20 Must-See and Do Attractions in Turkey

Where East meets West, a land of traditions, enchanting places, and memories of the extraordinary Ottoman Empire awaits you. Are you ready to uncover the magical allure of Turkey? This country, rich in contrasts, is overflowing with breathtaking sights, a unique culture, delectable cuisine, and an intriguing history. If you’re planning a trip across its borders, pay close attention, as we unveil 20 must-see attractions and experiences in Turkey—the essential spots that you simply cannot miss during your journey.

With hearts aflutter like Japanese cartoon characters, we can’t help but express our excitement; there are few places in the world as exotic and magical, just a short flight away. This land has witnessed great empires, legendary figures, and the telling of incredible stories.

A land of carpets, tea, and minarets, where balloons float through the skies and ruins conceal hundreds of secrets. Spices and skewers of meat, breathtaking viewpoints, and the waters of the Bosphorus have captured our hearts. We just returned, and we’re already dreaming of our next visit!

Are you one of the lucky ones planning to visit this amazing country soon? Then take note!

While we can’t possibly cover all the wonders Turkey has to offer in just 20 points, time is limited, and this is a great starting point. We hope this selection of must-visit places in Turkey helps you plan your itinerary.

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  1. Explore the Vibrant Streets of Istanbul
  2. Experience the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
  3. Soar Above Cappadocia in a Hot Air Balloon
  4. Relax in the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale
  5. Visit Hierapolis: An Ancient Gem
  6. Discover İzmir and Ancient Pergamon
  7. Step Back in Time at Ephesus
  8. Marvel at the Sumela Monastery
  9. Explore the Capital: Ankara
  10. Discover the Enigmatic Mount Nemrut
  11. Search for Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat
  12. Immerse Yourself in the Turquoise Waters of the Turkish Coast
  13. Indulge in the Shisha Experience
  14. Savor the Delights of Turkish Cuisine
  15. Experience Turkish Tea and Coffee
  16. Unwind in a Traditional Hammam
  17. Snap a Selfie with the Trojan Horse
  18. Trek the Lycian Way: A Hiker's Paradise
  19. Explore the Ancient Ruins of Aphrodisias
  20. Witness the Call to Prayer

Explore the Vibrant Streets of Istanbul

To truly appreciate Istanbul, you would need multiple lifetimes. This vast city, resembling a colossal bazaar that never sleeps, is undoubtedly one of the most astounding, captivating, and lively places you will ever visit.

Any trip to Turkey should begin here. Although it is not the capital (that title goes to Ankara), Istanbul is the cultural heart of the nation, its soul, and its greatest treasure. Having transformed from Byzantium to Constantinople, and now to Istanbul, this city has continuously evolved, reflecting historical events that shaped its identity as a metropolis of mosques and markets.

Spanning both sides of the Bosphorus, Istanbul offers an abundance of sights to explore, including the stunning Blue Mosque adorned with beautiful mosaics, the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the opulent Topkapi Palace—a favorite among sultans—and the bustling Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, where patience and haggling skills are essential.

Discover 30 things to see and do in Istanbul

Experience the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony

One of the most enriching experiences in Turkey is witnessing a performance by the Whirling Dervishes, a mystical order founded by the esteemed Mevlana Rumi in the 13th century. These men, dressed in white, spin gracefully in a mesmerizing dance that transcends mere entertainment—it's a profound spiritual ceremony known as sema.

We had the fortune of visiting Konya, the birthplace of this order and the center of Islamic Sufism in Turkey. Interestingly, we didn’t see the dervishes there, but in Istanbul, where we enjoyed a performance at Mesale Café while savoring dinner and smoking a hookah.

Soar Above Cappadocia in a Hot Air Balloon

Another unique experience in Turkey is taking a hot air balloon ride to explore the breathtaking, surreal landscape of Cappadocia from above. In the early morning hours, the sky fills with vibrant balloons (about 150 launch daily), creating a stunning display of colors.

If the view from above is enchanting, the ground level is equally captivating. Discover that these fairy chimneys and volcanic formations were carved into homes, monasteries, and rock churches dating back to early Christianity, many still boasting almost intact frescoes.

Plan to spend 3-4 days exploring the underground cities, rock churches, Uchisar Castle, Göreme, and as many charming restaurants with breathtaking views as you can find.

