Turkey is a dazzling destination that straddles Asia and Europe, brimming with ancient monuments left over from a parade of empires and endowed with showcase scenery that never fails to impress. And who wouldn’t love to visit Turkey?
Its vibrant culture, famous food, and vast history captivate all who visit, while its magnificent landscapes, ranging from the sun-drenched Mediterranean to the mighty mountains and arid steppe, are tourist attractions in and of themselves.
Whether you want to soak up the Byzantine and Ottoman glories of Istanbul on a city break, relax on the beach, delve into history by visiting ruins like Ephesus, or see some of the world’s most surreal landscapes in Pamukkale and Cappadocia, this country has something for everyone.
1. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) Mosque
The Hagia Sophia Mosque (Aya Sofya), renowned as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, is not only one of the top things to do in Istanbul, but also in Turkey.
Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 CE, it is regarded as the greatest architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire and has remained the world’s largest church for 1,000 years.
The massive exterior is framed by delicate minarets added after the Ottoman conquest, and the sumptuous and cavernous frescoed interior is a grand reminder of old Constantinople’s might and power.
This famous monument is a must-see for any visitor to the country.
2. Ephesus
The mighty ruin of Ephesus is a city of colossal monuments and marble-columned roads that should not be missed.
This is one of the most complete, still-standing famed antiquity cities in the Mediterranean region, and it is the place to experience what life must have been like during the Roman Empire’s golden age.
The city’s history dates back to the 10th century BCE, but the major monuments you see today are all from the Roman era, when it was a bustling commercial centre.
The Library of Celsus, the complex of frescoed terraced houses, and the Great Theater, in particular, attest to Ephesus’ wealth and importance during the Roman period.
A sightseeing trip here will take at least a half-day to cover the major highlights, and longer if you really want to explore, so plan your visit accordingly.
3. Cappadocia
Cappadocia’s surreal, swooping rock valleys are every photographer’s dream.
Rippling panoramas of wave-like rock or wacky-shaped pinnacles formed by millennia of wind and water action can be found on cliff ridges and hill crests.
If you don’t want to hike for the views, this is one of the best places in the world to take a hot-air balloon ride.
The frescoed rock-cut churches and cave-cut architecture of the Byzantine Era, when this area was home to monastic Christian communities, are nestled in this unique lunar-like landscape.
Some of the best examples of surviving mid-Byzantine-era religious art in the world can be found in the multiple cave-churches of Göreme Open-Air Museum and Ihlara Valley.
Cappadocia’s villages, half-hewn into the hillsides where visitors base themselves to explore the surrounding countryside, are an attraction in and of themselves, with boutique hotels that allow you to sleep in a cave with full modern comforts.
4. Topkapı Palace
Topkap Palace in Istanbul transports you to the fantastical, opulent world of the sultans.
During the 15th and 16th centuries, the Ottoman sultans carved out an empire that would extend up into Europe, down through the Middle East, and into Africa.
The interiors, with their decadently exuberant tiling and lavish jewelled decor, provide an unforgettable glimpse into Ottoman power.
Don’t miss the Imperial Council building, where the Grand Vizier conducted the empire’s business; the Imperial Treasury’s arms collection; the world-class collection of miniature paintings; and the dazzling Harem rooms, designed by the famed Ottoman architect Sinan.
The surrounding public gardens, which were once the exclusive domain of the Royal Court, are now open to the public and offer a tranquil, green respite from the city streets.
5. Pamukkale
Pamukkale (“Cotton Castle” in English) is one of Turkey’s most famous natural wonders, with its pure white travertine terraces cascading down the slope like an out-of-place snowfield amid the green landscape.
The vast and rambling ruins of Greco-Roman Hierapolis, an ancient spa town, lie scattered across the summit of this calcite hill, and are a highlight of any Turkey trip.
After exploring the ancient theatre and the remnants of the city’s agora, gymnasium, necropolis, and grand gates, you can swim in the mineral-rich waters that made this ancient spa town famous in the antique pool.
Wading through the pools of water in the upper terraces, walk down the travertine hill to the small modern village of Pamukkale below.
Visit at dusk, when the travertines glow as the sun sets below the horizon, for the best photos.
6. Antalya
This thriving Mediterranean crossroads has something for everyone.
In the summer, the two main beaches outside of town are sun-sloth heaven, attracting visitors from all over Europe. While the old town area, nestled right in the centre of town, is a wonderful place to explore, with its cobblestone alleyways rimmed by creaky Ottoman-era mansions.
The Antalya Museum is regarded as one of the best in the country, with an incredible collection of Hellenistic and Roman marble statuary, and there are numerous attractions outside of town for visitors who wish to use Antalya as a base.
Antalya, in particular, is an excellent base for day trips to some of Turkey’s most famous Greco-Roman ruins, including Aspendos and Perge, which are just outside the city, and Side, which has a plethora of ruins.
7. Cruising the Mediterranean
There are numerous ruins and activities along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, but for many visitors, it’s all about soaking up the sun and admiring the stunning coastal views.
For good reason, yachting is the most popular activity for visitors to Bodrum and Fethiye. The steep forest-clad slopes, hidden coves with tiny white-sand beaches, and hundreds of scattered islands are ideal for sea exploration. Even the most ardent landlubbers will be impressed.
The Blue Cruise, which travels from Fethiye south down the coast until disembarking near Olympus, home to the famous natural phenomenon of the Chimaera, is one of the most famous trips.