Best Places To Visit in Turkey: Top 10 Video Guide

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in Turkey: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Cuisine

Turkey, a land where East meets West, offers a captivating blend of ancient history, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Turkey will not only fill your bellies with the most delicious food but this country is just STUNNING. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey promises an unforgettable adventure for every type of traveler. Join us as we explore the Top 10 Best Places To Visit in Turkey, where each experience is a gateway to understanding Turkey’s vibrant tapestry of life.

1. Soar Above Cappadocia in a Hot Air Balloon

Begin your Turkish adventure with an early morning hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. As you float above the “fairy chimneys” and unique rock formations, you’ll witness a sunrise that paints the sky in hues of pink and gold, creating a magical start to your day.

Insider Tip: Book your balloon ride well in advance, especially during peak season (April to November). For the best experience, choose a flight that includes a champagne toast upon landing – a perfect celebration of your airborne adventure.

After your flight, explore the underground cities and open-air museums of Cappadocia. The Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich Byzantine history.

2. Immerse Yourself in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar

No visit to Turkey is complete without experiencing the sensory overload of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar is a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops spread across 61 streets.

Here, you can haggle for everything from intricate carpets and shimmering lamps to aromatic spices and delicate ceramics. The bazaar is not just a shopping destination; it’s a living museum of Turkish culture and commerce.

Shopping Tips:

• Turkish coffee sets make for excellent souvenirs. Look for hand-painted porcelain or copper sets.
• Authentic Turkish delight (lokum) comes in a variety of flavors. The pistachio and rosewater combination is a classic choice.
• For a unique gift, consider evil eye amulets (nazar boncuğu), believed to ward off bad luck.

Culinary Adventure: Take a break from shopping to savor some Turkish street food. Try simit (a circular bread encrusted with sesame seeds) or içli köfte (bulgur wheat dumplings filled with ground meat and spices).

3. Marvel at the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia

Istanbul’s skyline is dominated by the magnificent domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) and Hagia Sophia. These architectural marvels, facing each other across a park, represent the pinnacle of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture respectively.

The Blue Mosque, with its cascading domes and six slender minarets, is renowned for the blue Iznik tiles adorning its interior. Across the way, Hagia Sophia, once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, stands as a testament to Istanbul’s rich religious history.

Visitor’s Guide:

• Dress modestly when visiting these sites. Women should cover their heads inside the Blue Mosque (scarves are provided at the entrance).
• Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
• Take time to admire the calligraphy and intricate tile work in both buildings.

4. Cruise the Bosphorus

Experience the unique geography of Istanbul with a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that divides the city between Europe and Asia. A Bosphorus cruise offers unparalleled views of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, including the Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and the Bosphorus Bridge.

Cruise Options:

• Short Circle Cruise: A two-hour tour that covers the southern portion of the Bosphorus.
• Full Bosphorus Cruise: A six-hour round trip to the Black Sea, with a stop at the charming fishing village of Anadolu Kavağı.
• Sunset Cruise: For a romantic experience, choose an evening cruise and watch the city lights come alive as the sun sets.

Foodie Tip: Many cruises offer the option to enjoy dinner on board. Try traditional Turkish mezes (appetizers) like stuffed grape leaves (yaprak sarma) and grilled eggplant salad (patlıcan salatası) while taking in the stunning views.

5. Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus

Step back in time as you wander through the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Turkey. Once a major Roman city and a center of early Christianity, Ephesus offers a glimpse into ancient life with its grand theaters, colonnaded streets, and the famous Library of Celsus.

Must-See Attractions in Ephesus:

• The Great Theatre: This 25,000-seat amphitheater is a testament to Roman engineering.
• The Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though only fragments remain today.
• The Terrace Houses: These well-preserved residential buildings offer insight into the daily lives of wealthy Ephesians.

History Buff Tip: Hire a knowledgeable guide to bring the ancient city to life with stories and historical context. Many guides offer themed tours focusing on aspects like early Christianity or Roman daily life.

6. Relax on the Turquoise Coast

Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline, also known as the Turquoise Coast, offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the bustling resort town of Bodrum to the tranquil coves of Ölüdeniz, there’s a perfect spot for every type of beach lover.

Beach Highlights:

• Ölüdeniz: Home to the famous Blue Lagoon, this is one of Turkey’s most photographed beaches.
• Patara Beach: The longest beach in Turkey, backed by ancient Lycian ruins.
• Iztuzu Beach: Also known as Turtle Beach, it’s a nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.

Unique Experience: Visit Suluada, often called the “Maldives of Turkey.” This small uninhabited island near Antalya boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Adventure Tip: For a thrilling experience, try paragliding from the Babadağ mountain in Ölüdeniz. The views of the Blue Lagoon and surrounding coastline are unparalleled.

