Best places to visit in Turkey

Are you looking for sun-kissed holidays? Do you like to spend your trips eating to your heart’s content? Are you a history buff always looking for the next lesson? Then you have to pick Turkey as your next destination. This country truly has something for everybody! 

Now, here’s a full guide to the best places to visit in Turkey alone, with a family or as a couple.

What are the best places to visit in Turkey?

Istanbul

There’s no better place to start a trip to Turkey than Istanbul. After all, this city has centuries of history and some of the country’s better-known attractions. 

These popular stops include: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and many more. You can find a complete overview of what to do in Turkey’s former capital in our Istanbul itinerary.

Izmir

Izmir is one of the biggest and most important cities in Turkey. Just like its predecessor, Izmir is another city that has thousands of years of history: excavations have shown that this area, previously known as Smyrna, has been populated since prehistoric times! 

Some of Izmir’s best known attractions are the Blue Mosque, its bazaar and the Agora Open Museum. On top of that, from this city you have easy access to stunning beaches and resorts, as well as the ruins of Ephesus (just an hour drive away).

Ephesus

This is the perfect place to learn about the region’s past: Ephesus was one of the most important cities of its time. In fact, Ephesus was the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (the Temple of Artemis). 

Even though that temple is long gone, the ruins of Ephesus are still worth the visit (especially if you’re a history buff like me). Key landmarks include the Library of Celsus, the house of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Hadrian.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a staple of every travel itinerary for Turkey, and definitely one of the best places to visit in Turkey. It’s no wonder why: Cappadocia is an otherworldly landscape you’re not likely to find anywhere else. 

This region is truly a minefield of attractions: its iconic fairy chimneys, Love Valley, subterranean cities and famous hot air balloon rides are all incredible. 

Visiting Turkey for couples

Bodrum

Can you believe that Turkey was home to not only one, but two Wonders of the Ancient World? Well, it’s true! Bodrum used to be a Greek city called Halicarnassus, and the tomb for one of its rulers (Mausolus) was magnificent. It was so fantastic that it’s the origin of the word mausoleum! It’s no longer standing, but its stones were used to build Bodrum Castle or Castle of St. Peter, which you should definitely see.

Nowadays, Bodrum is a perfect destination for couples. Think delicious food, beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts (although there are also options for those on a budget). Walking around the marina is a perfect romantic plan to end the day! Another ideal plan for couples is to rent a boat to nearby Greek islands. 

Bodrum is also one of the best places to visit in Turkey with the family: children can spend a day of maximum fun in Aqualand, the largest water park in the country. 

Gaziantep

This is one of the best places to visit in Turkey for couples who love to eat, and its status as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy confirms it. It’s also one of the main sources of work and revenue for the locals. 

You can’t leave Gaziantep without having tried the baklava, Lahmacun, the classic kebabs and Beyran. And, lastly, eat anything and everything with pistachios in it: they are a local delicacy.

Visiting Turkey with the family

Before we begin, we want to assure you that Turkey is safe to travel with kids of all ages. They will find something interesting wherever they go, but there are some specific places to visit in Turkey with the family to dial up the fun factor. Keep reading to discover them! 

Theme and water parks

Is there anything more fun for a kid than going to a theme park or water park? I don’t think so. 

Turkey is home to several so, for example, you could take your family to:

• Movie Park: it should come at no surprise that this park focuses on movies. If you’re in Istanbul, make sure you pay it a visit. 
• Sazova Park: you’ll find this science-oriented park in Eskişehir. It’s incredibly complete: it includes a zoo and an aquarium, games, a park with miniatures of popular attractions (think a mini Taj Mahal) and so much more.
• Dinopark: as its name hints, this one’s dinosaur-themed. It’s located in Antalya. On top of life-size models that move and roar, you’ll be able to enjoy roller coasters and bumper cars. 
• Aquapark: found in Dalaman, this is a perfect plan for a hot summer day. Fun for both kids and adults! 

Istanbul Aquarium

The aquarium in Istanbul is the ideal activity for children. You will walk along a route that takes you from the Black Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The route includes games, educational activities and even cafes (parents, rejoice). Tickets cost approximately 25 euros for adults and 22 for kids.

Ancient city of Troy

If your kids have heard about Troy, whether they read the Iliad or they saw the movie, then they’re going to love this Turkish museum. 

This UNESCO World Heritage Site allows the entire family to travel to ancient times and see the excavations that have uncovered thousands of years of history. There’s also an enormous horse statue (of course there is) that’s certain to attract the attention of the youngest.

You can book a tour to this area from Istanbul, it’s a few hours away by car.

Places to visit in Turkey other than Istanbul

Marmaris

Marmaris is usually featured in every travel itinerary. If you’ve ever been, you’ll know why: it’s a stunning coastal city surrounded by lush mountains. The contrast will stay on your mind long after you leave, I can promise you that. You can even enjoy a Turkish bath if you want to be even more relaxed!

Are you more of a night owl than an early bird? Don’t worry, Marmaris has you covered. Nightclubs and bars abound, so you’ll always have options to have fun after dark. 

Olüdeniz

Olüdeniz has everything you could expect of a holiday: beautiful and serene beaches, stunning natural surroundings, sports, underwater caves… and I could keep going! 

Butterfly Valley, and especially Kelebekler Beach, hold a special place in my heart. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit this secluded spot! It’s best to go by boat from Olüdeniz beach. 

Side

Side, like many of the best places to visit in Turkey, seamlessly mixes ancient history with modern amenities. 

You can spend the morning exploring ruins, and then shake off the heat at a perfect white sand beach. At the site of the Roman baths now there’s a museum, another attraction you should visit in Side. 

Antalya

Antalya is a city located in Southwest Turkey and a popular tourist attraction. It’s one of those places that perfectly combines history with modern pleasures: you can go to the beach, rent a boat tour to explore the coast, go shopping and also immerse yourself in Antalya’s past in its museum. A well-rounded city! Its historic center, Kaleiçi, is also a must. 

Antalya also has stunning natural attractions: the Duden Waterfalls and Koprulu Canyon particularly stand out. No matter how you prefer to spend your holidays, Antalya has something for everyone. 

Most beautiful attractions to visit

Kas

Kas is a beautiful seaside town on the Turquoise Coast. It’s the perfect spot to spend a few quiet days sunbathing and lounging, and walking around the stunning Old Town in the afternoon. It’s also the best place for scuba diving in the entire country! 

While you’re strolling through the Old Town you might think to yourself: “Have I teleported to Greece?”. I’ve been there, and you’re not crazy: Kas used to be a Greek village, and it has retained all of its charm even in the age of massive tourism. Pack your best swimsuits and prepare to make your Instagram explode! 

Pamukkale

The natural pools of Pamukkale are one of the best places to visit in Turkey for those who love natural attractions. Everyone, including me, agrees that the best time to enjoy the sights of Pamukkale is at sunset: the sun bathes the area and the pools take a pink color. 

You can find more details about this attraction in our guide to visiting Turkey.

Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut has earned its place amongst the most unique places to visit in Turkey. It looks like a movie set for the Lord of the Rings! But it’s not fiction: it’s both a tomb and a temple.

In this mountain, a World Heritage Site, you can find massive stone carvings of humans and animals. They represent the gods and the ancestors of King Antiochus I. 

To learn more about this site, read our guide to Turkey tourist attractions.