Invaded and settled from every direction since the start of recorded history, Turkey combines influences from the Middle East and the Mediterranean, the Balkans and Central Asia. As such, it's stacked with a diversity of enriching vacation experiences, as revealed in our guide to the best things to do in Turkey.
A hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia offers breathtaking views of the "fairy chimneys" and surreal rock formations, making it one of the best things to do in Turkey.
Most flights come with a champagne breakfast, adding a touch of luxury to the adventure.
For a more adrenaline-fueled option, paragliding over Ölüdeniz or Kaş lets you soar above the turquoise coastline, offering an entirely different — yet equally spectacular — perspective.
There are two main airports near Cappadocia — Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport and Kayseri Erkilet Airport.
So, fly to either of these and book a shuttle transfer with your hotel or online. Private transfers or taxis are available too.
The best time to visit Cappadocia for hot air balloon rides is April to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and dry, with fewer cancellations due to wind, and smaller crowds than during the July–August high season.
Want more context on the weather and when to visit? Read up on the best time to visit Turkey.
Cappadocia - Turkey © Shutterstock
Perched above the plains near Doğubayazıt, İshak Paşa Sarayı is one of the best places to visit in Turkey for architecture with serious flair — and a backdrop to match.
Built in the 18th century on the old Silk Route, this palace is a fusion of Georgian, Armenian, and Seljuk styles, wrapped in ornate carvings, domes, and minarets.
It’s remote, dramatic, and steeped in Kurdish history. And the view? Straight across the windswept plains once ruled by the palace’s original chieftain — nothing but sky and space.
İshak Paşa Sarayı is located near Doğubayazıt, Ağrı Province, in Eastern Turkey. The closest airports are Ağrı Ahmed-i Hani Airport (1.5–2 hours from Doğubayazıt) and Van Ferit Melen Airport (2.5–3 hours from Doğubayazıt).
Planning to go it alone? Read up on getting around Turkey.
The best time to visit İshak Paşa Sarayı is from May to October, when the weather is mild-to-warm and mostly dry.
İshak Pasa Sarayı, Turkish semi ruined administrative, Turkey © YoncaEvren/Shutterstock
The Sumela Monastery (Turkish: Sümela Manastırı) is a Greek Orthodox monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary, dramatically built into a cliff at an altitude of 1,200 meters in the Pontic Mountains.
It overlooks the Altındere Valley in Trabzon Province, near the Black Sea coast
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site and one of the most iconic religious and historical landmarks in Turkey, adorned with beautiful frescoes.
The present buildings probably date from the 12th century and contain many subsequent layers of frescoes, the best being from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Climb up to an observation point, soak up epic views of the region, and wander through fascinating caves to learn about the area's geology.
The Monastery of Sumela is located in Altındere National Park, near Maçka, Trabzon Province.
You can fly to Trabzon from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and some international destinations — the airport is around 1.5 hours from the monastery.
From Trabzon, drive or take a minibus or taxi to Maçka (30–40 minutes) — the gateway town for visitors heading to the Sumela Monastery.
May to October is the best time to visit, with May and June especially recommended as a result of the flowing rivers and blooming flowers in the valley, and moderate crowds.
Into art? Visiting Sumela monastery is among the best things to do in Turkey © MehmetO/Shutterstock
This ancient city, addressed by Saint Paul in one of his epistles, is the best preserved of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Unmatched by any other Mediterranean archaeological site aside from Pompeii, Ephesus (Efes in Turkish) appeals to visitors ranging from serious scholars to those with a more casual interest.
It's also a great place to visit if you're traveling to Turkey with kids.
Ephesus is located close to Selçuk, İzmir Province, in Turkey's Central Southern Aegean area.
The closest airport, İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is around an hour from Ephesus, and served by flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and many European cities.
Ephesus is also served by tours from the cruise port and resort areas.
The best time to visit Ephesus is April–June and September–October, when the weather is warm, but not scorching and crowds are more manageable than they are during the peak summer season.
