Places to Visit in Turkey

With historic cities, pristine beaches, beautiful culture and delicious gastronomy, a visit to Turkey promises you exciting and magical experiences. This place makes a perfect vacation getaway so, don’t miss it. With so much to offer to its visitors, scroll through and know about the best places to visit in Turkey that will make you book the next flight to Turkey. Let's get started -

Top Places to visit in Turkey

1. Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque is Turkey’s most popular place to explore. It is located in Istanbul and its blue-tiled architecture attracts a lot of tourists. Be modestly dressed to visit the mosque and don’t break any rules there. This amazing mosque with vibrant blue colours and elegant architectural designs is a must to visit.

• Location: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydani Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Timings: Any time except the prayer times (5 times)

2. Kaymakli Underground City

This unique village is built under the hill called the Citadel of Kaymakli. Sound’s interesting isn’t it? It is said that there are more underground cities spread all across Turkey but Kaymakli is discovered yet. This place will definitely give you chills and leave you awestruck! Do not forget to add this oddly-satisfying place to your Turkey Itinerary.

• Timings: 12.30 pm to 5:00 pm 
• Entry Fees: 42 TL

3. Kabak Bay

Kabak Bay should be your topmost choice in Turkey as this place offers picturesque beauty to its visitors. It is on the shore by the Lycia village offering serenity and hippie vibes. It is a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some quality time in the lap of Mother Nature. You can also swim, snorkel, dive or just do nothing and relax. 

• Location: Uzunyurt, Uzunyurt Köyü Fethiye/Fethiye/Muala, Turkey
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn
• Entry Fees: N/A

4. Aspendos

Aspendos is an ancient Greco-Roman city known for its famous theatre built by a Greek architect Zenon and the unique 19 km-long Roman Aqueducts. This city is situated by the Eurymedon river. This unique historic city will definitely give you chills on your Turkey vacation.

• Location: Serik, Antalya Province, Turkey
• Best Time to Visit: March to June
• Entry Fees: 25 TL

5. Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley is also known as the Imaginary Valley and is a very famous tourist spot known for its lunar landscapes. The majestic rock formations depicting different structures of many animals, mythological characters and more also attract many visitors. Visit this amazing valley and click astonishing pictures with wonderful views. 

• Location: Devrent mevkii, Aktepe/Avanos/Neviehir, Turkey

6. Goreme Open Air Museum

Goreme Open Air Museum is a famous spot in Cappadocia. This open-air museum has many churches such as St. Barbara church, Snake church, Apple church, Dark church and so on. This place is amazing to explore so, do visit.

• Location: 50180 Göreme/Neviehir Merkez/Neviehir, Turkey 
• Timings: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Entry Fees: 54 TL

7. Prince's Island

Prince’s Island is another amazing place to visit in Turkey. You can only reach the island with the help of a boat, ferry or plane. This island is very beautiful, pollution-free and less crowded. You will get shocked as there are no vehicles used to commute which makes this place even better. Bicycles and horse chariots are used here giving this place a royal feel. 

• Location: In the Marmara Sea
• Best Time to Visit: April to May

8. Galata Tower

It is the oldest tower in Istanbul, Turkey and offers the best views of the city from its observation deck. It was actually built as a watch tower and now is one of the popular spots to visit in Turkey. This tower has elegant restaurants that serve delicious food and a museum as well. 

• Location: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi, Istanbul, Turkey
• Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Entry Fees: 35 TL

9. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is one of the most popular places to visit in Turkey where Ottoman sultans used to live. You can explore their royal lifestyle and unique architecture. This palace is now transformed into a museum where you can explore the royal treasury, Ottoman clothing, weapons, armour, manuscripts, the Topkapi dagger and more.

• Location: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (except for Tuesday)
• Entryfees: 72 TL 

10. Istanbul Archaeological Museum

This fantastic museum was built in the 19th century and was the first museum in Turkey. You can explore historic artefacts and unique collections including war equipment, unique coins, household items of Ottoman Turks, Egyptians and Mesopotamians and many other interesting items displayed here.

