Best Places to Visit in Turkey - 24 Unmissable Places in Turkey
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If you’ve been a long-time reader on our small corner of the internet, then you will know that we love Turkey. Perhaps the first clue is that we decided to settle down here and have been living in Istanbul for the last four years. (Oh, and maybe the numerous blog posts we write about Turkey give something away too).
But our obsession with this mesmerising country goes back much further than that. We also lived in Fethiye on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast for a year and when we count it all up we’ve been visiting Turkey on a fairly regular basis for (gasp) nearly 17 years! (I guess we’re showing our age now, huh?)
Over the years we’ve travelled the length and breadth of this incredible transcontinental country and now we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Turkey, to help you plan your own trip!
🇹🇷 Planning Your Trip to Turkey
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🇹🇷 Why We Love Türkiye & Why You Should Visit
Because this country has everything.
Stunning natural landscapes? Yep! From the rocky ethereal vistas of Cappadocia to lush valleys, crater lakes, tumbling rivers and snow-capped mountains, plus anything you can imagine in between. There are so many beautiful places in Turkey!
Historical attractions? Most definitely. It’s been the home of many empires stretching back over thousands of years including the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Persians, Armenians and Ottomans to name but a few. And they certainly left a whole lot of stuff behind.
Breathtaking beaches? For sure! Turkey has 5000-plus miles of coastline along the Aegean, Mediterranean and Black Sea for sun-soakers to enjoy.
Fabulous cuisine? Ab-so-lut-ely. Elaborate mouthwatering breakfasts, delicious street food, succulent kebabs, desserts to die for and even a vegetarian and vegan scene. What’s not to love?
Friendly folks? The best! We’ve experienced the most insane levels of hospitality in Turkey including countless invitations for tea and dinner and have even stayed over at people’s houses while we’ve travelled around the country. Turkish people are friendly, generous and complete legends.
Our list includes all the top tourist spots in Turkey, plus lesser-known hidden sights to see in Turkey that aren’t usually mentioned in other articles. To make your planning a breeze, we’ve also included how to get to each place, things to do when you’re there and where to stay.
Plus, we’ve got tons of useful information at the end of our article to make sure you have everything you need to plan an unforgettable Turkey itinerary.
You no longer need to wonder about where to travel in Turkey, because we’ve got you.
So what are you waiting for? Read on, be inspired and get those flight booked! Turkey awaits.
📍 Map of the Best Places to Visit in Turkey
We’re not gonna lie: this is a huge country and many of the unmissable places to see in Turkey are quite far apart.
This interactive Google Map shows all of the places of Turkey that we have recommended visiting in this article and will help you to plan your trip.
🌟 Our Favourite Places to Go in Turkey
In a hurry and don’t have time to read about all 24 places that we’ve recommended in this article? Or perhaps you’re feeling a little overwhelmed because you want to visit all these places but you just don’t have enough time. Well, don’t worry, we can help!
After much debate over numerous Turkish coffees, here is our recommendation for the 10 top places to visit in Turkey.
Istanbul
Cappadocia
Mardin
Pamukkale
Kars
Ephesus
Kaş
Mount Nemrut
Trabzon
Fethiye
Our top 10 is the best mix of well-known tourist attractions in Turkey combined with under-the-radar cities, towns and attractions. Whether you’re looking for beaches, archaeological ruins, relaxation, stunning scenery or offbeat sights, you’ll find something that suits you.
If you’re planning to visit Turkey but are short on time or feeling overwhelmed, this shorter list will hopefully give you some inspiration and help you plan an amazing itinerary. We go into more detail about all these places below, including things to do and where to stay.
🇹🇷 24 Best Places to Visit in Turkey
1) Istanbul - Türkiye's Vibrant Former Capital
The stunning city of Istanbul never disappoints.
Any list of the best places to go in Turkey simply has to start with Istanbul.
Bridging the continents of Europe and Asia, with a spectacular gastronomic scene, lively nightlife, jaw-dropping skyline and a rich history that stretches back at least 2500 years, Istanbul is understandably one of the most popular Turkey destinations.
When you plan your visit to Turkey, Istanbul is most likely to be your first stop: the city has two major airports that receive direct flights from all over the world, plus a massive international bus station that covers routes across Europe, the Balkans and the Middle East.
History buffs are sure to love Istanbul: as the former capital of three different empires (Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman) it’s probably no surprise that you’ll find many of the historically famous places in Turkey here!
When you’ve had your fill of the city’s breathtaking history, dive into Istanbul’s buzzing restaurant and cafe scene or party the night away in one of the many stylish bars and clubs. Turkish breakfast in Istanbul is one of the major highlights of this city - we’ve never come across a meal that’s quite like it.
Turkish breakfast is simply incredible - miss out on this and you just haven’t done Turkey right.
On a budget? Some of the best things to do in Istanbul are cheap or free including sampling the amazing street food, relaxing in one of the city’s many parks or wandering across the Galata Bridge to watch the sunset behind what we think is the most gorgeous skyline in the world (yes we are unashamedly biased).
This is an enormous city of 15.5 million people with an excellent public transport system (not just buses, trains and the metro but ferries and cablecars too!), so getting around Istanbul’s major attractions is easier than you might think.
We’d recommend spending at least three days here - any less and you will be left feeling rushed.
Is there a best time to visit Istanbul Turkey? As local Istanbulites, we’d say no - this is an amazing city all year round whatever the mercury on the thermometer says. (We’re actually massive fans of exploring Istanbul in winter).
Top Things to Do and Places to Visit in Istanbul Turkey
Admire the 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia.
Marvel at the stunning Blue Mosque.
Discover subterranean worlds in the Basilica Cistern.
Indulge in a Turkish breakfast.
Enjoy a 360° view of Istanbul from the Galata Tower.
Gorge yourself silly on an Istanbul food tour.
Practice your haggling skills at the oldest and largest covered market in the world, the Grand Bazaar.
Explore the colourful neighbourhood of Balat.
Take a guided tour of the phenomenal Topkapi Palace.
Get scrubbed down at a traditional Turkish bath.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of things to visit in Istanbul Turkey: for more inspiration check out our Turkey page where we have tons of useful articles on Istanbul.
Where to Stay in Istanbul
We’ve written a whole guide about the best areas to stay in Istanbul. Here are some of our top choices:
Photo courtesy of NOA Ali Hoca 6 from Booking.com
OUR TOP PICK (MID-RANGE-LUXURY): NOA Ali Hoca 6 (⭐ 9.5)
We love these stunning apartments so much that all our family have stayed here! Bright, airy and spacious, these apartments feature a fully fitted kitchen, lounge, tumble dryer and washing machine. The location is steps away from the Galata Tower, cafes, shops and restaurants.
Photo courtesy of Çirağan Palace Kempinski from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY OPTION: Çirağan Palace Kempinski (⭐ 8.9)
Fancy staying in a former 19th-century Ottoman Palace? This opulent 5-star hotel offers a spectacular outdoor infinity pool with panoramic Bosphorus views, a fully equipped gym, full-service spa, six restaurants and a bar. The breakfast buffet is extraordinary.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Saint Sophia from Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE PICK: Hotel Saint Sophia (⭐ 9.1)
A stone’s throw away from the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, this hotel offers luxurious ensuite rooms with fancy Bulgari toiletries, flatscreen TV and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have a stunning view over the Hagia Sophia. The hotel serves a delicious á la carte breakfast.
Photo courtesy of Hostel Le Banc from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET OPTION: Hostel Le Banc (⭐ 9.5)
This super clean and friendly centrally located hostel offers mixed and female-only dormitories featuring free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, heating and private lockers. There is 24-hour hot water, a laundry service, a superb kitchen and a shared panoramic terrace and lounge area.
2) Bursa - A Historic City Close to Istanbul
The beautiful Grand Mosque of Bursa.
If you’re looking for cities to visit in Turkey that are close to Istanbul, then you should consider Bursa in northwestern Turkey.
Only a couple of hours' ferry ride from Istanbul, Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and is now Turkey’s fourth most populous city.
Home to countless historic mosques, markets, inns and Turkish baths, it’s one of the most popular tourist spots Turkey has to offer.
The biggest draw is Cumalıkızık, a picturesque 700-year-old Turkish village located in the foothills of Mount Uludağ.
The village is amazingly well preserved - you can wander through the narrow cobbled streets, and admire the traditional Ottoman houses, ancient mosques and bathhouses. On weekends it’s a popular place to have breakfast.
Traditional wooden windows in the old houses of Cumalıkızık village.
If you’re a foodie, Bursa is also one of the best places in Turkey to get your kebab fix. The famous Iskender kebab (a succulent thinly sliced lamb kebab served on pide bread with yogurt and tomato sauce) was created here!
The other thing I couldn’t get enough of was tahinli pide - a flatbread topped with tahini mixed with molasses and sprinkled with sugar. Served hot, it’s the perfect breakfast!
Bursa has the nickname ‘Yeşil Bursa’ due to the many parks, gardens, thermal springs, forests and mountains that surround it.
We’ve been to Bursa twice and it’s become one of our favourite places in Turkey to visit.
Top Things to Do in Bursa:
Marvel at the Ulu Camii/Grand Mosque of Bursa.
Sip a Turkish coffee in the traditional surroundings of Koza Han.
Be amazed by the beautiful green-blue tiles of the Yeşil Camii/Green Mosque.
Savour a tahinli pide at Tarihi Taş Firin.
Wander through the quaint streets of Cumalıkızık.
Have a mouthwatering Iskender kebap.
Relax in one of Bursa’s many thermal springs.
Go skiing or snowboarding around Mount Uludağ (see #3).
Tahinli pide is so delicious - we had this for breakfast everyday!
How to Get to Bursa:
The best way to get to Bursa from Istanbul is to take the fast ferry. Two companies operate ferries to Bursa: BUDO (Bursa Deniz Otobüsleri) and İDO (İstanbul Deniz Otobüsleri). The journey takes around 2 hours and you can buy your tickets online. Tickets currently cost between 230TL - 280TL for a single ticket.
Alternatively, you can get the bus from Istanbul to Bursa from the Esenler bus station (the Istanbul International Bus Terminal). Tickets cost between 270TL - 400TL one way and the journey takes just over 3 hours. Click here to book a bus to Bursa.
Where to Stay in Bursa
Photo courtesy of Kitapevi Hotel from Booking.com
OUR TOP PICK (BOUTIQUE): Kitapevi Hotel (⭐ 8.9)
Located in a charming 200-year-old Ottoman house, this lovely boutique hotel offers elegant ensuite rooms featuring a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Some rooms have a private pool and balconies with a garden view. The hotel offers a rich breakfast. The location is unbeatable.
Photo courtesy of Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY CHOICE: Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa (⭐ 8.8)
If you want to unwind on your trip to Bursa then this hotel should do the trick. Offering a thermal spa centre and sauna, a fully equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool and two restaurants, it has everything you need for a relaxing holiday. The breakfast buffet is excellent.
Photo courtesy of Kutlucan Oldtown from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET- MID-RANGE OPTION: Kutlucan Oldtown (⭐ 8.6)
This cosy and comfortable hotel is located in the heart of Bursa’s historic old town and offers clean and spacious ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, complimentary tea and coffee and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel’s top-floor restaurant which offers panoramic views of the city.
3) Uludağ National Park - A Skiing and Hiking Paradise for Outdoor Lovers
The snowy slopes of Mount Uludağ as seen from the cable car up the mountain.
We love the outdoors and many of our top places to visit in Turkey include natural wonders.
Uludağ National Park is one of our favourites! Named after Mount Uludag, the highest mountain in Western Anatolia (you can see it towering over Bursa) this area has stunning waterfalls, gorgeous lakes, forests and meadows.
In the spring, summer and autumn visitors flock to Uludağ to enjoy picnics by the lakes, to fish or to follow one of the many hiking trails around the park. All of the trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape so don’t skip this if you visit during these seasons.
If you happen to visit in winter (which is coincidentally the cheapest time to visit Turkey) then you’re in for a treat. Not only does the landscape look incredibly beautiful covered in snow but Uludağ National Park also becomes one of the most popular Turkey vacation spots for winter sports junkies.
