The 50 best attractions in Turkey, from Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar

Two churches with the same name, where the Hagia Sophia stands today, have disappeared for different reasons. The building, commissioned by the Eastern Roman Emperor Justinian in 537 BC, is one of the masterpieces of Byzantine architecture. Covering an area of 7570 square metres, the Hagia Sophia astounds with its dimensions and external appearance. Its fascinating interior draws the eye with its domes, columns and mosaics, the centrepiece of which is the vast dome that gives the impression of floating in the air. The Hagia Sophia, which was converted into a mosque with minarets after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453 and is now open for religious services, is also the source of many legends.

You need to take plenty of time for the Grand Bazaar. Because it is much more than just an ordinary place to shop. Almost 4000 shops and workshops in the Grand Bazaar spread over a vast area, from jewellers to carpet weavers. Even if you don't want to shop, you should visit the bazaar to experience its architecture and dynamism. There are also cafés and traditional restaurants where you can relax and watch the hustle and bustle.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is full of artefacts that shed light on the history of Anatolia from the Palaeolithic Age to the present day. Housed in two historic Ottoman buildings called Mahmutpaşa Bedesten and Kurşunlu Han, the museum was renovated in 2014 and offers a detailed insight into the history of Anatolia with artefacts arranged in chronological order. After visiting the museum, you can explore Ankara Castle and other museums in the area.

The ruins of Ani, which remain from the ancient city of Ani on the Silk Road, contain religious, administrative, military and civil architectural examples from this period—located 42 km from the city centre of Kars, in the village of Ocaklı and west of the Arpaçay River, which forms the border between Turkey and Armenia. The ruins of Ani, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, offer visitors a journey through history with massive walls, the cathedral, the mosque, the caravanserai, the bridges and the ruins of the Zoroastrian temple.

Anıtkabir, the eternal resting place of the founder of the Republic of Turkey Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is a modern architectural work designed by Emin Onat and Orhan Arda. It was constructed between 1944 and 1953. The Atatürk and War of Independence Museum inside tells the story of the birth of a nation. Its central location is a good starting point for exploring Ankara.

Initially founded as a garrison, Ankara Castle has become a place that bears the traces of many different civilisations over time. In Kaleiçi, the most touristy spot of the capital, there are museums such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, historical mosques, and old houses of Ankara. These old houses within the castle walls have now been converted into restaurants and souvenir shops. You can sample delicious local dishes and buy traditional Turkish handicrafts.

It was not for nothing that the first Roman emperor, Augustus, described Aphrodisias as "my favourite city in Anatolia". The ancient city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, fascinates its visitors with its splendour. Thanks to its proximity to marble deposits, this place was once a centre for sculpture. Almost every part of the city is made of marble. With the Temple of Aphrodite, the Agora with the swimming pool, the theatre and the 35,000-seat stadium, which is still well preserved, Aphrodisias is a fascinating discovery surrounded by natural beauty.

The Temple of Apollo in Didim, built in the Ionic style, is the third-largest temple in the world. The historic building from 600 BC, dedicated to Apollo, is similar to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. The temple, which the Persians destroyed, was rebuilt in the times of Alexander the Great and Rome. Today, visitors are fascinated by the impressive ruins of the temple, in particular the double row of columns, the open courtyard and the snake-haired representation of Medusa, who is known as the protector of the temple.

Arter has a vital place in the Istanbul art world. Arter, organising 35 exhibitions on Istiklal Street from 2010 to 2018, moved to its new, impressive building in Dolapdere in 2019. Designed by Grimshaw Architecture, the 18,000 square metre building includes exhibition spaces, performance halls, learning and event spaces, a library, a bookshop focusing on art books and a cafe. Arter offers a wide range of contemporary art and has an international collection of more than 1400 works by around 400 artists.

Aspendos, one of the ancient cities of the Mediterranean, is best known for its waterways and Roman theatre, which stands out for its architectural features and well-preserved structure. Traces of the Seljuk period can be seen on the exterior façade of Aspendos, which continued to fulfil its function during the Byzantine and Seljuk periods. Music concerts and festivals still take place in the ancient theatre.

Babadağ in the Ölüdeniz region near Fethiye is one of Turkey's most popular paragliding spots. On this mountain, which is around 2000 metres high, there is ice on the summit all year round, so it is crucial to be equipped with warm clothing. It takes about 30 minutes to jump with a paraglider, and you can perform exciting 360-degree turns and collapse manoeuvres, either with an instructor or on your own. After jumping from Babadağ, you also have the opportunity to glide over the deep blue sea and swim in the clear waters of Ölüdeniz.

