If you seek a unique travel destination Turkey is the perfect palace to choose. The destination with its stunning beaches, rich history and vibrant culture offers something for everyone. If you wish for an adventure-filled vacation or if you just want a relaxing vacation there are many Turkey tourist attractions and many more reasons why you must visit this beautiful country .
If you want to know what Turkey is famous for then below is the list prepared for you that will make your mind to plan a trip to Turkey. From exploring monuments and ancient ruins to indulging in delicious cuisines and the local markets, the list will help you with all.
Here is the List of 25 Best Things To Do In Turkey:
- Dolmabahce Palace
- Galata Bridge
- Cemberlitas Hamami
- Blue Mosque
- Pamukkale Thermal Pools
- The Bosphorus Ferry Ride
- Ankara Castle
- Kapali Carsi
- Mount Nemrut
- Gobekli Tepe
- Hippodrome Of Constantinople
- Aqua Vega Aquarium
- Archaeological Site of Troy
- Hagia Sophia
- Ruins Of Ephesus
- Cappadocia
- Goreme National Park
- Dervish
- Pigeon Valley
- Erimtan Museum
- Lycian Rock Tombs
- Nargile Bars
- Clubs And Cafes
Table of Contents
Best Things to do in Turkey
Turkey presents many existing experiences owing to its distinctive geographical circumstances. The destination is all surrounded by seas on three sides boasts a four-season climate, and is home to many civilizations as well. The place has everything for everyone, whether you are a culture lover, art lover, foodie, nature lover or adventure enthusiast. There are many things to see in Turkey that you dream for a memorable vacation.
Dolmabahce Palace: View The Architecture
Dolmabahce Palace was built in place of the Topkapi Palace and was the residence of the Sultans in 1856 to 1924. It is the largest building in the country with about 285 bedrooms 43 halls, 6 Turkish baths and 68 bathrooms. In 1984 the palace was turned into a museum and the visits to this palace have been broken into four sections: Selamik, Clock, Hareem, and Glass Pavilion. The interior of the palace is mesmerizing and has Hereke carpets and European porcelain, which was designed by a French painter.
Location: Dolmabahce Caddesi
Timings: From Tuesday to Sunday 9 am to 4 pm and Monday closed
Galata Bridge: Enjoy a Fish Sandwich And Pickle Juice
Popular as Galata Koprusu Galata Bridge is a 490-meter drawbridge found in the Golden Horn estuary that combines well-established Istanbul with the modern part of the modern era. It is a symbolic bridge that represents the connecting cultures and the bottom of which you can enjoy many restaurants and cafes and is the best place to grab freshly caught fish. The palace is also the best to try Turkish dishes and also enjoy coming and going by boat.
The Galata Bridge occupies a significant role in the myths of the city and the hearts of Turkish citizens. Enjoy the best fish sandwiches in the country here, as it is one of the best turkey things to do.
Location: The Golden Horn
Timings: 10 am to 10 pm
Cemberlitas Hamami: Enjoy A Turkish Bath
The word Hamam means baths that give off heat; a Turkish Bath is one of the best things to enjoy as it is a more humid version of a sauna and is divided into sections: Atrium, cold, mild and caldarium. In almost all baths in Istanbul, the entry to it comprises an exfoliating wash and various massages. There are many Turkish baths, but the best one is Cemberlitas Hammam, located in the historic center of the city. It must do things that ensure a lifetime experience that is very relaxing and soothing. So book your bath and visit the palace early in the morning.
Location: Mollafenari , Vezirhan No 8,34440 Fatih Istanbul.
Timings : 6 AM to 12AM
Also read: Adventure Parks in United Kingdom
Blue Mosque: Embrace The Silence
It is among the most important places in Istanbul and its name in Turkish is Sultanahmed Camii. It was built by the Sultan between 1609 to 1616. The place attracts many tourists, and paying a visit to the place is one of the things that locals suggest when asked about which turkey sites to see. The mosque has a courtyard, six minarets and many balconies. Because it is an active mosque, tourist entry is restricted during the prayer hours, thus visiting the place in the evening.
Location : Sultanahmet Square
Timings: Daily 8 30 Am to 1130 AM, 1 pm to 2:30 PM , 3 30 PM to 4 45 PM.
Pamukkale Thermal Pools: Take A Natural Sauna
It is one of the amazing Turkish attractions that translates to Cotton Castle. It is named given owing to its pristine white carbonate mineral travertines, also famous as snow-white thermal water pools. Visit this place to bathe like the Romans in calcium-rich pools, or you can also ride in hot air balloons over this outstanding site. The pools here are filled with therapeutic water that is known for healing many skin ailments, asthma, and eye problems. It is a must-do thing while on your Turkey trip.