This is Turkey’s largest ski resort and it boasts state-of-the-art skiing facilities for a fraction of the price of ski resorts in Europe.
As well as skiing you can try snowboarding, sledging, tobogganing or even snowshoeing! It’s little wonder that Uludağ is widely considered to be one of the best places to go in Turkey for skiing and winter sports activities.
Alternatively, if you don’t fancy any winter sports you can do what we did - just take the cable car up Uludağ Mountain. This is the longest cable car ride in the world and the views are epic!
Top Things to Do in Uludağ National Park:
Chase waterfalls and breathtaking views on a hike around the national park.
Take the longest cable car ride in the world.
Try your hand at winter sports on the slopes of Mount Uludağ.
Stay in a cosy ski chalet on the mountain.
How to get to Uludağ National Park:
If you’re using public transport, then follow the instructions for getting to Bursa (#2) on this list. Once you’re in Bursa you will need to take a local bus to the Bursa Teleferik cable car station (Teferrüç Station). You can find more details on which buses to take here.
The cable car has two stops: the first is Sarıalan station which has cafes, shops, restaurants, picnic and camping areas. The second stop is the Kurbağa Kaya station where you will find all the ski resorts and hotels plus more shops and restaurants.
🔥 Hot Tip: The tickets on the cable car are expensive for foreigners - currently 795TL. This is over double the price for Turkish citizens which is 230TL. You cannot book the tickets online if you are a foreigner, you have to queue at Teferrüç Station. Be aware that due to the volatility of the lira, the price may be different when you visit.
Alternatively, you can rent a car in Istanbul and drive to Uludağ National Park. It will take you around 3 hours depending on traffic. Check rental car prices on Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in Uludağ National Park
Ski resorts are generally quite pricey because most are all-inclusive. If you want to cut costs consider staying in Bursa and visiting Mount Uludağ for a day trip. Here are our top choices for ski chalets on Mount Uludağ:
Photo courtesy of Kaya Uludag from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY PICK: Kaya Uludag (⭐ 9.7)
The ski slopes are only 10 metres away from this lovely all inclusive hotel featuring an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre with a Turkish bath, sauna and massage service. There is also a games room for children. The ensuite rooms are spacious with panoramic mountain views and free Wi-Fi. The food is excellent.
Photo courtesy of Ulukardesler Otel from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET/MID-RANGE OPTION: Ulukardesler Otel (⭐ 9.3)
This friendly 2-star hotel offers clean ensuite rooms with a TV and a minibar. Stays are all-inclusive - the hotel has a restaurant and a snack bar and guests can also enjoy a drink at the hotel’s wood panelled bar. The staff are hospitable and helpful.
4) Edirne - The City of Festivals
Hiddrelez/Kakava festival is epic!
A short jaunt from Istanbul and close to the borders of Greece and Bulgaria is another of our top cities to visit in Turkey.
This northwestern Turkish city is one of the must visit places in Turkey if you’re interested in cultural and religious festivals.
We’ve been to Edirne twice and on both occasions we were drawn there by a really unique festival.
On our first trip to Edirne, we attended Kırkpınar, a three-day Turkish oil wrestling festival which takes place in late June.
The atmosphere was incredible: the sound of the beating drums and high-pitched zurnas combined with the screams of the crowd as we watched wrestlers grapple with each other under the blazing sun.
We made friends with a lady who was watching her son wrestle which made it more fun as there was someone we could cheer for!
The first day of Kırkpınar is free to attend. The following days are ticketed - you can buy tickets online closer to the date on Biletix.
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival - sweaty, oily and extremely athletic.
Our second trip was to attend Hiddrelez/Kakava in early May. This Turkish and Roma festival celebrates the beginning of spring. Over 90,000 people attend this free festival each year and it is epic - you’ll see dances, music performances, fire jumping plus loads of food stalls.
Edirne is also one of the best destinations in Turkey for foodies: this region has many unique dishes including Edirne çiger (liver) which is deep fried and served with hot chillies and badem ezmesi, a marzipan-like almond paste.
As another former Ottoman capital, Edirne has tons of ancient mosques, madrasas, bazaars, caravanserais (roadside inns) and bridges. Edirne is also a unique place to see in Turkey because it has historically always been diverse, so you’ll find synagogues and churches too.
If you’re looking for interesting places in Turkey then definitely visit Edirne.
Top Things to Do in Edirne
See in spring with thousands of people at the Kakava festival.
Watch a bout of Turkish oil wrestling at Kırkpınar.
Savour unique Edirne foods.
Explore the stunning Rüstempaşa Caravanserai.
Pick up some gifts at the Arasta and Bedesten Bazaars.
Admire the Arabic calligraphy and colours of the Eski Ulu Mosque (The Old Grand Mosque).
Visit the Selimye Mosque complex, considered the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect.
Discover one of the most unique mosques in Turkey, Üç Şerefeli mosque (Three Balconies Mosque).
Check out the beautiful Great Synagogue of Edirne.
How to get to Edirne
Buses to Edirne run regularly from Istanbul’s main Esenler bus station, taking just 2.5 hours and costing 350TL. Check bus times and prices on Busbud here.
There are two slow trains each day from Istanbul’s Halkalı station to Edirne, leaving at 8.40am and 6.00pm. The journey takes just over 4 hours and costs 190TL. The best way to book a ticket is through the TCDD E-bilet app.
Where to Stay in Edirne
Edirne’s hotels are mostly budget to mid-range and there are no 5-star hotels in the city. Here are our top recommendations of where to stay:
Photo courtesy of The Plaza Hotel Edirne from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE/LUXURY CHOICE: The Plaza Hotel Edirne (⭐ 9.4)
Featuring stylishly decorated, elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV, this affordable 4-star hotel is conveniently located next to one of Edirne’s shopping malls. There is a free airport shuttle to the hotel plus free private parking. The hotel has a bar where you can unwind. Breakfast is fantastic.
Photo courtesy of Alan Suites from Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE PICK: Alan Suites (⭐ 9.2)
This hotel features spacious ensuite rooms with garden and landmark views, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The on-site restaurant serves tasty home-cooked meals - including a great breakfast. There is a fully equipped gym and a cafe serving drinks and light snacks.
Photo courtesy of Milaroom Hotel from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET CHOICE: Milaroom Hotel (⭐ 9.8)
Offering spotlessly clean and comfortable ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV, this hotel is only a few minutes walk from the city centre. Guests can enjoy a generous and varied breakfast with vegetarian and halal options and unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day.
5) Cappadocia - A Land of Fairy Chimneys & Other Worldly Landscapes
Get yourself a bird’s eye view of Cappadocia on a sunrise hot air balloon tour.
Every list of the best places to see in Turkey includes Cappadocia, with good reason.
There is SO much to see here, from the unique and magical landscapes with their curious geological formations to the underground cities, open-air museums and incredibly well-preserved rock churches and monasteries, it’s no wonder that Cappadocia is one of the top tourist attractions of Turkey.
It’s also a place for bucket-list experiences: you’ve probably seen countless dreamy images of people floating over Cappadocia’s ethereal landscape in a hot air balloon at sunrise or sharing a romantic champagne toast as the balloons slowly rise behind them.
And the romance doesn’t stop there. Another reason why Cappadocia is the best place to visit in Turkey for couples is the wonderful accommodation - think cosy cave hotels, rooms with jacuzzis and swimming pools with a stellar view.
Top Things to Do in Cappadocia
We have a helpful list of the best things to do in Cappadocia in our Turkey 10-Day Itinerary. Here are our top recommendations:
Get up early and take a sunrise hot air balloon flight.
Discover the spectacular rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes at Göreme and Zelve Open Air Museums.
Explore the subterranean world of Derinkuyu Underground City.
Go hiking in Rose Valley, Red Valley or Love Valley (the latter has very ‘sexy’ rock formations!)
Enjoy a gorgeous sunset over Love Valley.
Take in the stunning panoramic views from Cappadocia’s highest viewpoint Uçhisar Castle.
Stay in a romantic cave hotel.
Watch the sunrise from Esentepe Viewpoint over Pigeon Valley and Göreme town.
Try a traditional Anatolian dinner of Testi Kebap.
Best Time to Visit Cappadocia Turkey
Cappadocia is a year-round destination. It is very popular during the summer, so if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons: April/May or late September/October/November.
We wrote a whole article about exploring Cappadocia in winter - we love it because it’s cheaper and quieter. The downside is that bad weather can affect hot air balloon flights, so keep that in mind if that’s one of your bucket-list experiences (we’ve given advice on this in our article).
How to Get to Cappadocia
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Cappadocia is to fly. Turkish and Pegasus Airlines offer many direct flights each week from Istanbul to Cappadocia’s Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport and Kayseri Erkilet Airport. Click here to search flights to Cappadocia on WayAway.
A roundtrip from Istanbul to Cappadocia costs in the region of £60-£90/$75-$115. The flight to Cappadocia takes just over an hour.
In the summer, Cappadocia is one of the most visited places in Turkey, so to get the best deals we’d recommend booking your flights early.
Alternatively you can take a bus to Cappadocia from Istanbul’s main bus station. The journey currently costs 700TL-750TL and it takes around 11 hours. Check prices and times on Busbud.
Many people also rent a car and drive to Cappadocia from Istanbul. The drive takes around 8 to 9 hours. Check rental car prices on Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in Cappadocia
Photo courtesy of Diadem Cappadocia Guest House & Hostel from Booking.com
OUR TOP PICK (BUDGET): Diadem Cappadocia Guest House & Hostel (⭐ 9.2)
We loved this hostel with super friendly staff and cosy rooms. Conveniently located in Göreme, this hostel offers clean female-only and mixed dormitories with free Wi-Fi and comfortable beds. Spacious private rooms with ensuite bathrooms are also available. Breakfast is delicious! If you’re on a budget this should be your top choice.
Photo courtesy of Argos Cappadocia from Booking.com
BEST UBER-LUXURY CHOICE: Argos Cappadocia (⭐ 9.5)
A former monastery, this breathtaking hotel offers beautiful, traditionally decorated stone and cave ensuite rooms featuring an open fireplace, Bose music system, free Wi-Fi and a balcony with mountain or valley views. Some suites have a private pool, hamam or jacuzzi. Guests can even enjoy wine from the hotel’s vineyard.
Photo courtesy of Artemis Cave Suites and Spa from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY PICK: Artemis Cave Suites and Spa (⭐ 9.5)
Elegant, spacious cave or stone rooms await in this gorgeous adults-only hotel steps away from Göreme’s sunrise viewpoint. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, underfloor heating and air conditioning. The furnished rooftop terrace has stunning views. The onsite Turkish bath and spa are incredible.
Photo courtesy of Local Cave House Hotel from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Local Cave House Hotel (⭐ 9.5)
Featuring a stunning heated outdoor pool with panoramic views of Göreme, this hotel offers beautifully furnished cave rooms with an ensuite bathroom (with underfloor heating), a spacious balcony, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The breakfast buffet is exceptional with plenty of variety. The staff are helpful and kind.
6) Pamukkale - Azure Blue Waters of Turkey’s Most Famous Hot Springs
Relax in the stunning travertine thermal pools of Pamukkale.
Sticking with the most famous Turkey tourist spots, let us introduce you to Pamukkale.
Known as ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish (pamuk means cotton and kale means castle), the blindingly white terraced pools of Pamukkale have long been one of the most famous places of Turkey, as evidenced by millions of posts about the area on Instagram.
Visitors come from around the world to bathe in these healing hot spring pools (travertines) in southwestern Turkey and admire the surreal snow-white rocky landscape.
The Romans also believed in the thermal springs' healing powers (they claimed it could cure anything from rheumatism to eczema), which is why you’ll find the well-preserved ruins of the Roman spa city of Hierapolis above the travertines.
You can still bathe in a beautiful Roman bath today. Cleopatra’s Antique Pool is fed directly from Pamukkale’s hot springs and the remains of columns from a temple once dedicated to Apollo lie at the bottom of the pool. Pretty cool huh?