7. Indulge in Turkish Cuisine

Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses, blending Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Balkan influences. From street food to fine dining, Turkey offers a gastronomic adventure that’s an integral part of any visit.

Must-Try Turkish Dishes:

• Kebabs: Try variations like Adana kebab (spicy minced meat) or İskender kebab (sliced lamb over pita with tomato sauce and yogurt).
• Manti: Tiny dumplings filled with ground meat, served with yogurt and spiced oil.
• Pide: A boat-shaped flatbread topped with various ingredients, often described as Turkish pizza.
• Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of filo, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
• Turkish Breakfast: A lavish spread including cheeses, olives, eggs, tomatoes, cucumbers, honey, and kaymak (clotted cream).

Culinary Experiences:

• Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Turkish dishes.
• Visit a meyhane (traditional Turkish tavern) for a night of meze, rakı (anise-flavored spirit), and live music.
• Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee fortune telling session – a fun and quirky cultural experience.

Coffee Culture: Turkish coffee, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is more than just a beverage – it’s a social ritual. Visit a traditional coffeehouse to experience this centuries-old tradition. Remember, Turkish coffee is served with a glass of water and often accompanied by Turkish delight.

8. Witness the Whirling Dervishes

Experience the mesmerizing Sema ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes, a spiritual practice of the Mevlevi Order. This centuries-old tradition, now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, combines music, prayer, and the famous whirling dance.

Where to See Whirling Dervishes:

• Galata Mevlevi House in Istanbul: Offers weekly performances in a historical setting.
• Konya: The spiritual home of the Mevlevi Order, hosting the annual Şeb-i Arus festival in December.

Cultural Insight: The ceremony is a form of dhikr (remembrance of God) and meditation. While it’s a captivating spectacle, remember that for the dervishes, it’s a deeply spiritual practice.

9. Soak in a Turkish Hamam

Immerse yourself in the time-honored tradition of the Turkish bath or hamam. This centuries-old ritual involves steam rooms, a thorough scrub, and often a relaxing massage, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated.

Hamam Etiquette:

• Bring your own swimwear, although many hamams provide disposable underwear.
• Most hamams are gender-segregated or have separate hours for men and women.
• Tipping your attendant is customary.

Luxury Experience: For a truly opulent experience, visit the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam in Istanbul, built in the 16th century for Suleiman the Magnificent’s wife, Roxelana.

10. Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Conclude your Turkish adventure at Pamukkale, a natural wonder featuring terraced white travertine terraces filled with mineral-rich waters. The name Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, aptly describing the site’s ethereal appearance.

Adjacent to Pamukkale lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, a well-preserved Greco-Roman spa city. The combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes this UNESCO World Heritage site a must-visit destination.

Highlights of Pamukkale and Hierapolis:

• Travertine Terraces: Wade in the warm, mineral-rich pools as you admire the stunning white landscape.
• Cleopatra’s Pool: Swim among ancient Roman columns in this antique pool.
• Hierapolis Theatre: One of the best-preserved ancient theatres in Turkey, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Hierapolis Archaeology Museum: Houses artifacts found in the region, including sarcophagi and statues.

Photography Tip: Visit Pamukkale at sunset for breathtaking photos as the terraces take on golden and pink hues in the fading light.

Interesting Facts About Turkey

• Turkey is home to two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Bodrum.
• The Turkish city of Knidos was home to one of the first sundials in history, created by the Greek astronomer Eudoxus in the 4th century BC.
• Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, was born in Patara, a small town in present-day Turkey.
• Turkey is one of the world’s largest producers of hazelnuts, cherries, figs, and apricots.
• The Turkish Van cat is famous for its love of water and swimming, unlike most domestic cats.
• The world’s first known human settlement is in Çatalhöyük, Turkey, dating back to 6500 BC.
• Movie Connection: Portions of the James Bond film “Skyfall” (2012) were filmed in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, showcasing the city’s vibrant atmosphere and intricate architecture.
• Celebrity Fact: Actress Lindsay Lohan has become somewhat of a local celebrity in Turkey, frequently visiting the country and even considering it a second home.

From soaring over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys to indulging in the flavors of Turkish cuisine, Turkey offers a wealth of experiences that cater to every interest. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or an adventure seeker, Turkey’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry promise an unforgettable journey. As you plan your Turkish adventure, remember that the warmth of Turkish hospitality and the country’s East-meets-West charm are what truly make a visit to Turkey special. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime in this captivating corner of the world!

For cheap flights to turkey go HERE

Want more awesome stuff to do while in Turkey? head to HERE