Top 5 Destinations in Turkey First-Time Visitors Must Visit
Standing at the confluence of the East and the West, Turkey is a mystical world unto itself. A colourful melange of culture, art, cuisines, flavours, and influences, Turkey exudes a sensory richness that’s hard to find elsewhere.
If you’re planning your first visit to this transcontinental country, you just can’t miss exploring its archaeological wonders. Its spectacular landscapes, natural hot water springs, and gorgeous coastline bordering the Mediterranean Sea count among the many treasures that have been fashioned by nature itself to take your breath away.
Equally exciting are the buzzing streets, vibrant bazaars, and glamorous nightlife that define the essence of life in Turkey.
With so much to experience and explore, it can be a bit overwhelming to decide on the itinerary for your first visit to this magical land. Worry not – we’ve got your back.
Here’s our curated list of the top five Turkey tourist places that offer an eclectic mix of attractions.
Starting with Istanbul, once the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires, weave your travel plan to explore the irresistible coastal appeal of Antalya.
Spend your time gathering priceless memories of floating in hot air balloons above the fairy-tale-like landscape of Cappadocia, and then immerse yourself in the ancient world at Ephesus, where time seems to stand still.
Make sure to experience the spectacular natural wonder at Pammukale before you wrap up your first trip to the magical land of Turkey.
Excited? Dive into more details about these 5 Turkey destinations that will help you to plan a memorable trip!
5 Top Places to Explore on Your First Visit to Turkey:
The best way to explore these destinations is to opt for a harmonious balance of sightseeing and taking part in exciting activities. Also, set aside some time to experience the vibrant local culture of each city to make the most of your Turkey visit.
Now, without further ado, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of the best places to visit in Turkey:
1. Istanbul
A dynamic metropolis, the only transcontinental city in the world, and a land of architectural landmarks are some of the phrases often used to describe Istanbul. But did you know that Istanbul wasn’t even considered a city until the 7th century BCE, even though it is believed to have been inhabited since as far back as 3000 BCE?
The celebrated capital of the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans for more than 1600 years, Istanbul was ruled by no less than 120 kings and emperors during this period. This led to multiple layers of ancient civilisations shaping the city’s historical identity and cultural foundation.
Today, cosmopolitan Istanbul is a juxtaposition of modern and ancient attractions, where you can witness a blend of Asian and European exoticism.
Istanbul’s architectural landscape, dotted with marvels like the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, will leave you mesmerised.
Explore further, and you’ll come across lesser-known gems like the Prince Islands off the coast of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern, the Chora Church, and the Galata Tower, each exuding a charm of its own. The New City area of Istanbul offers several modern-day attractions, including shopping and dining hotspots.
- Things to do in Istanbul: Take a cruise ride down the Bosphorus Strait, indulge the shopaholic in you at the Grand Bazar, and explore the thriving nightlife scene in Istanbul.
- We suggest: Visit a real hammam or Turkish bath to experience the local culture.
2. Antalya:
In ancient times, the region and the city of Antalya were called Pamphylia, which means ‘fertile soil.’ Founded in the 2nd century by King Attalos II, a Greek King of Pergamon, the city was named Attaleia after him. It later came to be known as Antalya.
Antalya is an idyllic destination for nature lovers. Sure, its pristine sandy beaches, secluded bays, and hidden alcoves make it one of the must-visit places in Turkey. But equally intriguing are its gorgeous waterfalls, which are often overshadowed by the beaches. Waterfalls like the Duden, which dramatically drops off a rocky cliff right into the Mediterranean Sea, are a treat for the eyes and the soul.
Whether you’re a history buff or not, the historical sites of Antalya will fascinate you to no end. Soak in the breathtaking sea-view panoramas from the bastions of the 2nd-century Hirilik Tower. Imagine yourself being a member of the audience at a gladiator show while visiting the well-preserved ancient ruins of Aspendos Theatre. Get a glimpse of the bygone era that awaits your attention at Hadrian’s Gate.
The list goes on and on…
- Things to do in Antalya: Stroll through the city’s Old Town to explore picturesque squares, Ottoman houses, cobbled streets, and an iconic clock tower from the 19th century, Saat Kulesi. Treat yourself to Turkish delights, like grilled kebabs and durum sandwiches.