Top Things to Do in Pamukkale
Witness a stunning sunrise over the Pamukkale travertine pools.
Explore the Pamukkale travertines before soaking in their healing waters.
Swim in the clear waters of Cleopatra’s Pool.
Be wowed by the Hierapolis Ancient Theatre.
Wander through the ruins of Hierapolis Ancient City.
Visit the fascinating Hierapolis Archaeological Museum.
Best Time to Visit Pamukkale Turkey
Pamukkale is a gorgeous place but as it has been featured in every Turkey travel guide since the beginning of time, it can get very crowded, particularly during summer.
Our tip? Arrive early for sunrise over the pools and if your budget allows, visit again for sunset.
We’d also recommend visiting in spring (April/May) or autumn (September/October) - as the weather is still great but visitor numbers are low. For more detailed information about Pamukkale read this section of our 10-day itinerary for Turkey.
How to Get to Pamukkale
To get to Pamukkale you can take a bus from Istanbul to Denizli - the nearest major city to Pamukkale. The journey takes between 9 to 11 hours. We’d recommend the following bus companies: Metro Turizm and Pamukkale Turizm. Click here to book a bus to Denizli.
Once you arrive at Denizil bus station, you’ll need to take a dolmuş (minibus) to Pamukkale. The minibuses leave from platform 76 in the basement of the Denizli bus station. The journey takes around 30 minutes.
You can also rent a car and drive to Pamukkale - the journey will take you 6 to 8 hours depending on traffic. Check rental car prices on Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in Pamukkale
Photo courtesy of Venus Suite Hotel from Booking.com
OUR TOP PICK (MID-RANGE): Venus Suite Hotel (⭐ 9.0)
Featuring a lovely pool and garden, this boutique hotel offers spacious and comfortable rooms with amazing ensuite bathrooms, a balcony, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a generous buffet breakfast. There is a free shuttle service to the travertines. It’s superb value for money!
Photo courtesy of Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY CHOICE: Pamukkale Whiteheaven Suite Hotel (⭐ 9.5)
Offering huge ensuite rooms with furnished balconies (all with garden and pool views), free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and tea and coffee-making facilities, plus a free shuttle bus to the travertines, this hotel is luxurious but still reasonably priced. Pamukkale hot springs are just 500 metres away.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Pamukkale from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET OPTION: Hotel Pamukkale (⭐ 8.9)
This friendly gem of a hotel has fantastic amenities: the bright clean ensuite rooms feature a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a balcony with a pool view! The location is unbeatable - just a 4-minute walk from the Pamukkale travertines. Don’t miss the freshly cooked Turkish breakfast!
7) Mardin - Stunning Artuqid Architecture Awaits in this Diverse City
Mardin’s Old City is one of the most beautiful Turkish cities we have ever visited.
Let us be transparent: we adore Mardin.
In our opinion, this is one of the best places Turkey has to offer and yet, it is criminally underrated.
We have visited this city numerous times and this year, we’re hoping to take my mum and dad too!
We love visiting places in Turkey that are slightly off the beaten track and Mardin in southeastern Turkey blew us away on our first visit.
The Artuqid architecture in the old city is gorgeous: exquisite sandstone mosques, madrasas, churches and monasteries made us feel like we’d been transported back in time.
Mardin’s cuisine didn’t disappoint either - we feasted like kings on meze platters, traditional biscuits, kebabs and desserts.
The people of Mardin are incredibly diverse. You’ll meet Kurds, Syrians, Turks and Assyrians and hear Turkish, Kurmanji (Kurdish), Arabic and even Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic that was spoken by early Christians!
Mardin’s folk are some of the friendliest we’ve met on our travels around Turkey - warm, hospitable and curious. We’d strongly encourage taking the time to chat with locals over a glass of çay.
The gorgeous Zinciriye Madrasa in Mardin. In the background are the plains of Mesopotamia!
Mardin is also one of the best cities to visit in Turkey if you’re interested in local produce or crafts. The narrow streets of the city are packed with famous olive oil soap makers, and shops selling locally-made Assyrian wine, sugar-coated almonds and delicate silver jewellery.
If you’ve been wondering where to go in Turkey, we’d seriously ask you to consider putting Mardin close to the top of your list.
Top Things to Do in Mardin
Gaze up at the Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque), one of the finest examples of Artuqid architecture in Mardin.
Enjoy a stunning view of Mardin from the roof of Zinciriye Madrasa.
Strike a pose on the stairs of the grandest post office in Turkey.
Buy the best olive oil soap from Sabuncu Mehmet Dede (he supplies soap to Buckingham Palace!)
Explore Mardin’s many ancient Syriac churches including the Forty Martyrs Church.
See the sunset at Kasimye Madrasa.
Visit the amazing Mor Gabriel Monastery in Midyat.
Take a day trip to Dara Ancient City (see below - #8).
Tour the beautiful Deyrulzafaran/Mor Hananyo Monastery.
Try delicious Assyrian wines (we’d recommend buying a bottle or two!)
I couldn’t resist posing at Mardin’s famous old post office.
How to Get to Mardin
The easiest way to get to Mardin from Istanbul is to fly. Turkish and Pegasus Airlines offer several direct flights a day to Mardin with the journey taking 2 hours. Click here to search flights to Mardin on WayAway. A roundtrip from Istanbul to Mardin costs between £70-£80/$90-$100.
If you’re on a tight budget you can take a bus from Istanbul to Mardin but the journey takes forever - between 21 to 23 hours depending on the number of stops. Tickets currently cost 1200TL. Click here to check bus times and prices on Budbud.
Where to Stay in Mardin
Photo courtesy of Maridin Hotel from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY CHOICE: Maridin Hotel (⭐ 9.2)
Boasting a rooftop terrace with panoramic views plus an in-house restaurant and bar, this centrally located, stunning stone mansion offers traditionally decorated ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and air-conditioning. Some rooms have a jacuzzi or a steam room! Breakfast is extremely delicious and varied.
Photo courtesy of Carra Konaği from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE PICK: Carra Konaği (⭐ 9.2)
Located on the main street in Mardin’s old city, this hotel offers air-conditioned ensuite rooms with a flat-screen TV and a minibar. Some rooms have mountain or city views. Guests can enjoy a generous Turkish breakfast on the rooftop terrace with gorgeous views. The staff are extremely helpful and kind.
Photo courtesy of Dara Konagı from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET OPTION: Dara Konagı (⭐ 8.1)
We enjoyed our stay in this historic 800-year-old mansion which is perfectly located in the heart of Mardin’s old city. The cosy ensuite stone rooms feature air conditioning, tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The huge breakfast on the balcony with stunning views of Mardin is amazing.
Mardin is definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey!
8) Dara - A Ruined Ancient City That Barely Receives Any Tourists
The necropolis of Dara, surprisingly devoid of tourists. But there are actually some dead Romans here that you can see.
Staying with the theme of unique and unusual places of interest in Turkey, let us introduce you to Dara, an ancient Roman city just 30km southeast of Mardin.
Dara is incredible - featuring a huge necropolis, two spectacular cathedral-like cisterns, and an agora, this is a must-visit site if you love Roman ruins like we do.
Unlike other popular tourist attractions Turkey has to offer, Dara barely receives any visitors which means you can explore the site at your own pace without feeling rushed.
On our first visit, we were the only tourists there - the whole site was empty and we wandered around at our leisure. The second time we visited, the only other people we saw were a team of Turkish archaeologists who were excavating some new ruins!
We’d recommend hiring a driver to take you on a tour of Dara - this is easy to organise through your hotel in Mardin.
The whole site is massive and the various ruins are not signposted properly, so it’s best to ask your driver to take you between the different spots. You’ll need at least four hours to explore the site properly.
If one of your reasons to visit Turkey (aside from banging food and amazing people) is ancient sites then make sure Dara is on your list!
❗ Note: Dara’s proximity to the Syrian border (around 6km away) may be the reason that it is not one of the more popular tourist destinations in Turkey. We have always felt completely safe when we’ve visited this area, but please check your country’s travel advice before you visit.
Top Things to Do in Dara
Enjoy the subterranean feels in Dara’s mammoth underground cisterns: Sarnıç Zindan and Batı Sarnıç.
Discover the rock-cut burial chambers and tombs of Dara’s necropolis, the large Gallery Grave features actual skeletal remains.
Walk around Dara’s Agora, once a bustling Roman shopping street.
How to Get to Dara
The best way to get to Dara is by car - many hotels in Mardin will have a driver they can recommend to take you for a half-day tour of the ruins. The drive to Dara from Mardin will take 45 minutes.
Where to Stay Near Dara
The closest town to Dara is Mardin (#7), which has accommodation for every budget.
Many of the best places in Turkey certainly are under the radar!
9) Ephesus - Spectacular Ruins of an Ancient Greek & Roman City
We’re most definitely back on the beaten path with the next entry in this list but don’t worry, it’s for an excellent reason: you’re about to discover the most epic ancient ruins in the whole of Turkey!
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 and one of the 10 top places to visit in Turkey, the extraordinary Greek/Roman city of Ephesus was once a thriving commercial port and the centre for trade in the region.
Ephesus also had enormous religious significance. The Greeks built many elaborate temples dedicated to their Goddess Artemis: the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and you can still see the remains of it today.
We’d recommend spending at least half a day at Ephesus: the majestic Library of Celsus, the Ephesus Great Amphitheatre and the beautiful Temple of Hadrian are just a few of the remarkable ruins here.
For more detailed information on Ephesus, check out this section on our 10-day Turkey itinerary.
Top Things to Do at Ephesus
Be amazed by the stunning Library of Celsus.
Imagine days gone by at the colossal Ephesus Great Amphitheatre.
Take a walk down the column-lined Curetes Street.
Admire the ornate carvings on The Temple of Hadrian.
Visit the Terrace Houses - the homes of Ephesus’ wealthiest citizens.
Best Time to Visit Ephesus
Ephesus is one of the top visited tourist places in Turkey - over a million people visit each year. It can get very crowded in the summer and it’s also ridiculously hot.
We’d advise visiting early during peak season (preferably when the site opens) or planning your visit during the shoulder seasons (late October/November or April/May). If you’re looking for cool places to visit in Turkey in winter, consider Ephesus: you’re likely to have the place to yourself!
How to Get to Ephesus
The easiest way to get to Ephesus from Istanbul is to fly to Izmir - both Turkish and Pegasus Airlines offer several daily flights along this route. A return trip can cost you as little as £45/$57 in the low season. In the summer expect to pay around £90/$114 for a return flight. The flight to Izmir takes an hour. Click here to search flights to Izmir on WayAway.
From Izmir Airport, you can take a Havas shuttle bus to Selçuk. Look for a bus that says Selçuk or Kuşadası. The bus timetable is on the Havas website. The journey should take 90 minutes and currently costs 270TL.
From Selçuk bus station you can take a local minibus or a taxi to Ephesus. Most hotels in Selçuk also offer a complimentary shuttle service to Ephesus.
You can also take a bus from Istanbul to Selçuk. The journey takes around 9 hours and tickets are around 800TL-900TL. Check bus times and prices on Busbud.
Where to Stay Near Ephesus
The nearest town to Ephesus is Selçuk. Here are our top accommodation recommendations in the area:
Photo courtesy of Livia Garden Hotel from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY OPTION: Livia Garden Hotel (⭐ 9.5)
The comfortable and spacious ensuite rooms at this charming hotel feature a coffee machine, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool after a day of sightseeing or relax in the garden. The breakfast spread is outstanding.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Kalehan from Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE CHOICE: Hotel Kalehan (⭐ 9.4)
Featuring a lovely rose garden and swimming pool, this hotel offers bright and clean ensuite rooms with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. The Turkish breakfast buffet features many homemade products, The staff are super helpful and kind.
Photo courtesy of Anz Guest House from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET PICK: Anz Guest House (⭐ 9.1)
Offering colourful ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning, this hotel features a rooftop terrace with beautiful views, a bar and a restaurant serving tasty home-cooked meals. Breakfast is delicious and the location is excellent.
