Click on the city names on the city below or scroll down for a list of cities and regions.
If you're planning a trip to Turkey, you might be wondering where to start. Whether you're a first time visitor or a seasoned traveler to Turkey, we have the best advice on the top sights as well as hidden gems. Read more about the best itineraries and tours.
The most visited destinations include Istanbul with the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. No trip to Turkey is complete without a trip to visit ancient wonders such as Ephesus and Gobeklitepe. Turkey also boasts a number of geographic wonders, such as the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and the travertines of Pamukkale. The Turkish Riviera is another major attraction, with many visitors opting for the Mediterranean city of Antalya. Here are Turkey's Top Sights and more maps of Turkey.
On this page:
- Istanbul & The Bosphorus
- Aegean: Ancient City of Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Izmir
- Mediterranean Coast: Antalya & Turkish Riviera
- Cappadocia, Göreme & Ürgüp
- Çanakkale, Gallipoli & Dardanelles
- Bursa & İznik (Nicaea)
- Central Anatolia: Ankara, Konya
- Southeastern Turkey: Gaziantep, Adana, Diyarbakir
- Black Sea Coast: Trabzon, Rize, Samsun
- Eastern Turkey: Erzurum, Kars, Nemrut, Van
- Edirne & Thrace
On this page:
- Istanbul & The Bosphorus
- Aegean: Ancient City of Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Izmir
- Mediterranean Coast: Antalya & Turkish Riviera
- Cappadocia, Göreme & Ürgüp
- Çanakkale, Gallipoli & Dardanelles
- Bursa & İznik (Nicaea)
- Central Anatolia: Ankara, Konya
- Southeastern Turkey: Gaziantep, Adana, Diyarbakir
- Black Sea Coast: Trabzon, Rize, Samsun
- Eastern Turkey: Erzurum, Kars, Nemrut, Van
- Edirne & Thrace
Istanbul & The Bosphorus
Istanbul's top sights include: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and so much more. This ancient city, previously known as Constantinople, spans both Europe and Asia. Most of the main tourist destinations are on the European side, in the Sultanahmet district. As the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul welcomes millions of visitors through its major airports, Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Istanbul Airport (IST).
The Grand Bazaar offers a rich shopping and cultural experience, where you can find everything from spices to intricate jewelry. Bosphorus cruises offer a unique panoramic view of Istanbul and are a quintessential experience of discovering this city, where Western Asia meets Europe.
Aegean: Ancient City of Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Izmir
The Aegean Coast in the western part of Turkey includes the top sights of Ephesus, Bodrum, Pamukkale as well as Bergama (Pergamum), Çeşme & Alaçatı. You'll enjoy the Aegean's history, seafood, figs, olives, classical ruins, seaside villages, and much more. This region provides ample opportunities for historical exploration and relaxation by the sea.
The most populous destination along the Aegean Sea is the city of İzmir, which is the closest major city to Ephesus. Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved Roman cities and a top archaeological site. It is famous for its grand structures like the Library of Celsus. Nearby, the Temple of Artemis is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Pamukkale, a 3 hour drive from Izmir, is known for its unique thermal waters and cascading travertines.
Bodrum and Marmaris are popular seaside escapes for tourists and locals alike. Bodrum Castle is an iconic landmark, renowned not just for its architectural and historical significance, but also for housing the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. If arriving by air, Dalaman Airport (DLM) is the closest.
Mediterranean Coast: Antalya & Turkish Riviera
Explore the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean coast and discover everything from all-inclusive resorts to hidden seaside gems. Turkey's Mediterranean coast is adorned with beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and picturesque landscapes. Known as the Turquoise Coast, this region offers a blend of lively resorts, quiet villages, and historical sites perfect for a seaside vacation. From west to east, cities include: Dalyan, Dalaman, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Kalkan, Kaş, Olimpos, Side, Alanya and Antakya. Find the full list here.
The most popular destinations include Antalya, the coastal hub with historical and modern attractions, and Fethiye, known for its ancient city ruins and vibrant marine activities. Attractions in Antalya province also include secluded Butterfly Valley near Fethiye and historic ruins scattered across Side and Alanya.
The western part of the coast is served by Dalaman Airport while visitors to Antalya and the eastern Mediterranean Sea region usually arrive via Antalya Airport (AYT). Antalya Airport is accessible by both international and domestic flights, making it an easily accessible destination.
Cappadocia, Göreme & Ürgüp
One of the top attractions in Central Anatolia, Cappadocia is renowned for "moonscape" terrain with fairy chimneys, cave churches and cave hotels, horse rides, breathtaking hot-air balloon flights and more.
