Best Places to Visit in Turkey in 2024

Turkey is a nice choice for tourism. This country is so interesting and beautiful, and there are a lot of entertainments to enjoy.

Turkey has options for any visitor, there are many important places to visit like the Blue Mosque, Goreme, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, and others. Let’s learn more about the best places to visit in Turkey so that you can secure the best trip!

What to Do and What to See in Turkey?

This country is ideal for any tourist. You will love this place, as it is full of amazing things to see, interesting historical sites, cultural heritage, delicious traditional cuisine and natural wonders. Tourists like the diversity of activities and ways to spend time there, as you can try almost anything.

Turkey has many unusual places and cities to visit, however, what’s important is to decide on the goals of your trip, destinations you want to see, and ways to spend your vacation. This helps you choose the best place in Turkey to visit that is perfect for you.

Moreover, no matter what destination you choose to visit with the best eSIM for Turkey you can always stay connected with your friends and family.

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Turkey

There are many unique places to visit and experience some unforgettable emotions. Here’s a list of 10 best places to visit in Turkey:

• Cappadocia. One of the most popular destinations in Turkey is known worldwide for its amazing landscapes and hot air balloon trips. Cappadocia offers tourists mesmerizing nature and hiking trails to enjoy the beauty of those exotic places.
• Istanbul. The heart of Turkish glorious history, Istanbul is open to anyone who seeks cultural and historical sites. Make sure to visit Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace, and other fascinating destinations.
• Pamukkale. There are exotic travertines also known as the White Terraces. These are unique thermal springs known for their therapeutic features.
• Ephesus. For history lovers, we suggest visiting Ephesus, an ancient Greek/Roman city that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists mark the Library of Celsus, The Temple of Hadrian, and Curetes Street as a list of places to visit in Ephesus.
• Antalya. The city is one of the coolest places for those who seek crystal water and white sand beaches. There’s Konyaaltı beach, where you can enjoy sunbathing and swimming in the blue water.
• Van. This large city is a popular destination for its natural and historical tourist places. You can visit the biggest lake in Turkey, Van Lake, and admire some fabulous views. Also, make sure to visit Akdamar Island, where you can find the Church of the Holy Cross, an Armenian church with a unique interior.

There are many other destinations in Turkey that can impress you, so check out this article to learn more about Turkey.

Read also: The Best Mobile Internet in Turkey for Tourists: SIM Cards and Other Connection Options

Best Places to Visit in Istanbul

Istanbul is the most popular tourist destination in Turkey. There are many cultural and historical sites to see, delicious food at local restaurants and cafés and authentic shops and markets. This city offers a bucket of emotions, and you can never get enough of its vibrant nightlife, buzzing fun places and bustling streets. The most popular attractions are:

• Belgrad Forest,
• Gülhane Park,
• Museum of Innocence,
• Çiçek Pasajı,
• Dolmabahçe Palace.

However, there are some must-see destinations which any tourist should visit. Let’s find out what are the best places to visit in Turkey Istanbul.

Read also: Top Attractions in Istanbul City to See

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is a former church turned into a mosque. It has been a huge cultural and religious center for centuries. It was firstly a Greek Orthodox church, then it turned into a Latin Catholic Church, to become a mosque after the fall of Constantinople. For many years this building served as a religious center for Muslims till it became a museum in 1935. Only in 2020, it was turned into a mosque again.

This mosque is unique, and it impresses tourists with its exotic architecture that combines elements of Christianity and Islam. The building has a central dome and two semi-domes, mosaics, and minarets. It’s open for tourists from 9 am to 7:30 pm. As a tourist, you need to buy a ticket to enter a mosque.

Blue Mosque

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Blue Mosque is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Istanbul Turkey. This mind-blowing mosque also known as Sultan Ahmet Camii was built between 1609-1616. Blue Mosque was constructed during the rule of Ahmed I. This architectural miracle is significant for Muslim people and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

The mosque has a central dome with four semi-domes covering its corners. It has 6 minarets, which is unusual for any mosque in Turkey. The interior is decorated by 20000 Iznik tiles, expensive handmade ceramic tiles which were used to decorate mosques.

