If you are looking for places to visit in “Turkey” and things to do in the vacation then you are in for a treat. Turkey is not only rich in history but has a stunning view of the landscape. Let’s learn the bare minimum and what makes this country special!
Turkey is geographically located in Western Asia and has a smaller portion on the Southeastern European side. The majority of the population is Turkish where significant minorities of Greek, Armenian, and Kurdish do share the land. Turkey has a vibrant culture that has something to offer for every type of traveler.
Currency Accepted In Turkey
The currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY). Therefore, it is recommended to exchange your currency while visiting Turkey. However, at some business places Euros and USD are also accepted but you can’t rely on it at most of the locations. There are local banks or exchange offices where you can exchange Euros, USD, and British Pounds at almost all the banks.
The exchange rates are better in Spice Market or inside Grand Bazar. So, avoid exchanging at airports, tram lines in the Sultanahmet area, or tourist resorts as they do not offer favorable rates.
Credit Cards such as American Express, Diner’s Club, or Discovery are also accepted that will have hidden transactional fees while processing at abroad. Therefore it is recommended to stock a few thousand Turkish lira per person and stack Euro or USD to exchange for later use.
List Of Places That You Should Visit In Turkey Once Atleast
Before diving into the historical list of places that you should visit in Turkey once, you will need to make sure that your transportation needs are complete. To travel around Turkey via public transport, you can
Ani
Ani’s current state is that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was known as the city of 1001 churches. Ani used to be a great Armenian city full of bustle and life which after the Mongol raids in the 17th Century, earthquakes, and shifting trade routes drained its life resulting in abandonment. The medieval town is renowned for its Armenian architecture, churches, monasteries, and whatever is left of the buildings showcasing the city’s former grandeur. The closest and decent town to Ani is considered to be Kars from where you can take a ride to explore these wonderful ruins. As the ruin is close to the Armenian border, make sure you do not wander close to it. Currently, there are not 1000 churches in the area but still you can find at least 50 of them if you cover Ani. These are all ruins of the past that are abandoned, therefore, it is in a rundown state, though you can still see how beautiful and intact is their art and designs on the walls.
Cappadocia
One of the popular regions of Turkey is Cappadocia which boasts a beautiful landscape of towers, caves, valleys, and cones i.e. known as Fairy Chimneys. Formed by volcanic rock formations that are eroded by wind and rain over millions of years. The harder elements that have been left behind after all those years to 130 feet high up into the sky.
The freak of nature was well adapted and has been home to people for millennia. During the Roman period, the early Christians fled to Cappadocia to seek refuge who were persecuted. They built huge underground cities including the Derinkuyu and Kaymakli that could accommodate thousands of people.
The handmade caves, living quarters, churches, and storehouses all indicated and are strong pieces of evidence that people used to live in. The holes in the wall properly circulated the air and were meant to light the fire in the kitchen. The Dark Church in Goreme is worth mentioning as it not only survived through the passage of time, but it also preserved well the colorful and complex scenes from the New Testament.
Hot Air Balloon is quite a popular activity in Cappadocia as you enjoy the view of all the fairy chimneys and other geological formations from high above. It is quite a view both from high up in the sky and from low ground. It is worth the experience to watch the sunrise which tends to be chilly in the morning, but the flame and people around you will keep you warm. Make sure you book it in advance as it fills up quite fast.
Antalya’s Beaches
If you need an escape and a cool soothing view of the stunning coastline, then Antalya is a city to go to. There are varieties of beaches, luxury resorts, and restaurants to choose from. To completely soak in and explore the nearby beautiful places it is recommended to at least stay for 2-3 days minimum at each of the beach locations. Whether you are looking for a secluded natural getaway or a lively atmosphere, this list of beaches will satisfy your needs:
Konyaalti Beach: The first on the list is Antalya as it is the longest beach covering 13 km. Therefore, it is a popular choice for both tourists and locals alike. The long beach walk is lined with various cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants. If you want a lively atmosphere, then it is a must-visit.
Cleopatra/Kleopatra Beach: As the name suggests, it is famous for its historical significance that Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen swam here. The beach has clear water and fine sand if you are wondering and it’s a perfect place to sunbath and chill around.
Lara Beach: It is famous for its nightlife and is nicknamed “Las Vegas” of Turkey. It is a resort area where wild parties are often thrown at night, and during the day most of the water sports such as jet skiing, and parasailing are done. Lara Beach is also famous for its luxurious hotels, waterparks, and golden sand. The shops and supermarkets offer various useful daily and fashionable items which are all located nearby.