Relax in the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale

Another fairy-tale destination is Pamukkale, which translates to "Cotton Castle." This site has been valued for its thermal springs for thousands of years, but the real draw is the stunning travertine pools that cascade down the mountainside, resembling a surreal landscape.

Due to the tourism boom, several thermal hotels were built that disrupted the natural flow of water, leading to environmental concerns. Recently, the government mandated the relocation of these hotels to preserve the area, although visitors can still walk on the natural pools (which may be restricted in the future).

At the bottom, you’ll find a beautiful artificial pool known as the Cleopatra Pool, where you can enjoy a relaxing soak in healing waters surrounded by submerged ancient ruins.

Discover the best things to see and do in Pamukkale

Visit Hierapolis: An Ancient Gem

Adjacent to Pamukkale lies the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, founded in the 2nd century BC, known for its therapeutic thermal waters. Today, visitors can explore well-preserved ruins, including a Theater that once seated 12,000 spectators, remnants of temples, Roman baths, and the distant monument commemorating the Martyrdom of Saint Philip, one of Jesus' apostles.

Discover İzmir and Ancient Pergamon

İzmir is a name that echoes through history, reminding us of epic tales and endless wars in the Mediterranean. Interestingly, it stands as Turkey's third-largest metropolis today, with scarce reminders of its ancient past. However, it serves as an excellent base to explore the charming Aegean Coast and its countless attractions.

Among these, the ancient city of Pergamon is a must-visit, where guided tours help unveil the fascinating healing methods used in ancient times. You can also enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the scenic Turkish coastline.

Step Back in Time at Ephesus

Head to the Aegean coast to discover one of Turkey’s most significant archaeological sites: Ephesus. This ancient city was a cornerstone of classical history, pivotal not only within Turkey but throughout the Mediterranean.

The remains of its Hellenistic and Roman past are among the best-preserved in the country, allowing you to walk along ancient roads surrounded by colonnades and temples. Key highlights include the Agora, the Temple of Adriano, the Theater, the Odeon, and the remarkable Library of Celsus.

This was also the site of the Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although only a single column remains today, a few kilometers from the main ruins.

Marvel at the Sumela Monastery

Did you know there’s a Greek Orthodox monastery built into the side of a mountain in Turkey? The Sumela Monastery is a remarkable site that dates back to the 4th century and was inhabited until 1923 when the last monks were forcibly expelled.

Located near Trabzon, it is set in a stunning natural landscape. We couldn’t visit on our last trip, but it’s definitely on our list for next time.

Explore the Capital: Ankara

Although Ankara, the capital of Turkey, may not initially seem appealing, it’s worth dedicating a few hours to explore its interesting offerings. Highlights include the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, featuring invaluable artifacts from ancient civilizations, the Melike Hatun Mosque, and the Ulucanlar Prison, which now serves as a museum that shares the somber stories of political repression.

Don’t miss the Anıtkabir, a monumental mausoleum adorned with towering stone pillars, where the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, rests. The adjoining museum showcases the country’s progression and policies implemented under his leadership. Oh, and there’s also Atatürk’s embalmed dog on display!

Discover the Enigmatic Mount Nemrut

A peculiar site to visit in Turkey is Mount Nemrut, the highest peak in Northern Mesopotamia at 2,150 meters. What makes it remarkable isn’t just its height, but the sanctuary dedicated to King Antiochus I of Commagene.

In the 1st century BC, this king constructed his mausoleum atop the mountain, surrounded by statues of various gods, animals, and himself (talk about self-importance!). Today, only the monstrous stone heads remain, scattered across the surreal landscape reminiscent of the Easter Island moai.

Search for Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat

When discussing legendary mountains, one cannot overlook Mount Ararat, located on the border with Armenia. It’s said to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the Great Flood, according to biblical tradition.

While no evidence supports this claim, the area boasts undeniable beauty, making it a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts.

Immerse Yourself in the Turquoise Waters of the Turkish Coast

Due to historical disputes and wars, many islands in the Aegean Sea belong to Greece. You can easily find a direct ferry route to one of these islands. However, don’t underestimate the beauty of the Turkish Coast, which offers crystal-clear turquoise waters, charming villages, delicious cuisine, and warm, welcoming locals.

One of the most enticing areas to visit is Bodrum, where you’ll want to see the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, another of the Seven Wonders, and the local castle. Alternatively, explore the Çeşme Peninsula, directly opposite the Greek island of Chios, with its stunning beaches.

