17 Places You Must Visit in Turkey

Turkey is a land of contrasts, where ancient meets modern, Europe is separated from Asia and the East fuses with the West. I visited Turkey and traveled through more than 20 cities and towns across the country for 5 months. Today, I will dive into the top 17 places everyone should visit that goes beyond the typical tourist trail to uncover the heart and soul of this nation rich with natural wornders and culture. Each destination offers a unique glimpse into the land of four seasons. So, let’s jump right into it. 

Istanbul

Istanbul is considered by many as the greatest city in all of Europe. Agree or disagree, there’s no debate that Istanbul is one of the most interesting and culturally rich places to visit in the world. 

People have been living in Istanbul for more than 3000 years. The city was important to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.. Then as Constantinople, it served as the most important Christian city in the world and the capital of the Byzantine empire. And then later it served as the one of the most important cities in the Muslim world as the capital for the Ottoman empire for another 400 years.

If you’re interested in learning about the city’s historical significance, visit the Istanbul archaeology museum in Sultanahmet. Must-see attractions in the city include a visit the Topkapi palace and the Sacred Islamic relics in the museum, Hagia Sofia, the Suleymaniye mosque, the Galata Tower and the Grand bazaar. Also, don’t forget to try traditional Turkish delicacies the city has to offer and some good old baklava. 

Best hostels in Istanbul in my opinion:

• Second Home Hostel
• Cheers Hostel

Also, if you can afford the budget and looking for a bit more privacy, you can go for:

• Alness Residence
• Diamond Royal Hotel
• Ethnica Suites

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is one of the closest things to Mars on planet Earth. The entire region just feels surreal to be in. Cappadocia is most famous for the epic hot air balloon rides, and the rock-cut cave architecture of the buildings. You can have a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the landscape on the balloon rides all the while watching the beautiful sunrise. Just remember to reserve them early if it’s peak season.

Also, you can have horseback rides in the unearthly landscape in Sunrise Point, Goreme. Other excellent places to visit in Cappadocia would be the 2000 year old Ortahisar Castle, the Uchisar Castle, Pigeon valley, etc. 

Here is a good hostel in Cappadocia: 

• Coco Cave Pension

And if you are not on a budget, here are a few hotel suggestions: 

• The Niche Cave Hotel
• Narcissos Cave Hotel

Ephesus 

Ephesus stands as an example of ancient architectural genius and the crossroads of civilizations just beyond the Aegean Sea. This archaeological site was once a beacon of the Roman Empire. Ephesus offers a window into the past with its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.  Visitors to Ephesus can walk the same streets that were once used by philosophers and emperors, exploring a city pivotal to ancient Greece, Rome, and early Christianity. 

Here are two good hotels in Ephesus: 

• Eliada Hotel
• Ephesus Centrum

Pamukkale 

Pamukkale is one of the most incredible places to visit in Turkey, and has arguably the most beautiful hot spring landscape in the world. It also has the ruins of an ancient Greek city, Hierapolis, which means the holy city in Greek. The city’s history goes back thousands of years to 700 BC, and the city was prominent because of it’s proximity to the hot springs. If you have the chance, you must visit the calcium-carbonate-deposited, white landscape that the hot springs have created. Walking on them barefoot is interesting because the surface is soft and sticky. Make sure to bring your sunglasses with you, by the way.

Here are a few hotels I would recommend in Pamukkale: 

• Venus Suite Hotel
• Aspawa Hotel

Antalya

Antalya is the Mediterranean jewel of Turkey, blending azure seas with ancient ruins. It’s a sanctuary for both sun-seekers and history buffs. Here, you can wander through the winding streets of the Old Town, where history whispers from every corner, or bask on the golden sands of its renowned beaches.  Antalya’s rich past is showcased in sites like Hadrian’s Gate and the sunken city of Kekova, accessible by a scenic boat trip. For nature lovers, the Düden Waterfalls offer a serene escape.

Hostels I recommend in Antalya: 

• Be Bold Hostel
• Gold Coast Hostel

However, if you can afford the budget, here are two hotel recommendations:

• Castle in Boutique Hotel
• Toprak Apart Otel

Troy 

Everyone recognizes the city of Troy from the fabled story of the Trojan Horse, not just as an archaeological site but as a crossroads of mythology and history. Known primarily for its role in Homer’s “Iliad,” Troy was a real city and its layers reveal the complexity of human civilization dating back over 4,000 years. 

