From ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders, discover the best attractions in Turkey that promise unforgettable experiences. Turkey is a land of diverse landscapes and rich history. It offers some of the most stunning attractions you can imagine
Do you know Turkey is a transcontinental country? Travelers from Europe can say they have visited Asia when they toured Turkey.
Similarly, people from Asia can proudly say they had been to Europe when they just returned from a tour of Turkey.
Turkey and Russia fall under transcontinental countries. There are many more but these two are prime examples.
Turkey is bordered by as many as 8 countries. Still it is not a completely land locked country.
- Greece
- Bulgaria
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
- Armenia
- Iraq
- Iran
- Syria
Black Sea lies on its north, and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea guards the country from the south.
Ankara is its capital and Istanbul is also a very large city that commends high tourism. As a matter of fact, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey as well as in Europe.
Let us go through the list Best Attractions in Turkey. When you have finished reading this post on “38 Best Attractions in Turkey”, you would be wondering why you have not visited Turkey yet.
When is the ideal time to visit Turkey?
September and October are the two best months in Turkey for the tourists as well as the locals. The climate is pleasant during this time.
March to May also is a good period to go to Turkey for a holiday.
Which are the Best Attractions in Turkey?
The country was under the influences of Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Hagia Sophia is the most prominent mosque. The former belonged to the Roman Christian era, and the later was a Muslim era.
The temple of Artemis, Kaputas Beach, Dolmabahce Palace, Butterfly Valley are some of the highly visited best tourist attractions in Turkey.
Which Cities to Explore in Turkey?
Istanbul:
Istanbul is rated as the largest and the most famous city of Turkey. This is a historic city was known as Constantinople in the early Christian era.
Some of the major attractions of Istanbul include the imposing, and sprawling Grand Bazaar & Hagia Sophia.
Edrine:
Edrine is popular mainly among the Muslims. The most prominent landmark is the appealing Selimiye Mosque.
Antalya:
Antalya is loaded with great places to see. You require three days to exlpore it fully,. It lies on the Mediterranean coast.
Bursa:
Bursa city was once known for Roman Christian influence but was the first Turkish city that got transformed fully into Ottoman culture.
This city is blessed with a long snowing period. As such, it has a few wonderful ski resorts.
The food in Turkey is another world attraction. The diversity of the Turkish cuisine, its great range of deserts is also a big crowd puller.
38 Best Attractions in Turkey That Will Amaze You
1. Butterfly Valley
Wow! What a magnificent scene!
Being an ardent nature lover, obviously, the butterfly valley is my top favourite. The beautiful spot can be accessed only by a boat ride in the blue Mediterranean Sea.
The place is part of the Fethiye district. Apart from boat, you can enjoy a ride in a seaplane also.
There are organized tours to Fathiye. The tour lasts 2 days. Antalya city (210 km from the Butterfly Valley) is your gateway to join the tour.
You can opt to stay in Oludeniz, a resort town on the Mediterranean coast. Just 9 km separates it from the butterfly valley.
About 100 species of butterflies are identified, and recorded. Monarch butterfly is an easily spotted butterfly.
Nearby attractions include stunning rock formations, and hidden waterfalls.
2. Hagia Sphia
This is a profound tourist landmark in Turkey. It was originally a church under the Roman era.
The Ottoman reign converted the church into a world-famous mosque with a distinct blue dome.
The building is located in the historic Constantinople city that flourished during the Christian rule.
Constantinople is now rechristened to Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Ankara
Are you surprised by the ultra-modern look of the city?
If not taken aback already, the picture of the Presidential Library building will surely knock you down.
Ankara is like Bangalore city in India with similar elevation measuring about 3000 feet thus enjoying a very pleasant climate throughout the year.
Top sights to see in Ankara include:
- Ankara River
- Presidential Library (its interiors are pretty impressive)
- Ankara rabbit
- Alaca Hoyuk bronze cult objects displayed in the Museum of Anatolian Civilazations
- Sculptures of Celtic era
- Roman Baths (ancient Roman ruins)
Ankara is a city that is rich in both the Christian and Muslim reign. The temples, shrines, and the palaces speak volumes of the creative art display.
4. Istanbul
Aren’t you impressed? You didn’t expect the city to be so beautiful in the night-eh?
The bustling modern city is located along the Bosphorus Strait. It is lying between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
Here, take a look at the city’s magnificent landscape and the lovely Bosphorus Strait.
It is truly breathtaking. There are many such beautiful places all over Istanbul that are included in the top attractions in Turkey.
5. Dolmabahce Palace
It is one of the most scenic palaces in the world. Only in Rajasthan, India, you can see a grand palace abutting a water body.