• Location: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Entry Fees: 36 TL

11. Sumela Monastery

This popular monastery in Turkey was constructed in the 4th century and it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world. The unique architecture attracts lots of visitors and is dedicated to Virgin Mary. This monastery is situated on Zigana Mountain. Make sure to visit this amazing piece of architecture in Turkey.

• Location: Altndere, 61750 Maçka/Trabzon, Turkey
• Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

12. Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut is a spectacular mountain with unique designs. You can see astounding stone heads of King Antiochus I Theos and various other Persian and Greek gods. This place makes up the perfect background for your picture.

• Location: Taurus Mountains, Turkey
• Best Time to Visit: May and September

13. Taksim Square

Taksim Square is the busiest city centre of Istanbul and has the city’s premium brands’ outlets, shopping centres, cafes and restaurants and so much more. Visit the city square to explore the city from its heart and click amazing photos with 19th-century backgrounds.

• Location: Gümüşsuyu, 34435 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Turkey.
• Timings: 12:00 am to 12:00 pm

14. Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya)

Hagia Sophia is Turkey’s popular heritage UNESCO site. This attractive mosque was actually a church which was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. After 900 years this church was converted into a mosque 

• Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Entry Fees: 72 TL

15. Ihlara Valley

This beautiful valley is actually a canyon which is located near Mount Melendiz and Mount Hasan. You can relax on the fresh grass and enjoy the amazing views here. You can visit Selime Monastery, Melendiz river, elegant churches and so on. 

16. Ephesus

If you wish to get awestruck then the ancient city of Ephesus is the place to visit in Turkey. This place has a rich history with the largest collection of ancient ruins. You can visit The Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus to explore the ancient culture of Turkey.

• Location: Atatürk, Uğur Mumcu Sevgi Yolu, Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
• Timing: 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
• Entry Fees: N/A

17. Pamukkale

It is a small town in Turkey which is famous for its white terraces. This beautiful place is a must to explore while you are on Turkey vacation. This place appears to be like a snowfield set in the middle of the lush landscape. You can also visit the Pamukkale Castle and explore something new.

• Location: Denizli, Turkey
• Best Time to Visit: April to Jule

18. Red Rose Valley

Another popular tourist attraction in Turkey is the Red Rose Valley. The Red Rose Valley is not a valley of roses but actually, a rock valley that appears in shades of pink every day. This is one of the popular places for photography. Visit this mesmerising valley for some unique experiences.

• Best Time to Visit: During sunsets
• Entry Fees: 6 TL

19. Grand Bazaar

As the name suggests, Grand Bazaar is the biggest market in Istanbul. Wandering the streets and exploring the bazaar is a perfect evening activity in Turkey. You can find many amazing items here such as jewellery, clothes, the famous Turkish tea, unique Turkish crockery and so much more. Buy lots of souvenirs and enjoy the memories of your astonishing Turkey trip.

• Location: Beyazet, Kalpakçilar Cd. No:22, 34126 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
• Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Entry Fees: N/A

20. Uchisar Castle

The famous castle of Uchisar is another amazing tourist place to visit. This castle has many small rooms and its unique architecture attracts a lot of tourists. A perfect romantic spot for couples so, if you are on a Turkey honeymoon package, visit Uchisar Castle.

• Location: Tekelli, Uçhisar/Neviehir Merkez/Neviehir, Turkey
• Timings: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm 
• EntryFees: 9 TL

21. Pasabag (Monks Valley)

Another fantastic valley in Turkey is Pasabag Monks Valley which is situated on the Zelve road, Cappadocia. This valley has numerous erected mushroom-shaped earth pillars making it a unique place. This place has many magical stories as well. Visit and explore this amazing valley.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning
• Entry fees: 10 TL

22. Patara Beach

Visit this serene beach and relax. This untouched destination should be explored once on your Turkey trip. Watch the amazing views of the sunset and click tons of photos. You can even participate in watersports activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing and more.

• Location: Antalya-Fethiye road
• Best Time to Visit: August to October

23. Soganli Valley

There are lots of fabulous valleys in Turkey and now we will talk about Soganli Valley. This valley is one of the abandoned towns of Turkey and is said to have treasure hidden beneath. A perfect valley for adventure seekers. You can hike, trek, and play games here. The beautiful views from this fantastic landscape are much appreciated.

