Planning a trip to Turkey? Here’s a quick guide to its beaches, cultural sites, shopping hubs and cruise destinations – precisely all the best places to visit in Turkey. Sometimes all we need is a vacation, away from the humdrum of city life, the constant buzz of social media and of course, the traffic! But it often gets difficult to choose a destination. If your heart says beach, your mind craves a rich historical site. It’s quite rare that you find a place with almost everything. Turkey is one such rare gem. Key tourist attractions in Turkey cater to people with varied interests, especially those looking out for some enriching adventure. It is adorned with a stunning coastline, quaint villages and a matchless cultural legacy. Take a look at the best places in Turkey listed below.
10 Best Places To Visit In Turkey
Looking for the perfect Turkey tourist attractions to explore with your near and dear ones? Here is the perfect list of the top places to visit in Turkey for your next trip. Keep scrolling down and know all about where to go in Turkey with your loved ones!
Kabak Bay: Hippie Vibes
Butterfly Valley: Campfires & Music
Patara: Charming Beach Cafés
Princes’ Island: Vintage Horse-drawn Carriages
Cappadocia: Hot Air Balloon Rides
Hagia Sophia Museum: Turkey’s Crown Jewel!
Mount Nemrut: Greek & Persian Architecture
The City Of Ephesus: Enchanting Ancient Ruins
Grand Bazaar: Lanterns & Turkish Delight
The Egyptian Bazaar: Spices & Dried Fruits
Ottomania: Handmade Rugs And Carpets
Sahaflar Carsisi: A Bibliophile’s Paradise
Istanbul: Turkey’s Best Attractions
Marmaris: Magnificent Views Of Turkish Waters
Port Of Istanbul: Lavish Cruises
Eminonu: Enjoyable Ferry Tours
Izmir: Pretty Mountains And Bays
Topkapı Palace: A Trip To The Past
Ani: Extraordinary Churches
Pamukkale: Travertine Terraces & Warm Springs
Selimiye Mosque: Exquisite Ottoman Architecture
Erzurum: Stunning Mosques
Sumela Monastery: Spiritual Salvation
Aladağlar National Park: Trekking & mountaineering
Ankara: Wheat Fields & Volcanoes
Bodrum: Castles & Theatres
Akdamar Island: Religious Sanctums
Çanakkale: The Ruins Of Troy
Avşa Island: A Refreshing Summer Retreat
Pigeon Valley: Bizarre Pigeon Houses
Fethiye: A Happening Nightlife
Anıtkabir: Remembering The Heroes Of Turkey
Mardin: Cultural Diversity
Bozcaada Island: Turkey’s Most Beautiful Island
Konya: Poems & Sufi
Zeugma Mosaic Museum: Breathtaking Craftsmanship
Gaziantep: Lip-smacking Food
Pergamum: Ancient Temples
Trabzon: Hills, Forests & Rivers
Dilek Peninsula: The Love Of Wildlife
Basilica Cistern: Unwavering Tradition
Mersin: An Offbeat Locale
7 Mehmet Restaurant: A Taste Of The Local Cuisine
Cleopatra Pools: Fun Time With Your Girl Gang
Ladies’ Beach: Sunbathing & Calm Waters
Bursa: Skiing At Mount Uludag
Agora Open Air Museum: Stunning Sculptures
Old Silk Market: A Day-long Shopping Spree
Miniatürk: A Cute Version Of Turkey
Kariye Museum: Byzantine Mosaics And Frescoes
Galata Tower: Panoramic Views Of Istanbul
Kusadasi Castle: A Picnic By The Sea
Dilek National Park: Camping In The Wilderness
Temple of Artemis: A Wonder Of The Ancient World
Izmir Archaeological Museum: A History Of Turkey’s Architecture
Arkas Art Center: Art From Around The World
Hisar Mosque: Striking Islamic Artwork
İzmir Atatürk Museum: The Life & Work Of Atatürk
Izmir Natural Life Park: A Delight For Kids
Oylat Cave: Fossils & Stalactites
Synagogue Street: A Peek Into The Local Life
Asansor: A Meal With Views
Duden Waterfalls: Large Volcanic Mountains
Gulhane Park: An Important Historical Site
Dolmabahce Palace: Glam Neoclassical Outlook
Suleymaniye Mosque: A Quest For Inner Peace
Blue Mosque: Breathtaking Blue Vistas
Antalya Aquarium: A Walk Underwater
Kursunlu Waterfalls: A Rejuvenating Picnic With Family
Hadrian’s Gate: Well-preserved Roman Architecture
SaatKulesi/ Konak Square: Deep-rooted History
Konyaalti Beach: A Refreshing Swim
Antalya Muzesi: An Art Exhibit Under The Stars
Harbour District: Quiet Evenings With Turkish Food
House Of The Virgin Mary: A Multi-religious Shrine
Ilica Public Beach: Clean Sands & Clear Waters
Rumeli Fortress: Hep Art Festivals
Rüstem Pasha Mosque: Floral Art & Pretty Chandeliers
Tombs Of Osman: Honoring The Fallen
Nusretiye Clock Tower: Architecture That Overwhelms
Mermerli Beach: Antalya’s Prized Possession
Lara Beach: Fancy Beach Hotels
1. Kabak Bay
Want some hippie vibe? Check out the tranquil Kabak Bay. If you’re in Turkey, visiting places like the Kabak Valley near Fethiye will be very easy, since you can simply hire a taxi to enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty. Or if you’re adventurous at heart, you can always opt for a day hike. It is one of the most beautiful and famous places in Turkey.
