Turkey is a country straddling Eastern Europe and Western Asia with cultural connections to the ancient Greek, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Cosmopolitan Istanbul, on the Bosphorus Strait, is home to the iconic Hagia Sophia, with its soaring dome and Christian mosaics, the massive 17th-century Blue Mosque, and the circa-1460 Topkapi Palace, the former home of sultans. Ankara is Turkey’s modern capital.
1. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
2. Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
3. Blue Mosque, Istanbul
4. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
5. Ephesus, Selcuk
6. Pamukkale, Denizli Province
7. Cappadocia, Nevsehir Province
8. Troy, Canakkale Province
9. Pergamon, Bergama
10. Gallipoli, Canakkale Province
11. Antalya, Antalya Province
12. Alanya, Antalya Province
13. Konya, Konya Province
14. Izmir, Izmir Province
15. Ankara, Ankara Province
1. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul: Once a church, then a mosque and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s great architectural treasures. Its massive dome was the largest in the world for nearly a thousand years, and its interior is decorated with stunning Byzantine mosaics.
2. Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul: The sprawling Topkapi Palace was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. It’s now a museum containing an enormous collection of porcelain, armor, jewels, manuscripts, and other artifacts belonging to the royal family.
3. Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Blue Mosque, Istanbul: The Blue Mosque gets its nickname from the 20,000 blue tiles adorning its interior walls. It’s one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions and is still used as a mosque today.
4. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul: The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices to souvenirs. It’s a great place to haggle for deals and sample Turkish delights.
5. Ephesus, Selcuk
Ephesus, Selcuk: Ephesus was once one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. Today, its extensive ruins are some of the best preserved in the world. Don’t miss the magnificent Library of Celsus or the Temple of Artemis.
6. Pamukkale, Denizli Province
Pamukkale, Denizli Province: Pamukkale’s striking white terraces are formed by mineral deposits left by thermal springs. The nearby ancient city of Hierapolis was built atop hot springs and is home to well-preserved ruins, including a Roman theater.
7. Cappadocia, Nevsehir Province
Cappadocia, Nevsehir Province: Cappadocia is famous for its unique landscape of fairy chimneys, rock-cut houses, and underground cities. The best way to explore the area is by hot air balloon or on a hike through one of the many valleys.
8. Troy, Canakkale Province
Troy, Canakkale Province: Troy was made famous by Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad. Today, you can visit the archaeological site and see the remains of the city walls, towers, and gates.
9. Pergamon, Bergama
Pergamon, Bergama: Pergamon was once one of the richest and most powerful cities in the ancient world. Its ruins include the Acropolis, a huge amphitheater, and the Library of Pergamon.
10. Gallipoli, Canakkale Province
Gallipoli, Canakkale Province: Gallipoli is best known as the site of World War I’s bloody Battle of Gallipoli. Today, you can visit the battlefields, war cemeteries, and Anzac Cove.
11. Antalya, Antalya Province
Antalya, Antalya Province: Antalya is a popular beach resort with many luxury hotels and restaurants. Its old city is surrounded by walls and is home to the impressive Hadrian’s Gate.
12. Alanya, Antalya Province
Alanya, Antalya Province: Alanya is a seaside town with a castle overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Its sandy beaches are popular for sunbathing and swimming.
13. Konya, Konya Province
Konya, Konya Province: Konya is home to the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the Sufi saint Rumi. It’s also a starting point for trips to the nearby archaeological site of Catalhoyuk.
14. Izmir, Izmir Province
Izmir, Izmir Province: Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and has a long history dating back to ancient times. Its waterfront promenade, Kordon Boyu, is a great place for a walk or a coffee break.
15. Ankara, Ankara Province
Ankara, Ankara Province: Ankara is Turkey’s capital and home to many government buildings and embassies. Its old quarter, Ulus, is full of narrow streets and traditional Turkish houses.