Planning a trip to Turkey must cover its natural beauty, culture, and history. With incredible places to explore, many look to find the best places to visit in Turkey for their next vacation.
Read on to know more about the beauty of Turkey and top places that should not be missed.
Top places to visit in Turkey
Here are the best and exclusive places to visit in Turkey:
- Istanbul- Blend of East and West
If you’re fond of historical landmarks, go ahead with Istanbul in Turkey. Some of the top tourist attractions cover Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Grand Bazaar. These are popular for stunning mosaics, massive dome, Topkapi Palace has Topkapi Dagger, while the Blue Mosque is an iconic symbol of Istanbul.
- Cappadocia- Hot air balloon rides and exclusive rock formations
Second on our list is a surreal landscape like that of a fairy tale offered in Cappadocia. It has several attractions like Goreme Open-Air museum, hot air ballooning, underground cities, and hiking.
- Ephesus- Best-preserved ancient Mediterranean city
It offers the much required glimpse into the life of the ancient Roman cities. It has the Temple of Artemis, Great Theatre, and Library of Celsus. The Temple of Artemis was earlier listed in the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Theatre is still used for performances while the Library of Celsus offers a quick insight into Roman architecture.
- Pamukkale-Mineral-rich thermal water terraces
Ideally called the Cotton Castle, this natural wonder creates amazing travertine pools for visitors. It is easy for you to visit barefoot on the terraces and swim in the ancient Roman pool called Cleopatra’s pool. You must go for the Hierapolis which is located above the travertines and has a necropolis and theater. It is a unique destination for people interested in natural beauty and rich history.
- Bodrum- Vibrant coastal city
Vacation in Turkey is complete without a vibrant beach, historical site, and amazing nightlife. Hence, you get the best entertainment and relaxation. Bodrum castle houses the Museum of underwater Archaeology and the Ancient theatre offers the stunning views of the coast and the city. It dates back to the Hellenistic period.
- Antalya- Beautiful resorts and beaches
If you wish to see the historical sites, luxury resorts, and beautiful beaches, Antalya is the best location for you. Its beaches like Lara beach and Konyaalti offer different water activities and stunning views. Duden waterfalls offer natural sites outside the city for lush greenery and cascading waters. The Hadrian’s Gate is a significant landmark of the old town.
- Fethiye and Oludeniz- Combination of natural beauty and blue lagoons
Fethiye is a popular coastal town while Oludeniz is popular for its blue lagoon. This is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, stunning backdrop, and crystal-clear waters. Adventure seekers get the breathtaking views of the lagoon and coastline during the paragliding off the Babadag Mountain.
- Troy- Rich archaeological history
A rich UNESCO World Heritage site, Troy has archaeological history. The remains of the multiple civilization layers of Troy dates back to several years with the iconic wooden horse replica as the ideal attraction. The exclusive Troy museum offers artifacts of ancient region and helps enhance the overall visiting experience.
- Safranbolu- Well-preserved Ottoman architecture
Another popular UNESCO World Heritage site, it is popular for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and inviting streets. You can stroll through the historic wooden houses and streets which are now shops or hotels. The local cuisine like saffron-infused rice helps in exploring the local markets.
- Mount Ararat- Highest peak in Turkey
Last but not least, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, it is hard to miss the highest peak in Turkey- Mount Ararat. It is the resting place of Noah’s Ark and allows different trekking routes. Hence, natural overs and adventure seekers can explore the rugged landscapes.
Not to miss are the ancient monasteries and churches rich in Armenian history and culture.
Parting Thoughts
Spending your time in Turkey becomes easy with a quick list of the top places to visit in the region. You can select the right place according to your taste and requirements. Turkey has something good for everyone, whether you’re an adventure seeker, beach lover, or history buff. Not to miss is selecting the right Turkey tour agency for exploring these places!
Photo by Jennifer Martin on Unsplash
