Turkey, boasting of its transcontinental culture, has a charming beauty of its own. The mind-blowing Ottoman palaces, vibrant bazaars, the heavenly bliss of Cappadocia, grand beach resorts, ultra-beautiful mountains, and sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea are sure to cast an ever-lasting impression on your mind.
#10: Ephesus
Ephesus is a major historical town in Turkey. Explore the endless number of ancient ruins and embrace the serenity of the place. The massive historical structures and well-paved marble-columned pathways add to the aesthetics of this ancient town. Witness the past come alive as you go about exploring this once-famed city of the Golden Age of Rome. Did you know that this city was once considered to be the core trading center in the entire Mediterranean region? The famous structures of the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus will surprise you.
#9: Pamukkale
Turkey is stacked with a myriad of pretty sites, and Pamukkale definitely has to be on this list. Just a look at the extensive white ice-like spread and the dazzling blue waters will make you feel as if you have been transported to some sort of dreamland. No wonder why this place has been given the name ‘Pamukkale’, which, in Turkish, means “cotton castle.” Do you know the reason behind Pamukkale’s appearance as a snowfield? Well, this is because of the travertine terraces of the place and the carbonate mineral that has been left behind by the cascading of thermal spring water in this very spot. These very thermal pools of the place have emerged as chief tourist attractions. You can also explore the age-old ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis which happened to be the name of this snow-white limestone-rich area. And yes, the place got its name ‘Pamukkale’ much later. Pamukkale, together with the ancient city of Hierapolis is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
#8: Ankara
Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is a bustling hub of business and commerce. It shelters government buildings, consulates, embassies, educational institutes, and several other important establishments. But hey, don’t worry! The city has a lot more to offer than just being a business hub and depicting the hustle and bustle of usual city life. Here, you can get a taste of the ancient Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Greek cultures and have a unique experience immersing yourself in the enigmatic past of the land. While here, don’t forget to pay a visit to the renowned Temple of Augustus. The city is stuffed with a great number of museums and theaters, so you can get an awesome chance to perceive the cultural ethos of the place.
#7: Oludeniz
The sight of Oludeniz, a beach resort, is nothing short of a dream. The calm, turquoise-blue waters, along with the beautiful white pebble beach, add to the awesomeness of the place. You can reach this fabulous place by simply undertaking a short journey from Fethiye, which is also another renowned area with beautiful beaches in Turkey. The dazzling blue lagoon and the aquamarine seawater make this place not only paradisiacal but also heavily exotic. Did we say that Oludeniz is also a famous paragliding destination? Take a great flight into the beautiful sky and enjoy the fantastic panoramic views of the place surrounding you. Glide above the towering Mount Babadag and witness the best scenic views.
#6: Bodrum
Bodrum is a nice place situated in the beautiful Aegean region of Turkey. The amazing twin bays of the city, along with the breathtaking views of Bodrum Castle, are sure to surprise you. Have a great time shopping in the lively streets of Bodrum Bazaar and blending with the vibrant local culture of the place. The characteristic blue-framed windows, fascinating street art, and winding lane ways are sure to make you fall for this place. While here, don’t forget to take a sip of the famous Turkish tea. Try all the culinary delicacies available here and have a sweet time touring around the nearby beach towns and resorts.
#5: Istanbul
Straddling Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is a fascinating metropolis in Turkey. Istanbul was earlier known as Constantinople, which happened to be the glorious capital of the Byzantine Empire. The old district of Sultanahmet is stuffed with captivating places radiating rich historical grandeur. Visit the site of the Roman-era Hippodrome, which was once the buzzing site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks. The famous Hagia Sophia, or Aya Sofya Mosque, is a must-visit while touring around Istanbul. Also, the renowned structure of Topkapi Palace, packed with vibrant Islamic art, will sure impress you to a great extent. Then there is the Basilica Cistern which is well-populated with tourists throughout the year. Last but not least, don’t forget to visit the Blue Mosque, which stands as a testimony to the glorious Ottoman architecture. The beautiful Iznik tiles of this mosque further add to its beauty.
#4: Mount Nemrut
If you wish to witness a spooky experience in Turkey, visiting Mount Nemrut is an obvious thing to do. Here, you get to see a myriad of funerary mounds, ruins, and the remains of gigantic statues and buildings. The barren mountaintop is filled with the scattered remains of massive God statues that overlook the surrounding area in a really eerie way. Do you know an interesting fact about this place? Well, the creation of this bone-chilling place is attributed to Antiochus I, who was the ruler of the Commagene Kingdom. He then packed the mountaintop to the brim with a wide variety of statues of himself and various other divine elements.
#3: Konya
Situated in Turkey’s central Anatolia region, the ancient town of Konya has evolved into a popular city that is equipped with a variety of modern features. Explore the mind-blowing Seljuk architecture and the eye-catching, whirling dervishes. Do you know that Konya was the home to the renowned Sufi figure Rumi? You just can’t help but admire the Mausoleum of Rumi, along with its adjoining Mevlana Museum. Experiencing the Whirling Dervishes going about spinning with their long, flowy gowns is sure to give you an ethereal experience. Embrace nature as you visit the renowned Alaeddin Hill! Experience dining at the wonderful revolving restaurant at Konya, known as the Seljuk Tower.
#2: Patara Beach
Take a stroll on the sandy, exotic beach of Patara in Turkey. Surprisingly, Patara is famous for yet another reason. Guess what? This is a historical town and has been a prospering maritime and commercial city in Turkey. Do you know Patara is also the birthplace of the renowned figure, St. Nicholas? Explore the ancient ruins of the place as you go about enjoying your stroll on the beach. Swim in the beautiful seawater and capture the most picturesque views of the coastal region.
#1: Cappadocia
Coming to the number 1 tourist spot in Turkey, Cappadocia is a place situated in Central Turkey and is probably the most picturesque region in Turkey. We won’t be surprised if you mistake this place for a piece of art created by an artist. The cone-shaped rocky formations, along with the plentiful cliff ridges, give this place an extraordinarily beautiful look. But, guess what? Cappadocia is well-known mostly for the hot-air balloon ride. Explore the cave churches of the Goreme Open-Air Museum, and perceive the rich architectural beauty of the Byzantine Empire. Halting in Cappadocia and experiencing a lovely night in the boutique hotels that let you lie down in luxuriously designed caves is going to be a unique experience!
Top 10 Best Places To Visit in Turkey on a Map
Get set for an enjoyable trip to the fantastic land of Turkey! Which of these places in Turkey became your instant favorite? Let us know in the COMMENTS section below.
Traveling to Turkey is indeed an exciting one, but before you visit this amazing place, you may want to consider reading our article about: 10 Things NOT to do in TURKEY
