The 60 best things to do in Turkey

The first stop recommended understanding Istanbul, which Napoleon described with the words, "If the world were a single country, its capital would be Istanbul." is the Historical Peninsula's entire historical buildings. The Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia, the Bozdoğan Arch, the Beyazıt Fire Tower, the Yeni Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, which Mimar Sinan called "My Journeyman's Piece", and the Iron Church, which is unique in the world and is made entirely of iron, are just some of the structures that can be seen on the Historical Peninsula.

The Topkapı Palace, which was built between 1460 and 1478 at the request of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror and was the residence of the Ottoman sultans until Sultan Abdülmecid I moved to the Dolmabahçe Palace in 1856, is now an impressive museum. Take at least half a day to explore the palace fully. It consists of three courtyards, extensive gardens inspired by Byzantine architecture and the harem, where the Ottoman sultans led their private lives.

The Grand Bazaar, built in the 15th century on the second hill of Istanbul, has a magical atmosphere. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest markets in the world, with 60 streets and around 4000 shops. The bazaar, where shops with a specific focus are lined up next to each other, mainly consists of guesthouses with several rooms and two bazaars that open onto a central courtyard. Although visitors usually enter from Çarşıkapı, next to the Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı tram stop, the route to the Nuruosmaniye Gate from the Nuruosmaniye Mosque courtyard is more attractive.

If we had to describe the extraordinary beauty of Istanbul in one word, "Bosphorus" would suffice. Known as the "necklace of the world", the Bosphorus is a unique natural wonder that connects two continents. Even though it lies in the shadow of modern buildings today, you can still see traces of the past thanks to the waterfront mansions and palaces surrounded by greenery on the shore. A boat tour on the Bosphorus, around 30 kilometres long, is one of the best ways to discover the historic buildings and natural beauty on both sides.

This mysterious structure was built in 527 by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and covered the city's water needs with a capacity of 80 thousand tonnes. During the Ottoman period, it was not used because stagnant water was not considered clean and was left to its fate. Until the French traveller, Pierre Gilles witnessed people drawing water from the cistern in 1545 and described the place in his work 'Antiques of Constantinople'... The cistern's most striking feature, successfully restored in 2022, is the two medusa-headed columns. There is disagreement about whether the Medusa heads were placed to ward off evil spirits by chance or by chance.

With the increasing Western influence in the Ottoman Empire in the mid-19th century, the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, built in place of the Topkapı on the Bosphorus, became the seat of the last six sultans. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk spent his last days in this palace. The Dolmabahçe Palace, inspired by European palaces, attracts attention with its grand structure, decorations, extensive gardens and clock tower. The palace was built between 1843 and 1856 by Garabet and Nigoğos Balyan and has 285 rooms, 43 halls and a harbour basin. The interior, decorated with Hereke carpets and European porcelain, was designed by the French painter and set designer Sechan.

Chora St., hidden behind the walls in Edirnekapı. The Byzantine Church of the Saviour is one of Istanbul's most impressive historical sites. Today's Chora Museum was built as the Chora Church, and although it was initially outside the city walls, it was incorporated into the city with the Theodosios Walls. The gates of Chora, which are famous for their magnificent frescoes and mosaics, have been open as a museum since 1947. The area surrounding the museum is also worth exploring.

Looking towards Eminönü from the Galata Bridge, you will notice the Spice Bazaar, built in 1660, with its many domes. Istanbul's second-largest covered bazaar takes its name from the goods brought by caravans from the Far East and India. Famous for its herbalists, the bazaar is full of shops selling spices, Turkish delicacies, nuts and tourist goods today. Its dynamism, sounds, colours and smells make it an atmosphere worth exploring, even if you're not shopping! After your excursion, don't forget to stop for lunch at Pandeli, one of the best restaurants in Istanbul.

The new building of Istanbul Modern, the first museum of modern and contemporary art in Turkey, in Galataport, designed by the famous architect Renzo Piano, was highly appreciated. The museum has attracted attention with its architecture, permanent collection and current exhibitions and was included in Time Out's list of '22 best and new things to do in 2022'. The museum's extensive collection includes modern artworks, photography, design, architecture and new media productions.

