Steeped in history, Turkey has acted as the gateway between Europe and Asia for thousands of years. Being a place where trade took place across boundaries created by cultures that were originally from miles apart has made this country richly diverse with many different points of interest (and delicious cuisine). The wealth is especially notable among religious monuments; there are so many church carved deep into mountainsides or elaborate mosques fashioned outlandishly on flatlands you’ll want to explore them all!
Every time a new visitor steps off the plane at Istanbul’s airport they are overwhelmed with excitement. This is not just any other city, but once the capital of both The Byzantine and Ottoman Empires which means there’s so much history for you to explore! You can spend your days staying in boutique hotels inside caves or floating above hot air balloons while looking down on otherworldly views from Cappadocia – all without having set foot outside Turkish soil if that sounds like too much fun (or easy). But don’t worry; if lounging by luxury beach resorts along the Aegean Sea sound better than exploring ancient ruins then head straight over there instead because this place has got everything anyone could want:
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Top 10: Ankara
The capital city of Turkey, Ankara is a modern dwelling that houses government buildings and commercial enterprises as well. It’s located right in the middle with transportation hubs linking people to other major destinations throughout this country including its historic sites or arts & culture by the way of foreign embassies for those looking abroad…
It would seem like an unimportant place at first glance but don’t let your impression fool you: The bustling metropolis offers some really cool stuff too!
Ankara is a city of architectural treasures, from the Temple to Augustus and even Mausoleum for Turkey’s first President. The ruins are stunningly preserved in this ancient metropolis that has seen so many cultures come and go over its long history as a trading hub between Europe and Asia Minor.
A historic site worth seeing on your travels through eastern Anatolia would be Ankara’s Anitkabir Mosque where you can see an amazing example (amongst others) representing just how far Islamic architecture has reached since being introduced into Turkish lands during Umayyad rule around 700 AD thereabouts).
Ankara is a city with many different spectrums of culture. The museums and theatres are just one facet, the markets another! You’ll find that there’s always something new to experience in Ankara no matter what your interests are – whether they be shopping at modern malls or enjoying traditional Turkish cuisine on someone else’s dime (I know because I’ve done both).
Top 9: Mardin
The ruins of Mardin are an ancient settlement with sandstone buildings that stretch down a hill. The city is best known for its cultural diversity and the many religions it fosters, which have been passed on through generations since this time-honored town first came into being thousands upon thousands of years ago!
Mardin’s Old City is a haven for travelers who enjoy walking through winding streets and visiting popular sites. The maze of meandering alleys leads visitors to the Deyrü’z-Zafaran Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world with its storklike architecture that dates back over 1 500 years ago. Visitors can also explore Zinciriye Medresesi – which served as an Islamic school during medieval times when it featured beautiful courtyards lined by artwork from Turkey’s vibrant civilization history.
The Great Mosque, with its majestic tower, stands out like a beacon in the Old City. The citadel is closed to visitors but offers fantastic photo opportunities and you’re sure to find what your heart desires if shopping for pottery, silverware, or traditional headdresses while exploring this labyrinth of shops throughout Al-Quds Street!
Top 8: Konya
Konya is one of the oldest cities in Turkey and has been a major capital city for many periods. The architecture here ranges from Seljuk to Ottoman-era structures such as Ince Minare Medrese; it’s an old yet still interesting destination that offers tourists something new each time they visit!
A modern day architectural attraction is the Seljuk Tower, one of Turkey’s tallest skyscrapers. A restaurant on its top two floors features an impressive revolving view that you can enjoy while sipping your drink or eating dinner!
Konya is an old city in Turkey, and its Mausoleum of Rumi contains a museum dedicated to him. The Mevlevi Order was formed by followers who loved the works of this theologian/mystic from Konya centuries ago- they are also known as Whirling Dervishes due to their famous religious ceremonies which include spinning on one foot while wearing white attire with billowing fabric around them; these same can be observed weekly at your local cultural center!
Konya is a beautiful city that offers not only green spaces and parks but also the opportunity to enjoy drinks at some hotels or cafes. Konyalu bar in particular has been playing music from around the globe for decades!
For those who are looking for nightlife despite its conservative reputation as one of Turkey’s more traditional cities, you’ll find no shortage when it comes down to choosing where to head out – there just might be something different each time you visit so keep your eyes peeled 😉
Top 7: Antalya
Antalya is a large, vibrant city welcoming tourists with numerous resorts and hotels. Spectacular scenery frames the beautiful coastline that stretches for miles along Turkey’s Mediterranean Sea coast; lush green mountains dot this landscape while ancient ruins sit in contrast to them as well (the perfect combination!). There are so many things you can do here: swimming at one of our beaches or taking part in exhilarating activities like mountain climbing – either way, your holiday will be fulfilled!