Topkapi Palace

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Topkapi Palace has been one of the main attractions of Istanbul for many years due to its exotic features. Back in the 17th century it was the residence of Ottoman sultans. Now it is turned into a museum, so tourists can attend this place to look at the world’s most famous Harem, beautiful emperor gardens and enjoy some panoramic views.

The Palace covers an area of 350,000 square meters, and visitors are allowed to attend 4 main courtyards, numerous rooms, and some great places used by members of the sultan family and their servants. This place is one of the best places to visit in Turkey for families. It’s fascinating and impressive and there’s much to see, so be ready to spend hours admiring the Topkapi Palace.

There are different types of tickets to enter this Palace, the administration also offers audio guides, guided tours, and some other types of passes. Opening hours are different for some parts of the Topkapi Palace, however, you can enter the Palace from 9 am to 4:45 pm from Wednesday to Monday. It’s closed on Tuesday, so plan your trip accordingly.

Grand Bazaar

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Speaking of Istanbul, it’s impossible to skip this vibrant place where you can get so many positive emotions. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the whole world. It covers an area of 30,700 square meters, which includes around 4000 shops and 61 streets.

Many people and tourists come there every day to enjoy the vibes of this market, explore some interesting stuff, and buy some goods; carpets, jewelry, fabrics, spices, clothes, products, and other goods. The Grand Bazaar is open from 8:30 am to 7 pm, so you can visit it during the day and spend some time there.

Best Places to Visit in Antalya

Antalya is among the best places to visit in Turkey with family. A great coastal city in Turkey that offers you many fascinating views, sunny beaches and cultural sites. Antalya is well-known for:

• The Taurus Mountains,
• Hadrian’s Gate,
• Konyaaltı Beach.

However, some good places are marked as the main attractions of the city, so let’s check them out.

Read also: TOP 13 attractions in Antalya

Old Town (Kaleiçi)

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This is a historical part of the city which is full of wonderful cultural sites. These cobblestone streets reflect the history of many ages and let you observe houses from the Ottoman era.

You can also visit the Hadrian's Gate, a reflection of Roman culture. Next, you can visit the Hıdırlık Kulesi, a huge tower whose former purpose is still a secret. Rumor has it the 14-meter-high tower was built as a tomb for a leader.

Then, you can take a look at the Grooved Minaret Mosque, which people believe is the first object of the Islamic religion. There are also many museums:

• The Suna & İnan Kıraç Kaleiçi Museum,
• Atatürk House Museum,
• Antalya Archeological Museum.

This part of Antalya is also full of cafés and restaurants where you can try several traditional foods: baklava, kebabs, and more.

Duden Waterfalls

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If you want to know more about the best places to visit in Antalya, Turkey, you need to visit Duden Waterfalls. This is a real natural wonder and a piece of heaven on Earth. People around the world come to Antalya to admire this marvelous site.

There are two waterfalls: the Upper Duden Waterfall and the Lower Duden Waterfall.

The Upper Duden Waterfall is 20 meters high, being the smaller one. The Lower Duden Waterfall is breathtaking as it falls into the Mediterranean Sea. It’s 40 meters high and is located in Duden Park, so you can observe this waterfall from great angles. To enter the park where The Lower Duden Waterfall is located, you need to pay a small fee.

Lara and Konyaalti Beaches

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If you plan your trip to Antalya, make sure you visit one of its most famous beaches to enjoy golden sand, blue water, clean beaches, and fresh breeze.

Konyaalti Beach is formed as a long stripe along Antalya, and there are many bars, clubs, cafés, and even parks.

Sandy Lara Beach has many luxury hotels and resorts. They have many private beaches there, so not all cool places are accessible and free.

