Turkey
Most visited cities in Turkey
İstanbul
Istanbul, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is a mesmerizing city that showcases a blend of ancient history, diverse culture, and vibrant energy. As the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is a city of contrasts, where traditional and modern elements coexist harmoniously. With its stunning architecture, bustling markets, and rich heritage, Istanbul offers a captivating experience for visitors.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is renowned for its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and grandeur. Step inside to admire its awe-inspiring interior, which combines elements of Christianity and Islam, and discover the fascinating history that unfolds within its walls.Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an iconic symbol of Istanbul. With its striking blue tiles, cascading domes, and six minarets, the mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. Enter the mosque and experience its serene atmosphere, adorned with beautiful calligraphy, stained glass windows, and exquisite tilework. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times to appreciate the architectural beauty and peaceful ambiance.Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries. Explore its lavish courtyards, opulent chambers, and beautiful gardens. Visit the Harem, a section of the palace where the royal family lived, and discover its intriguing history. Marvel at the palace's treasury, which houses an extraordinary collection of precious artifacts, including the famous Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond.Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Step into a vibrant world of colors, aromas, and sounds as you navigate through its labyrinthine alleys. Browse through thousands of shops, offering a variety of goods, including jewelry, textiles, spices, ceramics, and traditional Turkish crafts. Enjoy the bustling ambiance, haggle with the friendly shopkeepers, and soak in the unique experience of this bustling market.Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia and serves as a vital waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus and enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline, palaces, and historic waterfront mansions. Witness the interplay between the bustling modern life on one side and the serene beauty of the waterfront on the other.
Antalya
Antalya is the largest city on the Turkish Mediterranean coast, and is one of the hubs of the Turkish Riviera. Having entered the scene in 150 BC as Attalia, named after its founder, Attalos II. By the early 1200s Antalya had become the main harbor of the surrounding region, but the mountain range cutting it from the hinderland meant for much of its history it was a provincial coastal town. Today, Antalya is a popular coastal city located on the southwestern coast of Turkey. Known as the "Turkish Riviera," Antalya offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant nightlife.
Old Town
Antalya's charming Old Town is a must-visit destination. It features narrow, winding streets lined with historic Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. The area is also home to the iconic Hadrian's Gate, a Roman triumphal arch dating back to the 2nd century.Aspendos & Olympos
Situated a short drive from Antalya, the ancient city of Aspendos is renowned for its remarkably well-preserved Roman theater. The theater is still used today for performances and can accommodate thousands of spectators. To the southwest of the city, Olympos is an ancient city with a beautiful beach. The area is known for its unique treehouse accommodations, which provide a memorable and eco-friendly stay surrounded by nature.Waterfalls
Located just outside the city, the Düden Waterfalls are a natural wonder worth exploring. The Lower Düden Waterfall cascades directly into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The area is also home to parks and picnic spots.Nightlife
Antalya offers a vibrant nightlife scene, particularly in the summer months. The city is home to numerous bars, clubs, and beach clubs where visitors can enjoy live music, dance, and socialize until the early hours.A Beach Destination
Antalya is renowned for its beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean coastline. Here are some of the top beaches in Antalya: Lara Beach: Located to the east of the city, Lara Beach is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Antalya. It stretches for several kilometers and offers fine golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a range of beachfront resorts and hotels.Konyaaltı Beach: Situated closer to the city center, Konyaaltı Beach is a long pebble beach that offers stunning views of the Taurus Mountains. It is a favorite spot among locals and visitors alike, with facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, and beach cafes.
Belek Beach: Located to the east of Antalya, Belek is known for its luxury resorts and pristine sandy beaches. The beach here is wide, clean, and well-maintained, with clear turquoise waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Phaselis Beach: Situated within the ancient city of Phaselis, this beach offers a unique combination of historical ruins and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the ancient city's remnants and then relax on the sandy beach surrounded by lush greenery.
Olympos Beach: Located near the ancient city of Olympos, this beach is known for its scenic beauty. It offers a mix of pebbles and sand, with crystal-clear waters and a backdrop of towering mountains. The beach can be reached by walking through a picturesque valley.
Çıralı Beach: Situated in the village of Çıralı, this beach is famous for its serene and natural environment. It is a protected area with limited development, offering a peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to witness loggerhead sea turtles nesting during the summer months.
İzmir
strong>Izmir is a coastal gem nestled on Turkey's Aegean coast. With a history that spans over 3,500 years, this city boasts a rich tapestry of civilizations and cultures. Once known as Smyrna, Izmir offers a captivating blend of ancient ruins and modern amenities. The Agora of Smyrna, an ancient marketplace, and the imposing Kadifekale fortress are just a couple of the historical sites that draw in history enthusiasts. As Turkey's third-largest city, Izmir buzzes with energy and a unique charm. The lively Kemeralti Bazaar showcases an array of colorful stalls selling everything from spices to handmade crafts. The city's coastal location provides stunning views of the turquoise waters and an opportunity to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the Kordon Promenade. Moreover, Izmir's warm and welcoming locals add to its allure. Alongside the historical and modern delights, the city is renowned for its delicious cuisine, featuring delectable seafood dishes and mouthwatering Turkish specialties. Whether exploring its past or savoring its present, Izmir promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a popular coastal town located in southwestern Turkey, along the Aegean Sea. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, historical sites, vibrant nightlife, and luxurious resorts. Bodrum is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Although it is now in ruins, the site still offers a glimpse into the impressive architectural achievements of the past. The Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, is another prominent landmark, housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Bodrum has a lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and beach clubs offering entertainment until the early hours. The popular bar street in central Bodrum is a hub for nightlife enthusiasts, while beach clubs along the coast host parties and live music events. Beyond the town center, the Bodrum Peninsula offers picturesque coastal villages, secluded bays, and luxurious resorts. Places like Türkbükü, Yalıkavak, and Gümüşlük are known for their upscale restaurants, high-end resorts, and stunning natural landscapes.