10) Antalya - The Gateway to Turkey’s Stunning Turquoise Coast
How can you not lie on the beach in Antalya? I mean, look at it!
If #beachlife is more your scene then get ready to be amazed by beautiful Antalya.
Located in southwestern Turkey, Antalya province has 640 km of Mediterranean coastline and is considered to be one of the best tourist places of Turkey. Many of the famous resort towns you’re likely to have heard of such as Side, Kemer, Kaş and Alanya are in this province.
Meanwhile, the actual city of Antalya is the second most visited city after Istanbul with over 15 million people visiting in 2023!
Antalya was amongst the first Turkish cities to open up to mass tourism and is still one of the most popular places in Turkey for a package holiday.
But don’t let this put you off: it remains a very charming area renowned for its stunning beaches fringed by aquamarine waters, vibrant nightlife, boutique hotels, trendy cafes and restaurants and a smattering of historical sites.
Antalya is also one of the best places to visit in Turkey with family: you’ll find excellent all-inclusive kid-friendly resorts here.
Top Things to Do in Antalya
Sunbathe on the glorious Konyaaltı beach - one of the best places to visit in Antalya Turkey.
Explore Kaleiçi, Antalya’s picturesque old town.
Sip on a Turkish coffee at a cafe in the Old Harbour area.
Enjoy an epic sunset from a Roman watchtower at Hıdırlık Kulesi.
Take a day trip to the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, Termessos or Olympos.
Take a tour to the Düden and Karpuz Kaldıran waterfalls.
The Best Time To Visit Antalya Turkey
Antalya is a year-round destination - as it’s on the Mediterranean coast it experiences mild winters and hot summers. Our favourite time to visit is spring, early summer, or early autumn.
How to Get to Antalya
The easiest way to get to Antalya is to fly from Istanbul. Both Pegasus and Turkish Airlines have several flights a day, costing £60-£80/$75-$100 for a round trip. The journey takes just over an hour. Click here to search flights to Antalya on WayAway.
You can also take a bus from Istanbul to Antalya. Tickets cost between 700TL-800TL and the journey can take anywhere between 12 to 14 hours. Check prices on Busbud here.
Where to Stay in Antalya
Photo courtesy of Hotel Lykia Old Town Antalya from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY PICK: Hotel Lykia Old Town Antalya (⭐ 9.6)
This stunning historical mansion with an outdoor pool is located in the centre of the old town. All the stylish ensuite rooms offer free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with Netflix and air conditioning. The tasty breakfast features organic produce from the hotel’s farm.
Photo courtesy of Villa Tulipan from Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE OPTION: Villa Tulipan (⭐ 9.3)
You’ll love the roof terrace at this charming hotel which offers a panoramic view of Antalya’s marina and the Mediterranean Sea. The hotel’s ensuite rooms are bright, airy and cosily furnished and feature free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Breakfast is superb!
Photo courtesy of Flaneur Hostel from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET CHOICE: Flaneur Hostel (⭐ 9.3)
This budget gem in Antalya offers clean, quiet, mixed and female-only dorms plus cosy ensuite private rooms. All rooms have free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. There is a well-equipped shared kitchen and a rooftop and garden terrace where you can meet other travellers.
11) Ayvalık - The Best Place to Holiday in Turkey Like a Local
If you’re after beachy Turkey travel destinations but want to escape the crowds then head for Ayvalık, a picturesque Aegean coastal town with a laidback vibe.
I first heard of Ayvalık from my Turkish teacher who told me all about its cute cobblestone streets, historical houses, diving spots, national parks and islands.
And so we booked a short trip there for my birthday and promptly fell in love with the whole place.
The streets of the town were so pretty - the buildings with their brightly coloured doors and shutters and cascading bougainvillaea reminded us of Greece (this was actually a Greek town until 1923).
We spent time gorging on tasty local food, visiting a few historic buildings, chilling on the beach, listening to live music at an amazing wine house and snapping endless photos of the best sunsets we’d seen in a while.
If this all sounds hella romantic, well that’s because it was! Ayvalık is certainly one of the best places in Turkey to visit for couples looking for a romantic retreat.
Some of the best Turkey vacation spots are local hidden gems!
Things to Do in Ayvalık
Visit Seytan Sofrası (Devil’s Table) viewpoint for a panoramic view of the Aegean islands.
Feast on crispy papalina (a type of sprat) that Ayvalık is famous for.
Admire the quaint colourful houses and cobbled streets of Ayvalık town.
Take a trip to the lovely Cunda island.
Go diving around Ayvalık to see the rare red coral reefs.
Try the famous toasted sandwich Ayvalık Tost.
Explore the town's historical mosques and churches.
Catch some rays on Sarımsaklı or Mola beach.
Enjoy the sunset from the Sevim Necdet Library.
How to Get to Ayvalık
The nearest airport to Ayvalık is Edremit. Turkish and Pegasus airlines offer several direct flights from Istanbul’s IST and SAW airports each day. The journey takes just over an hour and depending on when you travel, a return flight can cost between £60/$76 to £130/$165. Click here to search flights to Ayvalık on WayAway.
From Edremit airport you will need to catch a shuttle bus to Ayvalık bus station. The journey should take 30 to 45 minutes.
You can also take a bus from Istanbul to Ayvalık . The journey takes 8 to 9 hours and costs around 750TL. Click here to book a bus to Ayvalık.
Where to Stay in Ayvalık
Photo courtesy of Hanole Guest House from Booking.com
OUR TOP PICK (BUDGET): Hanole Guest House (⭐ 9.3)
We fell in love with this charming, friendly boutique hotel. Located in a historic Greek house minutes from the centre, this hotel offers five tranquil ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Our favourite thing was breakfast: everything was homemade, locally sourced and utterly delicious.
Photo courtesy of D-Resort Ayvalık from Booking.com
UBER-LUXURY CHOICE: D-Resort Ayvalık (⭐ 9.1)
With a private blue-flag beach, outdoor swimming pool, spa centre, gym, games room and kids’ club - this hotel offers a resort experience in Ayvalık. The large ensuite rooms have sea or forest views with free Wi-Fi, a minibar and air conditioning. There is also an onsite bar and restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Sobe from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY PICK: Hotel Sobe (⭐ 9.7)
This stylish hotel on Cunda island offers beautiful, spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Guests can use a free shuttle to access the hotel’s lovely private beach in Paterica. The breakfast buffet is magnificent.
Photo courtesy of Orchis Hotel from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Orchis Hotel (⭐ 9.0)
Formerly a soap factory, this atmospheric hotel features comfortable ensuite rooms decorated with antique furniture and featuring a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Some rooms have garden or sea views. Guests can enjoy a generous breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.
If you’re looking for nice places to visit in Turkey that are a bit off the beaten track but with a lovely holiday mood, do consider Ayvalık!
12) Ishak Paşa Palace - The Second Best Palace in the Whole of Turkey
Say it with us: WOW!
If you’ve been looking for cool places in Turkey that are a little off-beat, our advice would always be: head east.
Many of the top destinations in Turkey on this list are located in the very far east of the country and the breathtaking Ishak Paşa Palace is one of them.
Few tourists venture this far, but we promise - if you decide to visit this outstanding example of Ottoman architecture you won’t be disappointed.
Built on the very edge of a hill, Ishak Paşa Palace took a century to complete and was the last ambitious project of the Ottoman Empire’s prosperous Tulip Era.
The design of the palace is unusual: it blends Ottoman, Anatolian, Armenian, Seljuk, Persian, Baroque and North Mesopotamian styles to create a truly magnificent architectural wonder. It certainly is one of the most unique places of interest Turkey has to offer.
This is more of a complex than a palace - you can explore the harem, mosque, kitchen, courtyards, hamam, centuries-old squat toilet, ceremonial halls, prison and dungeon. (Vincent tried to trap me in the dungeon so be careful who you visit the palace with!).
Take your time to admire the ornately carved reliefs on the elegant doorways, Ottoman-style water fountains, spectacular courtyards, faded frescoes and grand collonaded rooms. The whole place is a feast for the eyes.
A trip to Ishak Paşa Palace isn’t just about the building itself: the palace’s terrace offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.
Finally, a trail above the palace rewards you with an awe-inspiring view of Ishak Paşa with Mount Ararat towering in the background. Sightseeing in Turkey doesn’t get much better than this!
(Pssst! If you’re stuck wondering what the best palace in Turkey is, it’s Topkapı Palace in Istanbul).
How to Get to Ishak Paşa Palace
Ishak Paşa Palace is located on the border of Iran and Armenia in the town of Doğubeyazit. The easiest way to get here is to fly from Istanbul to Igdir Airport (IGD).
There are three flights per day from Istanbul to Igdir with Pegasus and Turkish Airlines and a roundtrip ticket will cost around £90/$110. The flight takes just over 2 hours. Check flight times and prices on WayAway here.
From Igdir Airport it takes around 1 hour to drive to Doğubeyazit. Once you arrive in the town, you can take a local minibus to the palace or ask your hotel to call you a taxi.
If you are travelling this far we’d recommend combining your visit with other destinations in the east such as Van (#13 below), Kars (#18) and Ani (#19).
Where to Stay Near Ishak Paşa Palace
The closest town to Ishak Paşa Palace is Doğubeyazit which doesn’t have many accommodation options. Here is where we stayed:
Photo courtesy of Tehran Boutique Hotel from Booking.com
OUR TOP PICK (BUDGET): Tehran Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.3)
Offering clean and spacious ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV, this modern hotel has a surprising number of amenities including a bar, garden, lounge, kids’ club and terrace. The hotel can organise airport transfers. Breakfast is generous and tasty.
13) Lake Van - Turkey’s Largest Lake
It’s worth trekking out to Van just for this view from Akdamar Island.
For us Lake Van and Van province was always a must visit place in Turkey. For two reasons: epic scenery and mind-blowing food!
Let’s start with the gorgeous scenery. You’ll be hard-pressed to find many places more beautiful than Lake Van’s ultramarine waters which lap at the foot of six soaring snowy mountains.
The lake is also home to several islands, including the stunning Akdamar Island famous for the Church of the Holy Cross, an ancient Armenian Church with ornate carvings and colourful frescoes.
In spring, the island’s almond trees blossom with pink and white flowers and against the deep blue waters of the lake and the snow-capped mountains, it truly is a gorgeous sight.
Van also happens to be the best place to visit in Turkey if you love Turkish breakfast!
Van’s breakfasts are legendary: you can try a huge number of dishes and mouthwatering regional specialities including otlu peynir (herb cheese), kavut (a sweet dish of butter, sugar and wheat) and murtağa (crispy scrambled eggs with honey and walnuts).
Finally, Van’s numerous historical mosques, castles, churches and waterfalls certainly make it one of the top places in Turkey to visit.
Top things to do at Lake Van
Take a boat out to Akdamar Island and explore the Church of the Holy Cross.
Gorge on a Van-style Turkish breakfast.
Visit the fluffy and iconic Van cats, famous for their different coloured eyes.
Explore the ruins of Van Castle.
Visit the fascinating Van Museum and learn about the history of Van.
How to Get to Lake Van
As Lake Van is located in far eastern Turkey, the easiest way to get there is to fly.
Turkish Airlines offers several direct flights from Istanbul per day. A return ticket costs around £80/$100 and the duration is just over 2 hours. Click here to check times and prices on WayAway here. You can then take a bus or taxi to Lake Van.
If you’re up for an adventure you can take the Van Golu Express train to Van.
You’ll need to take a high speed train from Istanbul to Ankara first and then catch the Van Golu Express to Tatvan. The journey from Ankara takes 26 hours but the scenery is beautiful. From Tatvan there are regular buses to Van. Use the TCDD e-bilet app to check times and book tickets.
Where to Stay in Lake Van
Photo courtesy of Ramada by Wyndham Van from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Ramada by Wyndham Van (⭐ 9.0)
This reasonably priced 4-star hotel offers comfortable ensuite rooms with a minibar, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning on Lake Van. There is also a bar, gym and in-house restaurant. The terrace has incredible views of Lake Van.