Celsus Library in Ephesus, Turkey © muratart/Shutterstock
Thousands of visitors make the trek to see these fabulous remains atop towering Nemrut Dağı.
You'll find here an extraordinary mountain-top temple-tomb complex that’s the outlandish legacy of an obscure, ancient kingdom.
Unlike other forgotten states of late antiquity, though, Commagene sealed its place in history thanks to the incredible stone carvings created by its uniquely self-obsessed ruler — Antiochus I.
Like to dig deeper into your vacation destinations? Find out some fun facts about Turkey.
Nemrut Dağı is located near Kahta, in southeastern Turkey.
The closest Airport, Adıyaman, is served by daily flights from Istanbul and Ankara, and located 1.5–2 hours from Mount Nemrut.
From Adıyaman Airport, take a taxi, private car, or arranged transfer to Kahta. From there, drive or join a tour to Nemrut Dağı National Park.
May to October is the best period to visit Nemrut Dağı, with September–October especially recommended for the cool, crisp air, dramatic sunsets, and small crowds.
Nemrut Dagi in Turkey © Waj/Shutterstock
Browsing Turkish bazaars, especially Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, is among the best things to do in Turkey, and for sure one of the best things to do in Istanbul.
Heading west towards the city walls, Divan Yolu – once the avenue of state trodden by viziers and pashas – is now lined with tourist shops.
Several blocks further is the entrance to the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), a favourite tourist haunt.
The size of a city street block, this sprawling market is where you can find everything from carpets to leather jackets, antiques, silver, icons, and gold.
Not rushing the Grand Bazaar is among our top Turkey travel tips for first-timers. Take your time, explore the quieter alleys, and don’t be afraid to haggle.
It's also a great place to sample some of the best Turkish cuisine.
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is located between the Beyazıt, Nuruosmaniye and Çemberlitaş neighborhoods in the Old City (Sultanahmet).
You can take tram line T1 (Bağcılar–Kabataş) and get off at either Beyazıt – Kapalıçarşı or Çemberlitaş
Several city buses also stop near Beyazıt Square, though taking the tram is easier.
It’s also an easy 10–15-minute walk from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace.
Morning to early afternoon is best, when it’s quieter and shopkeepers are more attentive and open to negotiation, and spring and fall are the most pleasant times weather-wise.
Fancy lingering longer in the city? Discover the best places to stay in Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul © Berke/Shutterstock
Dating back to the 2nd century AD, the Aspendos Theatre is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, located near the ancient city of Aspendos in the Antalya Province.
The theatre could seat up to 15,000–20,000 people and is still used today for cultural performances.
Built during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (AD161–80), the elaborate structure is almost intact, the exception being part of the upper cornice.
Aspendos Theatre is located near Serik, 47 km east of Antalya, in southern Turkey.
From Antalya Otogar bus station, take a bus or dolmuş to Serik. From Serik, you can take a taxi or local minibus to Aspendos (about 8 km).
Alternatively, book a guided tour. Many operators in Antalya, Side, and Belek offer half-day or full-day trips to Aspendos that are often combined with Perge ruins, Manavgat waterfall and the ancient city of Side ancient city
The best months are March to June, and September to November, when the weather is pleasantly mild and crowds are smaller.
In the early stages of planning your trip to Turkey? Read up on getting to Turkey.
Ancient amphitheater Aspendos in Antalya, Turkey © Ryzhkov Oleksandr/Shutterstock
The seemingly unsupported dome of Hagia Sophia is one of the architectural marvels of the world and visiting this landmark should be on everyone's list of things to do in Turkey.
At the eastern end of the Hippodrome, across Sultanahmet Park, is magnificent Aya Sofya otherwise known by its Greek name, Hagia Sophia or the Church of Holy Wisdom.
It’s the principal Byzantine building still standing in Istanbul and one of the finest architectural creations in the world, not least because of its stunning and hugely innovative dome.
Hagia Sophia is located in Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul’s Fatih District.
To get here, take the T1 Bağcılar–Kabataş tram line and get off at Sultanahmet Station. From the stop, it’s a 5-minute walk to Hagia Sophia.