In antiquity and the Middle Ages, the Roman and Byzantine emperors had underground cisterns built to protect themselves from the danger of sieges of large cities and the depletion of food and drink supplies. One of the most beautiful cisterns is the Basilica Cistern, which has been reopened after an extensive and highly successful restoration. You should visit the cistern, which exudes a fascinating atmosphere thanks to the effect of darkness and water, and with some luck, even participate in the events here.

The Sultanahmet Mosque, built by the Ottoman Emperor Ahmet I between 1609 and 1616, is known as the Blue Mosque because its interior is decorated with over 20 thousand blue and turquoise Iznik tiles. The warm days that philtre through the mosque's 260 windows create a colourful play of shades of blue. The mosque, which has magnificent architecture and a large social complex, is also known for being the only mosque in the world with six minarets.

Bodrum is Turkey's world-famous holiday paradise with its mild Mediterranean climate, beautiful bays, charming neighbourhoods, historical monuments, turquoise sea, rich gastronomy and lively nightlife. Bodrum, known as Halicarnassus in ancient Greece, is famous for its historical buildings, such as the old theatre from Roman times, Bodrum Castle and the Mausolus Mausoleum. Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights of St Jean, now houses the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

The Bosphorus, which stretches from Beşiktaş to Rumeli Feneri on the European side and from Paşalimanı to Anadolu Feneri on the Anatolian side, is a marvellous natural beauty that can be explored from both land and sea. If you explore the Bosphorus from the sea, you can see waterside mansions, groves and bridges. There are also neighbourhoods on both sides of the Bosphorus, such as Arnavutköy, Bebek, Emirgan, Çengelköy, Kuzguncuk and Kanlıca, all of which are different from each other and keep the unique spirit of Istanbul alive.

At the exit of the Dardanelles, Bozcaada can be reached by ferry from Geyikli. In Bozcaada, which fascinates with its deep blue bays, you can explore the historic castle overlooking the harbour, the colourful houses and the narrow streets. Watching the sunset from the Polente lighthouse, strolling along Çayır Beach or kitesurfing and sampling local delicacies for dinner in the island's restaurants are just some things you can do in Bozcaada.

The Butterfly Valley lies at the foot of Babadağ, at an altitude of 1975 metres, and forms a 3-4 km long gorge. The path in the valley leads to two small waterfalls that flow all year round, and a stream from the village of Faralya flows through the centre of the valley into the sea. In short, this is a fascinating natural paradise. It is an impressive experience to see millions of butterflies after a strenuous climb in the valley. The valley is a nature reserve home to more than 80 species of butterflies.

With its rich history and unique geological structure, Cappadocia is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and offers visitors unforgettable experiences at any time of the year. Cappadocia, known as the "Land of Beautiful Horses", has a surreal appearance thanks to the fairy chimneys that nature has shaped with flames, wind and rain. People built houses, castles, and underground cities by carving these rocks. Monuments such as Göreme Open Air Museum, Tokalı Church and the Dark Church reflect this region's rich history and cultural heritage.

The Cağaloğlu Hamamı, one of Istanbul's most popular hammams, owes its fame to the fact that it is one of the oldest baths in the city and is located on the historical peninsula. In the 300-year-old atmosphere, you can most classically try traditional Turkish bathing rituals and benefit from additional services such as aromatherapy massages and clay masks.

Çeşme, the favourite of the Aegean, has not lost its popularity for many years. This is due to the beautiful nature, the bays, the stylish marina and the great variety it offers for different holiday approaches. Alaçatı, the centre of windsurfing, is ideal for sports enthusiasts. Ilıca is perfect for families with its vast and fine sandy beach and thermal waters. Urla, on the other hand, is a quieter town, attracting attention with its historic streets, art galleries and wineries. The gastronomy scene in Çeşme and the Urla region is also very active, as the Michelin stars prove.

Kuşadası is a pearl of the Aegean that fascinates its visitors with its historical and natural beauties. The Kaleiçi streets and the bazaar, built in the 16th century, are the heart of Kuşadası. The Dilek Peninsula National Park, with its natural beauties, beaches and wildlife, the Zeus Cave, which is the subject of a mythological story, the marina and the cruise harbour are among the attractions of Kuşadası. There are also many Blue Flag beaches in Kuşadası. Güzelçamlı, Kadinlar and Davutlar beaches are just a few of them.