Photo courtesy of Toprak Hotel from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET PICK: Toprak Hotel (⭐ 8.5)
We stayed at this centrally located hotel during our trip to Van and it was excellent value for money. The breakfast buffet is tasty and the ensuite rooms are clean and have free Wi-Fi. Staff are kind and helpful.
14) Trabzon - One of Türkiye’s Lush Black Sea Provinces
Uzungöl Lake is just one of Trabzon’s many crater lakes.
If you’re looking for places to visit in Turkey other than Istanbul, get your ass to Trabzon.
Trabzon has immense cultural and historical importance - it was variously ruled by the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Located on the Silk Road, it was a melting pot of cultures, religions, languages and ethnicities for hundreds of years.
You can still see evidence of this ancient history in the city’s extraordinary architecture. Trabzon is filled with caravanserais, Byzantine churches, mosques, monasteries, hamams and covered bazaars just waiting for you to explore!
Trabzon is also famous for its stunning natural beauty. The city’s backdrop is the verdant Pontic mountain range, where you can go hiking, and visit crater lakes, tumbling waterfalls and lush highlands.
Trabzon has its own regional delicacies such as kuymak (a dish similar to fondue). It’s also famous for its tea plantations, making it one of the best destinations in Turkey to grab a glass of çay!
The province of Trabzon is actually one of the most popular tourist places Turkey has to offer for citizens from the Middle East. The mountains and cool climate are a welcome escape for tourists seeking to escape the sweltering summer temperatures back home.
This is definitely one of the best holiday destinations in Turkey if you aren’t a fan of the heat!
Top Things to Do in Trabzon
Marvel at the colourful frescoes inside Trabzon’s Hagia Sophia Museum, a spectacular late-Byzantine church.
Explore Uzungöl Lake, a picturesque crater lake and one of the best places to visit in Trabzon Turkey.
Feast on kuymak and traditional Black Sea pide.
Take a trip to Aytaş Asmasu Waterfall.
Visit the Sumela Monastery (#15 below), which clings to a sheer cliff edge.
Discover Trabzon’s painted wooden mosques.
How to get to Trabzon
It’s easy to fly from Istanbul to Trabzon. The flight takes just under 2 hours and there are several flights a day with Pegasus or Turkish Airlines. A return ticket costs around £90/$115. Click here to check flights on WayAway.
You can also take a bus from Istanbul to Trabzon. You’re looking at a journey of 18 hours and a one-way ticket currently costs 1000TL. Check prices on Busbud here.
If you fancy a roadtrip, consider renting a car in Istanbul and then driving to Trabzon. The scenery along the route is beautiful. Check rental prices on Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in Trabzon
We’d recommend staying in Trabzon city centre as there is accommodation to suit all budgets. From here it is easy to take public transport or arrange taxis to different attractions.
Photo courtesy of Zorlu Grand Hotel Trabzon from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY OPTION: Zorlu Grand Hotel Trabzon (⭐ 8.2)
This luxurious 5-star hotel has everything you need for a relaxing stay. Guests can enjoy a health club with an indoor pool, a spa, plus an in-house restaurant and bar.
Photo courtesy of Copper House from Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE PICK: Copper House (⭐ 9.1)
Walking distance to many of Trabzon’s top sights, this hotel offers cosy ensuite rooms with a flat-screen TV with streaming services and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have a sea view. The staff are very friendly and welcoming.
Photo courtesy of Grand Business Hotel from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET CHOICE: Grand Business Hotel (⭐ 8.3)
This brand new hotel is located in the centre of Trabzon and offers sparkling clean and comfortable ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Some rooms have sea views.
15) Sumela Monastery - A Jaw-Dropping Byzantine Monastery Clinging to a Sheer Cliffside
Located just 45km outside of Trabzon, Sumela Monastery is undoubtedly one of the most famous places to visit in Turkey.
Precariously perched at the edge of a cliff in the Pontic mountains and a dizzying 1200 metres above sea level, this Greek Orthodox monastery dates back to AD386.
Inside the monastery you’ll find courtyards, chapels, a library, a guesthouse, kitchens, student rooms and a church all carved directly into the rock face.
The most stunning part of the monastery is the rock church and chapel which is decorated with extraordinarily beautiful frescoes showing various Biblical scenes.
For a breathtaking view of the monastery from a distance visit Seyir Noktası viewpoint: from here you’ll be able to see the whole monastery as it appears to hover above the valley.
Sumela Monastery is one of the many wonderful Turkey tourist places that are off the beaten path!
How to Get to Sumela Monastery
Sumela Monastery is one hour’s drive from Trabzon. You can fly or take a bus to Trabzon (#14, see above) and stay in the city centre.
There are public minibuses from Trabzon which can take you to the monastery. The direct minibus only operates in the spring/summer - in winter you have to take a minibus to Maçka followed by a taxi to the monastery.
Alternatively you could take this tour of Sumela Monastery.
If you prefer to rent a car, you can drive to Sumela Monastery from Istanbul in about 15 hours. Click here to check car rental prices on Discover Cars.
Where to Stay Near Sumela Monastery
The nearest city to Sumela Monastary is Trabzon (#14, above) which has a range of accommodation options.
16) The Ayder Plateau - The Swiss Alps of Turkey
This isn’t the Swiss Alps - this is Turkey!
Are you craving fresh air, nature and an escape from the big city? Then head to the Ayder Plateau - the best part of Turkey to visit if you love a bit of leaf bathing.
The Ayder Plateau (known as Ayder Yaylasi in Turkish) is located in the Black Sea province of Rize at an altitude of 1350m. Surrounded by the Kaçkar mountains, with rolling green hills and charming wooden chalets, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the Swiss Alps.
The entire area is crazily scenic and perfect for nature lovers. You can follow various hiking trails around the plateau, visit cascading waterfalls, gorgeous rivers and bathe in thermal springs. It really is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey!
Ayder is also one of the best Turkey tourist destinations for a cultural holiday. The Laz and Hemsin ethnic minorities live in Ayder and have unique customs, food and traditions that you won’t find anywhere else.
The best time to visit is spring and early summer: the high altitude means that night time temperatures are still fairly chilly.
We visited during winter and it was stunning however some roads were impassable due to snowfall and the chalets on very high altitude plateaus (like the spectacular Pokyut Yaylası) were closed.
Top Things to Do in the Ayder Plateau:
Visit the Ottoman bridges at the picturesque Fırtına Creek.
Hike up to Pokut Yaylası for the spectacular scenery.
Stay in a cosy wooden chalet.
Try traditional Laz food at Cafe Susuk.
See a breathtaking sunset above the clouds at Huser Yaylası.
Discover the tranquil Gelin Tülü and Tar waterfalls.
How to Get to the Ayder Plateau
There are regular flights from Istanbul to Rize-Artvin (RZV) airport with Turkish and Pegasus Airlines. A round trip ticket will cost you around £90/$115. The flight takes 2 hours. Check flights on WayAway here.
From Rize airport you can take a taxi to Pazar district - local minibuses to Ayder leave from here every hour from 8.00am to 5.00pm.
Alternatively, you can rent a car from Rize airport and drive to Ayder.If you intend to drive around the higher plateaus you will need a 4x4 vehicle. Click here to check car rental prices on Discover Cars. You could also drive from Istanbul if you don't mind a longer drive.
It’s easy to get a bus from Istanbul to Rize’s Pazar district. Tickets currently cost 1100TL and the trip takes 19 hours.
From the Pazar district you can take a local minibus to Ayder. Check times and prices on Busbud here.
Where to Stay in the Ayder Plateau
Ayder is a pricey tourist destination so accommodation here is mostly mid-range and luxury. Here are our recommendations:
Photo courtesy of Organic Village Bungalow from Booking.com
BEST UBER-LUXURY OPTION: Organic Village Bungalow (⭐ 9.4)
This amazing hotel offers beautiful rooms and bungalows with a jacuzzi, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, washing machine and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have a fireplace. The views are out-of-this-world and the hotel’s restaurant serves up incredible food.
Photo courtesy of Çathan Art Hotel from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY CHOICE: Çathan Art Hotel (⭐ 9.8)
Want to enjoy nature but also have top notch hotel facilities at your fingertips? Then this stunning hotel with spacious rooms and gorgeous views is for you. Featuring a swimming pool, garden, restaurant and bar, it’s ideal for families.
Photo courtesy of Ayder Koru Hotel from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE PICK: Ayder Koru Hotel (⭐ 8.5)
The cosy wood panelled ensuite rooms in this hotel feature free Wi-Fi, heating and a TV. Some rooms also have a balcony or mountain views. The location is in the centre of Ayder and there is free parking for guests.
17) Fethiye - A Charming Town on the Mediterranean
It’s hard not to fall in love with this delightful city on Turkey’s western Mediterranean coast. And we know because we lived in this area for a year!
Fethiye has it all: picture postcard beaches, towering mountains, ancient rock tombs, fantastic restaurants, a delightful old town and a stellar market selling the very best Turkish produce. Can you see why we stuck around here now?!
This is one of the top 5 cities to visit in Turkey because it is also close to some of the country’s most famous natural wonders: the glorious Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz, stunning Kabak and the magical Butterfly Valley.
Fethiye is also the best place to visit in Turkey for families. As well as having a splash about on the beach, families can take boat tours around the islands or an adventurous jeep safari to ancient ruins and natural attractions. The aqua parks and many recreational areas are also bound to keep the kids happy!
Top Things to Do in Fethiye
Climb up to the Lycian Rock Tombs and enjoy a panoramic view over the whole of Fethiye.
Enjoy a hamam at Fethiye’s 16th century Old Turkish Bath.
Wander through the cobbled backstreets of Fethiye’s Old Town.
Buy some pine honey, spices or olives at Fethiye Salı Pazarı (Tuesday Market).
Spend a day relaxing at the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz.
Go on a daytrip to Saklıkent Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Taste a slice of paradise at the gorgeous Butterfly Valley.
Get an adrenaline-rush on a tandem paraglide over Ölüdeniz.
Visit the abandoned ghost town of Kayaköy.
You’ll find plenty more suggestions of things to do in Fethiye in our 10 days in Turkey itinerary.
How to Get to Fethiye
The closest airport to Fethiye is Dalaman Airport (DLM). Dalaman receives international flights from several countries around the world.
There are also regular flights from Istanbul to Dalaman with Pegasus and Turkish Airlines. A roundtrip ticket starts from around £70/$90 and the flight to Dalaman takes 1.5 hours. Click here to check flight times and prices on WayAway.
Alternatively, take a bus from Istanbul to Fethiye - it costs around 900TL and takes 13-14 hours. Check times and prices on BusBud here.
Where to Stay in Fethiye
All of these options are close to Fethiye town centre.
Photo courtesy of Liberty Fabay - Ultra All Inclusive from Booking.com
BEST UBER LUXURY CHOICE: Liberty Fabay - Ultra All Inclusive (⭐ 9.3)
This 5-star hotel is the epitome of luxury. Featuring four swimming pools, a gym, waterpark, nightclub, sauna, and a kids’ club, it has everything for an opulent family staycation. Many rooms have direct pool access whilst some suites actually have their own private pool!
Photo courtesy of Juglans Suites from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Juglans Suites (⭐ 9.5)
Only 5 minutes walk to a private beach, Juglan Suites offer stylish, comfortable apartments with a spacious kitchen and lounge area, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Some apartments have a balcony with a pool view or an outdoor dining area.
Photo courtesy of Kordon Apartment from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET PICK: Kordon Apartment (⭐ 8.7)
These spacious apartments in the centre of Fethiye are minutes from the old town, marina, cafes and restaurants. The apartment features a walk-in shower, fully equipped kitchen and free Wi-Fi. The sea view from the balcony is spectacular.
18) Kars - A Unique City With an Armenian Heritage & Russian Influences
If you’re a fan of winter adventures and wondering where to visit in Turkey, then let us tell you all about the wonderful city of Kars, our favourite Turkish winter destination.
Kars has a reputation for being one of the coldest places in Turkey during winter and man, they aren’t kidding! The temperature regularly dropped below -20°C/-4F during our trip and our hotel actually had double radiators!