It stands as a testament to the ancient world, blending stories of heroism, love, and war that have echoed through the ages. The city is in the UNESCO world heritage list and you can enjoy the beautiful ruins of the city, the Kilitbahir Fortress, and many more amazing places. 

Best hotels to go for in Troy:

• Troia Pension
• Helen Troya Hotel

You can also go for this apartment if you’re travelling in a group:

• Boğazkent Evim 1

Mount Nemrut 

Mount Nemrut stands as a witness to ancient engineering and belief, crowned by colossal statues at its summit. These stone figures, representing gods and rulers, create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, especially at sunrise and sunset when the sky’s hues bring them to life. Commissioned by King Antiochus I Theos (a king who believe himself to be a god) in the 1st century BCE, the site serves as his tomb-sanctuary, blending Greek, Armenian, and Persian cultures. 

Best budget hotel in Mount Nemrut: 

• Nemrut Dağı Işik Pansi̇on

If you’re travelling as a couple, I would recommend:

• Nemrut Güneş Motel 

Mardin

If you, like me, get excited about ancient history and civilizations, then, you’re going to love Mardin. Mardin is a Turkish city, bordering Syria, and overlooking Mesopotamia, the birthplace of human civilization.  Mardin is a hidden gem with very few international tourists and is a delight for anyone who enjoys places off the beaten path. Note that the local people don’t really speak a lot of English and speak either Kurdish, Arabic or Turkish. So, prepare yourself accordingly and have google translate downloaded. 

The whole city is an UNESCO world heritage site because of the rich history. You can visit the Zinciriye Medresesi, a historic educational hub for the entire region or take a bus to the equally gorgeous Kasımiye Madrasah nearby. It is a spectacular place with amazing views of the whole city. I also loved visiting the Grand Mosque and just getting lost in the side streets and interacting with the friendlies locals, who kept giving me free food and offering free accommodation.

Best Hostel in Mardin:

• Rosa Hostel

Recommended hotels:

• Dara Konagı
• MERDİN BOUTİQUE Hotel

Sanliurfa

A short bus ride away from Mardin, Sanliurfa (referred to as Urfa in short) is widely regarded by many believers as the birthplace of Prophet Abraham. Although we can’t definitively prove that, Sanliurfa has a lot more to offer.  You can visit the Sanliurfa Necropolis, where the Greeks and Romans buried their dead. Also, there are some incredible archaeological attractions that you can see in the Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum. 

If you’re into history, you’re probably familiar with Gobekli Tepe, a Neolithic archaeological site from over 11,000 years ago where you can see the ruins of the world’s oldest discovered temple. You can take a bus from Sanliurfa to Gobekli Tepe to see the amazing finds that has reshaped our understanding of human history.

Best Hotels in Urfa:

• Babil Antique Hotel
• Grand Babil Otel
• Astarte Hotel

Trabzon 

Trabzon is a gorgeous city and a gem on Turkey’s Black Sea coast, known for its breathtaking scenery and rich history. Formerly host to a large Greek population, the city looks very Greek to this day and has much to offer. You can visit the Trabzon Meydan Parki, Ataturk Pavillion, Kostaki Mansion, etc. I enjoyed a day trip to Ayder Valley from Trabzon. The valley is famous for its lush ugreenery, traditional wooden houses, and thermal springs. It’s easy to see why this area is often referred to as Anatolian Switzerland. If you’re looking to relax in hot springs, enjoy local dishes, and even go for hikes in the surrounding mountains, Ayder valley is the place to go in Turkey. 

Hotels I recommend in Trabzon:

• Cebeci Grand Hotel
• Sumela Park Hotel

Sumela Monastery 

The Sumela Monastery is a must-see attraction in the Altindere National Park near Trabzon. It’s an old Greek Orthodox Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Said to have its beginnings in the 4th century, it really grew in the 1300s. It was at it’s peak in the 1800s, and now it’s popular as a tourist destination. The monastery is literally built into a mountain cave, aside a huge cliff which makes it one of the most picturesque destinations in Turkey. It reminded me a lot of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, Bhutan. The old frescos are extremely beautiful although a lot of them has been heavily damaged and vandalized throughout the centuries. You can get there by taking a minibus/dolmus from Trabzon’s bus station, and the drive is about 50 minutes.

Ruins of Ani

Ani, located near Kars, is today the ruins of a historic city at the edge of the Turkey-Armenia border (the land behind the building in the picture is literally Armenia). It is a breathtaking ancient city that was once a major stop on the Silk Road and the most powerful city in the region, overshadowing nearby Istanbul. Though now in ruins, its walls and buildings tell the story of a flourishing past. 

