25 Best Places to Visit in Turkey in 2023

Knowing where to go and the best places to visit in Turkey can be tough because of the distances between towns and cities. But, with a little prior planning, you can pinpoint exactly what you want to see and enjoy every last second. I don’t know anyone who’s been to Turkey and not liked it.






I have something to tell you: Turkey is huge. Most people think it’s just Istanbul and a few beach resorts, but in all honesty, this country is MASSIVE. It’s important to figure out the best places to visit in Turkey ahead of your trip so you don’t waste your time on the road.



I lived in Turkey for a few years – my husband is Turkish, and together, we’ve traveled to several parts of the country. It’s a stunningly beautiful place, full of many amazing beaches, ruins, and cities, and plenty of modern-day activities to enjoy too.



25 Best Places to Visit in Turkey



You might be familiar with some of the most visited places in Turkey, but not know where they are. Again, this is down to the sheer size of the place. But the best places to visit in Turkey aren’t always so far away from one another; you just need to do a little homework and plan ahead.



In the list below, I’m going to tell you about 25 of the best spots to visit based on my personal experience, and the top sights in the country to make sure you get the most out of your stay. Some of these destinations in Turkey you might know, while others are outside of the tourist traps.



1. Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul






Without a doubt, Istanbul is one of the top cities to visit in Turkey, and it’s packed with some truly amazing sights — Dolmaba ç he Palace is one of them and it blew my mind the first time I saw it. This hugely opulent palace was once the home of Ataturk himself, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic.



It looks beautiful from the outside, but the inside is truly spectacular. Photography is prohibited, but as the guide told me, you can take photographs in your memory. Trust me, you won’t forget this one.



Location: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul Getting There: It’s easy to walk to Dolmaba ç he Palace from Taksim or Beşiktaş. Alternatively, you can take the tram from Sultanahmet to Kabata ş and walk straight down the road, following the signposts. Things To Do: Walk around the palace and take in the sights. The gardens outside are also beautiful and offer views over the Bosphorus. Click here for more information. Where to Stay: Beşiktaş is the closest district to stay in, and the Swissotel The Bosphorus is a fabulous choice of hotel. Entrance Fee: 650 Turkish Lira/$24



2. Ephesus






For me, Ephesus is one of the major highlights of Turkey and somewhere you’ll want to see more than once. Located around 40 minutes away from Izmir, this is a former Greek city and one of extreme importance back in the day. The ruins are in excellent condition, and this open-air museum is huge.



It’s best to visit Ephesus outside of the main summer months as there’s little shade available and a lot of walking involved. I visited in February and almost had the place to myself. This is one of the best places to visit in Turkey for history lovers – make sure you don’t miss the House of the Virgin Mary.



Location: Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir Getting There: You can take tours from Izmir and other major towns. Alternatively, you can drive from Izmir in less than an hour. Click here for a private tour. Things To Do: Slowly explore the ancient ruins and read the signs to learn more. Don’t miss the House of the Virgin Mary on the hill — you have to pay extra for this. Where to Stay: Selçuk is the nearest town to Ephesus. I stayed at the Akanthus Hotel Ephesus and highly recommend it. Entrance Fee: 700 Turkish Lira/$26



3. Cappadocia






Cappadocia is one of the most famous attractions in Turkey – if you’ve ever seen a picture of hot air balloons drifting over what looks like a barren landscape, that’s Cappadocia. Not only is it one of the most famous places to visit in Turkey, but it’s also one of the most historic and beautiful.



From underground cities to cave hotels, the landscape was born of volcanic activity and weather erosion over the years. You can walk for miles around Göreme National Park and I love tucking into a Turkish breakfast while watching the balloons floating through the sky.



