12 Fascinating Places To Visit In Turkey + Things To Do

Ancient Roman ruins standing in silent grandeur. Byzantine churches adorned with shimmering mosaics. Traditional villages frozen in time. Surreal landscapes that seem conjured from fantasy. Here are some of the best places to visit in Turkey.

By: Mark Barnes | Last Updated: March 17, 2025 | Comments & Questions

At the crossroads of civilizations, Turkey has been the heart of both Christian and Islamic empires.

Roman and Greek ruins scattered across rolling hills whisper of its ancient past, while magnificent mosques and vibrant bazaars showcase its dynamic present.

But Turkey’s allure extends beyond historical treasures.

The otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia rise like a geologic dream. Quiet rural hamlets move to the rhythm of traditions unchanged for generations.

Mountain paths wind through landscapes of breathtaking beauty.

We love travelling in Turkey. The mix of cultures, friendly local hospitality, interesting sights and sunny climates make it a place we love going back to.

Table of Contents show

MAP: PLACES TO VISIT IN TURKEY

This map contains all the top attractions listed in this guide so you can get a sense of their location. If you want help planning your trip, please read our 2-week Turkey itinerary.

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USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.

1. PAMUKKALE & HIERAPOLIS

People have been soaking in the thermal bliss of Pamukkale for centuries. The hot water springs that dot the area range from 35°C to 100°C (95°F to 212°F). They are said to carry healing powers, but remedial bathing is not the only reason people come.

Mineral-rich waters have slowly dripped down the mountainside, creating a solid calcium carbonate. As it cools and mixes with carbon dioxide, it creates a surreal landscape of glistening white mineral forests.

Petrified waterfalls and terraced basins provide an atmospheric place to soak.

The ancient site of Hierapolis is near the terraces. This sprawling, impressive complex of ancient buildings is one of Turkey’s most impressive ancient ruins.

Don’t miss the magical sunsets in Pamukkale.

places to visit in turkey Pamukkale — PAMMUKALE, TURKEY

2-week Turkey Itinerary Hierapolis — PAMMUKALE, TURKEY

2. HAGIA SOFYA, ISTANBUL

Hagia Sofya has long told the story of Istanbul. Built by the Byzantine Roman Emperor Justinian in the middle of the 6th century CE, it became the most important Christian Church of the empire.

It was converted to a mosque when the Ottomans invaded and captured the city a millennium later. The mosque became the centre of an Islamic Empire and Caliphate.

Inside, ancient Christian mosaics recall the biblical stories of a protracted Christian Empire. Muslim calligraphy proclaims the names of Mohammed and the early caliphs. Etchings by Viking mercenaries are high in the upper galleries.

Wandering the aisles, the history of Istanbul comes alive.

Past rulers and their beliefs are immortalised on the walls, in art, and in architecture. Their collective presence is a reflection of Istanbul and its story.

It’s one of the most important places to visit in Turkey and the top attraction in Istanbul.

How to visit Hagia Sophia – Entry for visitors is via a special entrance on the southeast corner of the building. Non-muslims can no longer enter the ground floor, but you can still see the upper viewing deck and some of the 10th-century mosaics.

Tickets – An entry fee of €25 has recently been introduced. You can book skip-the-line tickets in advance, but professional guided tours are no longer permitted.

istanbul turkey 1 — HAGIA SOFIA, ISTANBAUL

istanbul turkey 2 — HAGIA SOFIA, ISTANBAUL

3. EPHESUS

Caesar Augustus made Ephesus the capital of Roman Asia Minor and money and power flooded into the city. The result is one of the greatest collections of Roman ruins in the world, let alone Turkey.

The highlight is the bas-reliefs and statues covering the façade of the Library of Celsus. This is the iconic image of Ephesus.

The site also contains a series of excavated Roman terrace houses. Glass walkways run over these ancient dwellings, so you can inspect them in detail.

Red and white frescoes, restored and still glowing with abundant colour decorate the walls. Vibrant paintings of emperors, giants and gods reveal the wealth of past owners.

More about Ephesus — For more information, read our guide to the best ancient sites in Turkey.

4. CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey.

As the sun’s rays push back the night, the towering rock faces of Cappadocia glow with an incandescent splendour.

Cut by years of wind and water, half-domed white rocks cling to valley tops. Rippling red and rose canyons scar the earth. Phallic rock formations reach for the sky.

Taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is an unmissable experience in Turkey. But there’s also superb hiking, interesting local culture, and interesting day trips.

5. THE GRAND BAZAAR

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets. The Ottomans constructed the bazaar shortly after they conquered the city in 1453.

There are 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops, bursting with a vibrant atmosphere.

Find a kaleidoscope of colourful lanterns, soaps and spices, trinkets and carpets. But the endless hubbub and energy are the most important commodity at the Grand Bazaar.

Navigate towards Çarşı Kebap, where an old Turkish man with his head in the flames will be flipping kebabs. Grab a table to join the other stallholders for a wonderful thing to do in Turkey.

Grand Bazaar Guided Tour – This very well-rated small group tour of Istanbul includes the Topkapi Palace, the Underground Cistern, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar.

