Hiker on the coast of Turkey ()

Whether you are passionate about history, inspired by the outdoors or excited by urban life, these top ten places to visit in Türkiye will make it a memorable assignment.

1. Istanbul

Yes, it was Constantinople, and before that it was Byzantium. Founded in the seventh century by Greek colonists, this eclectic city straddles the Bosporus Strait and has been a cultural meeting point for centuries. Highlights include the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the Blue Mosque across scenic Sultanahmet Square. Don’t miss the Grand Bazaar whose maze of vendors easily occupies an entire shopping day. Then there is Topkapi Palace, this expansive Ottoman sultan’s residence takes time to explore. Istanbul offers many more sites, but leave yourself time to enjoy some meze (small plate appitizers), try a borek (sweet and savory pastries) and sip some strong Turkish coffee.

2. Cappadocia

Experience this land of unique geology by staying in a Göreme cave hotel and enjoying the town’s exotic nightlife. Tour decorated cave churches at the Göreme Open Air Museum or on a hike in Soğanlı Valley. Get a little lost among rock formations down Devrent and Love Valleys and explore the underground city tunnels in Derinkuyu or Kaymakli. Take a classic morning hot air balloon ride, then spend an afternoon tasting the local clay pot kebab and touring a vineyard before marveling at sunset over Rose Valley. In winter, try skiing on a stratovolcano at the Erciyes ski resort.

3. Ephesus

The UNESCO Heritage Site of Ephesus was built by ancient Greek colonists and later flourished as a Roman port city. Today it is preserved as a massive open-air archaeological park where visitors can wander inside a neighborhood of terraced homes, see the famous two-story façade of the Celsus Library and visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. There are intricate details like mosaic floors and grand structures like the amphitheater. For more archaeological sites, check out the Greek city of Pergamon, the Hittite capital of Hattusa or neolithic Çatalhöyük.

4. Turquoise Coast

Often called the Turkish Riviera, the coastline of Antalya and Mugla provinces boasts 1000km of cliffs, harbor towns, ancient sites and diverse beaches. It can be hard to choose where to go. Alanya is great for shopping, features a lively downtown, big sandy beaches and plenty of water sports. For something eco-focused, stay in Dalyan with its Greek ruins, hot springs and access to the wild beach and sea turtle conservation area. Need more nightlife? Marmaris is known for its clubs, scenic harbor and boat trips to remote coves, while Kaş offers live music, cobblestone streets and proximity to the 18km long Patara beach. Can’t choose? Try a multi-day Blue Cruise from Fethiye in a traditional gulet sailboat to see it all.

5. Bursa

If there is one Turkish city that has something for everyone, it’s Bursa. The central bazaar was an essential silk road waymark and is still a shopping paradise. Non-shoppers will enjoy exploring the historical hans, or Silk Road inns and trading centers, that have been around for 700 years. Bursa was the first Ottoman capital. Unique architecture from the Seljuk empire is on display at the Grand Mosque, built in 1399, and at the impressive sultan tombs. Nearby, wander around the cobbled alleys and original wood-beamed Ottoman homes in the quaint village of Cumalıkızık. Take the Bursa Teleferik, one of the longest cable cars in the world, higher into the Uludağ Mountains for summer hikes and winter skiing.

6. Bodrum Peninsula  

The Bodrum Peninsula is a haven of small upscale waterfront towns, local markets and leisurely boat trips. Going to Bodrum is about finding the perfect beach town to match your vibe. Looking for epic dining, hopping nightlife, history and plenty of excursions? Try Bodrum City, known as Halicarnassus in ancient times, this city has it all. Looking for nature and a relaxing beach for swimming? Stay in one of the numerous cove resorts near Torba, or try windsurfing in Gumbet. For high-end stays, see if you can keep up with the yacht crowd in Yalikavak.

7. Izmir

Historically known as Smyrna, Izmir is an active port city. Known for its shopping superiority, the Kemeralti Market has been around for 500 years. Its combination of open-air stalls and small shops make this massive bazaar district a maze of commerce. Visit the Agora Open Air Museum to wander the ruins of the original 4th century marketplace. Later, enjoy fresh air and sunset views along Izmir’s seafront promenade. For the best views in town, ride up the Asansör, a free elevator built in 1907 to allow easy transport between markets at sea level and neighborhoods high on the hillside.

8. Olympos

Nestled within the Olympos Beydaglari National Park, the canyons around the ancient town of Olympos are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Camp, stay in a treehouse or rent a cabin. Go rock climbing, SCUBA diving or paragliding. Hike to the eternal flames of Chimaera where burning underground gases escape through rock fissures. Explore the ruins of Olympos and its famous Temple of Hephaestus, god of forges. Or just swim and relax at the natural pebbly beach. Take adventuring a step further and hike part of the Lycian way, a 509km long-distance trail that runs from Fethiye to Antalya. The wildest section of the trail runs through Olympos.

9. Pamukkale

The hot springs at Pamukkale deposit calcium bicarbonate from the surrounding limestone to form uniquely bright white terraces of travertine pools full of pale blue water. In antiquity, the Greek city of Hierapolis was built on part of the formation and is now an archaeological park. Today, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the water is diverted into cleverly mimicked swimming pools to control human impact on the natural terraces. A marked boardwalk trail allows viewing of the original travertine. Nearby are the less-touristed Karahayit Red Mud Springs where hot water bubbles up and deposits iron-rich minerals. 

10. Black Sea

The northern Black Sea coast of Türkiye is unique with its forests, misty mountains, lofty villages and Byzantine sites. Find a chalet in the Uzungöl valley with its alpine hikes and beautiful mountain lake town. Take a day trip to the Sumela monastery, precariously carved into a cliff. Visit Zilkale castle and you’ll think you landed in the alps. If you’d rather be wandering cobblestone streets, eating seafood and relaxing at the beach, stay in a small town like Amasra with its castle walls, quaint market and scenic waterfront ideal for slow travel.