Location: Cappadocia/Kapadokya/Türkiye Getting There: There are many guided tours from both Ankara and Istanbul, or you can fly to Nevsehir with Turkish Airlines or take the bus. Click here for bus information . Things To Do: Hot air balloon rides are the number one thing to do, but you can explore underground caves and go hiking around the park too. Taking a guided tour will help you understand the area’s history. Click here for information . Where to Stay: You simply have to stay in a cave hotel, and Aza Cave Cappadocia is one of my favorites. Entrance Fee: There isn’t a charge to enter Göreme National Park, but certain sites will have separate entrance fees.



4. Blue Mosque, Istanbul







Known locally as Sultan Ahmet Camii, Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey. Remember, this is a functioning mosque which means that there will be times when it is closed to visitors for prayers, but it opens again afterward.



The mosque was named so because of the stunning blue tiles on its interior. Whenever you visit Turkey, you simply have to come here. It’s a serene, wonderful experience and the outside is just as incredible as the inside.



Location: Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul Getting There: You can walk from Sultanahmet very easily, or take the tram Kabataş. Things To Do: Take a guided tour to understand the history and culture of the area. Click here for details. Where to Stay: There are countless accommodation options around Sultanahmet, including Henna Hotel Istanbul. Entrance Fee: It’s free to enter, but donations are greatly received.



5. Pamukkale






If you travel to Turkey you have to add a visit to Pamukkale to your itinerary – a unique landscape that looks like it belongs to another world. These hot springs are linked to the ancient city of Hierapolis with old ruins and plenty of Greek mythology.



The “steps” leading down are white from the calcium deposits that have hardened over the years, and the blue of the water stands out in direct contrast. It’s a real treat for the eyes, but I’d recommend wearing swim shoes as the “ledges” can be a little slippery.



Location: 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli Getting There: Many tours are available from resorts and towns, or you can drive to Denizli and follow the signs to Pamukkale, around 15 minutes away. Things To Do: Walk on the terraces and bathe in the bright blue water. Explore the ancient ruins of Heirapolis. You can also take a hot air balloon over the site, click here for details. Where to Stay: Denizli is the nearest town with a range of hotels, including Venus Hotel. Entrance Fee: 700 Turkish Lira/$26



6. Kordon, Izmir






Izmir is one of the best places to go in Turkey. It’s a city that’s packed with history and modern-day fun, but one of the best spots is Kordon, which offers an extremely long walk that hugs the Aegean coastline. There aren’t any beaches in this area, but the path shows some beautiful views, and there’s often music and snack carts along the way.



Kordon starts in Alsancak and goes all the way down to Kemeralti and beyond. You’ll need comfortable shoes, but I highly recommend this walk, (make sure you have enough storage to fill up your camera roll!).



Location: Alsancak, Izmir Getting There: Izmir itself has an international airport, so it’s very easy to get there. Once in the city, simply take a taxi to Alsancak and walk to the water – you can’t miss Kordon. Things To Do: Walk and enjoy the view! Where to Stay: Alsancak/Konak is one of my favorite places to stay in Izmir, and I recommend the Renaissance Izmir Hotel. Entrance Fee: Free



7. Basilica Cistern, Istanbul






Basilica Cistern is one of the biggest hidden gems in Turkey, and it’s somewhere I intend to return to. Here, you go deep under the streets of Sultanahmet, to an underground world built way back in the year 532. Originally designed to store water, it’s the atmosphere of the place that really stood out for me.



You’ll find intricately designed pillars, huge open spaces, and even stone carvings of Medusa; if you visit Turkey, make sure you don’t miss out on this. To me, it felt like the ghosts of the past were all around me; it wasn’t scary, it just felt extremely climactic.



Location: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul Getting There: Basilica Cistern is in the heart of Sultanahmet, so simply take the tram from Kabataş and follow the brown signs. Things To Do: I enjoyed the guided audio tour because I could still explore on my own steam. Click here for details. Where to Stay: Sultanahmet has a range of accommodation options, but I enjoyed my stay at Rayelin Hotel. Entrance Fee: 450 Turkish Lira/$16



8. Akyaka






For me, one of the most beautiful towns in Turkey is Akyaka, located around a 20-minute drive away from Marmaris in the Dalaman region. It’s an off-the-beaten-track in Turkey kind of spot, but one that you’ll be glad you took the time to find.