April to June and September to October offer the best conditions for exp;oring around Sultanahmet.
Hagia Sophia interior at Istanbul Turkey © Tatiana Popova/Shutterstock
Lying just inland from the Black Sea, this glacially sculpted granite mountain range, spangled with dozens of lakes, is Turkey’s premier trekking venue.
The glaciated Kaçkar mountains are the highest (3,932m/12,190ft) and most spectacular of the various massifs in Turkey’s eastern Black Sea region. The name is derived from the Armenian khatchkar (votive relief cross).
Its non-porous granite has resulted in hundreds of midnight-blue lakes and burbling streams.
The wildflower displays here are second to none. Best of all is the opportunity to sample life at the various yaylas (pastoral communities), inhabited to varying degrees from late June to early September.
The main gateway towns to Kaçkar Dağları are Çamlıhemşin, Ayder Yaylası and Yusufeli.
By air, the area is served by Rize–Artvin Airport, which is 1.5–2 hours from Kaçkar access points, and served by domestic flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
Alternatively, Trabzon Airport is well-connected to the mountains — 3–4 hours by car or bus.
Kaçkar Dağları is best visited from June to Mid-September, when the trails are clear of snow and the weather is stable.
Kaçkar mountains. Turkey © UBC Stock/Shutterstock
Gaziantep, in south-eastern Turkey, is one of the country’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and famed for being a UNESCO City of Gastronomy (don’t miss local baklava and kebabs) and its ancient citadel and bazaars.
Another jewel in Gaziantep’s crown is the remarkable Zeugma Mosaic Museum which houses a collection of mosaics as impressive as any found anywhere in the Roman world.
Some are displayed wall-mounted, others are showcased as they would have been in situ, in the reconstructed peristyle courtyards of villas, surrounded by pillars and backed by frescoes.
The mosaics, frescoes and other finds, notably a superb bronze statue of Hermes, were all salvaged from the Hellenistic/Roman city of Zeugma.
Gaziantep Oğuzeli International Airport is located 20 km from the city center (30 minutes by car or shuttle), and served by frequent direct flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
You can also take a train from Ankara or Adana.
The ideal seasons to visit are March–May and September–November, with the latter being a top time for foodies to visit, thanks to this being harvest season.
Roman Floor Mosaic from Zeugma, Turkey © bumihills/Shutterstock
This unspoiled beach, one of the longest in the Mediterranean, is the perfect coda to a visit of the nearby, eponymous ancient city.
Patara was powerful Lycian city. Today it is better known for its 12km (7.5-mile) white-sand beach, the longest in Turkey, often with a considerable summer surf.
This giant sandpit is as popular with breeding turtles as it is with lounging tourists, and the swamp behind the dunes is a vast archaeological site – thus it is all strictly protected, with most tourist facilities confined to the village of Gelemiş.
Looking for a summer beach vacation? Discover where to enjoy the best beach holidays in Europe, and read up on the best beaches in Turkey. Patara is among them.
The nearest airport, Dalaman Airport, is 1.5 hours by car. From there, travel by car or bus to Gelemiş village, the base for visiting Patara Beach. You need to pay an entry fee, which also includes access to the Patara archaeological site.
The June to September high season is hot and sunny — perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This is also sea turtle nesting season.
Meanwhile, the May and October shoulder-season months are warm, with fewer tourists.
Aerial view of an untouched Patara Beach in Antalya, Turkey © proslgn/Shutterstock
Located above modern-day Bergama in Turkey's north Aegean, the Acropolis of Pergamon is the ancient upper city of Pergamon — a major center of culture, learning, and power during the Hellenistic period.
The site is famous for Theatre of Pergamon, the steepest ancient theater in the world, the Trajan Temple, palaces, and library ruins, and for offering panoramic views over the Caicus River valley.
For the energetic, there is a path up to the fabled Acropolis from Bergama, though it’s probably best to use it downhill on your return.
Most people will arrive by cable-car or private car to the car park and ticket booth at the top.
İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport is the closest major airport, and served by frequent domestic and international flights.
The easiest and most scenic way to reach the Acropolis summit is by cable car, which departs from near the Bergama museum.
April–June and September–October are the best times for visit for mild temperatures that offer the ideal contains for walking around the large hilltop ruins.
Keen on culture? Read up on the best things to to in Ankara.
Temple of Trajan at Acropolis of Pergamon or Pergamum in Turkey © OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock
This well-marked path, suited to all abilities, follows some of the most scenic portions of the Turquoise Coast, and hiking this region is one of the best things to do in Turkey for walkers and nature lovers.
This coastal route, ideal for spring or autumn, notionally takes five weeks to complete, with the wildest, most popular sections near Fethiye between Kabak and Gavurağili, and between Kaş and Üçağız.
Five kilometres (3 miles) before Kumluca, where Highway 400 swings northward, continue east along the coastal road for another 20km (12.5 miles) to reach a scenic stretch of the Lycian Way, from Karaöz down to the French-built lighthouse at Gelidonya Burnu, with the Beş Adalar (Five Islands) as a backdrop.
Dalaman Airport is closest to Fethiye and the western sections of the Lycian Way, while Antalya Airport — a major international and domestic hub — is best for the eastern portion of the trail.
For section hiking, it’s best to rent a car from Dalaman or Antalya airports.
March to May and September to November offer the best walking conditions.
Gelidonya lighthouse, Lycian way, Turkey © Quinn Martin/Shutterstock
Home to native cultures from the Stone Age onwards, this superb museum is the capital’s one must-see attraction.
Today, travellers to the region pay homage to Atatürk, buried in state in the country’s bustling modern capital, Ankara, and visit the superb Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, covering 10,000 years of history.
You'll want to visit Konya to admire the religious monuments associated with the world-famous whirling dervishes. Visit Cappadocia to delight in its extraordinary landscape of conical fairy chimneys, underground cities, anthill-like monasteries and rock-cut churches.
Take the metro to Ulus Station. From there, it’s a 10–15-minute uphill walk to the museum near the castle area.
Many public buses also stop near Ulus Square.
If you’re staying in Ulus or Hamamönü, you can easily walk to the museum area.
If you're coming for culture and museums, there's no bad time to visit Ankara!
Museum of Anatolian civilizations, Ankara, Turkey © zebra0209/Shutterstock
The cobalt-blue expanse of Turkey's largest lake is a joy to behold.
Van Gölü (Lake Van) stands some 1,650 metres (5,500ft) above sea level. Flushed with the run-off from innumerable small streams in the surrounding mountains, it has no visible outlet save for evaporation, which accounts for the lake’s high salinity.
Van Ferit Melen Airport is the main gateway to Lake Van and served by daily direct flights from Istanbul and Ankara.
In addition, a scenic long-distance train runs from Ankara to Tatvan on Lake Van’s western shore.
To enjoy a full circuit of the lake, rent a car.
Lake Van is at its most scenic in late spring or early summer.
Last light at The Armenian Church, Van, Turkey © B Studio/Shutterstock
The most famous mosque in Istanbul's old city is the Blue Mosque, which faces Aya Sofya across Sultanahmet Square, and derives its architectural style from an earlier church.
It has blue stained-glass windows, and exquisite İznik tiles decorate its interior.
It was built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet Ağa, a student of the great architect Sinan, as a means of showing the world that he had outstripped his master – and the architects of Aya Sofya – and as a tribute to the superiority of Islam.
The Blue Mosque is located on Sultanahmet Square in the Fatih District, of Istanbul’s Old City.
To get there, take the T1 tram line (Bağcılar–Kabataş) and get off at Sultanahmet Station. From there, it’s a 3–5-minute walk to the mosque.
The Blue Mosque is open daily, but closed during the five daily Muslim prayer times, each lasting about 30–45 minutes.
Try to visit between 9.00 am and 11.30 am, or between 1.30pm and 3.30pm.