Ani’s significance stretches back centuries, serving as a cultural and commercial hub. The city was the capital of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom back in 961 to 1045, and is still a holy site for many Armenians. Today, it’s a place for those interested in history to explore the remnants of its grandeur.  The remnants surprisingly still contain an amazingly well-preserved cathedral, the Church of Saint Gregory, and many more places of historical interest. 

My hotel recommendations in Kars:

• Konak Hotel 2
• Güngören Hotel
• Hotel Kent Ani

Doğubayazıt

Doğubayazıt is a another city in Eastern Turkey not too far from Kars, near Mount Ararat and right next to the Iranian border. One of the main attractions in Doğubayazıt is the Ishak Pasha Palace. It’s an old Ottoman palace on top of a mountain that has a really amazing view at sunset. The place is quite historic and the architecture is very unique with a combination of Ottoman and Persian influences because of it’s location. 

Another major attraction near Doğubayazıt is the famous Noah’s Ark National Park. You can take a day trip to the national park with a taxi. Without going into the debate of whether it’s the real Noah’s Ark or not, I will say that the place is too beautiful to not visit if you’re in the area.

My recommended hotels in Doğubayazıt:

• Butik Ertur Hotel
• Dede Sebo Çay Bahçesi
• Atlihan Plus Hotel

Alacati 

Alacati is a small town on the Aegean coast known for its stone houses, narrow streets, and windmills. Although inside Turkey, it is only 5 km from the nearest Greek Island, was historically host to a large Greek population and still looks like a cute Greek town.

Alacati is also famous for windsurfing because of its steady wind, making it perfect for the sport. Besides windsurfing, there are nice cafes and shops to check out. It’s a laid-back Mediterranean town where you can wander around or just find your spot and enjoy the atmosphere along with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Do keep in mind that everything from coffees to meals to electronic music parties can be outrageously priced (compared to most of Turkey), however.

Good hotels in Alacati:

• Çakir Bey Hotel
• Alacati Lucky Angel Hotel
• Oberj d’Azur Alaçatı

Lake Van 

Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey and a unique destination you must visit if you’re in east Turkey. The lake itself is interesting because it’s fed by underwater sulfur springs and doesn’t seem to have an outlet. Rain, melted snow, and four rivers make the water salty.

You can find old churches and castles around the lake, and can take a ferry to Akdamar Island which is host to the majestic 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral . The area is known for its beautiful landscapes too. You will find very few international tourists here as well and is also an amazing off-the-beaten-path destination where the locals were so hospitable that they never let me pay for a meal or a bus the entire time I was in the city. 

Good hotels in Lake Van:

• Toprak Hotel
• Dimet Park Hotel

Afyonkarahisar

Afyonkarahisar is the capital city of the province of Afyon, Turkey. “Krahisar” means Black Castle, and you can to see the huge, mountain-top castle, called Afyonkarahisar castle, from anywhere in the city, . The castle is 221 m above sea level and it has been fortified for more than 3000 years by regional powers including the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Selcuks, and Ottomans. 

The “Afyon” part of the name comes from Opium as Afyonkarahisar was the largest producer of Opium in the Ottoman empire. If you don’t mind a bit of hike, definitely take the stairs up for 20 minutes (or more depending on your fitness level) to enjoy panoramic views of the city that looks magical around sunset time. You can also try Turkish delicacies like Hashas Kremasi or other Poppy seed incorporated sweets. 

Hotels I can recommend in Afyon:

• Aforia Thermal Residences
• Oreko Express

Şirince 

Şirince is a small village near Ephesus in Turkey. People here make wine and olive oil the way they have been doing for centuries, and it’s worth trying some or taking some home with you. Walking through the area of Şirince, you’ll see lots of olive groves and vineyards. The village is pretty with its traditional Greek architecture, and exploring it feels like taking a step back in time. The houses and streets have an old-world charm and it’s usually not too crowded, making Şirince a peaceful place to visit.

Best hotels in Sirince: 

• Mystic Konak
• Deniss Pension
• Nikbin Yamaç Pansiyon

Final Words

I hope this guide helped you narrow down your travel plans in Turkey. Feel free to take a look at my YouTube channel where I have a playlist of travel vlogs from many of these places. If you think I missed a spot or have any questions, comment below and I’ll reply as soon as possible. Happy Travelling.