Akyaka is a traditional Turkish beach resort, one that’s devoid of noise and modern-day tourism, and instead full of delicious local food, relaxation, and stunning nature. The Azmak River runs through the town and is ice cold even in the hottest months; taking a boat trip here is a must-do, as well as swimming in the sea.



Location: 48640 Ula/Muğla Getting There: You can drive from Marmaris by following the Marmaris Muğla Yolu, or take the local minibus which leaves every hour. Things To Do: Swim, walk, take a boat trip along the Azmak River, and enjoy delicious local food. Where to Stay: Although small, Akyaka has some fantastic boutique hotels, such as Villa Marine Hotel. Entrance Fee: Free



9. Duden Waterfalls, Antalya






Hands down, Antalya is one of the best cities to visit in Turkey in the summer months, and the beaches here have to be seen to be believed. Between Antalya City and Lara Beach, you’ll find the stunning Duden Waterfalls. They’re extremely easy to visit as they’re just off the main road and there isn’t a fee to enter, making it one of the best free things to do in Turkey.



If you’re traveling with children, be careful because there isn’t a fence or barrier between the edge of the land and the huge drop below. Checking out the rainbow over the sea as the water crashes down is something you’ll remember for a long time.



Location: Varsak Mahallesi Düden Şelalesi Parkı içi, Kepez/Antalya Getting There: From Antalya city center you can simply take a taxi – the journey will take 25 minutes tops. Things To Do: Enjoy the sight before you, and then walk over to Lara Beach along the water’s edge; it’s very relaxing and if it’s hot enough, jump in the sea. Where to Stay: I enjoyed the Kalesi area of Antalya, which is a historic district. Check out the M-ODA Hotel for a stylish place to stay. Entrance Fee: Free



10. Uludağ, Bursa






In the winter months, Uludağ is one of the best places to visit in Turkey. Around 90 minutes away from Bursa City Center, you can visit this winter wonderland and ski, snowboard, or simply just take in the scenery. There are some seriously impressive hotels here too, which offer the ideal setting to kick back and relax.



Aside from winter sports, this is one of the most important Turkey tourist attractions because of the diverse nature in the area. You’ll get some perfectly Insta-worthy snaps, and the food available in the best hotels is divine.



Location: Soğukpınar, 16450 Osmangazi/Bursa, Türkiye Getting There: The best option is to take a taxi or drive from Bursa itself. However, there are many day tours available from Istanbul. Click here for information. Things To Do: You can ski, snowboard, hike, go wildlife spotting, eat amazing food, or simply relax. I really enjoyed the day tour from Istanbul with a cable car ride. Click here for more details. Where to Stay: If you want to immerse yourself in nature, I’d recommend staying in the resort itself. Oksijen Zone Luxury Uludağ is a fantastic choice. Entrance Fee: Prices vary depending on how long you’re staying but a one-hour pass costs 100 Turkish Lira/$3.50, or you can take a day pass for 450 Turkish Lira/$16.50.



11. Blue Lagoon, Ölüdeniz






If you’re serious about Turkey sightseeing, your trip won’t be complete without a visit to the amazing Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz. Located in the Fethiye region, this small but unbelievably beautiful location is famous for its blinding blue lagoon which has calm, shallow waters and is ideal for families who want to swim.



Be mindful if you’re visiting in peak season as I’ve spotted some small jellyfish toward the end of August before. On the whole, this is one of the best places to visit in Turkey for relaxation and keen photographers.



Location: Ölüdeniz, 48340 Fethiye/Muğla Getting There: If you’re staying in Ölüdeniz itself, simply walk along the beach to your right, and you’ll see the signs. It takes about 10-15 minutes to walk. If you’re in Fethiye, take a taxi or the local bus, which shouldn’t take more than half an hour. Things To Do: Swimming and relaxation are the best things to do here, but you can also head up Babadağ Mountain and paraglide if you’re feeling adventurous. Click here for more information and to book. Where to Stay: There are some amazing hotels in Ölüdeniz – I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Tonoz Beach Hotel. Entrance Fee: It’s free to enter, but you’ll need to pay for sun loungers and parasols.



