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Turkey Places to Visit

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Top Cities and Destinations in Turkey

Discover extraordinary cities and picturesque locations that will captivate you with their rich culture, fascinating history, and stunning beauty.

istanbul

Istanbul

Istanbul
ankara

Ankara

Ankara
izmir

Izmir

Izmir
antalya

Antalya

Antalya
bursa

Bursa

Bursa
adana

Adana

Adana
mersin

Mersin

Mersin
trabzon

Trabzon

Trabzon
konya

Konya

Konya
edirne

Edirne

Edirne
bodrum

Bodrum

Mugla
alanya

Alanya

Antalya
kayseri

Kayseri

Kayseri
izmit

Izmit

Kocaeli
fethiye

Fethiye

Mugla
Show all (+5)

Turkey is famous for its magnificent architecture, ancient ruins and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Istanbul, the cultural capital of Turkey, is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, known for its rich history, diverse culture and impressive monuments. Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are just a few of the must-see attractions in Istanbul. Also be sure to stroll through the bustling Grand Bazaar and enjoy a delicious Turkish meal at one of the city's many traditional restaurants.

Another must-see in Turkey is Cappadocia, a region in the central part of the country known for its fantastic landscapes, unique rock formations and hot air balloon flights. Be sure to visit the open-air museum of Goreme, hike through the magnificent Valley of Roses or visit the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu.

For beach lovers, a must-see is the Turkish Riviera, offering crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. Antalya, Bodrum and Marmaris are just some of the recommendable resorts.

Turkey is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes such as kebab, baklava and borek. Many Turkish sweets such as lokum and helva are also worth trying.

Turkey Top Attractions

Famous places and interesting landmarks

  • topkapi palace istanbul
    Historic Ottoman-era palace complex

    Topkapı Palace, Istanbul

    Topkapı Palace, an opulent testament to the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, stands proudly in Istanbul, Turkey. Now a museum, this sprawling complex was once the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries, from the 1460s to the 1850s.

  • hagia sophia istanbul
    Byzantine basilica museum with mosaics

    Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

    Hagia Sophia stands as a testament to architectural grandeur and religious significance in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Originally constructed as a church, this monumental structure has withstood the passage of centuries, reflecting the city's diverse history.

  • blue mosque istanbul
    Iconic Blue Mosque with 6 minarets

    Blue Mosque, Istanbul

    The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, stands as an enduring masterpiece of Ottoman architecture in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and completed in 1616, this grand mosque is renowned for its striking blue tile work...

  • bodrum castle
    Forts and castles

    Bodrum Castle, Bodrum

    Perched on the edge of Turkey's picturesque Aegean coast, Bodrum Castle stands as a sentinel over the harbor of the city of Bodrum. This historic fortress, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, is a museum that offers visitors a journey through time amidst its ancient...

  • anitkabir ankara
    Mausoleum for former Turkish leader

    Anıtkabir, Ankara

    Anıtkabir is not only the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey, but also a symbol of the nation’s reverence for its most cherished leader. Situated atop the prominent hill of Anittepe in Ankara, Anıtkabir...

  • basilica cistern istanbul
    Restored 542 A.D. waterworks

    Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

    The Basilica Cistern, known as Yerebatan Sarayı or "The Sunken Palace" in Turkish, is one of Istanbul's most stunning historical sites. Nestled in the historical peninsula of the city, this ancient cistern offers a unique glimpse into the past.

  • dolmabahce palace istanbul
    Museum in ornate Ottoman sultan's palace

    Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul

    Dolmabahçe Palace, an opulent symbol of the fading Ottoman Empire, stands majestically along the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. This grandiose structure, which now serves as a museum, was constructed between 1843 and 1856 under the reign...

  • istanbul archaeology museums istanbul
    Museum of Turkish archaeological finds

    Istanbul Archaeology Museums, Istanbul

    Nestled in the heart of Istanbul's historic peninsula, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums are a triumvirate of cultural treasures that offer a deep dive into the city's ancient past. Comprising the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Orient, and the Tiled...

  • hippodrome istanbul
    Public square where hippodrome stood

    Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul

    Sultanahmet Square, nestled in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, is a historical park that serves as a bridge between the city's illustrious past and its vibrant present. This expansive square is surrounded by some of the most significant architectural wonders of the...

  • miniaturk istanbul
    Turkey transformed into a model village

    Miniatürk, Istanbul

    Nestled in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey, is a unique attraction that offers visitors an extraordinary journey through the country's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. Miniatürk, a museum like no other, presents an enchanting miniature world where the...

  • spice bazaar istanbul
    Historic covered spice and textiles market

    Spice Bazaar, Istanbul

    Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is a vibrant shopping center that serves as a treasure trove of flavors, scents, and colors. Established in the 17th century, it has been the go-to destination for those seeking...