Situated on the Greek-Bulgarian border, Edirne offers a rich cultural programme. Known in history as Adrianopolis or “Hadrian's City”, this deep-rooted Thracian settlement once played an essential role as the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The Selimiye Mosque, a work by Sinan the Architect, is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Old Mosque, Üç Şerefeli Mosque, the ancient city of Enez, the Edirne Archaeological and Ethnological Museum, inns, baths, palaces and ten historic bridges are among the must-see sights.

The Istanbul International Film Festival, held for the first time in the summer of 1982, is one of the city's most important cultural events. Since its first year, the festival has hosted many filmmakers, actors and producers from home and abroad. It has sections such as the National Competition, the International Competition and the FIPRESCI. The festival, which offers an extensive programme of films and events, is organised every April by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Art.

Turkey's culinary culture is extremely rich and varied. You will find delicacies everywhere in the country, from various soups to olive oil dishes and appetisers, from the world-famous kebabs and pitas to seafood. The essence of the cuisine is fresh vegetables and fruit, aromatic herbs and spices. Many dessert options, from sorbet to milk, delight the palate.

The Turkish coffee culture and tradition, essential in Turkey, was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2013. The importance of coffee, indispensable during family visits, meetings with friends and special occasions such as appointments, is described with the words, "A cup of coffee will be remembered for 40 years." you can read that in his words. Turkish coffee, which can be made from finely ground coffee beans with sugar, medium sugar or plain, is a unique experience in its presentation.

The streets of Turkey are full of colourful and lively traditional markets. In these markets, fresh and dried fruits and vegetables and local products are unique to each region. You can discover the fresh fruits of the Aegean at Ayvalık market and taste local delicacies in Sığacık, Turkey's first 'Slow City'. You can also find handmade products at the markets.

In the architectural wonders of the baths throughout Turkey, you can experience the bathing tradition, which has endured for centuries since early Rome and Byzantium and was consolidated in the Ottoman period in its most authentic form. Nothing is better than a cleansing and relaxing bathing ritual with lots of foam, scrubbing and massage.

There is a colourful and rich nightlife in most parts of Turkey, especially in the big cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara. The nightlife, which offers a wide variety from jazz and rock bars to electronic music clubs, becomes lively in the summer in the seaside resorts on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

More than a million artefacts from all parts of the Ottoman world, from the Balkans to Anatolia, from Iran to Africa, are housed under the roof of the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. Founded by the famous painter and museologist Osman Hamdi Bey, the institution was voted Museum of the Year by the Council of Europe in 1992. The Museum of the Ancient Orient and the Tile Pavilion, which fascinates with its ceramics and wall engravings, deserve particular attention.

The Galata Tower is an iconic structure that offers a 360-degree view of Istanbul and has been used for many purposes throughout history. First built in 528 by Emperor Justinian, the tower took its current form in 1348-1349 during the Genoese period. During the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent, the tower was converted into a prison and later continued to serve as a lighthouse. The Galata Tower and its surroundings are among the most unique corners of Istanbul.

Ephesus, home to the Hellenistic and Roman civilisations, is an impressive ancient city that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. Great monuments such as the Library of Celsus and the theatre from the Roman period, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and the House of the Virgin Mary, a place of Christian pilgrimage, stand out among the rich heritage of Ephesus.

Cheese plays a vital role in the Turkish culinary tradition. There are countless types of cheese in every region, made using different production methods. Some of the most famous are Ezine white cheese, Izmir Tulum, Mihaliç toast cheese, Kars Gruyere, Erzincan tulum and Van herb cheese.

The architect of Turkey's long-distance hiking trails, Kate Clow has identified cultural routes nationwide. The most famous routes where you can hike in Clow's footsteps are the 760-kilometre-long Lycian Way, which leads from Fethiye to Antalya, and the 500-kilometre-long St. Paul Trail, which leads from Perge to Yalvaç in the east of Antalya. You can find much more information on the Cultural Routes Society website.