When you go to see this palace in Istanbul, you will be standing on the European part of Turkey.
The decorative kings of Ottoman Empire lives in these palatial buildings.
The Dolmabahce is one of the breathtaking architectural attractions in Turkey.
6. Ephesus
Did you detect some Greek touch in the architecture of this building, in which a library was functioning?
Ephesus was once a city in Greece. The location was at a stone’s throw away from a Turkish provincial village known as Selcuk.
This building is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ephesus itself is a Greek name. The culturally rich city has numerous architectural attractions that are worth seeing near the Black Sea.
7. Temple of Artemis
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1d/Miniaturk_009.jpg/440px-Miniaturk_009.jpg
What an awesome building that cleary says, ‘I am a Greek temple’.
The temple of Diana as it was also called was dedicated to the Greek Goddess Diana.
This stunning building’s ruins are seen in Selcuk, the European part of Istanbul.
It has so much history buried with it that you can hear with avid interest from the local guide. Local cultural buildings and monuments in any city, town or village should be visited only with a local guide.
8. Kabak Beach
When you go to see the Butterfly Valley, you can see this nearby coastal attraction in Lycia Village.
The beach is small devoid od modern facilities.
Nonetheless, that lacuna is made up by the stunning blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
There are tents for overnight stay with the promise of a very delicious local food. However, I read most of the tents remained unoccupied.
The backdrop of the mountain, that is covered with trees, give the beach, a dramatic, adventurous look.
9. Topkapi Palace
One portion of this imposing Islamic palace and is among the top most attractions in Turkey.
The Turk kings were happy to live here and pursue the country’s expansion goals. The interiors of the palace can be instantly identified as Islamic.
Now, the big palace is transformed into a public museum. This must-see place is located in Istanbul.
The palace is picturesquely located on the banks of Golden Horn, the sea inlet of Bosphorus Strait. It is considered as local waterway in Instanbul.
10. Lycian Way
The whole place oozes natural beauty. Anyone can guess the area offers opportunities to trek and hike.
The trails measure up to 750 km of pre-trodden path.
A ferry ride is possible in the Golden Horn. You can embark on either side of the Golden Horn to see and appreciate the extraordinary beauty of Uskudar, and Karakoy. I have published their image below in the same order.
Aren’t these worth seeing? If you don’t want to embark and walk through, appreciate them from the ferry.
38 Best Attractions in Turkey That Will Amaze Youg
We all associate the ‘aphrodite’ with beauty and ecstasy. It is a Greek style building that is dedicated to one of the Greek Goddesses, The UNESCO has recognized as a World Heritage Site.
It seems Anatolia is the place to see and admire much of the Greeko-Turkish historic beauty.
I believe the Eastern Romanesque Byzantine Empire has made this part of Turkey, very famous and touristy.
11. The Court of Cassation
It is one of the finest architectural attractions in Turkey. Almost anywhere in the world, the old buildings where the limperial battles were hosted, showed great, classic beauty-isn’t it?
12. National Parks
It’s time to turn away from the historic past and focus on what is new in Turkey, especially the natural attractions to see.
As many 40 national parks are in Turkey that indicate the diversity of flora and fauna.
Some of the must-see national parks in Turkey are listed below.
- Ancient Troy National Park
- Oludeniz Nature Park
- Mount Nemrut National Park-a park with rock formations
- Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park-mostly graveyards of important historical figures
Not many wildlife is mentioned except a few raptor species, Angora Goat, Angora Rabbits, and Angora Cats.
If the tourists happen to see a couple Angora dog breeds, they will enquire about the means of buying and taking them to their native land.
13. Cappadocia
Cappadocia is again a part of Central Anatolia region. It is known for unique rock formation.
Cappadocia is a city in the Anatolia province and it is a very important pilgrimage center for the Christians,
The cityscape is dotted with numerous churches. In addition, there are places of underground complexes that were once dug to offer protection for the orthodox and devout Christians.
Some of the ancient curhes are really interesting even today.
Isn’t it different?
In order to offer a breathtaking view of the city’s churches, castles and more, hot air balloon rides are offered throughout the year except the snowy season.
It must be a memorable ride over Turkey.
14. Antalya
Do you know Antalya ranks 4 in the list of most visited cities in the world? Are we all not surprised at this fact that sounds rather ‘false’ ? But t is true.
Antalya is part of the Turkish Riviera. I think the Turkish Riviera sounds new to us. Following the popularity of Antalya as part of the Turkish Riviera, here are other lovely coastal cities.
- Kemer
- Alanya
- Bodrum
- Maemaris
- Fethiye
The list is too long, comprising a total of 62 places that dot the Turkish Riviera.
This is the Castle of Bodrum, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Where is Turkish Riviera?