Best Places to Visit in Bodrum

Bodrum is a great place for couples. There are many beach clubs, cafés, and bustling fancy restaurants. Tourists can visit the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology, explore local villages, experience vibrant nightlife and try scuba diving in the Aegean Sea.

Bodrum Castle

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This destination is also known as the Castle of St. Peter, a medieval building located on a beautiful peninsula that reflects Crusader architecture. It was built in the 15th century and served many purposes throughout the history, transforming from the castle to the prison.

Nowadays, this place is used as the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology. There are 14 halls of exhibitions dedicated to underwater archeology. There are many artifacts such as jewelry, pottery, and some parts of ships. You can visit this castle from 8:30 am to 7 pm every day.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

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This is the real gem of Turkey, which was marked as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This place is on the list of the best places to visit in Bodrum Turkey. Built as a tomb for Mausolus, the ruler of Caria, by his sister Artemisia II between 353-351 BCE.

This unique architecture belongs to Greek culture. The Mausoleum was around 45 meters high. Its 4 sides were designed by 4 different sculptors. The exotic and marvelous construction was marked as a unique architectural destination and included in the list of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately, it was ruined by an earthquake in between 12-15 centuries.

Nowadays, some of the elements of the Mausoleum can be found in the Bodrum Castle as part of its construction.

Beaches and Yachting in Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is well-known for its gorgeous beaches. There are some popular beaches for tourists to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline:

• Divan Bodrum,
• Maça Kızı Bodrum,
• Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay,
• Moon Beach.

All these beaches are perfect for families and couples, or if you prefer resting alone, there are still many things to do such as beach clubs, bars, water activities, and more.

If you like yachting and voyages, you simply must go on a Blue Cruise, to enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and its blue water.

Read also: Turkey Resorts: 10 Best Places to Visit

Best Places to Visit in Cappadocia

Cappadocia is truly one of the most beautiful places on earth. This place is mostly known for its unique nature, exotic activities, a wide variety of attractions, and many options to spend time with joy.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

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This is a gem of Cappadocia. This exotic activity is known worldwide as one of the best places to visit in Cappadocia Turkey. Those pictures full of hot air balloons are popular around the world. There are different options for tourists to book a hot air balloon ride in:

• Soganli Valley,
• Goreme,
• Soganli Valley,
• Goreme.

This is an unbelievable experience and you can observe unforgettable views. Tourists, who have tried hot air balloon rides, mark it as one of the most impressive things of their life.

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Underground Cities

Underground Cities is a region in Cappadocia known for its underground halls and caves carved from tuff. They were used by Christians many centuries ago to hide. There are some popular destinations:

• Derinkuyu,
• Kaymakli,
• Tatlarin,
• Ozkonak,
• Mazi,
• Ozluce.

They were used for different purposes, starting for winemaking, and then becoming a shelter for people. There are many tours to explore some of the most popular underground cities.

Goreme

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This place is also known as the Goreme Open Air Museum. It’s a popular destination for its cultural and archeological importance. This place is formed from tuff, which creates an amazing landscape.

This place is also unique for its rock-cut monasteries and churches, and their frescos. The place was considered an important center of Christianity for many centuries.

Read also: Top attractions to see in Fethiye, Turkey

Plan Your Best Trip to Turkey

Get ready for an amazing trip to Turkey, where history, culture, and stunning scenery come together. Imagine strolling through the lively streets of Istanbul, where you can hear the call to prayer and smell delicious street food like simit. Visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus and imagine the stories of gods and heroes that once filled the air.

You can soak up the sun on beautiful Mediterranean beaches or explore the unique places of Cappadocia, known for its fairy-tale-like rock formations and colorful hot air balloons floating in the sky.

Don’t forget to enjoy the incredible food! From juicy kebabs to sweet baklava, every meal is a treat. The friendly locals will make you feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Turkey has something special for everyone. Start planning your trip to Turkey, and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

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