A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is the most impressive way to experience the magic of this mystical region. Especially in winter, the snow-covered landscapes of Cappadocia are a real eye-catcher. You must get up early for this experience, as the balloons take off at sunrise. Seeing the balloons colouring the sky at sunrise is also a breathtaking experience.

The best starting point for exploring Cappadocia is the Göreme Open Air Museum. In the museum, you can visit important churches such as Tokalı, Elmalı, St Barbara, Yılanlı, Karanlik and Çarıklı, St Basil, St Barbara's Chapel, St Katerina's Chapels and monasteries. The museum's most magnificent building, the Tokalı Church, is home to Hz. It attracts attention with its sections showing excerpts from the life of Jesus.

Throughout history, the people living in Cappadocia have dug caves in extraordinary geological formations and used them as homes, schools and churches. These caves have been converted into cave hotels, the region's trademark. Equipped with modern and comfortable facilities, the cave hotels welcome their guests with their mystical decoration and tranquil atmosphere.

Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The thermal water that flows down Mount Çal and the calcium bicarbonate it contains form the famous travertines of Pamukkale. Here, you can swim in the hot water of the sacred pool, which dates back to Roman times and is still active. The collonaded street dedicated to Emperor Domitian and the Roman baths are also worth a visit.

Avanos pottery, moulded from the mud of Turkey's longest river, the Kızılırmak, is a tradition that has endured since the Hittites. You can try your hand at the pottery workshops of Avanos, where unique examples of pottery with specific techniques from the past can be seen. Avanos is also known for its monuments, such as the Yamanlı Church, which dates back to the 2nd century.

The Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Bodrum, located in Bodrum Castle, is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and has an extensive collection of underwater artefacts dating back to the 16th century. The collection's highlight is the wreck of a Byzantine ship that sank in Serçe Harbour in Marmaris in the 11th century.

Antalya is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The Blue Flag awarded 7.5 km long Konyaaltı beach, Kaputaş beach between Kaş and Kalkan with its turquoise sea, Çıralı beach, home to the Caretta Caretta turtles, Patara beach, the second longest beach in Turkey, and Lara beach, known for its fine sand and wide beaches, are among the city's most popular beaches.

Its narrow streets and unique architecture characterise Antalya's historical Kaleiçi district. You can stroll through Kaleiçi via Hadrian's Gate and enjoy the view of the Lower Düden Waterfall on a boat tour from the marina. A lunch break in one of Kaleiçi's restaurants is also a good idea.

With its windy routes, numerous bays and beaches on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, safe anchorages and world-famous marinas, Turkey is an ideal destination for blue cruising enthusiasts. If you want to relax, visit Gökova and Hisarönü bays. If you're interested in nature walks and history, head from Marmaris to Antalya.

The history of the ancient Perge, 17 km from the centre of Antalya, dates back to the Early Bronze Age. During the excavations that began in 1946, important buildings from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, such as the theatre, the agora, and the collonaded street, were uncovered.

Aspendos, 45 km east of Antalya, is known for its best-preserved Roman theatre and waterways in the Mediterranean. The theatre, one of the most remarkable examples of Roman architecture, can hold around 12,000 people and is the venue for concerts and festivals in the summer months.

Mount Nemrut, 2206 metres high and home to the most magnificent ruins from the Hellenistic period, is surreal. The 8-10 metre tall giant statues, built by King Antiochus I of Commagene and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, are particularly fascinating at sunrise and sunset.

This Greek Orthodox monastery at an altitude of 1150 metres, built on the cliffs of Karadag and also known as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, is famous for its miraculous icon. The interior and exterior walls of the monastery, which is believed to have been founded by priests from Athens during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius I, are decorated with frescoes.

The Troy Museum is located at the entrance to the ancient city of Troy and is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The museum opened in 2018 and offers an extensive collection and interactive experiences in its 3,000 m² exhibition hall and 11,200 m² enclosed area. The museum shows the different layers of Troy with artefacts such as stone sculptures, sarcophagi, ceramics, metal vessels, gold, weapons and ornaments.