A Beach Destination
Bodrum is a renowned yachting and sailing destination. The town has a vibrant marina where you can rent boats or join boat tours to explore the stunning coastline and nearby islands. Taking a boat trip around Bodrum's turquoise waters is a fantastic way to discover hidden coves and secluded beaches. Bodrum also boasts numerous beaches in walking or driving distance to popular accommodations. Here are some of our favorite Bodrum Beaches Bitez Beach: Located just a few kilometers from the town center, Bitez Beach is a popular choice for both locals and tourists. It offers a long stretch of sandy shoreline, calm and shallow waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. The beach is lined with restaurants, cafes, and water sports facilities.Gumbet Beach: Situated on the outskirts of Bodrum, Gumbet Beach is known for its lively atmosphere and variety of water sports activities. The beach offers golden sand, clear blue waters, and a range of beach clubs and bars.
Ortakent Yahsi Beach: Located on the western side of the Peninsula, Ortakent Yahsi Beach is a peaceful and family-friendly beach. It offers a long sandy stretch, shallow waters, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Camel Beach (Camelus Beach Club): Located in the Gümüşlük area, Camel Beach is a picturesque and secluded spot surrounded by nature. The beach is named after its resident camels and offers soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back ambiance. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Bodrum.
Ankara
Ankara is Turkey's capital, and its second city in size after Istanbul. Literally and figuratively, it is at the heart of Turkey and of Central Anatolia, the surrounding region.
Kuşadası
Marmaris
Marmaris is a town in Turkey, along the Mediterranean coast in the province of Muğla. It has around 28,000 inhabitants, however the population can be up to 250,000 during the height of the tourist season.
Alanya
Alanya is a city in Pamphylia, Turkey, situated on the south coast.
Bursa
Bursa is a large city in the Southern Marmara Region of Turkey, 20 km inland from the Marmara coast. It's the country's fourth-largest city, with a population of 2,161,990 in 2021, and with another million living in the wider metropolis. It's mostly modern, industrial and concrete-ridden, earning its living from textiles, agricultural produce and the automobile industry. However as the cradle of the Ottoman state, it is crowded with historic mosques, tombs, caravanserais, bazaars and parks, and in 2014, Bursa along with the nearby village of Cumalıkızık was added to the UNESCO world heritage list. Above it are the forests and ski slopes of Mount Uludağ.
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Fethiye
Fethiye is in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Fethiye is a tourist town with an international atmosphere. It has an excellent marina and good night life. The town also serves as an excellent base for touring the inland countryside, and is probably the only city in the world where you'll find sarcophaguses in the streets.
Çanakkale
Pamukkale
Cappadocia
Konya
Konya is a city in Central Anatolia in Turkey, known as the city of whirling dervishes and for its outstanding Seljuk architecture.
Eskişehir
Göreme
Göreme National Park is a unique and enchanting natural wonder located in Cappadocia, Turkey. Known for its surreal rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and rich cultural heritage, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination.
Fairy Chimneys and Rock Formations
One of the main attractions of Göreme National Park is its extraordinary rock formations, famously called "fairy chimneys." These cone-shaped rock pillars were formed through volcanic eruptions and erosion over millions of years. Visitors can explore the park's diverse landscapes, marveling at the fascinating shapes and formations created by nature. The most iconic landmarks include the Three Beauties, Mushroom Valley, and Love Valley, each offering a unique spectacle.Open-Air Museum
Göreme National Park is home to an open-air museum, which showcases the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum comprises several ancient cave churches and monastic complexes carved into the rock formations. Visitors can explore these remarkable structures adorned with beautiful frescoes, depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and various saints. The Göreme Open-Air Museum provides valuable insights into the region's Byzantine past and the significance of monastic life in Cappadocia.Hot Air Ballooning
Göreme National Park is renowned for its breathtaking hot air balloon rides. The park's unique landscapes, including its fairy chimneys and valleys, offer a stunning backdrop for this exhilarating experience. Tourists can soar above the park in colorful hot air balloons, enjoying panoramic views of the otherworldly rock formations and the surrounding Cappadocian countryside. The hot air balloon rides are particularly popular during sunrise and sunset, when the soft light enhances the park's beauty.Hiking and Trekking
Göreme National Park offers excellent opportunities for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. The park features a network of well-marked trails that wind through its valleys and rock formations. Visitors can embark on various hiking routes, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging treks, allowing them to immerse themselves in the park's captivating landscapes and discover hidden gems along the way. Popular hiking trails include the Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, and the Uçhisar Castle Trail.Hotels, Cave Dwellings, and Caves
Göreme National Park provides unique accommodation options, including cave hotels and cave dwellings. Many of these hotels and guesthouses are carved into the rock formations, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. Staying in a cave hotel allows guests to immerse themselves in the park's geological wonders while enjoying modern amenities and comfort. Additionally, the park is dotted with numerous caves that can be explored, providing a glimpse into the region's historical and cultural significance.Traditional Handicrafts and Cuisine
Göreme National Park is a great place to experience traditional Turkish handicrafts and cuisine. The park and its surrounding villages are known for their carpet weaving, pottery making, and other crafts. Visitors can watch local artisans at work and even participate in workshops to learn these traditional skills. The park also offers a wide range of dining options where visitors can savor delicious Turkish cuisine, including local specialties such as kebabs, mezes, and traditional pastries.Muğla
Dalaman
Dalaman is a town in Turkey, located on its southwestern coast. Situated slightly inland, Dalaman and its airport occupies one of the few plains in this part of the country.