In addition, there aren’t any shortage of restaurants where locals eat dinner after work every day–so if food sounds good come by today 🙂
The Old Quarter of Kaleiçi, home to many historical structures that date back centuries ago. Whether you’re looking for a coffee break or some retail therapy this area has everything! Cumhuriyet Square is at the heart with its beautiful buildings surrounding it offering an array of shops and cafes perfect for picking up souvenirs before continuing on your journey…
Antalya has a variety of beaches, from the sand-colored Konyaalti to Lara. These two offer white shores with water sports and resorts nearby; they also have bars that are perfect for when you want some sun but not too much heat! The best part about going here? Antalya’s zoo–you can see over 100 different animal species right in one place!
Top 6: Marmaris
The Turkish Riviera is a destination for all travelers looking to get away from the hustle of urban life. Turkey’s most popular seaside resort, Marmaris offers pristine white sand beaches and turquoise water in addition to picturesque mountains with ancient ruins dotting their landscape throughout this picture-perfect setting along the southwest region known as “the Mediterranean coast.”
Marmaris is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to get away from the hustle and bustle. The old quarter offers not only attractive architecture but also an intimate glimpse into Turkish life with its 16th century Castle of Suleyman Magnificent as well! Visitors can take various boating tours which will allow them to explore picturesque bays or neighboring villages like Dalyan on horseback while jeep safaris offer off-the-beaten-path adventures in lush pine forests.
Marmaris, with its water parks and Turkish baths, is the perfect location for a fun-filled family vacation. From relaxing spas to amazing destinations like Dalyan or Ephesus Marras also offers much more than you would expect!
As a traveler, the nightlife scene in Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most exciting. From fast food to fine dining restaurants are found throughout this city and along its beaches, there are bars that host live music acts every day until late at night. Not forgetting about mezes (Turkish appetizers) which can be sampled while watching belly dancers perform their craft before your eyes!
Top 5: Side
A former port in ancient Pamphylia and occupied by Alexander the Great around 400 BC, Side today is a picturesque town that hosts some very classic ruins while still providing modern-day resorts overlooking sandy white beaches. Located on Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast with a small peninsula jutting out towards Antalya province it offers fantastic sightseeing as well as nightlife for those who prefer not to stay inside all of their time!
Side’s star attraction is a colossal amphitheater, which was built in ancient Hellenistic and Roman times. The ruins of this old structure include remnants from the arena as well as other temples for worshipers to use when visiting Side. There are also public baths left behind by those early civilizations that offer an opportunity for both relaxation and tourism with their museum displaying artifacts from all eras throughout history on display inside these restored facilities
“At sunset”, we can admire one specifically; it would make sense if you were there – what better time than now?
Side is a picturesque town that features narrow streets and attractive gardens. The charming city has many restaurants ranging from delis to upscale dining in multiple cuisines, such as pizza shops or more formal sit-down places with menus available at each establishment. Just outside of Side there are also boat tours on the Manavgat River which offer scenic views while white water rafting provides thrill seekers an adrenaline rush into challenging rapids!
Top 4: Bodrum
Located in the Mugla Province of Turkey, Bodrum is an ancient city that was once home to marble buildings and temples. It’s also where you will find some incredible ruins! The beaches here are stunningly beautiful with cliffs overlooking them for those who want more privacy or adventure at their fingertips-the choice is yours when it comes down to choosing between these two options which offer something different depending upon what mood strikes you during any given day (or night!).
Bodrum is a beautiful town on the Turkish coast that has plenty to offer for every type of traveler. On Bodrum’s eastern side you will find one of Turkey’s most famous beaches, with crystal clear waters and breathtaking views into several different countries including Greece across the sea. Nearby are cafes where people can enjoy their morning coffee or evening drink as they watch boats navigate through blue water while talking about what fun activities took place during day-long excursions abroad; these establishments also provide live music so those looking to get away from it all might want to spend some time here playing guitar alongside other locals who have learned songs just like yours!
With its plethora of things to do, Bodrum is a great destination. The award-winning museum inside the castle covers underwater archaeology and historic windmills are also on tap for your sightseeing desires as well! Turkish bathhouses offer relaxation after all that activity in addition there’s plenty more like scuba diving or boat tours – which allow you some time at night with an open bar while jumping through air bubbles.