You can discover the Phrygian Valley, which stretches across the provinces of Eskişehir, Kütahya, Ankara and Afyonkarahisar, on a bike tour along the 506-kilometre Phrygian Trail. Historical artefacts and natural beauties such as fairy chimneys, churches, caves, the Midas Monument and the Memeç Rocks await you on the trail, which consists of three main routes.

Healthy living workshops and retreat programmes have different concepts on Turkey's south and west coasts. Programmes at all levels focusing on practises such as yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques can be found throughout the year, especially in the summer.

The ruins of Ani, located 44 kilometres east of Kars on the Turkish-Armenian border, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. History BC The best preserved and most important building in Ani, which dates back to 5000 years ago, is the Great Cathedral, built from red tuff.

More than 50 ski resorts in Turkey offer well-equipped pistes for professional and amateur skiers. The most popular ski resorts include Uludağ, Palandöken, Erciyes, Ilgaz and Kartalkaya. The ski hotels in many of these centres are very comfortable.

The Ulu Mosque was built between 1396 and 1400 and is one of the first examples of monumental multi-domed Ottoman architecture and one of the most famous mosques in the country. Inside the mosque, built on 20 domes and 12 large square columns, 192 calligraphy panels written by 41 calligraphers in 13 different fonts attract attention.

Safranbolu takes its name from saffron, which grows here and is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Safranbolu, famous for its traditional houses, the Old Bazaar, the Demirciler Bazaar, and the Yemeniciler Arasta, should be visited. Safranbolu is also known for its famous Turkish delicacies, especially the handmade hazelnut and saffron pistachio delicacies of İmren Lokumları, which has operated since 1942.

Konya, which has hosted important civilisations throughout history and was the capital of the Seljuk Empire, is best known for Mevlana. The Mevlana Tomb and Museum, built on the rose garden of a historical Seljuk palace, is the most visited site in the mystical city. Şeb-i Arus ceremonies, which occur every year on 17 December, fascinate Mevlana enthusiasts worldwide with whirling dervish performances.

The Kekova region is 200 kilometres west of Antalya and 250 kilometres east of Fethiye and consists of picturesque islands and bays. This is where the sunken city is located, which was created by earthquakes that occurred mainly on the northern coast of the island of Kekova. As swimming and diving are not permitted in the sunken city, which has been frozen in time for thousands of years, the best way to explore the ruins of Kekova is by canoe.

Aphrodisias is an ancient city that has suffered considerable damage throughout history due to successive earthquakes and invasions. Aphrodisias, whose beauty was revealed by the excavations that began in 1961, is one of the cleanest and best-organised ruins in Turkey. The statues and theatre masks of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty who gave the city its name, are the most exciting works of the ancient city.

Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada are located in the Sea of Marmara, south of Istanbul. They offer both the tranquillity of island life and the vibrancy of Istanbul with its landscapes, architecture, beaches and gastronomic offerings. The islands, which are beautiful every season, welcome visitors with colourful flowers, especially in spring and summer.

St Nicholas, known as Santa Claus and the historical inspiration of Father Christmas, was the miracle-working Bishop of Myra in the 4th century. The tomb of St Nicholas, known as the patron saint of children, merchants and sailors, and the Eastern Roman church dedicated to him are now located in the ancient city of Myra in Demre.

Known for its clean beaches, bright sunshine and turquoise sea, the Turkish Riviera attracts millions of local and foreign visitors annually with its extraordinary nature, history and culture. Antalya lies at the region's heart and is characterised by its beaches and historical buildings. The Lycian Way, Pisidian Heritage Trail and St Paul's Way, world-class diving sites in Kaş, golf courses in Belek and various water sports are among the activities this region offers.

Turkey, one of the top five countries in the world for olive and olive oil production, owes its success to its climate and the deep-rooted history of olive trees. Most olive groves and olive oil producers are located on the Aegean coast. In the factories of various producers, who have turned them into a museum, you can experience how olives are turned into olive oil.

Çatalhöyük is where the first collective life and neighbourhood culture began. Çatalhöyük, on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2012, dates back to 7400 BC and sheds light on the beginnings of agriculture and civilisation. The Neolithic settlement is home to unique interior architecture and works of art and contains artefacts associated with the cult of the Mother Goddess. Burnt clay seals at Çatalhöyük, where the city plan was depicted on murals for the first time in the world, show that the concept of ownership existed at this time.