12. Kayaköy, Fethiye






Just 20 minutes away from Fethiye you’ll find the ghost town of Kayaköy. A word of advice: don’t wear flip-flops or sandals here! You’ll need sneakers or walking shoes as the path is quite uneven. However, visiting here is a real eye-opener and provides an interesting window into the past.



Kayaköy was a thriving village until the Greco-Turkish War in 1919 when, at the end of that war, a population exchange took place between Greek Orthodox Christians and Muslims. All inhabitants of the area left, and the village has been abandoned ever since. It’s a strange yet beautiful place and perhaps the best place in Turkey for standing in the middle of real history.



Location: 48300 Fethiye/Muğla Getting There: You can take a taxi or drive from Fethiye in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, there are many local tours that take place from both Fethiye and Ölüdeniz. Things To Do: Walk around and explore the amazing history and nature of the area. Where to Stay: You can stay just outside the village, but I recommend staying in Fethiye if you’re looking for more entertainment in the evenings. Sundia Exclusive by Liberty Fethiye is a fantastic choice. Entrance Fee: 40 Turkish Liras/$2



13. Princes’ Islands






Istanbul is amazing, but after even just one day you’ll likely crave some peace and quiet. In that case, hop on the ferry over to the Princes’ Islands , to be transported to another world. If you look in any Turkey tourist guide you’ll see these amazing and peaceful spots, where cars aren’t allowed and people get around by bicycle or horse-drawn carriage.



The largest island, Büyükada , is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey and is ideal for walking or simply kicking back and relaxing. It’s a spot I always love to go to in the summer.



Location: Adalar/İstanbul, Türkiye Getting There: Regular ferries leave Beşiktaş throughout the day, all year around, and the crossing only takes just over an hour. Alternatively, you could take a day tour from Istanbul , to make life a little easier. Click here for details. Things To Do: Walk, cycle around the island, and visit the Hagia Yorgi Church, from the 6th century. Where to Stay: There’s very little accommodation in Büyükada, but Ada Palas is a beautiful spot. Entrance Fee: Free



14. Mount Nemrut






For history fans and those seeking sheer jaw-dropping moments, Mount Nemrut is one of the best places to visit in Turkey. It’s one of those spots that you need to see with your own eyes to believe and, even then, you’ll be blown away. It’s still somewhat of a mystery how and why the statues dating back to the Commagene Kingdom are there.



It’s pretty easy to climb up the mountain, but it does get a little rocky as you reach the top, so watch your step and take your time. It goes without saying but, make sure you wear comfortable hiking shoes. It should take about 40 minutes in total.



Location: 02402 Kayadibi/Kâhta/Adıyaman Getting There: Take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Adiyaman and then drive or take a bus (local bus) to Mount Nemrut, which takes about 2 hours. Things To Do: Hiking up the mountain and exploring the mystical statues is a must-do in Turkey. You can also take a tour from Cappadocia , which also encompasses nearby Urfa. Click here for information. Where to Stay: Adiyaman is a large city that’s home to plenty of accommodation options. I enjoyed my stay at Ramada by Wyndham Adiyaman. Entrance Fee: 240 Turkish Lira/$9



15. Çannakale






If you’ve ever seen the movie Troy, you might be surprised to hear that the location of that famous battle in real life is actually in Turkey, and not Greece—these days, at least. It’s also where you can see the famous wooden horse from the film. But that’s not the only amazing thing about Çannakale ; it’s also one of the prettiest towns in Turkey by far.



The Trojan horse might be one of the best things to see in Turkey, but this coastal town is a great place to try authentic food and enjoy beach time in the summer too.