Antalya attracts nature lovers with its Manavgat, Düden and Kurşunlu waterfalls, as well as its beaches. The Manavgat waterfall is an ideal excursion destination with its cold water and picnic areas. Düden Waterfall consists of two parts: The upper Düden, a tranquil piece of nature, and the lower Düden, which flows into the Mediterranean Sea and offers magnificent views. After a short walk, you can reach the Kurşunlu waterfall, hidden in the greenery.

Ephesus and its surroundings, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, date back to the time before Christ and have a rich history dating back to 6000 BC. Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, attracts attention with its ruins extending over a wide area. Impressive buildings such as the Celcus Library and the ancient theatre stand out in this ancient city, which attracts 1.5 million visitors a year. In addition to Ephesus, the village of Şirince is also an attractive stop for visitors with its historic houses and natural beauty.

Galata, a Byzantine neighbourhood, gained its historical importance as a Genoese colony. The Galata and Pera regions, which have formed the western side of Istanbul with their embassies and trading centres since the 14th century, brought many 'firsts' to modern life. Galata and Pera, which became the centre of gastronomy and entertainment life over time, are still among the most popular places in the city today. A walk along the famous Istiklal Street, in particular, should take you past here and, if possible, extend to Karaköy via the Tünel.

Galataport, the world's first underground cruise terminal, is one of the most important cruise destinations in the Mediterranean. The Istanbul Modern and the Museum of Painting and Sculpture are also located in Galataport. There are also many shops, cafés and restaurants serving different cuisines. Architecturally designed in harmony with the historical structure of the region, Galataport offers a luxurious accommodation experience with its two hotels overlooking the Bosphorus. The approximately one-mile-long walking path is ideal for evening strolls.

Göbeklitepe, B.C. It is an archaeological wonder dating back to 9600 BC and is considered the oldest known monumental structure in the world. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2018, Göbeklitepe continues to offer discoveries about human history. This colossal structure shows that our ancestors, hunter-gatherers, developed a social organisation and belief system. It is fantastic that the T-shaped columns at Göbeklitepe, carved with animal reliefs and weighing up to 15 tonnes, were erected when there was no mining, agriculture, technology or writing.

Göreme Open Air Museum, one of the main attractions of Cappadocia, is a wonder created by nature and man together. Rock churches and monasteries reflect Byzantine art among the fairy chimneys formed by erosion in this unique place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The churches in Göreme, which were once a centre of religious faith, especially the Dark Church and the Tokalı Church, are famous for their frescoes, which remain vivid thanks to the low light.

The 120-metre-high Ihlara Valley, a striking part of Cappadocia, is a fascinating canyon created by the volcanic activity of Hasan Mountain and the Melendiz Stream. The churches in the valley are places where monastic life was characterised by the influence of important religious figures. 14 of the 105 churches, decorated with frescoes from the early days of Christianity, are open to visitors. In the valley, which attracts visitors with its nature and historical and cultural wealth, you can find healing in the Ziga thermal spring and take a breather in the village of Belisirma by the Melendiz stream.

The Istanbul Archaeological Museum was founded in 1869 and is the first museum in Turkey. It consists of three main sections: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Oriental Works and the Tile Pavilion Museum. Almost one million artefacts collected since the Ottoman period are exhibited in these museums. The Istanbul Archaeological Museums house magnificent works such as the Alexander Sarcophagus and many from the Eastern Roman, Ottoman and Anatolian civilisations.

The Lycian Way stretches from Fethiye to Antalya is an adventurous hiking route full of natural beauty, historical riches, steep slopes and forests. This ancient route consisted of Roman roads, old paths, and mule tracks. Along the way, you can discover natural wonders such as Kabak Bay, Cennet Bay, Butterfly Valley and ancient cities such as Patara, Kekova and Olympos. You can swim in unspoilt bays on the Lycian Way and stay in local accommodations or tents.

Kaleiçi, the historical centre of Antalya, whose history stretches from the Hellenistic to the Ottoman period, is a walled quarter full of pretty hotels, historical artefacts, boutiques, souvenir shops, stylish cafés and restaurants. Entered through Hadrian's Gate from the Roman period, this region is home to historic buildings such as the Yivli Minaret complex from the Seljuk period. The Hıdırlık Tower, the Karatay Madrasa and the Karaalioğlu Park are ideal stops for exploring Kaleiçi.