  • museum of anatolian civilizations ankara
    Archaeology displays in Ottoman building

    Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara

    The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations stands as a testament to the rich heritage of Turkey, nestled in the heart of the country's capital, Ankara. This premier institution is dedicated to showcasing the myriad of cultures that have flourished on the Anatolian...

Things to See and Do by Category

Interesting and worth visiting places and tourist attractions appreciated by most tourists. See the list of places to visit when planning a trip to Turkey.

Unesco

Museum

Mosque

Park

Historical place

History museum

  • Topkapı Palace

    Topkapı Palace

    IstanbulHistoric Ottoman-era palace complexMuseumHistory museum
  • Dolmabahçe Palace

    Dolmabahçe Palace

    IstanbulMuseum in ornate Ottoman sultan's palaceMuseumHistory museum
  • Chora Church

    Chora Church

    IstanbulMuseum with Muslim and Christian artworksMuseumArt museum
  • Beylerbeyi Palace

    Beylerbeyi Palace

    IstanbulHistorical summer palace with gardensMuseumHistory museum
  • Didyma

    Didyma

    DidimHistorical placeHistory museumMuseum
  • Sumela Monastery

    Sumela Monastery

    Altındere Valley National ParkHistorical placeRuinsMonastery
  • Silifke Museum

    Silifke Museum

    SilifkeMuseumHistory museumArchaeological museum
  • Myra

    Myra

    DemreTownHistorical placeAncient Greek architecture

Church

Beach

Specialty museum

Sacred and religious sites

Archaeological site

  • Myra

    Myra

    DemreTownHistorical placeAncient Greek architecture
  • Rumelihisarı

    Rumelihisarı

    IstanbulAncient fortress with panoramic viewsHistory museumHistorical place
  • Sagalassos

    Sagalassos

    AğlasunRuinsArchaeological site
  • Library of Pergamum

    Library of Pergamum

    BergamaArchaeological site
  • Hattusa

    Hattusa

    Bogazkale Archaeological site
  • Göbekli Tepe

    Göbekli Tepe

    Urfa RuinsArchaeological site
  • Kaunos

    Kaunos

    DalyanRuinsHistorical placeArchaeological site
  • Miletus

    Miletus

    DidimCityRuinsArchaeological site

Forts and castles

Ruins

Bridge

Archaeological museum

Neighbourhood

Cemetery

Art museum

Theater

Ancient Greek architecture

  • Myra

    Myra

    DemreTownHistorical placeAncient Greek architecture
  • Temple of Artemis

    Temple of Artemis

    SelçukArchaeological ruins of a Greek templeRuinsTemple
  • Kaunos

    Kaunos

    DalyanRuinsHistorical placeArchaeological site
  • Miletus

    Miletus

    DidimCityRuinsArchaeological site
  • Priene

    Priene

    GüllübahçeCityRuinsTheater
  • Corycus

    Corycus

    KızkalesiArchaeological siteAncient Greek architecture
  • Phaselis

    Phaselis

    TekirovaRuins of an ancient harbor townHistorical placeArchaeological site
  • Laodicea

    Laodicea

    DenizliRuinsArchaeological siteAncient Greek architecture

Natural attraction

Concerts and shows

Shopping

Area

Architecture

Palace

Memorial

Art gallery

Nature

City

  • Miletus

    Miletus

    DidimCityRuinsArchaeological site
  • Priene

    Priene

    GüllübahçeCityRuinsTheater
  • Antioch of Pisidia

    Antioch of Pisidia

    YalvaçCityArchaeological site
  • Selge

    Selge

    Köprülü CanyonCityArchaeological siteAncient Greek architecture
  • Erythrae

    Erythrae

    ÇeşmeCityArchaeological siteAncient Greek architecture
  • Seleucia

    Seleucia

    ManavgatCityRuinsArchaeological site
  • Rhodiapolis

    Rhodiapolis

    KumlucaCityArchaeological site
  • Euromus

    Euromus

    MilasCityArchaeological site
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Regions of Turkey

AdanaAdiyamanAfyonAgriAksarayAmasyaAnkaraAntalyaArdahanArtvinAydinBalikesirBartınBatmanBayburtBilecikBingölBitlisBoluBurdurBursaÇanakkaleÇankiriÇorumDenizliDiyarbakirDüzceEdirneElazığErzincanErzurumEskisehirGaziantepGiresunGümüshaneHakkariHatayIğdırIspartaIstanbulIzmirK. MarasKarabükKaramanKarsKastamonuKayseriKilisKinkkaleKirklareliKirsehirKocaeliKonyaKütahyaMalatyaManisaMardinMersinMuglaMusNevsehirNigdeOrduOsmaniyeRizeSakaryaSamsunSanliurfaSiirtSinopSirnakSivasTekirdagTokatTrabzonTunceliUsakVanYalovaYozgatZinguldak

Where to next? Discover country icon Iran, a country in the region worth visiting, or use the destination finder

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