Known also as Turkish Turquoise, the cities and towns that lie on the coast of Mediterranean and Aegean Sea comprise the Turkish Riviera, on the southwest part of Turkey.
15. Visiting two Turksih Islands near the Greek Islands
There are some islands in the Aegean Sea that belong to Turkey. They are equally popular as the neighboring Greek Islands.
Imbros and Tendos are the two main islands that the Turks visit. A few uninhabited islets also come under the administration of Turkey.
Surprisingly, you can eat authentic Greek food in these Turkish islands.
16. Blue Voyage
If you want to explore the Turkish Riviera, you can join a week long cruise tour that is named ‘Blue Voyage’ because of the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea.
Isn’t the name justified? The 1000 km long coastline is home to diverse landscapes, and geography including sea caves, enchanting harbours, and lovely forests.
17. Marmaris
This is the scene of the Marmaris harbour.
If you look at this coastal city’s location, you would recognize it as part of the Turkish Riviera, on the Mediterranean coast.
It has developed into a full-fledged resort city in Turkey’s south-west coast.
Diving, and yachting are very popular here. Consequently, Marmaris has become a hot destination for cruise ships that roam the adjacent Aegean Sea which hosts numerous Greek islands.
18. Heaven Island
Heaven Island is located very close to the city of Marmaris. The distance between the two points is only 8 km. Green color, appearing to be made of jade.
19. Mount Nemrut
The boulders, and slab of rocks appear as if they are stacked neatly by humans.
Some of them resemble human statues. I am sure, they are man-made.
They are pretty impressive to me. Even the UNESCO thought so and declared the site as one of World Heritage sites.
Mount Nemrut’s summit stands at exactly 7000 feet!
20. Alanya city
You can confidently say it is a resort town and is located 135 km southeast of Antalia City, south Turkey. The mountains that you see are known as Taurus Mountains.
21.Pomukkale
The solid slabs you see are called Traventine. They are nothing but calcium carbonate slabs. They are naturally formed around mineral hot springs.
Here is another view of the Travertine Terraces.
I would rate it as one of the stunning attractions in Turkey.
Incidentally, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Obviously, the UNESCO authorities that identify such incredible wonders are great at identifying such locations.
22. Basilica Cistern
Incredibly beautiful sight of a church’s interiors. Cisterns are churches occurring in caves.
One of the amazing sights in Istanbul, the cave complex is one of the largest in the world.
A few hundred cisterns are to be seen in Istanbul (formerly Constantinople). But they are not for those who are afraid of entering anything that is subterranean. That includes me too.
23. Sarayburnu
This is one of the beautiful locations in Istanbul, near Hagia Sophia. The site is on a promontory that is abutting or leaning forward into the Sea of Marmara.
The large building that is seen on the lower side of the promontory is the Topkapi Palace.
Sarayburnu is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Turkey.
24. Bursa
Bursa is one of the big cities in Turkey that is known for various industries including automobile production.
The city is visited for its numerous constructions made during the Ottoman reign, thermal springs, and numerous museums.
Another not-to-be-forgotten location in Bursa is the Mount Uludag, that is turned into a ski resort during the snowy winter.
There is even a statue of Athena cthat an be seen in the archaeological museum in the city of Bursa.
Bursa is one of the earliest occupied cities in the world. Humans settled here since 5200 BC!
It is a historic city wearing modern robes and manufacturing factories. It is a must-visit place in Turkey.
25. Kaymakli Underground City
We are again venturing into Anatalia. This subterranean city called Kaymakli was found several floors below the present ground level.
You can get down to explore the space down. I am really curious to know how the ancient Indo-Europeans called Phrygians lived!
It is now found beneath the city of Nevsehir. The city is connected to another underground city known as Derinkuyu
The historians concluded that these subterranean cities must have been built to protect against Arabians.
Oh My God! Didn’t they feel like getting lost?
26. Chora Church
It is a typical Byzantine period architecture. The intention was to build a church and completed as such.
When the Ottoman reign took over, it was converted into a mosque.
Now, both the Roman Catholics and the Turk Muslims visit the building.
27. Galata Tower
Ah, pretty impressive, this stone tower-eh?
Meant to function as a defence watch tower, now it is functioning as a museum cum tourist tower in Galata town, near Istanbul.
The present day appearance of Galata which is now known as Karakoy is totally different. Have a look at it below.
Isn’t it attractive enough and worth seeing?
When you climb up the Galata Tower, you can have a clear view of the Golden Horn across the Bosphorus Strait.
The Galata Tower is one of the major tourist attractions in Turkey.
28. Cursunlu waterfalls
Waterfalls that are accessed through woods with exotic trees in a strange country, are the most pleasing site.