Olympos Beach: Olympos Beach attracts backpackers which is situated within the Olympos National Park and is a neighbor to the Cirali Beach. The combination of ruins and sandy beach accompanied by the mountains and greenery will provide you with the break that you need. If you want to release all the stress out and enjoy the silence, then this place is a must-visit. The beauty and serenity of this beach are at their peak whether it is day or night and it’s a perfect place for a romantic getaway.
For reminder, it is also a protected beach due to the nesting ground of loggerhead turtles; therefore tourists are encouraged not to disturb the loggerhead and blast music in the resting place. Make sure you visit Eternal Flame of Chimaera where the flame never extinguishes, and Koprulu Canyon for rafting.
Kaputas Beach: The Kaputas Beach is famous for its clean and clear turquoise waters, and cliffs that are formed at the bay for quite a scenic video and picture. However, to reach the beach, you are required to walk down the long staircase. The color of the water changes every hour so it’s a sight to behold.
If you plan to visit Kaputas Beach then make sure that you squeeze in to get a tour of Blue Cave. It is located 200 meters east of Kaputas Beach and is the largest known sea cave in Turkey. It is not a frequent destination due to the bad weather conditions but if you are in luck then get ready to be mesmerized by its stunning rare beauty of nature. To reach Blue Cave, you will either need a Canoe or book a boat trip.
Ephesus
Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre which is quite a popular tourist destination. The ancient Greek city is located near the Aegean Sea in modern-day Turkey. Once it was one of the major trading centers and cultural hubs, later it was abandoned during the later Roman Empire in the 15th century. The major and famous sites at Ephesus are listed below:
The Great Theatre
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Constructed in the Hellenistic period around the 3rd century BC by Romans, it can accommodate 24,000 people. It is one of the largest theatres in Anatolia with 145 meters in diameter and 30 meters in height built of marble. The Great Theatre of Ephesus was one of the first structures that was excavated before the First World War by the archaeologists. The upper cavea (sitting sections) which was supposed to be destroyed or damaged by the earthquakes between 359 and 366 was later abandoned. It was then completed in the 8th century AD by Messalinus. The theatre then served and played a key role in the defensive fortifications of Ephesus. After the excavation, in the 1970s and 1990s, the cavea was completely excavated and restored. At the beginning of the 21st century, renovation work was still being carried out to restore it to its original state and glory. One might even wonder whether the farthest seat or spectators can even perceive the sound and hear it perfectly. Well, the answer to it is “Yes” as it has excellent acoustics.
The Library Of Celsus
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It is one of the most famous landmarks in Ephesus that was built in the 2nd Century AD. It was the third-largest library that is believed to hold 12,000 scrolls. The interior is roughly measured to be around 2000 square feet. However, it was destroyed either by the earthquake or by the Gothic Invasion which resulted in a fire in the 10th or 11th century. The backside of the Turkish 20 million Lira banknote had the print of the building’s facade in 2001-2005 and of the new 20 lira banknote in 2005-2009.
The House Of The Virgin Mary
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Located in Mount Koressos i.e. 7 km from Secluk, Turkey. The stone house of the Virgin Mary was believed to be the place where she spent her last days. On the way to the shrine, you will notice a baptismal pool that is shaped like a keyhole.
The entrance of the shrine or chapel invites you to a single large room with an altar. A large statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary is placed on the altar which is displayed publicly. There is a small room on the right side which is said to be an actual room where the Virgin Mary is believed to have slept. Outside the shrine, there is a “wishing wall” where believers stick the fabrics or paper i.e. written whatever wishful thinking each believers need and hopes for.
The Temple Of Hadrian
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The Temple of Hadrian was built in the early 2nd century AD. The exquisitely crafted monument catches a captivating glimpse into the city’s Roman past and its artistic finesse. The Temple of Hadrian was a tribute to the emperor himself i.e. Hadrian. The temple honored the revered goddess Artemis. The facade is a true architectural marvel as the four Corinthian columns support a curved arch that contains a relief of Tyche, the goddess of fortune and destiny.
The architectural skill blends in both Roman and Greek styles. Compared to other structures in Ephesus, the Temple of Hadrian was well preserved and it showed the perfect picture of its former glory.
Inside the Hadrian Temple just above the door, a human-carved design depicts and is believed to be of Medusa. The middle section of the entablature which is also known as frieze contains intricate design. Though these are copies, the originals are displayed in Ephesus Museum. On both sides, you can see Androklos shooting a boar, Dionysus in a ceremonial procession, and the Amazons. If you are a history buff then you will love these places.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a Middle Eastern city that completely blends with the West, thus creating a wide collaboration of cultures, religions, and unique architectural styles. Not only it is famous for its architecture, but also in art. Even strolling in the street will make your sense of smell tingle with the scent of exotic spices.
