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There’s a reason why millions of travelers flock to Turkey every year. Its combination of vibrant culture and spectacular landscapes is one you must experience to believe. There’s everything from turquoise beaches to Alp-like mountain ranges, thriving cities to charming villages, mosques, minarets and even ancient marvels. The choices of places to visit in Turkey are plenty, which is why every kind of traveller has something to look forward to. Everyone in the family would love a bit of Istanbul, and which couple wouldn’t love a romantic moment up in a hot-air balloon! While those looking for a budget Mediterranean adventure could do no better, and culture buffs have endless layers of history to uncover.
To know which places your itinerary absolutely cannot do without, here’s SOTCs list of top Turkey tourist places to visit.
It’s no surprise that this fabled city of two continents is one of the top places to go in Turkey. Once a thriving stop for traders on the historic Silk Route, now, it is modern day tourists who can’t get enough of Istanbul. With culture abound, landmark sights, a vibrant art and music scene, culinary wonders and a real cosmopolitan atmosphere, who can blame them?
Travellers tip: Pick a weekday to enjoy attractions like Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower and other Turkey tourist places for shorter queues and lesser crowds.
One of the must visit places in Turkey is its capital, Ankara. Set in the heart of the Central Anatolia region, this bustling city is not as bohemian as Istanbul, but has its own place in ancient history. It is also the centre for performing arts, with the State Opera and Ballet located here. Other famed sites include the Atatürk Mausoleum and Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
Weather tip: This part of Turkey gets extremely hot in the summers, so spring or autumn would be better seasons to visit.
Where laptop wallpapers come alive, this is where you can witness first-hand, the iconic image of colourful hot-air balloons floating across the ‘fairy-chimney' landscape in surreal beauty. But that’s just one of the many reasons why this is one of the most well-known Turkey tourist places. There’re also the Byzantine era Göreme Open-Air Museum, Derinkuyu Underground City and valleys like Ihlara, Red and Rose and the lovely town of Avanos.
Culture tip: Avanos has been a pottery town since ancient times, and you can still experience it at some of the many workshops around. The kids will love it too!
The largest lake in the land makes the list of places to visit in Turkey for its picturesque waterside surrounds and some sightseeing opportunities. Streams of all sizes come down from the mountains and collect into this saline soda lake, offering visitors a lovely dip alongside spectacular views. But remember to carry your own towel or change of clothes as the lake bank is barren.
Did you know, a 3,000-year-old fortress was recently discovered underwater in Lake Van! That surely makes it one of the most intriguing Turkey tourist places to visit.
This Unesco World Heritage Site has been welcoming visitors from as far back as Roman times, when this was a town called Hierapolis. One of the rarest natural formations found on earth, the pure white limestone terraces flowing with mineral-rich thermal waters are a sight to behold. There’s nearby ruins to check out too.
Photography tip: For the best pictures of this natural wonder, visit during sunset hours and capture it in its most exquisite form.
There’s a simple beauty of mountain existence found in this region, as well as some great cultural and natural sites. You can go to the Kaçkar Mountains, one of the best places to visit in Turkey if you like trekking or just being out in nature. While history buffs have the serene sights of the Sumela Monastery to take in.
Turkey’s turquoise coast is one that you simply must experience. Kids would absolutely love the sandy beaches, while grown-ups could really do with a bit of Turkish Riviera indulgence. Around the town you can experience some of the other top places to visit in Turkey, such as Patara beach, Kekova Island and the relics of the Apollo and Athena temples.
SOTC has Turkey Holiday Packages that include these top Turkey tourist places but there’s many more you can choose from too. Your tour can be tailor-made to suit your wanderlust.