The ancient city of Knidos lies at the tip of the Datça peninsula, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean meet. It was the site of many civilisations, such as the Carians, Lydians, Persians, Romans and Byzantines, and its history dates back to 2000 BC. Knidos was a pivotal centre in science, art and architecture, best known for Praxiteles' famous statue of Aphrodite of Knidos. Today, visitors can see impressive ruins such as the circular temple of Aphrodite, floor mosaics and a theatre overlooking the sea. The marvellous view of the sunset from Knidos is an unforgettable experience.

Mystical and fascinating Mardin has so much to offer its guests! The ancient city of Dara is one of Mesopotamia's most magnificent ancient settlements. Midyat, an essential centre of the Assyrians, fascinates with its historic stone houses, churches and monasteries. The Mor Gabriel Monastery is the world's oldest preserved Syrian Orthodox monastery. The Deyrul Zafaran Monastery, built in the 5th century, served as the centre of the patriarchate for 640 years. The Mardin Museum exhibits artefacts from the ancient Bronze Age to the Ottoman period and is also impressive.

With works from various disciplines, Meşher supports dialogue across time and cultures through events such as publications, workshops, conferences and exhibitions. With its wide range of national and international collaborations, Meşher creates an inspiring platform, especially with the exhibitions organised in-house. Meşher is located in a historic building on Istiklal Street and takes its name from the Ottoman word for "exhibition venue".

As the capital of the Seljuks, Konya became one of the most important cultural centres in the 12th and 13th centuries. During this time, Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi founded the Sufi order, known in the West for its philosophy based on tolerance and love. Mevlana's green-tiled mausoleum and the old dervish school now serve as a museum, displaying Mevlana's works and exciting objects, such as dervish huts and valuable manuscripts. The Şeb-i Arus ceremony, which takes place every year in December to commemorate Mevlana, attracts attention with the impressive performances of the whirling dervishes.

Nemrut Mountain in the Kahta district of Adıyaman lies at an altitude of 2,206 metres. It is home to monumental tombs and statues, among the most impressive ruins of the Hellenistic period. The giant, 8-10 metre high statues that King Antiochus I of Commagene dedicated to the gods and ancestors are awe-inspiring. On the east terrace are statues of kings and gods looking towards the sun, while on the west terrace, there are reliefs shaking hands with the gods and a lion relief with the oldest astrological calendar in the world.

Palandöken Ski Centre is one of Turkey's leading winter sports centres near Erzurum, with a 5-month ski season and night skiing opportunities. Palandöken, which has slopes registered by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, attracts attention with its snow quality. Some of the 55 ski slopes with a total length of 71 km, spread over 70 km x 25 km, are among the longest and steepest slopes in the world. 5.6 km of these slopes are floodlit for night skiing.

Located in the south-west of Bursa, Uludağ is one of Turkey's most important winter sports centres. Uludağ declared a national park in 1961, attracts attention with its rich flora and fauna. Uludağ is famous for winter tourism, trekking, and camping, offering suitable alternatives for everyone with its rich facilities. The ski area in Uludağ, which can be reached by road and cable car, is between 1,750 and 2,543 metres and offers ideal skiing conditions between December and March.

Pamukkale's snow-white travertines and thermal waters have been attracting people searching for health and beauty since Roman times. These marvellous white travertines come into contact with oxygen and form terraced pools that resemble a frozen waterfall. Swimming in the ancient basin, also known as the Cleopatra Basin, in Pamukkale, much of which is a protected area, is a unique experience. When in Pamukkale, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, a healing centre throughout history.

About an hour from Izmir, the ancient Pergamon was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. It was conquered by Alexander the Great after Persian rule and before Christ. Pergamon, which had its heyday in the 2nd century, was home to the most extensive library in Anatolia and impressive sculptures. Described by Pliny Secundus as "the most famous and splendid city in Asia Minor", Pergamon has essential buildings such as the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Traian, the Pergamon Library and the Altar of Zeus. The ancient city is also known for its architectural achievements, such as the 10,000-seat theatre and the water pipeline built in Hellenistic times.