Location : Kale, 20190 Pamukkale, DEnizli Merkez
Timings: 6 30 AM to 9 pm
The Bosphorus Ferry Ride: Behold The amazing
During your Turkey tour, one of the best things to do is to immerse yourself in the enhancing allure of a Bosphorus Cruise Tour or Ferry ride. It is a highly preferred activity that is affordable as well. Many ferries are running up the Bosphorus, and it is a must to take a ferry and enjoy the lost, significant, and mesmerizing geographical location of the planet. There are two types of services offered: an Inner city or domestic public ferry, mainly for locals and commuters to get around the region, and other Bosphorus Long, Short and moonlight tour services for visitors.
The cruise times last between 2 to 10 hours, depending on the number of stops and the length of the journey. During the ferry ride, you may witness the transformation in architecture and strategic planning of cities between Europe and Asia.
Location: South to North Turkey
Timings: 2 30 PM to 4:00 PM
Ankara Castle: Revisit The History
Ankara Castle is among the topmost Turkey places to visit if you seek to revisit the history . This historic castle is such a large building, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire city of Ankara from inside with four large walls and 42 pentagonal pillars. However, it was originally constructed for military purposes , nowadays this ancient castle is among the top places to visit in your Turkey tour. The palace attracts history fanatics and presents many art galleries, cafes, restaurants and many shops selling souvenirs.
Location : Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm and all days open
Kapali Carsi: Collect unique Artifacts
If you wish to collect and make endless memories and priceless moments then visit Kapali Carsi or Grand Bazaar of Istanbul. The place is for those who seek to bring something back home may be a price of Turkey. Travelers consider this as one of the best places to go in turkey. It is a huge marketplace having a diverse collection of artifacts , jewellery, antiquities, spices, handcrafted goods carpets, etc. It is considered a treasure trove for a curator of all unique items.
Location : Walled city of Istanbul
Timings : 8 am to 7 pm
Also read: Best Places to Visit in Spain
Mount Nemrut: Go Hiking
If you love hiking and wish to enjoy the fascinating look of enormous pale sandy monuments, then this is the palace for you. Also, The Nemrut Dag National Park, a World Heritage Site, is a must-see stop while on this hike. It is best to wear comfortable shoes and not forget a hiking pole to enjoy the utmost.
Location : Southeastern Turkey
Timings : NA
Gobekli Tepe: Visit to Iconic Landmark
Also known as Potbelly Hill, it is among the best places to visit in Turkey. It is an iconic site that has stood for many years. The tower is about 50 feet high and 980 feet in diameter, which makes it the largest attraction in Turkey. The place attracts many visitors and encompasses a social or ritual nature. It is deeply rooted and has a rich history that attracts travelers to learn more about it.
Location : Orencik , 63290 haliliye , Turkey
Timings : NA
Hippodrome Of Constantinople: Embrace The Historic significance
It is one of the most important buildings that serves as a place for gatherings and sporting events. Many visitors can enjoy the scenic view of the original structures of past years in SultanAhmet Square that is presently known as SultanAhmet Square. Here visitors can also see the magnificent base of the obelisk as well.
Location : Binbirdirek, Sultan Ahmet Park No 2, 34122 Fatih
Timings: open 24 hours
Aqua Vega Aquarium: Witness The Turkish Marine Life
The place is the home to the third-largest tunnel aquarium in Europe and is regarded as the best and largest underwater worlds. It is one of the must visit places and most preferred among tourists , if you are confused about what to see in Turkey. The aquarium is home to many exotic sea creatures and is best to spend time with family. It encompasses many exhibits like Jungle Corner, SeaShell Museum and Adrenaline World . Visitors enjoy fascinating marine life here including Napoleon fish, Sharks , clownfish and many others.
Location : Akşemsettin, Doğukent Bulvarı Nata Vega Outlet, 06480 Mamak
Timings : 10 am to 8 pm
Archaeological Site of Troy: Feel the significance
The site has its own significance and is considered amongst the best things to do in Turkey. Many authors have found inspiration in the soil that breeds gallant heroes. It is among the most beautiful sights in Turkey, and history lovers will be delighted to feel and touch the ruins of altars, temples, and other fortifications.
Location : Northwest Turkey
Timings : NA
Also read: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Italy
Hagia Sophia: Learn About Turkish History
It is a museum that was prior to an imperial mosque , now another iconic building that has historical significance. It is designed as a UNESCO Heritage Site and has a massive dome which was a watershed moment in architecture at that era. If you are seeking to visit places in Turkey with family then visit the place as it is on the top in the list of travelers.