Location: Uzunyurt, 48300 Uzunyurt Köyü Fethiye/Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey
Things To Do: Hiking, Water Sports, Nature Photography
Best Time To Visit: Spring or Autumn Season
Best Places To Stay: Tree Houses, Sea Valley Bungalows
2. Butterfly Valley
Unleash the bohemian in you in the charming Butterfly Valley, one of the best places to visit in Turkey. You can laze around in a hammock, sip your favourite drink and enjoy a campfire and music at the Rock Bar. It is one of the famous Turkey places to visit.
Location: Butterfly ValleyUzunyurt, 48300 Fethiye/Muğla, Turkey
Things To Do: Camping, Parasailing, Paragliding, Snorkeling, Mountain climbing
Best Time To Visit: Summer Season
Best Places To Stay: Seaview Faralya Butik Hotel, Nautical Hotel
3. Patara
A must among places to see in Turkey is Patara, the longest beach in Turkey. There are a few reasonably priced beach cafés with umbrellas and sunbeds for hire here if you’re wondering what to see in Turkey once you’re at this beach. Also if you’re lucky, you can witness a sunset and moonrise at the same time from the top of a dune. Absolutely enchanting, This place is amongst the most famous Turkey places to visit.
Location: Gelemiş, Antalya Province, Turkey
Things To Do: Sightseeing, Horseback riding, Explore Patara Ruins, Water sports at Patara Beach.
Best Time To Visit: April, May, October and November
Best Places To Stay: Patara Prince Hotel & Resort, Hotel Patara Sun Club
4. Princes’ Island
Princes’ Island is among the major tourist attractions in Istanbul, Turkey. The best thing here is the silence – horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are available instead of motorized vehicles. The landscape of Princes Island makes it one of the stunning islands and the best places to visit in Turkey for those who seek peace and solitude. In fact, travellers sometimes end up spending as long as 6 to 7 days in Turkey only to see the charm of the Princes’ Island.
Tip: Travel to famous places in Turkey in ferries; stack up on sunblocks, and hike to places to discover new things.
Location: Princes’ Island, Turkey
Things To Do: Hiking, Ferry rides, Sightseeing, Shopping
Best Time To Visit: April to May and September to October
Best Places To Stay: Kösk Orman Hotel, Ada Palas Boutique Hotel
5. Cappadocia
One of the best places to visit in Turkey, Cappadocia is the result of a volcanic eruption. Explore the place with a horse ride, take an air balloon ride, and don’t forget to sip on Turkish tea. It is one of the best cities in Turkey that will leave you in awe of it. This is one place you must surely explore if you are visiting Turkey in September or October.
Location: Cappadocia, Turkey
Things To Do: Visit Goreme National Park, Visit Devrent Valley, Explore Love Valley, Visit Pasabag
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September and October.
Best Places To Stay: Natureland Cave Hotel, Evi Cave Hotel
6. Hagia Sophia Museum
If your first destination is Istanbul, don’t forget to visit the iconic Hagia Sophia Museum, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey. A church built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, it was converted to a mosque after some 900 years. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul and one of the best places to visit in Turkey.
Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Things to do: explore the nearby places and learn about the history of the place
Entry Fee: 60 Turkish Lira per person. Free for children below the age of 12 years.
Timings: 9 am – 5 pm
7. Mount Nemrut
Can’t miss this one on our list of Turkey famous places. This historical site, the 8th wonder of the world, is situated on the Arsameia antique road and is studded with huge statues of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene two lions, two eagles and various Greek, and Persian gods.
Location: Taurus Mountains, Turkey
Things to do: explore the places nearby like Cendere bridge, Karakus etc
Best Time To Visit: May and September
Best Places To Stay: Zeus Otel, Gunes Motel Nemrut
8. The City Of Ephesus
Wondering what to see in Turkey that isn’t crowded and cliched? The ancient city Ephesus located in Selcuk, a small town 30 km away from Kusadasi, is one of the best Turkey tourist places that you can visit for some much-needed peace and quiet. An active commercial centre once, it is now among the best places to go in Turkey now. This is amongst the best places to visit in Turkey. Though most of it is in ruins, some structures like The Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus can still be seen.
Tips: Consult government-run tourism information offices to get an idea on how to go to various places to see in Turkey. The staff is multilingual and helpful regarding all sorts of inquiries.
Location: Atatürk, Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
Things To Do: Souvenir shopping, Sightseeing
Best Time To Visit: March to mid-June
Best Places To Stay: Celsus Boutique Hotel, Ayasoluk Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
9. Grand Bazaar
Jewellery, souvenirs, rugs, tea, and clothes – you get everything at the Grand Bazaar. And yeah, don’t forget to bargain. For those who are seeking to shop their hearts out without feeling guilty at some of the best Turkey tourist places for shopping, this is the place to be at. Grand Bazaar hides something for each and every one. One day would not be enough to explore the beauty of this famous and significant attraction in Turkey! This bazaar is one of the best places to visit in Turkey as it reflects the rich culture and art of this country.
Location: Istanbul Turkey
Things to do: Spice shopping, souveniers shopping,
Timings: 9 am – 7 pm
10. The Egyptian Bazaar
Love spices? Egyptian Bazaar is one of the best Turkey tourist places to discover some unfamiliar spices and dried fruits. Turkey is known for its markets and bazaars. The hustling and bustling of these markets make Turkey seem more lively and vibrant. The local sellers are equally welcoming but one might need extensive bargaining skills to spend some less money here. It is one of the cheap places to visit in Turkey.
Location: Rüstem Paşa, Erzak Ambarı Sok. No:92, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
Things to do: Shop for traditional spices and souvenirs
Timings: 8 am – 7 pm