The ideal seasons to visit are April–June and September–October, which offer pleasant conditions for walking and sightseeing.
Blue mosque, Instanbul © OPIS Zagreb/Shutterstock
The village of Göreme, just 3km northeast of Uçhisar, is one of few remaining Cappadocian settlements whose rock-cut houses and fairy chimneys are still inhabited.
These, along with the village’s celebrated open-air museum, make it a hugely popular destination.
The honeycomb of cave dwellings etched into the landscape not only provides visual intrigue, but is well equipped to provide for everyone from budget backpackers to luxury holiday-makers. and there are carpet shops, pansiyons, tour companies and restaurants everywhere.
In and around the Göreme valley, in a spectacular scenery entirely made by erosion, there are shrines cut into the rock, which are a unique record of Byzantine art.
There are also troglodyte dwellings, villages and underground cities - the remains of a former traditional human habitation that dates back to the 4th century.
Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport is the closest airport (35–40 minutes), and served by daily flights from Istanbul.
It can also be reached from the larger, better served Kayseri Erkilet Airport after a drive of 1–1.5-hours.
The best time to visit Göreme National Park is April to June and September to October.
Goreme in Turkey © AdobeStock
Located in the historic Sultanahmet district, Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı) was the political and administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years.
It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Istanbul’s top attractions.
The palace complex includes imperial courtyards, the harem, a rooms of holy relics, and the Imperial Treasury.
Though the complex is considerably smaller than the original, which used to extend down to the Sea of Marmara and include the area covered today by Sirkeci railway station and Gülhane Park, the grounds are still enormous. As a result, you need half a day to appreciate it properly.
The palace is located behind Hagia Sophia. Take the T1 tram line (Bağcılar–Kabataş) and get off at Sultanahmet Station.
Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the best times to visit, thanks to pleasant weather, manageable crowds and getting to see the gardens in bloom or shifting seaosnal colors.
Harem in Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey © AdobeStock
Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southwestern Turkey, famous for its terraced white travertine pools formed by mineral-rich hot springs.
It’s also home to the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city, and Cleopatra’s Pool — a thermal pool with submerged columns.
As such, visiting is one of the best things to do in Turkey if you’re looking for a unique combination of natural beauty and ancient history.
Pamukkale is located near the town of Denizli, which is served by Denizli Çardak Airport.
From the airport, take a shuttle bus, taxi or rent a car. Most shuttles drop off in Denizli city center or directly in Pamukkale village.
You can also take a 4-5-hour train from Izmir.
April–June and September–October are the ideal months to visit, thanks to mild weather (20–28°C) and lusher surroundings.
Vibrant Pamukkale in Turkey © Suksamran1985/Shutterstock
Paragliding in Ölüdeniz, Turkey, is one of the world’s most iconic aerial adventures, and offers a breathtaking mix of turquoise seas, dramatic cliffs, and mountain scenery.
The launch point: Babadağ Mountain, rises 1,960 meters (6,430 ft) above sea level, and flights typically last 25–45 minutes, depending on weather conditions and thermal activity.
You’ll soar above the Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz, Butterfly Valley, thick pine forests and the sparkling Aegean Sea, which amounts to an exhilerating experience.
As such, adventurers wondering what to do in Turkey will want to head here.
Dalaman Airport is around an hour by car from Ölüdeniz. From the airport, take a shuttle, private transfer, or rental car to Ölüdeniz.
Spring offers clear skies, mild temperatures, smaller crowds and excellent flying conditions, with summer offering the best overall thermal conditions for longer flights, but you’ll need to book trips early.
Paragliding in Ölüdeniz, Turkey © AdobeStock
In the process of planning a trip to Turkey? Make use of our guide to how to plan a trip to Turkey, and wise up on where to stay with our Turkey accommodation tips.
Don't enjoy planning? Contact our local Turkey travel experts to have them curate your perfect Turkey itinerary for any duration, whether you're limited to a 7 days Turkey itinerary, or can extend your vacation to a 10 days Turkey itinerary.
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 28.05.2025
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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Turkey