6. PERGAMUM

A short drive to the north of Ephesus, Bergama (Pergamum) was once the Roman capital of Asia Minor.

Perched on a hill, Pergamum reflects the might of Rome and the defensive fortresses of the ancient Greeks.

Stare up at the towering columns of the Temple of Trajan. Sit in the seats of the dramatic theatre embedded in the hillside. Scramble through the weeds and overgrown grasses surrounding the Temple of Dionysus.

The rocky ruins of the Pergamum Altar, surrounded by ancient columns, are one of the most fascinating ancient Turkish ruins.

7. CHORA CHURCH (KARIYE MOSQUE)

The Chora Church is a medieval Greek Orthodox church in the Fatih district of İstanbul. Chora means country as the building was originally outside the city walls constructed by Constantine.

Chora Church is the best-preserved Crusader Byzantine Church in Istanbul. The construction has undergone a number of reincarnations, starting as a church, converting to a museum, and then returning to a mosque again.

The current version was reconstructed from the 11th to the 14th centuries.

The frescoes and mosaics are breathtaking.

Tickets – The church has now been converted to a mosque, but it’s still possible for non-muslims to visit. The entrance is on the north side of the building on Kairye Türbesi Street. Buy tickets in advance to avoid the queues.

Prayer times – Chora Mosque is closed for prayer on Fridays. All non-muslims need to avoid prayer times on all other days. Check prayer times in advance

top experiences in turkey chora church — CHORA MOSQUE

8. KAPIKIRI

The village of Kapıkırı is not a popular attraction in Turkey, but it was one of our favourite places to visit.

Kapıkırı is subsistence farming village. Chickens, goats and cows amble the streets. Friendly locals lean against crumbling walls in the shade, and a rural path leads through the countryside.

The village is beautifully set. Hidden in the hollows of the hillside, lush green slopes are interrupted by large erratic boulders.

A path drops down to Lake Bafu, where the ancient ruins of Herakleia are still standing on a small island in the middle.

The lake is a great place to relax and have a swim. After cooling off, we sat on a couple of chairs, and a family member offered us some beers from the little fridge they had set up on the shore.

There is limited public transport to Kapıkırı, but fortunately, driving in Turkey is very easy.

All the details on visiting are in our 2-week Turkey itinerary.

9. TEMPLE OF APOLLO

Only three columns of the Temple of Apollo are still standing with a pediment across the top of two of them.

It is not particularly ornate, nor does it have a dramatic location. However, the colossal size of the columns puts the whole structure into perspective.

The temple walls, metres thick and almost 30 metres high, are simply massive. Wide columns stretch like mighty redwoods into the sky. One fallen column, lying on its side, still stands 2.5 metres high.

The original platform of the temple was over 5,500 meters square and held 122 massive columns.

Nevertheless, this was only the fourth-largest temple in ancient Turkey and a top place to visit.

Standing beside the huge columns of the Temple of Apollo, Turkey — TEMPLE OF APOLLO

Huge columns from the Temple of Apollo lie on the ground — TEMPLE OF APOLLO

10. BASILICA OF SAINT JOHN

Perched on a hill outside Ephesus, the Basilica of St John is a Byzantine Church and the alleged resting place of St John.

In his final days, he resided in Ephesus, where many believe he penned his gospel on this hill before he passed away at the age of 100.

As Christianity propagated, followers built a monumental tomb over his grave. Later, in 350 CE, they constructed a basilica, complete with a wooden dome, at the site.

Then, in the 6th century CE, Justinian and Theodora knocked down the basilica and built a 6-domed church that survived for almost 800 years.

A large earthquake finally destroyed it, and the outcome is the impressive ruins you see today.

It’s easy to get an idea of the scope and size of the church, which would be the 7th largest in the world if it existed today.

Ancient ruins in Turkey, Basilica of St John — BASILICA OF SAINT JOHN

Ruins of a huge Byzantine Church in Turkey, St John Basilica — BASILICA OF SAINT JOHN

11. ANTALYA

Antalya is a city located on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. With glorious stretches of beach, it’s known as the capital of tourism in Turkey.

The combination of sunny coastline, ancient ruins, high-end hotels and golf resorts has made Antalya one of the best places to visit in Turkey.

Stroll the charming old town with Roman artefacts. Take a boat ride from the Old Harbour. Enjoy Antalyan nightlife and shop in designer department stores.

To get away from it all, soak on an idyllic beach or explore some of the ancient ruins in the area.

Read more in our guide to the best things to do in Antalya, Turkey.

12. ASPENDOS

Aspendos is an ancient Greco-Roman city located just 20 minutes out of Antalya. It is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world.

The city of Aspendos was founded in the 5th century BC by Greeks from Argos. Construction on the theatre commenced in the 6th Century BC under Alexander the Great.

During the Roman times, it led the world trade in salt, oil and wool, bringing great power and wealth to the city.

Built into a hill, the stage is 96 metres long. It is estimated that the theatre seated 15,000 – 20,000 people. The columns that supported the stage are still in place, and only the wooden ceiling is missing.