The Princes' Islands, which consist of Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Büyükada, depending on the arrival from Istanbul, were the summer resort of Istanbul for many years. Even though there are settlements today, the islands are still favourite places for many Istanbul residents and tourists to escape the city, relax, and swim in the sea during summer. Exploring the islands' unique beauty by bike or on foot and eating in beach restaurants in the evening is a must.

This enchanting district, under protection since 1975 and added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994, takes its name from the rare saffron plant that grows in the region. Safranbolu is home to the finest examples of Ottoman architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. It takes its visitors through time with its castles, baths, bazaars and inns. Looking at the city from Hıdırlık Hill, you will be amazed by the beauty of Safranbolu's houses. The Museum of City History, the Yemeniciler Arasta, the Clock Tower, the Cinci Inn and Bath, the Turkish Coffee Museum and the Demirciler Bazaar should be on your list of places to visit.

Saklıkent National Park is home to one of the deepest canyons in the world, with a depth of 300 metres and a length of 18 km. Rumour has it that Saklıkent Canyon was discovered in the 1980s when a shepherd went after his goat that had escaped. As you hike through the canyon, you can cool off in the cold water, sit on wooden platforms and eat pancakes or alanlık. You can also participate in activities such as rafting for more adrenaline.

Located at the western end of the historical peninsula and known as Sultanahmet Square, the area is the oldest in Istanbul. The region has a rich historical heritage and has been the centre of powerful empires. Istanbul's most famous historical buildings, from Hagia Sophia to the Blue Mosque, from Topkapı Palace to the Cistern Basilica, are located in this region. Naturally, the city is therefore crowded and lively in all four seasons.

The Sumela Monastery is located 1200 metres above sea level on cliffs in the impressive natural surroundings of the Altındere Valley in the Maçka district of Trabzon and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to legend, the monastery, whose history began with a dream of two priests in the 4th century, was built by Trabzon Komnenos III. It took on its present splendid form during the reign of Alexios. After the danger of a rockfall in 2015, the monastery was carefully restored for four years. Today, it is protected by steel nets and continues to welcome visitors.

You will need at least half a day to fully explore the Topkapı Palace, which was the centre of the Ottoman dynasty for around 400 years. This is because many works are on display in the museum, which covers an extensive area. These works include a wealth of variety, from kitchen utensils from the palace, porcelain and glassware to weapons, manuscripts, and miniatures. You can also visit the harem, part of which is open to visitors.

The ancient city of Troy, which has a strategic location for controlling trade between the Aegean and the Black Sea, with its historical layers dating back to 3000 BC, is located at Mount Ida in Çanakkale. Troy, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998, is famous for the Trojan Horse and Homer's Iliad. Opened in 2018, the Troy Museum has a 3,000 m2 exhibition hall and 11,200 m2 of enclosed space. Enriched with interactive screens and animations, the museum displays various layers of Troy, statues, tombstones and stage animations. Stone artefacts, sarcophagi and columns can also be seen in the museum garden.

Welcome to the Turkish Riviera, where you can enjoy the Mediterranean climate and almost 300 days of sunshine a year! This fascinating region awaits you with 1000 kilometres of coastline, lush pine and cedar forests, fine sandy beaches and clear turquoise sea. The Turkish Riviera is full of resorts and comfortable accommodations that appeal to all types of travellers. Exploring this place by yacht is an entirely different experience. In addition to the sea, sand and sun, you can enjoy an active holiday with water sports, golf, hiking trails and cycling tours—Savour Mediterranean cuisine with fresh fish and olive oil delicacies.

The marvellous highlands of the Black Sea are a great refuge for those who want to escape the stress of city life and relax in the lap of nature. These plateaus, which take on a different beauty every season, fascinate with the marvellous harmony of the deep blue sky and the clean air. The green Çambaşı and Thursday plateaus in Ordu, the Kuembet and Bektaş plateaus in Giresun and the Maçka-Şolma and Erikbeli plateaus in Trabzon stand out with their lush vegetation. The Ayder Plateau in Rize is a paradise surrounded by spruce forests at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains. The Kaçkar and Kafkasör plateaus in Artvin are ideal for nature sports and wildlife spotting.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum, which exhibits colourful mosaics from the ancient city of Zeugma and works from the Roman period, is one of the largest mosaic museums in the world. The most famous work in the museum, which opened in 2011 and covers an area of 30,000 square metres, is the 'Gypsy Girl Mosaic'. Interactive exhibitions enrich the museum experience.