff tombs cut directly into the rock above dramatic sheer cliffs. A boat tour takes you past those tombs shaped like ornate temples to reach the beach.
Conclusion
From the history-filled streets of Istanbul to the fairy tale landscape of Cappadocia, Turkey offers visitors one incredible sight after another. The top places featured here give you a small taste of what makes Turkey such a diverse and exciting country to explore. With ancient ruins, natural wonders, stunning scenery and vibrant cities there is something for everyone. So start planning your Turkish adventure to experience these highlights and unlock more of Turkey’s magic.