Despite the icy temperatures we think this is the best city to visit in Turkey during winter. Kars looks completely magical under a dusting of snow, there are fun winter activities and unlike the frosty weather, the people of Kars are warm and friendly.
The cosy cafes and restaurants around the city (with roaring fires or wood fired stoves) are perfect for escaping the arctic conditions.
We warmed up by gorging on Kars’ hearty regional dishes such as piti, a stew made from mutton and chickpeas and hangel, a rich pasta dish served with yogurt and caramelised onions.
Kars was always historically diverse: once an important trading hub, Kars has Turkish, Armenian, Kurdish, Azeri, Persian, Russian and Turkmen influences, which can still be seen today in the area’s folklore, architecture, art and food.
Lake Cildir in Kars is frozen for about 8-9 months of the year. Yep, Kars is seriously cold.
Kars also happens to be the last station on the extremely popular Eastern Express train route from Ankara - one of Turkey’s most scenic winter train journeys.
The magnificent Ani ruins (#19 below), the former capital of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lie just 45km from Kars on the border with Armenia.
When you’re thinking about when to visit Turkey, definitely consider Kars in winter!
Top Things to Do in Kars
Enjoy the stunning views from the Eastern Express train (Doğu Ekspresı) from Ankara to Kars.
Visit the Kümbet Mosque aka the Cathedral of Kars, a former Armenian Apostolic Church.
Climb to the top of Kars Castle for panoramic views.
Admire the Russian-Baltic architecture built when Kars was under Russian occupation including the Fethiye Mosque, the Revenue Office and the Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Discover the traditional practice of ice fishing or ride on a horse-drawn sleigh on frozen Lake Cildir.
Go skiing on the slopes of Sarıkamış.
Feast on Kars’ regional cuisine of hangel, piti and baked goose.
Buy renowned Kars cheese and honey to take home.
Be blown away by the ruins of the medieval Armenian city of Ani (#19).
How to Get to Kars
If you love epic train rides, consider taking the Eastern Express train to Kars. You’ll need to get a high-speed train from Istanbul to Ankara first and then catch the Eastern Express from there.
Due to its popularity, there are two versions of the Eastern Express train. The first is the tourist sleeper train which has a dining car and takes 30 hours. It makes three stops: in Erzincan, Iliç and Erzurum, where you can get off and take a tour (these excursions have an additional cost).
This train costs 6000-8000TL for a cabin and leaves only on Wednesdays and Fridays. If you want to grab a cabin on this train you need to book early as it’s very popular!
If you’re on a budget, take the regular Eastern Express train. It takes 25 hours and there is Pullman seating only. You also have to take your own food as there is no dining car.
However, this train runs every day and is a fraction of the price at 400TL. We’ve taken this train and honestly, we loved it. We also got off at Erzurum and stayed for a few nights before continuing our journey.
You can also fly from Istanbul to Kars with Turkish or Pegasus Airlines. The flight takes 2 hours and a roundtrip ticket costs £90/$115. Check flights on WayAway here.
Where to Stay in Kars
Photo courtesy of Hotel Katerina Sarayı from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY PICK: Hotel Katerina Sarayı (⭐ 9.1)
This beautifully restored Russian mansion features a garden terrace with a fireplace overlooking Kars River and charming, beautifully furnished ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Guests can enjoy a tasty and generous buffet breakfast.
Photo courtesy of Mavi Ladin Konukevi from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Mavi Ladin Konukevi (⭐ 9.9)
Cosily furnished, sparkling clean ensuite rooms with fast Wi-Fi await in this lovely homestay. Guests can use the shared kitchen (with a washing machine and free tea and coffee) and the friendly host makes an amazing breakfast for an additional fee.
Photo courtesy of Güngören Hotel from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET OPTION: Güngören Hotel (⭐ 8.3)
With kind and helpful staff and an unbeatable location just minutes away from Kars Castle, this hotel is perfect for budget travellers. The ensuite rooms are spacious and comfortable with a flat-screen TV and a kettle. Breakfast is fantastic.
19) Ani - The Incredible Ruins of the Bagratid Armenian Kingdom
The ruins of Ani are breathtaking.
The phenomenal city of Ani is yet more evidence that the best tourist places in Turkey fly way under the radar.
We’ve visited Ani twice and both times we saw a mere handful of other tourists. And we can see why: located in a bleak, windswept area on the Turkish-Armenian border and 1400km from Istanbul, it can seem a little too faraway.
However, if your itinerary allows we’d highly recommend making a trip to Ani as it is truly magnificent. It’s certainly one of our top hidden gems in Turkey.
Known as the “city of a thousand and one churches”, Ani was once the capital of the vibrant 9th century Bagratid Armenian kingdom and had 100,000 residents, making it one of the world’s largest cities.
It fell to the Byzantine Empire in 1045 and was conquered by the Selcuks in 1064 after a 25-day siege. The Mongol invasion of 1236 followed by a catastrophic earthquake in 1319 marked the beginning of the end for Ani and by the 18th century it was mostly abandoned.
Walking around Ani is eerie and sad - the remains of churches, mosques, temples and palaces are dotted all over the desolate landscape and it’s hard to imagine a thriving city once being here.
Our favourite ruins include the ornately carved Church of Tigran Honents with its colourful frescoes; the enormous grand Cathedral of Ani, an early example of Gothic architecture; the small Church of St Gregory and the crumbling Virgin’s Convent, perched at the very edge of a cliff over the river.
Melancholy, abandoned, silent and yet so rich in history, Ani is definitely one of our 10 best places to visit in Turkey.
How to Get to Ani
Ani is 48km from Kars. You will need to fly or take the train to Kars (#18, above) first and stay in the city.
From Kars there is a public minibus to Ani that leaves from Gazi Ahmet Muhtar Pasha Mansion at 9.00am and returns from Ani at 12.45pm. The journey takes about 45 minutes, giving you about three hours to explore the ruins.
We organised a driver to take us to the ruins - this meant we could take as long as we wanted at Ani and not feel rushed. Ask at your hotel - they’ll definitely be able to recommend someone.
Alternatively, drop us a line and we will put you in touch with our driver and guide Sinan, who was fantastic (he only speaks Turkish).
Where to Stay Near Ani
The nearest city to Ani is Kars (#18) which offers a range of accommodation options.
20) Kaş - A Picturesque Seaside Town with Postcard Perfect Beaches
Another gorgeous town on Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast, Kaş is where sunseekers who want to get away from it all head to.
Kaş is quite simply, stunning. The vibe here is similar to Ayvalık (#11) - the town is filled with quaint cobblestone streets and charming whitewashed stone houses with colourful shutters and balconies.
Unlike some of Turkey’s more touristy Mediterranean towns where knock-off designer bags are the norm, in Kaş you’ll find cool boutiques selling handmade jewellery, ceramics and clothing made by local designers.
Kaş’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its incredible beaches. The golden yellow sands and aquamarine sea of Kaputas Beach are perhaps the most famous, but Kaş has many others including Limanagzi Bay and Küçük Çakıl Beach.
The beaches, numerous ruins and fun boat tours also make Kaş one of the best places to visit in Turkey with family.
Top Things to Do in Kaş
Stroll around the picturesque cobbled streets of Kaş’s town.
Soak up the sun at Kaputas Beach.
Visit the Antiphellos Amphitheatre at sunset.
Jump on a boat to the charming historic village of Simena/Kaleköy.
Chill out to some cool live music in the evening.
Head to the Greek island of Meis for the day.
Take a dip in the clear water at tiny Küçük Çakıl Beach.
Feast on homecooked Turkish food at a local eatery.
Go scuba diving with sea turtles.
How to Get to Kaş
The quickest and most convenient way to get to Kaş is to fly into Antalya (AYT) or Dalaman airport (DLM).
Antalya receives direct international flights from Europe, north Africa and the Middle East. From Antalya, you can take a shuttle to Kaş which takes 3 hours. The views are spectacular.
Travellers from Europe and the Middle East can fly directly into Dalaman airport. From Dalaman there is also a shuttle to Kaş. The journey will take 2.5 hours.
There are regular flights from Istanbul to Antalya and Dalaman with Pegasus and Turkish airlines. A roundtrip ticket starts from £76/$96. Both flights take around 1.5 hours. Check flight prices and times on WayAway.
You can also take a night bus from Istanbul to Kaş - it takes 14-15 hours and costs between 1000-1500TL. Check bus times and prices on Busbud.
Where to Stay in Kaş
Photo courtesy of Hotel Aysima from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY OPTION: Hotel Aysima (⭐ 9.2)
This hotel’s elegant ensuite rooms feature a balcony with panoramic sea views, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Guests can swim in the lovely pool or walk to the beach just 400m away. Breakfast is fantastic and the staff are brilliant.
Photo courtesy of Lantana Aparts by Sera House from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Lantana Aparts (⭐ 9.2)
Just 50m from Küçük Çakıl Beach, this hotel offers reasonably priced, roomy apartments and comfy ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, a balcony and air conditioning. Some rooms/apartments have panoramic views of the Mediterreanean. Breakfast is hearty and delicious.
Photo courtesy of Limon Pansiyon from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET PICK: Limon Pansiyon (⭐ 9.2)
Offering spacious, clean ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, this centrally located hotel is an absolute steal! Guests can enjoy an excellent breakfast with many dishes. The staff are kind and helpful.
21) Mount Nemrut - An Ancient Archaeological Site Famous for its Gigantic Statue Heads
The colossal statues on Mount Nemrut are fascinating.
Another of Turkey’s magnificent archeological sites, Mount Nemrut was once part of the Kingdom of Commagene, a Hellenised Persian-Armenian Kingdom.
The ruler in 62BC was King Antiochus I, who was a tad megalomaniacal. Old Antiochus thought he was equal to the gods of the time and decided to showcase his greatness by building himself an extravagant tomb-sanctuary at the top of Mount Nemrut. As you do…
A 50 metre high mound of crushed rock was constructed on top of the mountain plus various 8-10 metre high statues of Antiochus, eagles, lions and Greek and Persian gods.
Originally the statues were seated but at some point they were beheaded: you’ll now find these colossal heads all over Mount Nemrut’s summit.
Mount Nemrut is one of our top 10 things to do in Turkey - the mammoth statues left us completely awestruck and imagining what the Commagene Kingdom was like in its heyday.
At a height of 2134 metres (7000 feet), Mount Nemrut also offers some stellar views of ancient Mesopotamia. At sunrise and sunset the statues on the mountain are lit up in a fiery glow - a truly unforgettable sight.
If you’re wondering what to visit in Turkey that is a little unusual, consider a trip to Mount Nemrut!
How to Get to Mount Nemrut
The closest airport to Mount Nemrut is Adiyaman airport. Turkish Airlines offers regular flights from Istanbul to Adiyaman, with a roundtrip starting from as little as £42/$53. The flight takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. Click here to check flight prices and times on WayAway.
From Adiyaman, you can take a bus to the town of Kahta, where many people stay if they are taking a tour of Mount Nemrut, and organise private transport (through your hotel or tour company) to the mountain from there.
We actually flew to Adiyaman, took the bus to Kahta and then arranged for someone to pick us up and drive us to Karadut, the closest village to the mountain. We couldn’t find regular transport between Kahta and Karadut, so this was the best option for us.
We stayed the night and in the morning decided to try walking up Mount Nemrut. This takes hours and is not a good idea (it’s 12km uphill).
We eventually hitched a lift with two friendly guys which saved our legs! Organise a taxi or driver through your hotel to drive you up the mountain. Or, hitch a ride!
From Mount Nemrut’s car park, you’ll need to walk 600 metres to the summit. The trek takes around 45 minutes and can be challenging if you’re not used to the altitude.
Alternatively, consider renting a car at Adiyaman airport and driving to Mount Nemrut. Check rental car prices here on Discover Cars.
There are also frequent buses from Istanbul to Kahta - the journey takes 17-19 hours and tickets cost 1000TL. You’ll need transport from Kahta to get you to Mount Nemrut.
Where to Stay Near Mount Nemrut
People usually stay in Kahta (60km from Mount Nemrut) or in the small village of Karadut which is just 12km away.
