Best Places to Visit in Turkey: A Top Travel Guide
A holiday in Turkey can be a delightful and diverse experience, offering a mix of beautiful landscapes, rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. In this blog on the ‘Best Places to Visit in Turkey: A Top Travel Guide’, we will dive deep into the best cities to visit and memorable activities to do within each city.
1| Istanbul
Istanbul, a large city that bridges Europe and Asia, offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy and is a good choice to visit both for summer vacation and in the wintertime. Most of the main attractions are close by in this holiday destination and you can do most of the main attractions in two or three days. Firstly, the famous Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is worth visiting. Known for its beautiful blue tiles and intricate design, this mosque is one of Istanbul’s most significant landmarks. Visitors can enter the mosque outside of prayer times. Across the square, next to this mosque, is a great mosque which is now a museum called the Hagia Sophia which you can also enter. There is a rich history with regards to this mosque which used to be a cathedral for Christians until Sultan Mehmed invaded the city. Close by, there are also other historical sites like the Basilica Cistern containing ancient ruins. This is where you can step beneath the city and visit this ancient underground water reservoir. Admire the atmospheric lighting, and don’t miss the famous Medusa heads at the base of two columns.
Around a ten-minute walk from the Blue Mosque is Topkapi Palace in the city center, another historic site. Explore the former residence of Ottoman sultans, which now serves as a museum. Discover its opulent architecture, intricate tiles, and beautiful gardens, and view treasures like the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond. There is also a lovely cafe with a great sea view.
Wander through the Grand Bazaar, which is around a ten-minute walk from the Blue Mosque. This massive covered market is a shopper’s paradise. Explore the labyrinthine streets filled with shops selling jewellery, textiles, spices, ceramics, and plenty of opportunities for Turkish baths. Bargaining is a common practice, so be prepared to haggle!
2| Cappadocia
Cappadocia is a stunning region in Turkey known for its unique landscape, rock formations, and hot air balloon rides, which is one of the best things to do here. I went for a couple of days only, but I would recommend perhaps staying a minimum of three days as I would say the main attraction is the hot air balloon tours which may not operate some days due to weather conditions. The best time to visit would be during the summer months in order to reduce the risk of the hot air balloons being cancelled last minute due to strong winds or rain.
You will be able to experience the mesmerising beauty of Cappadocia from above by taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Enjoy panoramic views of the fairy chimneys, rock formations, and valleys as you float above the breathtaking landscape. You can either pre-book, or some hotels can book you onto a tour when you arrive. But be ready for an early wake as most hot air balloons set off at around 5-5:30 am.
You will also be able to explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum in Cappadocia, which is another must thing to do here. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Göreme Open-Air Museum, an ancient monastic complex consisting of rock-cut churches and chapels. Admire the beautifully preserved frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible.
3| Bodrum
Bodrum is a popular tourist destination located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, in the Mugla Province. It is known for its picturesque coastline, beach resort, crystal-clear blue waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. Here are some top things why it is one of the best places to holiday in Turkey:
- Bodrum Marina: The Bodrum Marina is a bustling hub for yacht enthusiasts. It offers a picturesque setting with a backdrop of luxury yachts, restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll or to enjoy a meal while admiring the beautiful view. It is one of the outdoor activities to do with family and friends.
- Bodrum’s Nightlife: Bodrum is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, particularly in the summer months. The city comes alive with a wide range of bars, nightclubs, and beach clubs that cater to different tastes and preferences. Bodrum is a popular destination for partygoers, offering a lively atmosphere and entertainment until the early hours of the morning.
- Shopping and Dining: Bodrum offers a vibrant shopping scene, with a mix of traditional markets, modern boutiques, and high-end designer stores. The city’s markets, such as the Bodrum Bazaar, are great places to shop for souvenirs, local crafts, and spices. When it comes to dining, Bodrum has a diverse culinary scene, with a variety of restaurants serving both traditional Turkish cuisine and international dishes.
- Yalıkavak: A charming coastal town located on the Bodrum Peninsula in southwestern Turkey. It is situated about 18 kilometres northwest of Bodrum, a popular tourist destination. Yalıkavak has gained significant popularity in recent years, becoming a sought-after vacation spot and a favourite among locals and international visitors alike. One of the main attractions in Yalıkavak is its marina, Palmarina Bodrum, which has become a luxurious and exclusive hotspot. The marina boasts a beautiful waterfront promenade lined with upscale restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. It is a favourite destination for yacht owners and offers a vibrant nightlife scene.