- We suggest: Go white water rafting in Koprulu Canyon, one of the best places in Turkey for water sports.
3. Ephesus
Ephesus is a city with a quaint soul. Its age-old Roman streets lead you to striking monuments and ancient city ruins. Ephesus was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Once the largest city in the Roman Empire, Ephesus portrays magnificence at various levels even after all these years. The ruins of this Classical-era city are well-preserved, making it one of the most popular tourist places in Turkey.
You’ll find plenty of things to explore in Ephesus that stand as a marvellous testament to a rich bygone era.
Start your adventure at the city centre and proceed to see the remnants of the Library of Celsus, which was one of the biggest libraries in the ancient world.
Spend some time at the Ephesus Ancient Theatre and try to feel the energy that must have invaded this huge space a long time ago. Discover the story behind the Seven Sleepers Cave. Stroll down Harbor Street, and don’t forget to pay a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a lot more to offer.
- Things to do in Ephesus: Walk around the reconstructed and excavated structures to get an idea about the ancient way of life that once flourished at this place.
- We suggest: With so much history to absorb, the best way to explore Ephesus will be to base yourself at Kusadasi and go on day trips to the city.
4. Cappadocia
Who would’ve thought that layers of ash and soft lava from 60 million years ago would one day turn into a whimsical landscape resembling a fantasy world? But Cappadocia proves that Mother Nature has its own way of creating fairy tales, and it’s one such tale that evokes feelings of great wonder.
Saying that the unusual sculptural formations resembling magic mushrooms, minarets, cones, pinnacles, and fairy chimneys are a sight to behold will be an understatement. If you’re ready for an adventure to a magical land, Cappadocia is where you should be. It’s undoubtedly the best place to visit in Turkey.
What makes this landscape even more interesting is the fact that early settlers in this area have managed to carve out monasteries, churches, and cave houses from the soft honey-coloured volcanic rocks. Entire subterranean cities have come up this way.
The best way to explore Cappadocia is to take a hot-air balloon ride over the landscape. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to watch this splendid landscape from above.
- Things to do in Cappadocia: Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a horse ride or a camel ride to explore the area. Visit the underground cities that once functioned as hidden bunks.
- We suggest: Bring along your camera while on the hot-air balloon ride because the surreal valleys of Cappadocia will offer you priceless memories for a lifetime.
5. Pammukale
It’s not every day that you get a chance to swim in Cleopatra’s Pool. But at Pammukale, you can do exactly that!
Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Once you take a look at this place, you’ll know how apt this name is. Yes, it does resemble a cotton castle.
Pamukkale is a natural site full of white travertine terraced pools formed on a hillside. The pools have been shaped by carbonate minerals originating from the thermal springs prevalent in the area. Legend has it that the Antique Pool here was gifted by Marc Anthony to Cleopatra. This led to it being named Cleopatra’s Pool.
Access to many of these natural thermal pools is limited, but you can still take a dip in some of the pools that are open for public use.
While on a visit to this place, make sure to explore the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, which stands just behind the thermal springs. This ruined city is home to one of the most impressive necropolises belonging to the ancient Roman world, making it one of the top places to see in Turkey.
The natural pools of Pamukkale and the city of Hierapolis are both recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Things to do in Pammukale: Take a walk down the travertines, soothe your nerves at the Antique Pool, and continue exploring the Hierapolis ruins. Visit the Hierapolis Museum to discover the cultural heritage of this place.
- We suggest: Indulging in hot air ballooning and paragliding to get a bird’s eye view of the calcite pools and the Hierapolis ruins along with the lush green surroundings. It’s among the best things to do in Turkey.
Unleash the Wanderlust in You
Turkey is a country that deserves your time and attention. It’s tough to select the best place in Turkey for a holiday because there are so many destinations that can fit into this description. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise.
At GoTraveLab, our experts can help plan a customised trip that suits your interests and timeframe. Just get in touch with us, and we’ll chart out everything meticulously on your behalf. All you need to do is start packing for your dream holiday to Turkey!