Kahta has slightly more accommodation options and it’s much easier to organise half-day tours of Mount Nemrut from here. Karadut is closer and accommodation is cheaper, but you have to hope for a reasonably priced driver/taxi or the kindness of other drivers to take you up the mountain.
Here are two accommodation options in Karadut:
Photo courtesy of Nemrut Dağı Işik Pansion from Booking.com
OUR TOP PICK (BUDGET): Nemrut Dağı Işik Pansion (⭐ 8.9)
Located in Karadut, this hotel’s simple, clean ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning were perfect for our one night stay. We had a really tasty dinner and a hearty breakfast made with fresh ingredients from the owner’s garden.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Euphrat Nemrut from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Hotel Euphrat Nemrut (⭐ 7.9)
Offering a shuttle service from the airport and the bus station, this Karadut hotel features comfortable ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. There is also an outdoor pool, sun terrace and bar. Breakfast and dinner are excellent.
22) Şanlıurfa - The City of the Prophets
Oh Şanlıurfa, how we love you. Your lush green parks, friendly folk, cascading water fountains, markets filled with necklaces of dried vegetables and sacks of fragrant spices…even after a week, we didn’t want to leave.
This relaxing, friendly city has a unique spiritual vibe: it has historically always been the centre for many different faiths, including Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
Wander around Şanlıurfa’s tranquil Dergah Mosque Complex and you’ll discover the cave where the Prophet Abraham was born and Balıklıgöl, a pool filled with carp where Abraham was set on fire by Nimrod.
Further away is the tomb and well of Prophet Job, whose skin disease was cured by bathing in the city’s waters. Şanlıurfa is locally known as ‘The City of the Prophets’ and many religious pilgrims of all faiths visit each year.
Şanlıurfa’s history actually stretches back thousands of years - archaeologists consider the area to be one of the most important places in Turkey (if not the whole world) for discoveries relating to the Neolithic and Paleolithic periods.
The city is close to the famous Neolithic site of Gobekli Tepe (#23) - the world’s oldest recorded human settlement.
Exploring ancient sites works up quite an appetite but don’t worry - Şanlıurfa’s regional cuisine is super satisfying. Their yummy kebabs and lahmacuns (Turkish flatbread) are flavoured with the spicy isot pepper, unique to the region.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try ciğ köfte, a spicy raw meatball that originated in Şanlıurfa (most of the versions you’ll find around the country are now vegan, but in Urfa, you can still try the real raw meat deal).
Some of the best places to go in Turkey on holiday are off the beaten path!
Top Things to Do in Şanlıurfa:
Feed the fish at the beautiful Balıklıgöl/Pool of Abraham.
Climb Şanlıurfa Castle at sunset.
Relax in one of the cafes around the Dergah Mosque Complex.
Explore the cave where the Prophet Abraham was born.
Get your tastebuds tingling by sampling Urfa’s spicy cuisine.
Soak up the atmosphere of the frenetic bazaar.
Visit Şanlıurfa’s well-preserved necropolis.
Marvel at the world’s oldest human settlement at Göbekli Tepe (#23).
Admire the stunning Mevlid-i Halil and Ulu mosques.
Discover Turkey’s largest museum complex at the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum.
Be brave and try the original ciğ köfte, Sanlıurfa’s signature raw meatballs.
Şanlıurfa’s bazaar is a great spot for people watching.
How to get to Şanlıurfa
The fastest way to get to Şanlıurfa is to fly. There are regular flights from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa with Turkish and Pegasus Airlines - the journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. A round trip ticket starts from £70/$90. Click here for flight times and prices on WayAway.
You can also take a bus to Şanlıurfa from Istanbul. The journey takes around 18-21 hours depending on the number of stops and tickets cost between 750TL-800TL. Check bus times and prices on Busbud here.
If you like road trips, rent a car in Istanbul and drive to Şanlıurfa. You can include other southeastern Turkish destinations like Göbekli Tepe (#23), Gaziantep (#24) and then drive further towards Mardin (#7). Click to see car rental prices on Discover Cars.
Where to Stay in Şanlıurfa
Photo courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Sanliurfa from Booking.com
BEST LUXURY OPTION: DoubleTree by Hilton Sanliurfa (⭐ 9.3)
Featuring an indoor swimming pool, gym and a spa with a sauna and Turkish bath and a bar, this hotel offers stylish ensuite rooms with comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen TV. Every room has stunning city views. The buffet breakfast is amazing.
Photo courtesy of Kaliruha Boutique Hotel from Booking.com
TOP MID-RANGE CHOICE: Kaliruha Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.4)
This stunning, centrally located boutique hotel offers luxuriously furnished, spacious ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Rooms have a garden or city view and some have their own Turkish bath! Breakfast is rich and generous.
Photo courtesy of Hasbahan Konukevi & Butikotel from Booking.com
BEST BUDGET PICK: Hasbahan Konukevi & Butikotel (⭐ 8.7)
Offering quiet, comfortable ensuite rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV this charming hotel is fantastic value for money. The staff are friendly and breakfast is delicious. It’s just 15 minutes walk from Balıklıgöl!
23) Göbekli Tepe - The Oldest Temple in the World
If you love ancient history, Göbekli Tepe is a place that you simply must visit in Turkey.
We loved wandering around the site, taking hundreds of photos and marvelling at how pre-Neolithic people were able to build this mammoth temple, filled with huge five-metre-long T-shaped pillars and intricate carvings of lions, vultures, spiders and scorpions.
The discovery of Göbekli Tepe turned everything we thought about human development and history upside down.
First noted in a survey in 1963, excavations of Göbekli Tepe (Potbelly Hill in English) began in 1995. What the archaeologists discovered was utterly mind-blowing: the extremely well-preserved remains of a huge 12,000-year-old temple and settlement.
Let’s put this in perspective: the UK’s Stonehenge and Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza are only 5000 years old. Göbekli Tepe also predates the invention of writing by 6000 years, so yeah, this place is hella ANCIENT.
But why was this discovery so important?
Well, archaeologists had long thought that religion was something that only appeared once a society had moved from being hunter-gatherers to domesticating animals and crops.
The theory went that only once there was plenty of food to go around would people have the time and resources to focus on building things like temples.
Göbekli Tepe blew a massive hole in this theory. The society that built the temple were hunter gatherers (excavations have so far found no evidence of domesticated plants or animals) and yet they managed to carve and haul huge seven-ton pillars across tremendous distances to build a temple.
This mammoth temple wasn’t built by a rag-tag group of hunter gatherers: this was a massive communal effort over the course of 1000 years that required hundreds of workers, plenty of resources, organisation and a social hierarchy.
It’s now thought that the building of Göbekli Tepe is what laid the foundation for a more complex and settled society to develop in the area. And now many scholars think that religion and rituals are actually what brought communities together, not agriculture.
Mind. Blown.
As well as visiting the ruins, make sure you spend some time in the interactive museum at Göbekli Tepe. It certainly gave us a better understanding of how human civilisation developed in southeastern Turkey and there are some interesting artefacts from the site on display there too.
And if you want to understand how huge those pillars really are, make sure to check out the replicas at the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum!
I am small but I swear this column is massive.
How to Get to Göbekli Tepe
Göbekli Tepe is 18km outside of the city of Şanlıurfa (#22). You will need to fly or take a bus to Şanlıurfa and then stay in the city.
Public bus 0 leaves from the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum at 9.45am and 1.45pm. The journey to Göbekli Tepe takes around 30 minutes. The buses from Göbekli Tepe to Şanlıurfa leave at 12.00pm and 4.00pm.
Once you get to Göbekli Tepe you can walk around 1km to the top of the hill where the ruins are or take a free shuttle bus to the top.
The ruins don’t take long to visit - we spent about 45 minutes there and that was plenty of time.
Where to Stay Near Göbekli Tepe
We’d recommend staying in Şanlıurfa (#22) which has a range of accommodation options.
24) Gaziantep - Turkey's Culinary Capital
Pistachios are a serious business in Gaziantep.
If you love food, Gaziantep is without doubt the best part of Turkey to visit.
(By the way, if you’re planning to lose weight on your trip or are on some kind of health kick, please don’t go to Gaziantep, because you’ll fail miserably. Gaziantep is where diets go to die.)
The whole point of visiting Gaziantep is to (over) indulge in the province’s lip-smacking gastronomic delights.
We loved our trip to Gaziantep so much that we wrote a whole article about all the different kinds of Gaziantep foods you should try.
Gaziantep is known as the culinary capital of Turkey and became a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy in 2015.
The province is famous for its amazing local produce and wonderfully flavourful and diverse cuisine. 30 different types of kebab originate from Gaziantep alone!
Gaziantep is also famous for its pistachios - you’ll see these bright green nuts added into everything, from baklava to kebabs. There’s even a pistachio monument in Gaziantep’s city centre!
Katmer: food of the gods and the enemy of diets.
We’d highly recommend trying melt-in-the-mouth flaky katmer, an oven-baked filo pastry stuffed with clotted cream, sugar and pistachios and Ali Nazik, a succulent lamb kebab served with smoky aubergine puree and garlicky yogurt.
There are so many more amazing Gaziantep dishes, hence why Gaziantep is one of the must visit cities in Turkey for foodies!
Take breaks from stuffing yourself by visiting some of Gaziantep’s top attractions. We’d highly recommend spending a few hours at the Zeugma Gaziantep Mozaik Müzesi, the world’s largest mosaic museum. Zeugma has 3000 square metres of mosaics on display, including the famous haunting Gypsy Girl mosaic.
We also loved wandering through the fascinating coppersmith and spice bazaars - world’s away from Istanbul’s touristy Grand Bazaar!
Top Things to Do in Gaziantep
Have an indulgent breakfast of Gaziantep pistachio katmer at Katmerci Zekeriya Usta.
Feast on baklava at Gaziantep’s most famous baklava restaurant, Kocak Baklava.
Dive into Gaziantep’s most famous kebab, Ali Nazik, at Imam Çağdaş Kebap.
See an authentic slice of life at the Gaziantep Coppersmith Bazaar.
Stock up on ground pistachios and coffee at the Gaziantep Spice Bazaar.
Climb up to Gaziantep Castle for amazing city views.
Be awestruck by the stunning ancient mosaics at Zeugma Gaziantep Mozaik Müzesi.
Understand how Gaziantep fought against French and British occupation at the Defence and Heroism Panorama Museum.
❗Note:
Gaziantep Castle was damaged during the devastating 6th February 2023 earthquake in southeastern Turkey and is currently undergoing restoration.
How to get to Gaziantep
The most convenient way to get to Gaziantep is to fly. There are regular flights from Istanbul with Turkish and Pegasus airlines and the cost of a roundtrip ticket from Istanbul starts as low as £30/$38. The journey takes around 1 hour 50 minutes. Check flight times and prices on WayAway here.
You can also jump on a bus from Istanbul to Gaziantep. Tickets cost around 700 - 850TL and the journey takes 17-19 hours. Check bus times and prices on Busbud here.
Where to Stay in Gaziantep
Photo courtesy of Shimall Hotel from Booking.com
TOP LUXURY OPTION: Shimall Hotel (⭐ 8.6)
A great choice for families visiting Gaziantep, this hotel features an indoor swimming pool, Turkish bath and sauna, spa centre and a gym. All the comfortable ensuite rooms offer a kitchenette, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. Perfect for a relaxed stay!
Photo courtesy of Anadolu Evleri from Booking.com
BEST MID-RANGE CHOICE: Anadolu Evleri (⭐ 9.2)
This restored traditional stone house offers beautiful, spacious ensuite rooms decorated in a historical style and featuring free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. Breakfast is fresh and delicious. The hotel is just minutes from Gaziantep’s cafes and restaurants.
Photo courtesy of Şirvani Konağı Butik Otel from Booking.com
TOP BUDGET PICK: Şirvani Konağı Butik Otel (⭐ 8.3)
Located in the heart of Gaziantep’s old town, this hotel offers cosy, clean ensuite rooms with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. The breakfast buffet is excellent with some items prepared to order.
