For centuries, Turkey has served as the bridge between Europe and Asia. The richness of culture and breadth of influences has left its mark and is seen in the mouthwatering culinary landscape of the world, as well as in the countless religious sites and historic buildings.
Here is a peek at the best places in Turkey to explore:
1-Ankara
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The capital city of Turkey, Ankara, is an expansive, cosmopolitan city, home to government buildings, commercial establishments, universities and international embassies. Ankara is a major tourist hotspot, connecting people and visitors to other major destinations in Turkey as well.
2-Mardin
Mardin is best known for its ethnic diversity and the limestone buildings cascading down the hill in the Old City. It’s impossible to overlook the Great Mosque, with its towering minaret. There are a multitude of shops in the Old City that sell pottery, silverware, leather and contemporary headpieces.
3-Konya
One of the world’s oldest cities, better remembered for its extraordinary Seljuk architecture and Fluttering Dervishes. Konya also provides wonderful green spaces and parks in the city center, such as Alaeddin Hill, and the Japanese Park with its lovely pagodas, waterfalls and ponds. Since Konya is one of the more conservative cities in Turkey, bars and nightclubs are not as abundant.
4-Antalya
Situated on the Mediterranean coastline along the beautiful Turkish Riviera, Antalya is a big, thriving city that welcomes tourists with numerous resorts, hotels, pubs and bars. With stunning beaches and lush green mountains dotted with old monuments, breathtaking scenery frames the city. Antalya offers something for everyone from swimming and sailing to mountain climbing, outdoor activities and family fun.
5-Marmaris
A picture-perfect setting of pine-clad mountains, sandy white beaches, turquoise waters and historic architecture, Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most popular seaside resorts. This beautiful cruise port is situated along the Turkish Riviera in southwest Turkey and is a tourist paradise with excellent sightseeing opportunities, water sports, great dining and a buzzing nightlife. For complete pampering and relaxation, Marmaris also features water parks for the entire family and Turkish pools.
6-Side
The star attraction of the Side is an excavated site of ancient Hellenistic and Roman ruins containing the remains of a monumental amphitheater, an agora, a Byzantine basilica, public baths, columns of marble and numerous temples. The delightful town of Side offers many restaurants, ranging from delis and pizza shops to luxury dining in a selection of cuisines, with narrow streets and attractive landscapes.
7-Bodrum
Visitors will find a beautiful seashore overlooking brilliant blue water on Bodrum’s eastern side. In addition to sightseeing, the award-winning Bodrum Underground Archaeology Museum inside Bodrum Castle, historic windmills, Turkish saunas and mud baths, windsurfing, scuba diving and cruise tours with nightclubs and glass-bottomed dance floors are other things to see and do in Bodrum.
8-Ephesus
Ephesus is an antiquity site in Turkey’s Aegean region. Without seeing the famed Library of Celsus, no trip to Ephesus would be fully functional. Be confident that the four statues that represent the four virtues are admired. Though these are now and not the originals, replica statues.
9-Cappadocia
Situated in Central Anatolia of Turkey, Cappadocia is best known for its fairytale landscape of unusual formations resembling chimneys, cones, mushrooms and pinnacles. Today, the region’s natural wonders and historic sites all make it a popular destination. Some of the caves in the region are actually hotels and cater to tourists.
10-Istanbul
Currently, Istanbul is Turkey’s capital state and one of the biggest in the world. Istanbul is one of the leading tourist attractions, with its stunning architecture, historic sites, dining, shopping, nightlife and exotic atmosphere. The New City known for its advanced attractions, tower blocks and shopping malls, is another significant district.