With 15 dive sites from Kalkan to Patara, Kaş is Turkey's most popular diving area. Kaş, which offers excellent visibility with clear water, provides a breathtaking diving experience with its reefs, walls and underwater canyons. There are also Ottoman shipwrecks, Sakarya, Duchess of York and Dimitri Cargo Ship Wrecks. In addition, artificial reefs such as the Dakota shipwreck, which sank in 2009, and the rocky areas of Heybeli Island attract divers with their rich underwater life.

With its 3500 years of history, Miletus is an important ancient city known as the capital of science, art and culture. Miletus, where the foundations of positive science were laid and known as the "city of philosophers", is the home of famous philosophers such as Thales. Miletus, the largest city of the Ionian civilisation, attracts attention with its theatres, temples, and buildings, such as the Stoas from the Hellenistic period and the Faustina Baths from the Roman period.

The castle of Bodrum is located in an area known in antiquity as Zephyirion, near St Jean. It was built in 1406 by the Knights of St Jean. The castle, one of the best-preserved mediaeval buildings in the world, was built in 1523 in St Jean. After the Knights of St Jean left Bodrum, it was used as a prison by the Ottomans until the 19th century. Today, the castle houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Bodrum.

Göbeklitepe, which dates back to the start of the Neolithic period, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018. This mysterious site, which shows a social organisation beyond its time, offers essential information about human history and belief systems. The structures in Göbeklitepe, chiselled from flint and engraved with animal shapes, are among the oldest sculptures in the world.

Olympos is located in the Beydağları Olympos National Park and is an important tourist destination with its historical and natural beauties. Olympos, where the Lycian Way passes, attracts attention with its famous Olympos Beach and archaeological ruins such as a theatre, bridge ruins, an imperial temple and buildings from the early Christian period. You should also visit Çıralı, which lies east of Olympos and is known for its beach where the Caretta Carettas lay their eggs.

The Çoruh River is the perfect destination for white water sports such as rafting and canoeing. Considered the second-best river for rafting in the world, the 127 km long section of the Çoruh is suitable for rafting. It starts in Çamlıkaya on the border between İspir and Yusufeli and extends to Artvin. The route, travelled between the end of May and September, offers the opportunity to see the natural beauty, historical castles and churches along the river up close.

With its rich gastronomic heritage, Gaziantep is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Located at the crossroads of Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, on the historical Silk Road, this ancient city has hosted different civilisations for generations. Gaziantep's cuisine is characterised by this rich cultural heritage, from kebabs to baklava.

Mardin, which was home to Assyrians and Arabs and whose Ottoman period began after 1517, is a mixture of cultures that have been preserved throughout history in its unique location between Anatolia and Mesopotamia. Mardin lies on the historical Silk Road and fascinates visitors with its listed houses, bazaars, churches, mosques, museums and rich cuisine.

Anatolia's deep-rooted wine-growing tradition is characterised by traditional grape harvest festivals, which take place on different dates depending on the climate in the individual regions. During the celebrations, which are decorated with festive tables, the year's products are collected, molasses and wine are produced, the grapes are prepared for the winter, and competitions are organised. Ürgüp, Cappadocia, Bozcaada, the Çal region in Denizli and Elazığ, which is famous for its Öküzgözü grapes, are among the places where the best vintages are harvested.

The island of Cunda, connected to the mainland of Ayvalık by a bridge, is known for its beaches, marvellous sunsets, restaurants with delicious seafood and lively tavernas. The Devil's Table on the island is located on a table-shaped hill made of lava and offers a panoramic view of the other islands in Ayvalık Bay.

Located at the furthest point of Gökova Gulf and surrounded by pine trees, Akyaka is characterised by its geographical location, which makes many outdoor sports possible. Activities such as windsurfing, sea kayaking, cycling, kitesurfing, climbing, sailing, paragliding, rafting, trekking and horse riding are trendy in Akyaka.