Overall, Bodrum is a captivating destination that combines a rich historical heritage with beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities. Whether you’re interested in history, relaxation, or entertainment, Bodrum has something to offer everyone.
4| Antalya
Antalya is a popular tourist destination located on the southwestern coast of Turkey. It is the capital city of the Antalya Province and is situated on the country’s Mediterranean coastline, known as the Turkish Riviera. Here are some key features why this place is one of the best places to holiday in Turkey.
Antalya boasts numerous beautiful beaches along its coastline. Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach are two popular options, known for their clean waters and modern facilities. These beaches offer various water sports activities, sunbed rentals, and beachfront restaurants and cafes.
Antalya also offers stunning natural landscapes and attractions. The Düden Waterfalls, located just outside the city, are a popular sightseeing spot. The Lower Düden Waterfall cascades directly into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a breathtaking view. Another natural wonder is the Saklıkent Gorge, a deep canyon ideal for hiking and rafting adventures.
The Land of Legends is a luxury entertainment and lifestyle destination located in Belek, Antalya, on the southwestern coast of Turkey. It is a unique concept that combines a theme park, a water park, a shopping avenue, and luxury accommodation options.
It features various themed zones, including Adventure, Aqua, Viking, and Kingdom, each with its own set of rides, shows, and interactive experiences. From thrilling roller coasters and virtual reality experiences to live performances and parades, the theme park provides a fun-filled day for families and thrill-seekers alike. The Land of Legends Water Park is an extensive aquatic playground with numerous slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash areas. It offers a variety of water attractions suitable for all ages and preferences, whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping slides or a relaxing float along the lazy river. The water park also features cabanas, sunbeds, and dining options for visitors to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
Finally, Antalya, being a popular tourist destination, offers a wide range of all-inclusive resorts that cater to various preferences and budgets. We stayed at Rixos Premium Belek, a 5-star resort known for its expansive grounds, beautiful beachfront location, and upscale facilities. It offers elegant rooms and suites, a large swimming pool complex, water slides, a spa, tennis courts, a kids’ club, and diverse dining options. It is great for families to enjoy spending the week at a resort which has a lot to offer. There are many other resorts located in Antalya, which also looked like incredible stays and is definitely a place to go to if you enjoy spending time at a resort.
Finally, Antalya, being a popular tourist destination, offers a wide range of resorts that cater to various preferences and budgets. We stayed at Rixos Premium Belek, a 5-star resort known for its expansive grounds, beautiful beachfront location, and upscale facilities. It offers elegant rooms and suites, a large swimming pool complex, water slides, a spa, tennis courts, a kids’ club, and diverse dining options. It is great for families to enjoy spending the week at a resort which has a lot to offer. There are many other resorts located in Antalya, which also looked like incredible stays and is definitely a place to go to if you enjoy spending time at a resort.
5| Olüdeniz
Ölüdeniz, located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, is a picturesque resort village known for its stunning natural beauty and amazing beaches. The main attraction of Ölüdeniz is its world-renowned beach, Ölüdeniz Beach, often referred to as the “Blue Lagoon.” It is a strikingly beautiful stretch of coastline with crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sand, and a backdrop of lush green mountains. The beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports such as paragliding.
Babadağ Mountain, rising behind Ölüdeniz, is a popular spot for paragliding. It stands at an elevation of around 1,960 meters (6,430 feet) and offers stunning panoramic views of the coast and the surrounding region. The mountain also offers hiking opportunities for those who prefer to explore on foot.
Ölüdeniz is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Apart from swimming and snorkelling, visitors can engage in activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, banana boat rides, and kayaking. The calm waters of the lagoon provide a safe and enjoyable environment for these activities.
Finally, just a short boat ride away from Ölüdeniz is the enchanting Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi). This hidden gem is a natural reserve, home to various species of butterflies. It is a secluded beach surrounded by steep cliffs, offering a serene and untouched environment for nature lovers and hikers.
Ölüdeniz’s stunning natural scenery, world-famous beach, and adventurous activities make it a popular destination for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adrenaline junkies alike. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the natural wonders, or enjoy thrilling water sports, Ölüdeniz offers a memorable holiday experience.
I hope you enjoyed reading my take on the ‘Best Places to Visit in Turkey: A Top Travel Guide’. If you want to read other travel blogs, click the following at https://www.mymemoriesabroad.com/category/blog/
For more travel inspiration, head to my Pinterest page to like, follow, and discover more areas to explore! https://www.pinterest.co.uk/mymemoriesabroad/