Indulge in the Shisha Experience

If you’ve never tried shisha (also known as hookah), Turkey is the perfect place to dive into this enjoyable pastime. It’s almost a national sport, as shisha lounges are plentiful. These water pipes are typically filled with flavored tobacco, providing a relaxing experience that can last for quite some time. Prices range from 50 to 150 lira.

While it's common for patrons to order one pipe per person, we enjoyed sharing a delightful licorice flavor, which was heavenly (just be careful if you’re not a smoker—you might get a bit dizzy).

Savor the Delights of Turkish Cuisine

While indulging in Turkish cuisine may not seem like an activity per se, it’s inevitable: you will gain a few pounds! Resisting kebabs, koftas, borek, and gozleme is nearly impossible. And let’s not even get started on the desserts! There’s a pastry shop every 50 meters, so indulge while you can—there will be time for a diet later!

In this post, we share the traditional dishes you must try in Turkey.

Experience Turkish Tea and Coffee

After a hearty meal, nothing beats the traditional Turkish experience of sipping tea (ideally paired with baklava) and enjoying a strong cup of Turkish coffee.

While not the most commonly consumed beverage, Turkish coffee has gained international fame for its rich, thick texture. Served in small cups, it transforms into a sludge of grounds that can be challenging to finish. It’s often accompanied by a glass of water, and it’s said that Turkish men grow mustaches to act as filters while drinking.

On the other hand, çay, or Turkish tea, is a staple. It’s common to see everyone, at any time of day, enjoying a cup from a curvy glass. It’s inexpensive and available everywhere!

For a delightful twist, opt for apple tea (elma çay) and pair it with baklava—a traditional dessert made with filo pastry, nuts, and honey—to create a perfect culinary experience.

Unwind in a Traditional Hammam

With confidence and no inhibitions, you must try the authentic experience of a Turkish hammam. You’ll sweat, be scrubbed vigorously, and emerge feeling rejuvenated. This is undoubtedly a unique memory from your Turkish adventure!

A typical hammam session lasts about an hour and includes a steam bath, vigorous scrubbing with soap, and intense massages while you’re practically in the buff, save for a small towel to cover yourself.

Snap a Selfie with the Trojan Horse

Surely you’re familiar with the legend of Troy, the backdrop of the classic war immortalized in “The Iliad.” This epic battle took place along the Turkish coast. To learn more, check out this article on curious facts about Turkey.

While only remnants of the ancient city remain, you can find a replica of the legendary wooden horse, making for an excellent selfie opportunity!

Trek the Lycian Way: A Hiker's Paradise

Did you know that Turkey is home to a trail considered by many to be one of the most beautiful treks in the world? The Lycian Way spans approximately 500 kilometers, traversing the Teke Peninsula between the provinces of Muğla and Antalya. Named for the Lycian people, known for their seafaring and trade, this trail leads you through ancient burial sites and archaeological treasures.

Expect breathtaking views of picturesque villages, cliffs, and stunning landscapes. If you’re searching for an adventurous route to break in your hiking boots, this is the one!

Explore the Ancient Ruins of Aphrodisias

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Aphrodisias is one of the most stunning archaeological treasures in Turkey. The ancient city is renowned for the Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to the Greek goddess of love, as well as the Tetrapylon, the ancient stadium, the Sebasteion, and the Baths of Hadrian.

Located about 80 kilometers from Pamukkale and Ephesus, Aphrodisias lies along the route to the Aegean coast.

Witness the Call to Prayer

Lastly, let us recommend a daily experience that we cherish: the call to prayer by the muezzin, echoing from the minarets of mosques. This is especially magical at sunset, when the last rays of the sun fade and the colors of the city begin to dim.

I've always felt as if I must have been a princess in another life, somewhere in the Middle East, because the peace that envelops me during the call to prayer is extraordinary. In another life, I might also have been in 1950s America, dancing in checkered dresses and enjoying milkshakes. Quite a mix of past lives!

We hope these 20 things to see and do in Turkey have inspired you and offered a tantalizing preview of what awaits. This vast country is filled with incredible places, and we genuinely believe it’s a travel gem worth exploring. We know we’ll be back to delve deeper and discover even more unique destinations beyond the typical tourist trails.

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