Location: Çannakale Merkez/Çannakale Türkiye Getting There: It’s around a 4.5-hour drive from Istanbul to Çannakale, and the Pamukkale bus service also runs regularly. Click here for bus information. Things To Do: Visit the Trojan Horse and walk around the seafront. Try local food, and soak up the authentic atmosphere. You can also take a guided tour of Troy and Gallipoli. Click here for more information. Where to Stay: Central Çannakale has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, including the highly-rated Buyuk Truva Hotel. Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to the ruins of Troy is 330 Turkish Lira/$12



16. Mardin







Located in the south-east of Turkey, Mardin is a little out of the way, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful towns in Turkey and is brimming with history. The ancient architecture forms part of the main city, and is extremely well preserved; it’s essentially an open-air museum.



You’ll also find the best of Turkey in terms of food here, as well as hospitality. Mardin Castle is a must-visit, as well as Zinciriye Medresesi, with a stunning view over the countryside beyond.



Location: Artuklu/Mardin Türkiye Getting There: Mardin is very far away from the main tourist attractions in Turkey, so you’ll need to take a domestic flight from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines, which will take around 2 hours. Things To Do: Take your time exploring the fantastic architecture, but don’t miss out on the food: taking a food tour is a great idea. Click here for information and to book. Where to Stay: Fairouz Konak Otel is a great hotel and offers fantastic hospitality in a central location. Entrance Fee: Free



17. Gaziantep






Not only is Gaziantep extremely historic and cultural, but it’s also one of the best places to visit in Turkey if you love street food. Here, you’ll find dishes you’ve likely never tried before, but be warned: it’s spicy!



I highly recommend Lahmacun, Katmer, and Kunefe, so if you only try three things, make it those. But it’s not all about food : the central bazaar is a great place to shop, for things such as spices to take home. The architecture is impressive, and simply walking around will give you a sense of history.



Location: Gaziantep/Türkiye Getting There: Take a domestic flight from Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines in about 2 hours. Things To Do: Walking around and eating are the best things to do in Gaziantep. This is one of the best cities in Turkey to explore on foot, and you can just keep stopping to fuel up with snacks along the way. Where to Stay: Central Gaziantep has some great hotel options. My favorite was Anadolu Evleri , which gave me a real home-from-home experience. Entrance Fee: Free



18. Trabzon






Located in the north of Turkey, on the Black Sea Coast, Trabzon is a unique city and is one of the best places to see in Turkey if you like tea. This is the part of the country where the famous Turkish Çay is grown – the high hills and endless mist offer the perfect conditions.



The area is also known for the famous Sumela Monastery, located high in the mountains for more than 1600 years. Make sure you also try pide ( baked flatbread with various combinations of toppings or stuffings) while here; Trabzon executes this Turkish delicacy particularly well.



Location: Ortahisar/Trabzon/Türkiye Getting There: It’s quite a long drive from any major city, so your best bet is to fly from Istanbul or Ankara, again with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines. Things To Do: Walk around the city and try out different foods, visit Sumela Monastery, and take the Uzungol Tour to see the very best of nature. In terms of the best place to go in Turkey, this is it. Click here for details. Where to Stay: The Sera Lake Resort Hotel & Spa is one of many fantastic spa hotels in the region. Entrance Fee: Free



19. Topkapı Palace, Istanbul






If Dolmabahçe Palace is opulent, Topkapı Palace takes it a step further. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing, and once you learn the history, you’ll understand why. This palace is the former home of the Ottoman Sultans and with its sprawling location on the top of the hill, overlooking the famous Golden Horn, it’s a jaw-dropping sight to behold.



This is the best place to visit in Turkey with family if your little ones love history because you can walk around and touch everything. Just behind the palace, along the main road, you’ll see Gulhane Park , which is a great place for kids to run off some steam.



Location: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul Getting There: Topkapı Palace is located in Sultanahmet, so take a taxi or the tram from Kabataş. Things To Do: Make sure you get in line early as it can get very busy, but take your time walking around the palace to soak up the opulent history. It’s a good idea to take