Location : Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 Fatih
Timings : 9 AM to 5 PM
Ruins Of Ephesus: Visit The Ruins
It is considered as the most famous and historic site of Turkey and contains the remains of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. A large number of visitors visit the place along with One of the Seven Wonders of the World is the Temple of Artemis. One major tourist attraction most preferred by the tourists is the Library of Celsus, which offers a glimpse of the past grandeur of the Greek city, which also includes the rise and fall of empires. You can visit the place to delve into the profound feel of Ephesus.
Location : Atatürk, Park İçi Yolu No:12, 35920 Selçuk
Timings : 8 Am to 6 30 PM
Cappadocia: behold The Beauty
To your amazing trip to Turkey ,take time to visit Cappadocia to experience the hot air ballooning . It is the most adventurous activity to do in Turkey that allows you to capture marvelous views of the place from a hot air balloon. Also you can enjoy the equally beautiful view of hot air balloons in the sky. Also visiting the Cappadocia during sunrise and sunsets is recommended for the best views. The place is a home to the most popular UNESCO Heritage Sites. It oozes an aura of romance and love.
Location : Cappadocia
Timings : NA
Goreme National Park: Explore Limestone Formations
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions that is situated in the volcanic zone of Hasan mountain, famous for its limestone structures. Many tunnels are carved out naturally from limestone rocks and which showcases the perfect combination of human and nature. It is one of the UNESCO Heritage sites that offers rarest sights of underground cities in churches .
Location: Central Anatolia plateau , Cappadocia
Timings: 24 hours open
Also read: Best Places to visit in Greece
Dervish: Watch The Sacred Dance
Dervish ceremony also known as the Sema ceremony is a spiritual practice associated with the followers of Mevlana Rumi. Attending this ceremony is considered one of the famous things in Turkey that should not be missed as it is a profound spiritual experience. It offers a glimpse of the mystical aspects of Sufism as well. Your visit to the place involves enjoying soothing songs, playing musical instruments, dancing and soulful poems for spiritual upliftment.
Location : Galipdede Caddesi
Timings: NA
Pigeon Valley: Fall In Love With Pigeons
It is a lovely valley where thousands of pigeon houses are carved in the rock face. During your hike to Cappadocia, you will witness pigeon caves and landscapes. Known for its breathtaking views, the Pigeon Valley is also renowned for its stunning vistas. The valley has 4 km of track for hikers; tracks through the valley are challenging for regular people. The site is also ideal for hiking and trekking.
Location : Pigeon Valley
Timings : NA
Erimtan Museum: See Turkish Artistic Side
It is the most popular museum and has unique and ancient things. It houses the bewildering accumulation of mostly Roman artefacts collected over the years by Turkish businessmen and archaeology enthusiasts. The museum also has a cafe downstairs that has a tranquil garden setting and serves excellent coffee. Tourists here can also witness fabulously beautiful ceramic as well as jewellery pieces here, along with a vast coin collection, an ornate Urartian belt and cuneiform tablets from Kültepe.
Location : Kale, Gözcü Sk. No:10, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
Timings : 10 am to 5 pm
Also read: Adventure Parks to visit in France
Lycian Rock Tombs: Explore The Intriguing Past
Carved into the cliff sides above the town and looking out over the ocean, these tombs offer a fascinating view into the city’s ancient past. These boast extraordinary architectural designs and offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Lycians. This cluster of tombs is crowned with the grand tomb of Amyntas and is among the turkey best places to visit. These Turkish tombs are regarded as breathtaking archeological marvels with profound historical value. and were created to honor and remember the deceased.
Location: Teke Peninsula, Western Taurus Range, Southern Anatolia
Timings : NA
Nargile Bars: Try Turkish Tobacco
People who want an amazing experience must visit Nargile Bar to try out Turkish tobacco. In Turkey, the hookah pipe is termed the Nargile and is said to be the most popular activity. Here, you can order from many different flavors and can also spend hours enjoying yourself, smoking, and drinking tea.
Location : Anadolu Nargile Çorlulu Ali Paşa Medresesi
Timings : 7 Am to Midnight
Clubs And Cafes: Taste The Local Raki
Visiting local cages and clubs to try out Raki is one of the best things to do in Turkey. To taste local alcohol, Turkey has many places where local drinks are served. Also, you can try out and invite your drinks to have a fantastic experience. Here, you can get options among many eclectic bars, clubs, and restaurants to satiate the night crawler within you. The excitement of nightlife in Istanbul is indisputably the best experience that you must get during Turkey country travel.
Location: Istanbul
Timings: 9 pm to Midnight
Turkey offers many places to see and attracts many visitors with its rich heritage and stunning landscapes. It is a destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a smile on your face.
Also read: Places to Visit in Europe