❓ FAQs About the Best Places to Visit in Turkey
When is the Best Time to Visit Turkey?
We’d say any time is a good time to visit Turkey!
Okay, being serious for the moment - if you’re looking for a more specific answer, we’d say the best time of year to visit Turkey depends on what type of holiday you want to have.
If you want to frolic on the beaches along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast (Antalya, Kaş, Fethiye) or near the Aegean (Ayvalık) then we’d recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons (May/June or late August/September and early October) to avoid the crowds.
Perhaps your vibe is visiting natural and historical tourist attractions like Pamukkale, Cappadocia and Ephesus. Then we’d suggest timing your visit during the shoulder seasons for the same reason.
Some cities like Istanbul, Bursa, Edirne and Trabzon can be visited all year round and are perfect for a city break. Trabzon and nearby Ayder are much more crowded during the height of summer.
Keen to get off the beaten track in southeastern Turkey (Gaziantep, Mardin, Şanliurfa)? We’d recommend avoiding July and August as it is unbearably hot. It’s perfect in April/May or late September/October.
The Black Sea region (Trabzon and Ayder), Mount Uludağ, Bursa and Van in eastern Turkey are great if you want cooler summer temperatures and are interested in hiking and walking. The weather is gorgeous in these areas from April to October.
If you want to see snow and love the cold, then Kars, Mount Nemrut, Bursa, Trabzon and Ayder are also really beautiful from November to February.
Hopefully, that gives you a good idea of the best months to visit Turkey!
What is the Best Season to Visit Turkey?
Winter
We’ve mostly travelled around Turkey in winter and it’s our favourite season - we like it because everywhere is less crowded and accommodation is cheaper. If you like to ski, this is the season for you!
However, do bear in mind that some places become completely inaccessible in winter due to snowfall (this can happen in Ayder for example and sometimes Mount Nemrut). In Cappadocia, hot air balloon rides often get cancelled due to bad weather.
If you visit Kars in winter the temperatures can drop to -25°C/ -13°F or lower so make sure you have proper winter clothing.
Spring
We love Turkey in spring - Istanbul is particularly beautiful when all the tulips are in bloom. Southeastern and eastern Turkey is also stunning during this time - think cherry blossoms and lush green Mesopotamian plains.
As this is still considered low season for visitors you’ll find reasonably priced accommodation and the temperatures are warm and pleasant.
Summer
Summer is gorgeous but can be stiflingly hot, especially along the coast. This is the best time to take boat rides along the Bosphorus, escape to cooler climes around the Black Sea or visit Mount Uludağ National Park.
Autumn
The crowds thin out during autumn, but you still have comfortable warm temperatures. This is a great time to book a beach holiday, visit Cappadocia, Mount Uludağ or the highlands of Ayder.
As we said above, there really is no ideal time to visit Turkey - it’s really up to you!
How Many Days in Turkey?
So how many days do you need in Turkey? This depends on which places you are interested in visiting.
If you’re keen on exploring some of Turkey’s top sites, we’d suggest checking out our 10-day Turkey itinerary, which covers many of the places on this list. The article also includes 5, 7 and 14-day itineraries to help with your planning.
Using our list of the top 10 places to visit in Turkey that we mentioned earlier in this article, we’ve outlined how many days we’d recommend for each place below.
For a faster-paced, whistle-stop tour of Turkey, choose the lower number of days that we have suggested. This is the very minimum time we would recommend in each place but still allows you to tick off the main attractions.
As slow travellers, we prefer a more relaxed and immersive experience. If you’re like us, choose the higher number of days.
Istanbul: 3-6 days
Cappadocia: 3-5 days
Mardin: 3-4 days
Pamukkale: 2-3 days
Kars: 3-4 days
Ephesus: 2-3 days
Kaş: 2-4 days
Mount Nemrut: 1-2 days
Trabzon: 3-5 days
Fethiye: 2-4 days.
Do I need a Visa to Visit Turkey?
For a list of up to date visa requirements to visit Turkey, visit the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Currently 78 countries and territories do not need to obtain a visa before travelling to Turkey for tourism purposes.
Travellers from many of these countries can visit Turkey and stay for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. You can see a list of these countries here.
Some visitors will require an e-visa to visit Turkey - you can easily apply for this online here. If you’re unsure whether you require a visa, you can also check on this site.
If you are not eligible for an e-visa you have to apply for a single entry visit visa to Turkey from your local Turkish embassy.
How to Travel Around Turkey
Whether you’re travelling on a shoestring budget or have plenty of cash to splash, you’ll find plenty of transport options to get you around Turkey.
Turkey’s vast and well-developed transport network makes getting between provinces, cities and towns a breeze.
Bus Travel in Turkey
Turkey’s extensive intercity bus network is one of the most affordable and practical ways to travel around the country. In most major towns and cities, you’ll find an intercity bus station (otogar).
Turkish coaches honestly surprised us - with comfortable reclining seats, USB charging points, air conditioning and complimentary snacks (like ice cream!), this is the next level of bus travel. Some buses even offer personal entertainment systems!
If your itinerary is tight consider travelling by night bus - you can save time and money on a night’s accommodation too!
Local minibuses, known as dolmüş, connect intercity buses to small towns. These can be found at the larger bus stations or hailed from the side of the road. You can also find long-distance dolmüş - these are much cheaper but not as comfortable.
Train Travel in Turkey
I love train travel in Turkey!
We’d highly recommend travelling by train around Turkey - it’s our favourite way to travel!
Turkish State Railways (TCDD) operates an extensive train network across the country including three high-speed lines and numerous regional trains.
Turkish trains are amazing (if you’re British like us, you’ll ask yourself why we can’t have stuff like this). Clean and very comfortable, with plenty of legroom and places to store your luggage, train travel in Turkey is also very affordable!
Depending on the route, some trains also have a dining car. The food is usually pretty simple, but the huge windows make up for it. We usually grab a cup of tea and watch the gorgeous scenery go by.
There are also several comfortable overnight sleeper trains for long-distance journeys such as the famous Eastern Express from Ankara to Kars. We love the sleeper trains - the cabins are cosy and we always get a good night’s sleep. And when we arrive at our destination we are ready to explore!
The views on Turkish train journeys are absolutely stunning.
You can also travel from Turkey to the rest of Europe by train: the Istanbul-Sofia Express takes travellers from Turkey to Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia. In the summer months, this train route extends to Bucharest in Romania.
Turkey’s high-speed rail lines, Yüksek Hızlı Tren (YHT), connect cities like Istanbul and Ankara to Konya and Eşkişehir in a matter of hours.
The easiest way to book tickets is through the TCDD E-bilet app. You can also book tickets at the train station.
Air Travel in Turkey
On a tight schedule? Then flying between different destinations in Turkey is the best option for you. Domestic flights around Turkey are pretty reasonable, especially if you book in advance.
Turkish Airlines flies to 52 domestic destinations multiple times a week, while Pegasus, a low-cost carrier and the second biggest airline in Turkey, operates 30 domestic routes. This means that it’s really easy to find a flight to most regions in Turkey. Check flight times and prices on WayAway here.
Turkey’s airport bus shuttle bus system, Havas, offers shuttle services from most airports in Turkey to nearby cities and towns. In Istanbul, the equivalent is Havaist (from Istanbul Airport) and Havabüs (from Sabiha Gökçen Airport).
Turkey is a huge country, so flying between destinations saves you a lot of time. And you can use those precious saved hours to explore a destination instead! It’s the ideal choice if you don’t have much time but still want to see as much of Turkey as possible.
Renting a Car in Turkey
If you love road trips and being in charge of your own schedule, we’d highly recommend renting a car in Turkey.
Turkey’s roads are fantastic and the scenery is incredible, so driving around this country is just a joy. (The only place we wouldn’t recommend driving is Istanbul because the traffic is crazy. Also you don’t need to drive as the city’s public transport system is fantastic).
Having your own car makes visiting more remote destinations like Ayder and Mount Nemrut much easier. Plus unlike an organised tour, you can take your time and explore at your own pace.
Renting a car is a surprisingly affordable way to explore the country. For example, renting a car for two weeks with Discover Cars starts from just £15/$19 per day. Click here to check car rental prices on Discover Cars.
You’ll need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car - bring your driving license and an International Driving License if you have one.
For more information about renting a car in Turkey plus which companies we recommend, read here.
📝 Useful Tips for Visiting Turkey
Learn some Turkish
English isn’t as widely spoken here as you might think and outside of tourist resorts, a little Turkish goes a long way. And Turkish people love you for it - just saying ‘thank you’ in Turkish results in smiles and sometimes even compliments! Here are some useful phrases:
Hello: Merhaba
Thank you: Teşekkür ederim
Thanks: Teşekkürler
May it come easy to you (said to anyone working and which people appreciate): Kolay gelsin
How much?: Ne kadar?
Please: Lütfen
Eat
Get out of your comfort zone and eat the local food. Turkish cuisine is a delight for foodies - colourful, diverse and rich, it should not be missed.
Every region has its specialities, ingredients and influences. From street food to breakfast and even vegetarian/vegan dishes, this is the place to indulge.
Bring a Range of Clothes
Like its food, Turkey is diverse - provinces across the country range from being liberal to more conservative.
In places like Istanbul, Fethiye and Antalya you can generally dress how you want. Travel further east and you’ll want to dress more modestly. You’ll also need to cover up to visit mosques and religious sites.
Drink Bottled Water
Even our Turkish friends in Istanbul drink bottled water. The water in most cities and towns in Turkey is safe to drink, but it tastes so strongly of chlorine it’s just unpleasant. Guzzle bottled water instead.
Be Mindful of Pickpockets
Generally, Turkey is very safe - we feel much safer in Istanbul than in London. However, in larger cities, there is a higher chance of petty crime. Be aware of your belongings on packed trams, buses and trains in major cities like Istanbul and Ankara.
Don’t Hail Yellow Taxis in Istanbul
Unless you speak Turkish - in that case, hail away. If you don’t, the driver will likely try to rip you off by taking you on a long and scenic drive around the city that costs a bomb. Use apps like Uber and BiTaksi to call a taxi instead.
You can hail taxis in other cities - just ask the driver to use the meter or agree a price beforehand.
🧿 Summary of the Best Places to Visit in Turkey
We know this article is longgg - so here’s a refresher on all the places we recommend to visit in this wonderful country:
Istanbul
Bursa
Uludağ National Park
Edirne
Cappadocia
Pamukkale
Mardin
Dara
Ephesus
Antalya
Ayvalık
Ishak Paşa Palace
Lake Van
Trabzon
Sumela Monastery
Ayder
Fethiye
Kars
Ani
Kaş
Mount Nemrut
Şanliurfa
Göbekli Tepe
Gaziantep
Further Reading About Turkey
Before you go, make sure to check out some of our other Istanbul and Turkey/Türkiye guides:
🗓 The Ultimate Turkey Itinerary 10 Days
🌟 22 Best Hotels in Istanbul With a View
🏠 Best Areas to Stay in Istanbul: Coolest Neighbourhoods & Top Hotels
🍲 The Best Istanbul Food Tours
🍳 Best Breakfast in Istanbul - 16 Incredible Places to Try
🌷 Visit the Istanbul Tulip Festival
🎪 18 Best Festivals in Istanbul
🎄 Christmas in Istanbul: All You Need to Know for a Magical Stay
🛫 How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
⛄ 9 Awesome Reasons to Spend Winter in Istanbul
🥑 Where to Find the Best Vegan Turkish Breakfast in Istanbul
🍔 Best Vegan Fast Food in Istanbul
🥦 Vegan Istanbul: The Best Under-the-Radar Restaurants
✅ 12 Things You Need To Do in Istanbul
🔎 Explore Balat Istanbul: An Insider's Guide to One of Istanbul's Most Unique Neighbourhoods
🖼️ 14 Top Things To Do in Gaziantep
🥘 Off the Eaten Track: The Best Street Food in Istanbul
🏔 Explore Cappadocia in Winter
Find more travel tips and useful information on Turkey here.
Looking for more travel inspiration? Click here to discover more of our favourite places around the world.
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