10 Things to See in Turkey

Balloons in Turkey

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Last updated:
14.11.2020

Can you name the place that combines excellent beach vacation, unique sights, famous health resorts, fantastic nature, and a great diversity of regions and cultures? We can! Well-planned tours to Turkey will give you a thousand and one attractions to discover.

The Istanbul Grand Bazaar

The Istanbul bazaar is not just a simple market, it's a real city within a city.

Covering a total area of about 30.000 sq. m. (322917 sq. ft) or 60 streets in equivalent, it houses over 4.000 shops, two mosques, four fountains, two hammams, and a number of dining options.

The Istanbul Grand Bazaar

You will find everything you need here, but the best idea is to pay attention to those items the Turks are most famous for: spices, jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and carpets.

Tip:
Don't hesitate to try your hand at the art of bargaining and kill two birds with one stone: get the best bang for your buck saving up to a half of the initial price and keep up the centuries-old tradition. Please note that the market is closed on Sundays.

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The most recognizable symbol of Istanbul listed at the top of all the city's landmarks, the Blue Mosque, is simply stunning.

Originally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it was dubbed the Blue Mosque due to its eye-pleasing interiors decorated with blue Iznik tiles that will impress even the most sophisticated sightseer.

The Blue Mosque

To enhance your experience of the mosque we recommend taking a walk at its gorgeous inner and outer courtyards where you can feel the grandeur of this sacred place.

Tip:
The Blue Mosque is closed to tourists during prayer times. If you hear the call to prayer over the loudspeaker, it's better to avoid visiting the mosque within the next half an hour.

Strait of Bosphorus

Your visit to Istanbul won't be complete without an exploration of a real treasure of the Black Sea region - the Bosphorus Strait.

Running through the heart of the Turkish capital, it divides Istanbul into two equal parts - the European and Asian one.

Bosphorus

For many centuries it remains the primary trading artery and the most strategic waterway for Turkey.

No wonder that the shores of the Bosphorus are surrounded by fine neighborhoods, abundant in beautiful mosques, palaces, restaurants, and hotels.

Tip:
The greatest way to experience the Bosphorus Strait in all its splendor is to take a traditional boat cruise. There is a variety of options that can fit any taste and budget.

Hot Air Balloons

When you first see its surreal moon-like landscapes, “fairy chimneys”, created by a centuries-long wind and rain erosion, and entire towns with churches and fortresses carved into the rocks, it seems that you're on another planet.

Hot Air Balloons, Turkey

No words and photos are enough to describe Cappadocia - you simply should go there.

The most awesome way to experience all this unusual beauty is by Turkey hot air balloon. Wake up early in the morning and be awarded mind-boggling views of the region lit by the dawning sunlight.

Tip:
The best time to fly over Cappadocia is from April through October when the weather conditions are most suitable for hot air ballooning.

Pamukkale Terraces

What looks like a snowy winter resort is actually a popular natural thermal spa with an average water temperature of 35 °C (95 °F). Why is the Pamukkale landscape so unusual?

Pamukkale

It’s all because of the large concentration of calcium in the waters flowing down the hills and forming a fanciful system of white travertines and pools.

Most of the Pamukkale water terraces are closed to the public, however, there are several thermal springs, like Cleopatra’s pool, where you can take a dip in the warm water, famous for its curing properties that can help to recover numerous diseases, including high blood pressure, rheumatism and kidney stones.

Tip:
Grab the opportunity to pop in the nearby city of Hierapolis to discover its historical Roman ruins.

Underground Cities in Turkey

Can you only imagine the entire complex of the Turkey underground city with houses, churches, schools, livestock stalls, and wells stretching for miles and miles?

Underground City Turkey

If you think it's impossible, then go to the Cappadocia region that has over 40 subterranean towns built during the Bronze Age for protection and religious purposes.

Although all these cities have currently undergone archaeological excavation, six of them are open to the public.

Tip:
We recommend visiting Derinkuyu - the deepest of the underground cities in Cappadocia that now reaches the depth of an eight-storied building and is believed to contain up to 18 subsurface floors with an intricate system of tunnels, caves, and ventilation shafts.

Mount Nemrut, Turkey

A mystical sanctuary located at the top of Mount Nemrut off the well-beaten tourist track is definitely worth a visit.

It consists of a 50 m (164 ft) high burial mound of King Antiochus I surrounded by artificial terraces. The east and west terraces are decorated with colossal limestone statues, representing the pantheon of Greek and Persian gods and King Antiochus I himself.

Mount Nemrut

All the Mount Nemrut statues are decapitated, adding some mystery to this sight, as no one knows who, when, and why their heads were separated from the bodies.

Tip:
Stay overnight at a local hotel and come to Mount Nemrut at dawn to get mesmerized by picture-postcard views and the serenity of the surrounding landscapes. Don't forget to take warm clothes. Nights in this region may be chilly even in summer.

Ruins of Ephesus, Turkey

The largest port of Asia Minor and the most important trading center of the old Mediterranean world, today Ephesus is considered the best-preserved antique site of Turkey.

Ruins of Ephesus

Here you can still find the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Among other incredible sites are the awe-inspiring Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and even 2000-year-old public toilets.

Tip:
Take a trip outside Ephesus to visit one of the most sacred sites of pilgrimage, the House of Virgin Mary, that is believed to be the place where the mother of Jesus spent her last days on earth until her assumption into heaven.

Trojan Horse, Turkey

An ancient site located on the northwest of Turkey, Troy became famous due to Homer's epic poem "Iliad" that contains the myth about the legendary Trojan War.

Trojan Horse Turkey

This place is ideal for all history buffs as its ruins, streets, and buildings still hold numerous stories and memories.

One of them is about the most beautiful woman in the world, Queen Helen of Sparta, abducted by a lovestruck Trojan prince Paris, a subsequent 10-year-long siege of Troy and its devastating defeat.

Tip:
Modern Troy is home to a wooden replica of the legendary Trojan Horse - a gift by the Greeks used to enter the city of Troy and gain the victory. Don't miss an opportunity to climb into the Turkey Trojan Horse and feel like a hero of the "Iliad"!

Whirling Dervishes Dance

The unique combination of Turkey dance, music, and spirituality - the whirling dervishes is much more than simple dancers. They are believed to communicate with God through the movements of their bodies.

Turkey Dancers

The tradition came from one of the greatest Sufi poets and philosophers, Jalaluddin Rumi or Mevlana ("Our leader"), who whirled ecstatically to gain unity with God.

Today his disciples continue to perform this religious ceremony called "sema" throughout Turkey. Dressed in long white robes, tall hats and black cloaks dervishes whirl to the strains of Islamic hymns and prayers. This is an absolute must-see.

Tip:
The best place to see the whirling dervishes in Turkey is Konya - the birthplace of the Mevlevi order where the annual festival commemorating the anniversary of Mevlana's death takes place every December.

It’s only a short list of attractions that worth your attention. According to your preferences, you can choose to explore Turkey solely or combine your travel experience with one of our award-winning tours to Greece and its amazing islands. Find out about the 10 Best Things To Do In Greece to make your journey really bright and memorable! Pick up the sights you are most interested in and our travel specialists will help you to organize an ideal Aegean journey.