11 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Turkey 2023

Turkey, a magical place on Earth, is a perfect fusion of traditions and modernity! It has a rich & cultural heritage and wonderfully boasts a phenomenal blend of cultures, arts and music that can uniquely capture your heart! The vibrant national identity of Turkey can be seen in its remarkable literature, arts, foods, music, and, oh, the list never ends! When it comes to discovering the pure essence of this delightful location, there is an abundance of opportunities to explore its captivating and superbly fantastic places to visit in Turkey with friends & family!

Turkish architecture is distinguished by its ornate details and intricate designs, which not only add to its aesthetic appeal and functional purposes. Turkish literature has an illustrious legacy, with many renowned poets and writers contributing to the literary world. Turkish culture is a vibrant and diverse mosaic of customs, traditions, and artistic expression shaped by the country's distinct historical and geographical context. Head straight to the list of 11 amazing places in Turkey that can astound you to the core.

List of 11 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Turkey

From Bazaars to boutiques, Shopping and Souvenir Hunting in Turkey will be an extraordinary experience for those looking for a cultural delight! So, the wait is now over. Here is the list of 11 wonderful places to visit in Turkey that are worth visiting!

Istanbul - A Cultural Extravaganza
Cappadocia - An Ancient Paradise
Pamukkale - A Great UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ephesus - Well-Preserved Ancient City
Antalya - A Hub of Natural Wonders
Troy - City of Ancient Infused with Modern
Mount Ararat - A Panoramic Tourist Spot
Bodrum - Sparkling Summer Resort Town
Gallipoli - A Legendary Haven
Oludeniz - An Epic Vacay Stopover
Konya - Land of Incredible Islamic Heritage

1. Istanbul | A Cultural Extravaganza

Istanbul, the largest city and one of the best places of Turkey, spans Europe and Asia and is a cultural melting pot with prominent buildings. It has a great nautical history and is located on the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Istanbul is also a business, economic, and tourism centre, bringing millions of people each year worldwide. The Hagia Sophia, a magnificent ancient cathedral and mosque that now functions as a museum, is one of Istanbul's most renowned buildings.

Major attractions in Istanbul. Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Galata Tower, Chora Church, Istiklal Avenue
Best time to visit Istanbul. November to March
How to reach Istanbul. Nearest Airport | Istanbul New Airport for European part & Sabiha Gokcen Airport for Asian part

Also Read - Best Things To Do In Turkey

2. Cappadocia | An Ancient Paradise

Cappadocia is a region in Central Turkey recognised for its stunning natural beauty, intriguing history, and cultural heritage. The region is indeed the best holiday destination in Turkey which is famous for its spectacular rock formations known as "fairy chimneys," which were produced millions of years ago by volcanic activity. Cappadocia's natural treasures can be explored on foot, via hot air balloon, or horseback. The area is also known for its traditional handicrafts, including pottery and carpets, and its delectable gastronomy, including regional delicacies such as stuffed vine leaves, lamb meals, and sweet pastries. Cappadocia is also well-known for its rich history, which dates back to the Hittite period in the second millennium BC.

Major attractions in Cappadocia. Goreme open-air museum, hot air balloon rides, Uchisar Castle, Fairy Chimneys, Derinkuyu Underground City, Kaymakli Underground City, Pigeon Valley
Best time to visit Cappadocia. April to May & May to August
How to reach Cappadocia. Nearest Airport | Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport

Also Read - Famous Foods Of Turkey

3. Pamukkale | A Great UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pamukkale is a town in western Turkey known for its natural hot springs, terraced travertine pools, and historic ruins. This natural site is famous for its thermal baths, filled with warm, mineral-rich waters and surrounded by stunning white travertine terraces. A stunning natural wonder characterised by mineral-rich thermal waters that have created a series of terraced pools, Pamukkale is a popular destination for those looking to relax and soak in the warm waters.

Major attractions in Pamukkale. Archaeological Museum of Denizli, Aphrodisias, Kaklik Cave, Cleopatra’s Pool, Laodicea, Pamukkale Travertine Terraces, Hierapolis
Best time to visit Pamukkale. April to mid-June
How to reach Pamukkale. Nearest Airport | Kardak Airport

Also Read - Famous Festival Of Turkey

4. Ephesus | Well-Preserved Ancient City

This ancient city is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world and is home to numerous historic sites, including the Temple of Artemis and the Celsus Library. Ephesus is a historic city in western Turkey, close to the Aegean Sea. It is regarded as one of the world's most beautiful and well-preserved ancient towns, attracting millions of visitors yearly. The ancient Library of Celsus, established in the second century AD and one of the most spectacular structures in the city, is one of Ephesus' most stunning characteristics. The façade of the library is embellished with beautiful carvings and sculptures, and the structure is a monument to the city's rich history and cultural legacy. Visitors to Ephesus can also explore the historic streets and structures, envisioning life in this vibrant city over 2,000 years ago.

Major attractions in Ephesus. The Library of Celsus, The Terrace Houses, The Basilica of St. John, The House of the Virgin Mary, The Temple of the Artemis, The Great Theatre, The Ephesus Archaeological Site
Best time to visit Ephesus. April to May & October to November
How to Reach Ephesus. Nearest Airport | Izmir Airport

5. Antalya | A Hub of Natural Wonders

Counted among the best Turkey tourist places, Antalya is a Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast recognised for its outstanding natural beauty, rich history, and active culture. Antalya is known for its clean beaches, pleasant climate, vibrant culture, tantalising Turkish food, well-preserved heritage, and spectacular panoramas. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, visit museums, and enjoy local cuisine. Antalya's shopping environment is bustling, offering everything from sophisticated shopping complexes to traditional bazaars and markets. Everything from brand clothing and accessories to handcrafted crafts and souvenirs is available to visitors.

Major attractions in Antalya. Kaleici, Antalya Museum, Konyaalti Beach, Perge, Duden Waterfalls, Aspendos, Olympos, Koprulu Canyon National Park, Termessos
Best time to visit Antalya. June and September
How to reach Antalya. Nearest Airport | Antalya Airport

6. Troy | Eclectic Blend of Ancient And Modern

Troy is a well-known ancient city renowned as one of the best places in Turkey with modern-day essence. It is notable for its fabled past and the Trojan War, one of the most well-known episodes in Greek mythology. The city was strategically positioned on Asia Minor's northwest coast and was a significant trade and commerce centre. Troy was also a major cultural and creative centre, with many notable poets, painters, and intellectuals residing there. Over the years, the city's rich cultural legacy and fascinating history have inspired numerous writers and artists, including Homer, who composed the epic poem "The Iliad" about the Trojan War.

Major attractions in Troy. Stage Nature Centre, Troy Family Aquatic Centre, Troy-Hayner Cultural Centre, Cimenlik Centre, Detroit Institute of Arts
Best time to visit Troy. May to June & September to October
How to reach Troy. Nearest Airport | Canakkale Airport

7. Mount Ararat | A Panoramic Tourist Spot

This towering mountain is the highest peak in Turkey and is considered a sacred site by many people. The natural beauty and cultural importance of Mount Ararat have made it a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and visitors from all over the world. The mountain has several difficult hiking trails and climbing routes, with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside at every turn. Despite its popularity, the mountain is still a wild and rugged region full of untamed beauties waiting to be discovered.

Major attractions in Mount Ararat. Ishak Pasha Palace, Republic Square, Azat Reservoir, Khosrov Forest, Mount Buyuk Agri, Khor Virap, Tushpa Wine Cellar, Havuts Tar
Best time to visit Mount Ararat. July and August
How to reach Mount Ararat. Nearest Airport | Agri Airport