Here Are The List Of Places You Can Visit In Istanbul
Ankara
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Ankara is the capital of Turkey. It is often overshadowed by the rich history and charm of Istanbul’s bustling bazaars and stunning beaches of Antalya. Through the flow of time, Ankara has ancient citadels and vibrant cityscapes to offer which is a complete blend of Ottoman grandeur, and modern Turkish life. Keep a look out as the city steeped in history offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Turkey.
Here Are The List Of Places To Visit In Ankara
Mount Ararat
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Mount Ararat is a snow-capped dormant volcano in Eastern Turkey. It consists of two volcanic cones that can be viewed from the distance i.e. Little Ararat and Greater Ararat. As the name suggests Greater Ararat is the highest peak among these two that is recorded for 16,854 ft whereas Little Ararat has an elevation height of 12,782 ft. It is famous for being the resting place of Noah’s Ark as described in the Bible. For those who want to challenge their body and mind, you can opt to go for the trek.
Pamukkale
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Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkish is a natural source of thermal spring water flowing down with mineral-rich waters. It’s white travertine terraces that are formed over millennia by the minerals that are deposited by the hot springs. These hot springs are still active and visitors can bathe in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the Cleopatra Pool. If you are looking for places to visit in Turkey then do not miss this one for the unique experience.
Troy
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Troy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which will take a day from Istanbul. The views from the hilltop gives a panoramic aspect of the countryside and the Aegean Sea. Legendary city, Troy where the myth and reality collide as the mighty Achilles battle Hector in a duel. The legendary Trojan Horse which was used to breach the impregnable fortress is a story and strategy being told till now. Therefore, the wooden replica of the horse is a photo ground for all the visitors who are fond of the tale.
The archaeological site of Troy which is the hill of Hisarlik has bore artifacts and relics such as pottery shards, tools, and gold jewelry dated from 3600 BC i.e. Neolithic and Early Bronze Age to 500 AD i.e. Roman. During its 4000 years of existence, Troy was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The reconstructed sections of the city walls, ancient theater, and the sacrificial altar all offer a glimpse of the daily life and rituals of the Trojans.
Turkish Bathhouses (Hamams)
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Turkish Bathhouse is known as Hammam. Originally it was built to offer a place for having a bath and as then it became popular, it became a gathering and relaxing spot. It is an experience that you would not want to miss out on if you are visiting Turkey at any given time. There are different sections for Women and Men in Hammam. However, there are many couple friendly Hammams that can be found in Istanbul. Before listing the Hammams, let’s learn what this timeless tradition of relaxation and rejuvenation is famous for in a separate post.
List Of Nice Hammams And Experience
Whirling Dervishes (Istanbul or Konya)
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The Whirling Dervishes is a spiritual journey that you can experience in Istanbul. The Whirling Dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order which is a Sufi Islamic Order founded in 13th-century Konya, Turkey. As mentioned the Sema ceremony is a spiritual journey that encourages each person to search for the truth and divine love by removing any earthly concerns and focusing on God. It is quite famous so if you are planning to visit the Galata Mevlevi Museum for the Sema ceremony that occurs every Sunday evening, then you are required to plan ahead as the tickets are limited and sell out quickly.
Remember to keep your phone silent and dress in long sleeves and pants to show respect. There are some venues where photos are allowed without flash, so check it before if you plan to click some memorable pictures.
Local Cuisine
When you visit any new place then it is incomplete if your palate has not got a taste of the local foods. As a foody myself, we have tasted various dishes every single day and it is worth the hype. These are the Turkish foods that you must try at least once if you are in Istanbul or Turkey. You do not need to be in famous restaurants to get a taste of authentic food. We encourage you to ask what dish will be their best before trying foods at local vendors and restaurants. If it suits your palate then try it on later in cafes and famous restaurants.
- Turkish Tea & Coffee
- Corba
- Salep
- Tursu Suyu
- Yaprak Sarma
- Borek
- Dolma
- Pide
- Manti
- Kebabs/kebaps
- Kofte
- Cig Kofte
- Mercimek Koftesi
- Menemen
- Kahvalti
- Baklava
- Iskender Kebab
- Imam Bayildi
- Kuzu Tandir
- Pilaf
- Lahmacun
- Meze
- Hunkar Begendi
- Kumpir
- Kunefe
- Gullac
- Mozzaik Pasta
- Halva
- Kazan Dibi
- Lokum