Top 3: Ephesus
Europe’s most complete classical metropolis, Ephesus is an ancient site located in Aegean Turkey. By the 1st century BC, Ephesus was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire, boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. The ruins of Ephesus are well preserved and contained within a large archaeological site, making it one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions.
Ephesus was once a thriving Roman city, home to more than 250,000 people. But in the third century AD, it became an abandoned settlement with only 20% of its original population still living there due mostly because of Epheseust sacking by Germanic Goths on Christmas day as they rampaged through Asia Minor taking control over what’s left behind which includes Christianity among other religions that are eventually spread around Europe.
What is today one of the largest archeological sites in the world, Ephesus was once all but forgotten. For roughly 1,500 years this incredible classical city went unnoticed by man until an international team started unearthing its ruins during 1864 and 1865 when less than 20% had been excavated to date. Today you can explore what remains at your leisure with only limited access or through guided tours if desired!
Without question, the most famous structure in Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis. The temple was once the largest on the planet, showcasing just how important the city of Ephesus was. Unfortunately, the temple itself was largely destroyed around the fifth century, but it is still possible to tour the ruins.
Some of the most recently excavated attractions in Ephesus, and certainly some of the most popular, are the Terraced Houses. These were the homes of the richest residents of Ephesus in approximately the first century, and they were built in a modern Roman style.
Remarkably, some of the homes had hot and cold baths, marble floors, and even heating systems. On the walls, you can spot unusual artwork, mosaics, and even love poems scrawled by hand.
Visiting the Library of Celsus is an essential part of any trip to Ephesus. Built-in 123 AD, this library was once one among the three largest libraries on earth – coming third after those at Alexandria and Pergamum; its two-story design can be seen with ease thanks largely because it’s been restored for tourists like me!
The four statues that represent the four virtues are worth seeing. While they may be replicas, you can still see Sophia and Episteme—representing wisdom and knowledge respectively–Ennoia with thought to uphold goodness in its place as well; Arete shows forth our ambition for success!
After exploring Ephesus, many travelers decide to spend some time in Selçuk. You might want to stop and admire the town’s Roman aqueduct or learn more about the archeology of this region by checking out collections at the Museum of Selcük–the most popular souvenir from around here is a carpet made up with blue knots on the white ground called “Diker-Knot” (a type originally woven back home).
Top 2: Cappadocia
The strange landscape of Cappadocia, Turkey is best known for its unusual formations that resemble chimneys and pinnacles. Though it has been formed over time by natural processes such as volcanic eruptions and erosion; humans added remarkable touches when they carved out houses churches from soft rock thousands of years ago!
The Cappadocia region is a popular destination for travelers who want to see the natural wonders and historic sites. Inhabited as early as 1800 BC, residents of Hittites chiseled out underground tunnel complexes seeking safety from invading Persians or Greeks much later in the 4th century AD Christians fleeing religious persecution by Rome found refuge here; today these same caves are still havened away when you’re on your own travels without packing light!
While much of Cappadocia is located in the province of Nevsehir, some towns offer you great opportunities like Ürgüp with its nightlife and restaurants. Other regions worth visiting include Göreme where tourists can enjoy rock castles or Mustapha Pasha Village that was once home to an important family from centuries past!
Top 1: Istanbul
Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and one of the world’s most impressive destinations.
Istanbul spans both sides across Bosphorus Strait connecting Asia with Europe – making it a unique place to visit for those who want attractions on either side! Istanbul has an exciting nightlife scene as well as many historic sites which are sure not only enchant but educate you about history if they aren’t already too busy doing their own thing like eating or shopping 🙂
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The Old City is where you can find a wealth of historic sites, including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. New City also has plenty to offer in terms of modern-day attractions with skyscrapers as well as shopping malls popular among tourists looking for entertainment outside bars or clubs on Beyoglu Street at night time! Other neighborhoods worth checking out include Galata for its lively nightlife, Bosphorus near beautiful palaces surrounded by lush greenery perfect framed between tall buildings along water views galore…
The nightlife scene in Istanbul abounds with a variety of restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs to suit every budget. The Grand Bazaar is one market you don’t want to miss when visiting Turkey!
A Turkish bath experience will give travelers an inside look into the local culture while shopping for traditional souvenirs or becoming acquainted with new traditions like Ice-Cream Street vendors outside their hotel room door who sell refreshing desserts all day long during summer months without ever running out (not even on Saturday).