Cappadocia, located in Central Anatolia, Turkey, is also famous for its cave hotels, offering a unique accommodation experience. The otherworldy landscape of Cappadocia, formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion, creates a surreal environment that is best viewed from a hot air balloon. Hot air balloons allow for a panoramic view at sunrise. This region includes attractions like the Göreme Open Air Museum and the ancient cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. Visitors typically stay in either Göreme, Uçhisar, or Ürgüp.
Cappadocia, Turkey, is a historic area of Central Anatolia bounded by the towns of Hacıbektaş, Aksaray, Niğde, and Kayseri (map). (Here's a full list of the towns of Cappadocia.) The region was known as Cappadocia in ancient times and is still called Kapadokya informally today.
Çanakkale, Gallipoli & Dardanelles
The Thrace, Dardanelles, and Gallipoli region of Turkey, serving as the European part of the country, is a corridor between Europe and Asia. This region is known for Battlefields of ancient Troy and World War I, travelers often make a day-trip or (better yet) an overnight from Istanbul.
Visit this area to discover the Gallipoli battlefields and the ancient city of Troy. Popular for its accessibility via car and ferry, region area is ideal for both brief visits and extended explorations from Istanbul.
Bursa & İznik (Nicaea)
Sail across the Sea of Marmara to enjoy early Ottoman architecture and great food on a day-trip or overnight excursion from Istanbul. Bursa was the first city captured by the Ottomans and is one of the Turkish cities that has a number of Ottoman tombs and ancient sites.
Central Anatolia: Ankara, Konya
Central Anatolia in Turkey is a vast plateau surrounded by mountains, rich in history and cultural heritage. Cities like Ankara, the nation's capital, Konya with its Seljuk architecture, and other smaller towns offer a glimpse into Turkey's diverse past. Turkey's capital city, Ankara, is not a major tourist destination for most first time visitors, but has a number of ancient ruins, including Roman baths ruins. Nearby cities include Konya where you can find whirling dervishes and lots more. Central Turkey (also called Inner Anatolia) is a perfect place to experience Turkish hospitality.
Southeastern Turkey: Gaziantep, Adana, Diyarbakir
The Southeast region of Turkey is known for its tasty cuisine, mosaics, and the ancient temple of Göbeklitepe, believed to be nearly 12,000 years old. You’ll find many ancient sites famous in Biblical and ancient history, including significant Roman ruins that showcase the region's rich Roman history. Discover the Tigris & Euphrates, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Şanlıurfa (Edessa), Adana, Old-Testament Harran and much more.
Gaziantep is one of the highlights of this region for the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, copper bazaar, and mouth watering meat dishes. Other cities to explore include Diyarbakır, known for its robust black basalt walls and historical mosques, and Şanlıurfa, a pilgrimage site near Göbekli Tepe. This region is your gateway to discovering the ancient world.
Black Sea Coast: Trabzon, Rize, Samsun
From monasteries built in cliffs to sweeping tea plantations and tranquil lakes within the mountains, the Black Sea region is full of dramatic scenery. It's the land of Argonauts, the Golden Fleece, cherries, hazelnuts, tobacco, and tea. Popular destinations include Sinop, Samsun, Trabzon, and more.
The Black Sea coast of Turkey stretches from the bustling port city of Zonguldak to the tranquil town of Hopa near the Georgian border. Characterized by its often grey skies and cooler climate, this region appeals to those seeking a cooler and quieter path when visiting Turkey.
Eastern Turkey: Erzurum, Kars, Nemrut, Van
Eastern Turkey is characterized by its expansive, rugged terrain and low population density, encompassing a quarter of Turkey's land but only 12% of its population. Visitors who venture to Eastern Turkey will find an untamed national park, white-water rafting in the Kaçkar Mts, Kars, Ani, Erzurum, Mt Ararat, Doğubayazıt, Lake Van & mythic Nemrut Dağı.
This region is steeped in history with diverse influences from Armenians, Kurds, and other ethnic groups, visible in its architecture and archaeological sites. The area offers spectacular natural scenery, such as the largest lake in Turkey, Lake Van. Other significant sites like Mount Ararat (believed to be the mountain range where Noah's ark landed) and Mount Nemrut, famous for its 2000 year old statues near the mountain peak. Eastern Turkey's dramatic landscape and rich history make it a fascinating destination for adventurous travelers.
Edirne & Thrace
European Turkey, an easy day trip or overnight excursion from Istanbul. Edirne in the region of Thrace is renowned for its architectural masterpieces, such as the Selimiye Mosque, designed by the famous Ottoman architect Sinan.
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