Discover The Best Places To Visit In Turkey

Imagine a country where the food is delicious, the culture is rich, and you can find an exciting blend of Europe and Asia all in one place. That’s precisely why Turkey is one of my favourite countries in the world.

Moreover, Turkey is an excellent place. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventurous explorer, or a beach lover wishing to taste the good life, Turkey offers something for everyone. Bathed by the Mediterranean and Black Seas and blessed with many natural and historic wonders, this country will leave you wanting to return for more.

I wrote this article to help you plan your visit to this beautiful country. Here are some of the best places to visit in Turkey that you won’t want to miss. Refer back to this list often before you hop on a plane!

Istanbul, where Europe and Asia meet, is Turkey's most visited city. A fascinating metropolis, marked by impressive landmarks and a rich culture

1. ISTANBUL 

We start off strong by mentioning Istanbul, the most visited city in Turkey and one of my favourite places in the world. Istanbul's culinary scene is fantastic, and its landmarks are impressive. 

This vast metropolis is home to over 16 million people and is the crossroads of two continents—Europe and Asia. It’s so extensive that I find something new every time I come for a visit! After coming here multiple times, these are my top three places in Istanbul: 

Once home to Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace now stands as a museum, displaying treasures that highlight the empire's rich history and opulence

TOPKAPI PALACE

The Topkapi Palace is one of Istanbul’s most celebrated landmarks and a must-visit for any history lover. This opulent palace, built in the 15th century, served as the residence of Ottoman Sultans for multiple centuries. These days, the palace is a museum showcasing the vast wealth and influence of the Ottoman Empire, including beautiful collections of porcelain, jewellery, and unique artifacts.

The Galata Tower, a historic Genoese landmark, offers panoramic views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus; once serving as a watchtower and prison, now a must-visit museum

GALATA TOWER

Next, we have the Galata Tower, one of Istanbul’s most iconic monuments. It was built by the Genoese, a civilization originally from Italy, and was used as a watchtower and a prison. Today, it’s a museum and a popular tourist destination with a beautiful panoramic view of Istanbul’s skyline and the Bosphorus River.

The Basilica Cistern, a 6th-century Byzantine marvel, features grand columns, atmospheric lighting, and iconic Medusa heads, showcasing its role as a water reservoir for the Great Palace

BASILICA CISTERN

Another not-to-be-missed stop in Istanbul is the Basilica Cistern, a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering. Emperor Justinian I built it in the 6th century as an underground reservoir to supply water to the Great Palace. The massive columns and atmospheric lighting make the cistern a unique site in Istanbul. Two columns are adorned with Medusa heads, so don’t be surprised when you see them here. 

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BEST PLACES TO TAKE PHOTOS IN ISTANBUL

These are some of the best places to experience in Istanbul, Turkey, for capturing memories:

• Start in Taksim Square, commonly known as the heart of Istanbul. This immense plaza, an excellent rendezvous point, showcases a landmark symbolizing the foundation of the Turkish Republic as we know it today. 

• Then, head to Galata Tower, perhaps one of the most picturesque monuments in the city. It used to be a prison, but now it’s a museum with a restaurant on the last floor, which offers beautiful views of the Bosphorus River. 

• To top it all off, hop on a cruise along the Bosphorus. This will allow you to see many of Istanbul’s key attractions while getting a sense of its history—and even trying delicious Turkish mezes (appetizers). You’ll take photos here that quickly make you look like a professional photographer.

Istanbul is a beautiful city you’ll want to visit more than once. Try spending a few days here, as you’ll hardly see everything in just one day. For me, Istanbul is a place to live, connect, and immerse yourself in a lifestyle combining historic charm and modern amenities. Every visit feels like coming home.

Cappadocia, in Central Turkey, offers surreal landscapes, rich history, and breathtaking sunrises, serving as a historic crossroads for trade routes and home to ancient civilizations

2. CAPPADOCIA

Can you imagine a place that feels like stepping into a fantasy and offers one of the best sunrises in the world? That’s exactly what you get when in Cappadocia. This remarkable region in Central Turkey is famous for its surreal landscapes and historical sites. 

The name “Cappadocia,” rooted in Persian, means “land of beautiful horses” and has been inhabited for thousands of years. Throughout history, this part of Turkey has also served as the crossroads for trade routes and home to various civilizations, such as the Persians and the early Christians. Here are two main attractions to explore when in this part of Turkey:

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is a must if you’re looking for the best place in Turkey to get a scenic view. At sunrise, multiple hot air balloons lift off to offer stunning views over the valleys and fairy chimneys. The sight of Cappadocia’s rugged landscape at dawn is magical—definitely worth the early wake-up call.

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The Göreme Open-Air Museum showcases ancient rock-cut churches with vivid frescoes, offering a glimpse into the Christian heritage of Cappadocia and its unique volcanic landscapes

GÖREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

When you think of churches, what comes to mind? Likely stunning cathedrals with intricate designs and lots of art. The Göreme Open-Air Museum offers not just one but multiple churches with a particular twist: they’re all cut into rock faces. As the home of an ancient Christian civilization, this museum offers frescoes depicting biblical scenes and insight into the places of worship built inside volcanic rocks.

Antalya, known as the Turkish Riviera, combines pristine Mediterranean beaches, historic landmarks, and unique local delicacies, offering a remarkable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage

3. ANTALYA

The Mediterranean is often associated with countries like Spain, Italy, or Greece, but Antalya, also known as the Turkish Riviera, is another fantastic place in Turkey. In this part of the country, you can spend time at beautiful beaches, check out historic sites, and try dishes as unique as lentil ice cream and other local delicacies. However, among all the monuments in this part of the country, there’s one that clearly stands out:

The Aspendos Theatre, a Roman architectural marvel near Antalya, is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres, renowned for its acoustics and still hosting concerts and festivals for up to 15,000 spectators

ROMAN THEATRE OF ASPENDOS

Aspendos, a marvel of Roman architecture and a highlight for history lovers, is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. Thanks to its incredible acoustics, it can hold up to 15,000 spectators and is still used for concerts and festivals. The landmark—just an hour’s drive from Antalya—is excellent for a day trip.

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Everything you’ve seen so far is just a fraction of what you can find there. As you explore the various landmarks of different civilizations, it’s easy to understand why there’s always something new to discover

CONCLUSION

Turkey’s rich history has helped shape the country into what it is today. You’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes, stunning monuments, incredible food, and ancient architecture. The good news is that this country is vast, and what I’ve shared with you is a fraction of what you can find there. 

When you visit the different landmarks of multiple civilizations that have settled in the country, it’s easy to understand why there’s always something new to discover. Trust me, you’ll want to visit multiple times to really explore every corner of Turkey.