5 Best Places to Visit in Turkey. Turkey is a country where two continents meet, where the old merges with new. Due to its excellent geographic location, this country is rich with majestic nature and presents a unique blend of cultures. If you’re looking for remote picture-perfect beaches or wish to feel vibrant cities’ life, you should visit Turkey.
This country is a gateway between Europe and Asia and has experienced a wild exchange of cultures and diversity, which leads to being a favorite destination for millions of travelers from around the world. You can find some stunning coastlines and bays for perfect vacations and explore the lively modern cities with lots of historical heritage and art preserved from thousands of years ago.
With so much to see and do, here you will find the 5 Best Places to Visit in Turkey.
For Turkey destinations, you can check the map of Turkey at the end of the article.
Istanbul
Istanbul, conveniently located on the Bosphorus linking East with West, is one of the most remarkable cities in the world. It is the largest city in Turkey and has lots of history to offer to the world. The obvious one of the best 5 best places to visit in Turkey.
Various cultures have impacted the development of art and architecture, leaving us a rich legacy of impressive palaces, churches, and mosques. The traces of the Greeks, Romans, and Venetians are scattered all around the city.
You can wander around the Old City, where most of the stunning historic sites can be found. The world-famous Byzantine church Agia Sophia, constructed in the 6th century, used to be the biggest in Constantinople and served as the symbol of the city. Not far, you will notice the Topkapi Palace.
Sultanahmet, the old city of Istanbul and The Blue Mosque, a gigantic architectural building with unique six minarets, should be included on your itinerary too.
To feel the ambiance of this vibrant city, you should visit the Grand Bazaar to experience the local spirit. It’s one of the largest markets in the world where you can find absolutely everything from spices and antiques to souvenirs, jewelry, and carpets.
The lively streets of Istanbul are full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. You are welcome to taste the local delicious food. When in Istanbul, you must take a boat trip on Bosphorus to see the city from the outside and witness majestic sunset.
For Turkey destinations, you can check the map of Turkey at the end of the article.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia is undoubtedly one of the most visited destinations and one of the 5 best places to visit in Turkey. You must have seen the images of hot air balloons gliding around the stunning rocky mountains, which has become the icon of Cappadocia.
This fairy-tale location has so much more to offer to its visitors: underground cities, cave churches with incredible frescoes are must-sees. Beautiful landscapes resembling cones and chimneys are all results of natural processes caused by ancient volcanic eruptions.
The underground cities and caves were created by humans thousands of years ago and have preserved till today. Moreover, some of these caves and tunnels are actual hotels today, which you can book to make your trip even more memorable.
Cappadocia is also known for its carpet-making, perhaps you can consider purchasing one to take home with you.
Adventure lovers would love this destination since there are many mountain biking and hiking options, and of course, it goes without saying that you must try the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia and admire the beautiful landscapes and the one of a kind surroundings. Undooudably is one of the 5 best places to visit in Turkey.
For Turkey destinations, you can check the map of Turkey at the end of the article.
Antalya
Antalya is an incredible destination for beach lovers and sun-seekers. Located along the Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean coastline, Antalya offers stunning beaches with gorgeous mountains surrounded all around.
This beautiful city is made of cozy narrow streets and alleys, full of numerous hotels and resorts for perfect vacations. It is recommended to take evening strolls in Kaleici, the old center of the city where you will discover the city’s ancient sites such as the old city walls, Roman gates, and the Clock Tower. Here you will also find some excellent dining options, cafes, and shops.
When in Antalya, it is worth traveling up to Mount Tahtali for the picturesque panoramic view. It is also advised to visit Pamukkale, locally known as the “Cotton Castles,” which is truly one of the unique destinations to visit in Turkey.
It was formed when warm, calcium-rich mineral waters flew over the cliff edge and cooled by the time leaving total white natural pools. It used to be a cure center used by Romans back in 190 BC. Antalya has something to offer everywhere; whether you prefer to swim and scuba dive, hike or visit historical sites, you will find it all here.
The fresh sea breeze and mild weather will make your vacations relaxing and memorable.
For Turkey destinations, you can check the map of Turkey at the end of the article.
Bodrum
Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) is a little piece of paradise located in the southern Aegean region of Turkey.
So many travelers visit Bodrum to admire the ancient ruins, heavenly Aegean beaches, and comfortable resorts. The first site you need to visit when here is the Castle of St. Peter or the Bodrum Castle, a fine example of crusader architecture from the 15th century, which now serves as a Museum of Underwater Archeology.
It is highly recommended to hire a boat and crew to explore the north coast of the peninsula. You won’t get enough of the quiet coves and wooded islands. You can visit the small Gölköy and Türkbükü fishing villages and dine at the local taverns right by the charming bay. All the stunning beaches with crystal clear waters are located on the Eastern side of the city many cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs all around. If you wish to go for some shopping or to seek some excellent dining options, you can take a short drive to Marina, the western side of the town.
For Turkey destinations, you can check the map of Turkey at the end of the article.
Izmir
Izmir is considered the third-largest city in Turkey, lying on the shores of the Bay of Izmir. It has a rich history from the ancient times when it was a Greek city called Smyrna and served as an important Aegean port.
Nowadays, it is a perfect travel destination for young visitors. This lively and vibrant city is full of great restaurants, bars, and cafes on the gorgeous waterfront promenade. The majestic location by the Aegean Sea has enriched Izmir with some fantastic beaches and azure-blue waters.
The city has a rich multicultural heritage since it has been the home of Greeks, Armenians, and Assyrians over the centuries, which also led to unique delicious cuisine you should taste.
It is worth visiting the fantastic bazaar of Izmir, the Museum of Art and History, and just enjoying the local lifestyle.
5 Best places to visit in Turkey, which is a country of exchange of cultures and diversity, the point where East meets West. The astonishing landscapes of different cities, turquoise beaches, and mouthwatering cuisine will make your vacations extra special.
There are so many historical and archeological sites to explore; it will take you a good while to see it all. Above we presented to you some of the most beautiful places in Turkey which have something to offer to every traveler with different preferences and are certainly worth including in your travel itinerary for Turkey.