• Location: Soganli Valley, Kayseri, Cappadocia, Turkey
• Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

24. Antalya Aquarium

Antalya Aquarium, the world’s biggest tunnel aquarium is a must-visit place in Turkey. It is a 131 m long and 3m wide tunnel with numerous marine species. Have a fantastic experience with your family and enjoy the moments.

• Location: Arapsuyu Mahallesi Dumlupanar Bulvari No:502 Minicity, 07200 Konyaalti/Antalya, Turkey
• Timings: 11:00 am - 5:00 pm 
• EntryFees: 35 TL

25. Town Of Avanos

This amazing town is on the banks of the river Kizilirmak also known as the red river. Avanos is very famous for pottery and people from all around the world visit to buy these amazing pottery items. These pottery items are famous because they are made from the sands of the red river. You can also buy household items, carpets, clothes, jewellery and so much more. 

26. Manavgat waterfall

There are many waterfalls in the Antalya region rushing from the Taurus hills but the most beautiful one is the Manavgat waterfall. Visit this place for a family picnic or a romantic getaway with your partner, you just won’t regret it. 

• Location: Çayyaza, 07600 Manavgat/Antalya, Turkey 
• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late evenings ( avoid the sunny time of the day)

27. Antalya Archaeological Museum

This museum was established in 1922 and it displays a large collection of Roman empire belongings after the 1st world war. To all historic freaks, Antalya Archaeological Museum is definitely a go-to place for you.

Location: Bahçelievler, Konyaalti Cd. No:88, 07050 Muratpana/Antalya, Turkey

Timings: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (except Mondays) 

EntryFees: 20 TL

28. Kaleici

Kaleici is a popular ancient town in Antalya and offers a lot to its visitors. You can visit the beautiful beaches, majestic monuments, amazing markets and so much more. Explore this town on foot and have amazing experiences.

• Location: Selçuk, Uzun Çarii Sk, Muratpana/Antalya, Turkey
• Best Time to Visit: May to September

29. Perge

Perge is also a popular tourist place in Turkey which is influenced by Roman culture. It is widely visible in the architecture and food of the city. It is a perfect place for a photoshoot as this place offers a stunning background. You can visit the ancient Roman theatre, the Tomb of Plancia Magna, the Roman preserved stadium and many other places.

• Location: Barbaros, Perge Yolu, 07112 Aksu/Antalya, Turkey

30. Duden Waterfalls

Who doesn't love waterfalls? One of those amazing waterfalls in Turkey is Duden waterfalls. Visit here with your friends and family and admire the stunning views. The waterfalls join with the Mediterranean sea. Another amazing part of this waterfall is there is a natural cave with spiral stair formation, don't miss it.

• Location: Çailayan, Lara Cd. No:457, 07230 Muratpana/Antalya, Turkey
• Timings: 9:00 am - 10:00 am

31. Dilek National Park

Visit this amazing national park in Turkey and admire the stunning views and its beautiful setting. Dilek National Park is situated in the middle of Kusadasi Town and Soke Town. You can hike, trek and camp here with your loved ones and enjoy the adventurous experience.

• Location: Kuşadası/Aydın, Turkey
• Timings: 8:00 am – 4.30 pm
• Entry Fee: 3 TL

Frequently Asked Questions about Turkey

Q: Where is Turkey?

A: Turkey is located in Southwestern Asia and Southeastern Europe and is both a European and Asian country. 

Q: Is Turkey safe to travel to?

A: Turkey has experienced several terrorist attacks but presently t=you can visit turkey and explore it without any fear.

Q: Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?

A: Yes, it is very safe to consume tap water in Turkey, however, locals prefer drinking water from bottles and it is recommended the same.

Q: Which is the famous Turkish sweet?

A: Baklava is a famous Turkish sweet which is popular all over the world. You should definitely try this amazing sweet made of dry fruits.

Q: Is Turkey a poor country?

A: No, Turkey is not a poor country and according to the World Bank classification, Turkey is an upper-middle-income country.