The path up to the Cursunlu waterfalls is lined with rustic cafes. The scene is so serene and quaint that you too would like setting u your refreshment kiosk and never the site.
Our best companion, the Anatalia City is the gateway to the Cursunlu Falls where water is falling so gently, as if not to disturb the silence of the woods.
It is a great natural attraction to see in Turkey.
Look at the natural swim hole at the foot of the Cursunlu Falls.
The waterfall is said to be fed by the Aksu River’s sister.
29. Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Mosques are everywhere in Turkey. The majority of them were churches before 16th century when the Ottoman rulers took possession of Turkey.
This impressive Blue Mosque is located in the city of Faith, near Istanbul. What an apt name!
Officially called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it was built by the Ottoman kings in the early years of the 17th century.
The dome that is surrounded by several spires is the iconic style of Ottoman architecture.
As a big architectural attraction in Turkey, this mosque can accommodate as many as 10,000 people at a prayer time.
30. Sumela Monastery
We have seen monasteries in Bhutan, and Greece. I wonder why they built at such remote cliffs where even eagles dare!
This also happened to be a Greek Orthodox Christian monastery. It is obviously a mjor tourist attraction in Turkey.
I believe the majority of the tourists would dare not take pains to go up to the monastery. They may view it from a distance, take photographs, and leave.
It is built at a height of approximately 4000 feet. It stands half hidden facing the Altindere Valley, a lush gorge.
Such buildings in inaccessible cliffs are engineering marvels.
31. Koprulu Canyon National Park
Wow! What a jaw-dropping natural attraction!
It is a wonderful destination but nearly 700 km south of Istanbul. Antalya is the nearest city at 92 km north.
The canyon itself is 14 km long with steep rocky walls reaching up to 330 feet!
32. Sandland, Anatalya
Amazing sand sculptures in Antalya! Such sculptures built on a beach facing the Mediterranean Sea, last for three weeks.
I mean, the sculpting lasts 3 weeks, but the sculptures will remain intact for a year.
Sand artists from over 10 countries come here and display their skill.
The popular sand art festival is an annual event in Lara Beach, Antalya, southern Turkey.
33. Ihlara Valley
From the look of it, it should be called Ilhara Canyon. The canyon walls stretch up to 15 km. It’s quite deep also measuring nearly 500 feet! That will be a dizzying height when look down from the top of the canyon.
This is not just a lengthy rock but contains several rock-cut churches. You can walk through a wooden platform to access a few cave churches.
The scene is amazing with thick jungle all around. It must rank high in the list of attractions in Turkey.
34. Princes’ Islands
The islands are seen in the distance. All the Prince Islands are floating in the Sea of Marmara, not far from Istanbul city.
Here is the little known Sea of Marmara, an extension of Black Sea, north of Turkey.
Ferries ply from Istanbul. The voyage takes about 90 minutes.
35. Anatalia Aquarium
It’s a submarine aquarium built in the shape of a tunnel. In between, artificial caves are created.
The blue light seems to be insufficient. Children might need to be accompanied.
If you go through the video fully, you will realize the aquarium is one of the biggest family attractions in Turkey.
It is located in Antaliya city.
The tunnel is 520 feet long. The width is also a comfortable 10 feet wide.
The marine creatures turning a blind eye to the spectators are quite diverse.
36. Manavgat waterfall
Though lacking in height, the waterfall is quite voluminous.
The waterfall is fed by the Manavgat River. The Turks are proud of this waterfall and that made it to the country’s five lira currency.
This is the photo that appears on the currency note. I think it is well captured.
37. Duden waterfalls
These waterfalls are also seen in Antalya. There is an upper and lower waterfall in two different locations.
There is a unique geography here. The waters goes subterranean twice and surfaces at two different places.
38. Taksim Square
This is the only public square in all of Turkey. I think it must have been created not long ago and must have come after Italian inspiration.
Yes, geographically too, it is seen in that part of Istanbul which is lying on the European side.
The public watching square is full of shops, and restaurants.
At the center of Taksim Square is the tall Republic Monument.
Like any public square, this is also the scene of happy events and nation-wide protests.
Are these piazzas were created with that idea in mind? I think so.
39. Grand bazaar, Istanbul
Finally, what you have been waiting for has arrived. It is simply a great pleasure to do shopping here.
Whatever you buy such as apparels, footwear, pottery, and glass articles are of very good quality in Grand Bazaar.
You may have to allocate three days to shop here if you don’t run out of money because there are as many 4000 shops in a an area covering a whopping 30,700 sq.mt.
Nearly 40k people visit this shopping district that is fully covered over the roof.
That is Turkey for you. I think you have to plan for a fortnight of holiday in Turkey,
