Türkiye lies in the cusp of Europe and Asia, with a history going back many centuries. Most of the country’s territory is located in West Asia's Anatolian Peninsula, while a small portion lies in southeast Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula.
Türkiye was home to civilisations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Mongols, Ottomans, and finally the Turks. It witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions, the exchange of cultures, and societal transformations.
In the early part of the 20th century, Türkiye underwent significant political and social changes when the Ottoman Empire collapsed after World War I. Today, the country is a popular travel destination that attracts millions of visitors annually. Let us explore some famous places to see in Türkiye.
Top Places to Visit in Türkiye
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- Izmir
- Trabzon
- Konya
- Istanbul
Istanbul is a fascinating city bridging the two continents of Europe and Asia. It has a rich history of empires, cultures, and religions. The Greeks founded the city in the 7th century BCE and named it Byzantium. Later, it became Constantinople, the capital of the Roman Empire under Constantine the Great.
Istanbul showcases many architectural wonders, including the Hagia Sophia, built as a church in the 6th century and then converted into a mosque in the 15th century. It has been turned into a museum. The Blue Mosque is another of Türkiye places to visit, with six minarets and a stunning interior of blue tiles.
Istanbul is also famous for its tulips, and a tulip festival is hosted annually by planting millions of tulips in parks and gardens.
Things to do in Istanbul
- Experience the luxury of Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans and their harems.
- Shop in the famous Bazaar District for spices, carpets, jewellery, and souvenirs.
- Ride Istanbul's ferries across the Bosphorus Strait that separates Europe and Asia.
- Enjoy Istanbul's nightlife, comprising bars, clubs, live music, and rooftop terraces.
- Explore Turkish contemporary art at galleries and museums such as the Istanbul Modern and SALT Beyoğlu.
- Indulge in the steam at a bathhouse, such as the historic Çemberlitaş Hamamı or the luxurious Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı.
- Ankara
The capital of Türkiye, Ankara, is the second-largest city in the country's northwestern part. Ankara was once the centre of the Celtic state of Galatia and later became a Roman province. It has many historical and cultural attractions, including the Temple of Roma and Augustus, which houses the famous Monumentum Ancyranum, a stone inscription describing the deeds of Emperor Augustus.
Ankara also played a crucial role in the Turkish War of Independence, serving as the headquarters of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, modern Türkiye’s founder. Easily one of the best places to visit in Türkiye, Ankara is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a vibrant economy and culture. It houses government institutions, universities, museums, parks, and monuments worth visiting.
Things to do in Ankara
- Visit the medieval Ankara Castle and explore the old quarters to find traditional houses, mosques, and museums. The castle is also famous for sunset viewing and taking photos.
- Pay your respects at Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
- Learn about Anatolia's rich and diverse history at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. On display are artefacts from ancient civilisations that inhabited Anatolia—the Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, and Lydians. Admire the ancient sculptures, jewellery, pottery, coins, and more.
- Enjoy Turkish culture and cuisine at Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum and Restaurant.
- Izmir
Izmir is on Türkiye’s western coast along the Aegean Sea and is the third-most populous city in the country. One of Türkiye's famous places, Izmir’s history dates back to 3000 BC when the Trojans founded it as Old Smyrna. Various civilisations conquered Izmir, including the Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Mongols, Crusaders, and Ottomans. It is also the birthplace of Homer, the famous poet of ancient Greece.
Today, Izmir has a diverse population and a thriving economy. It is a major port and a centre of trade, industry, tourism, and education. The place hosts various festivals, such as the International Izmir Festival of Arts and Culture, the Izmir European Jazz Festival, and the Izmir International Fair.
Izmir combines the past and present harmoniously and beautifully.
Things to do in Izmir
- Visit Konak Square and Clock Tower. Erected in 1901, the Clock Tower is a gift presented by the German Emperor Wilhelm II, commemorating the 25th year of Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid II's rule.
- Shop at Kemeraltı Bazaar, a traditional market dating back to the 17th century.
- Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. You can see the impressive Library of Celsus and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the Temple of Artemis.
- Trabzon
Trabzon is on the Black Sea coast of northeastern Türkiye and has a rich and diverse history and culture. Ancient Greeks founded Trabzon in the 8th century BCE, a central trade hub on the Silk Road, connecting Persia and the Caucasus with Europe. It was also the capital of the Trebizond Empire, a splinter state of the Byzantine Empire. Trabzon has carved a unique identity and heritage, influenced by the Roman, Goth, Mongol, Seljuk, Ottoman, and Russian civilisations.
Trabzon is an important economic and cultural hub in the Black Sea region and a popular tourist haven. The place offers natural beauty, historical monuments, and traditional handicrafts. Attractions include the Atatürk House Museum and the Trabzonspor Football Club. Trabzon’s anchovies, cheese, hazelnuts, and black tea are popular crowd-pullers.
Things to visit in Trabzon
- The Hagia Sophia contains beautiful frescoes, mosaics, and architecture. Also, visit the Trabzon Museum, housed in an old mansion and displaying artefacts from various periods of Trabzon's history.
- As part of the things to do in Türkiye, take a trip to Uzungol, a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and forests.
- You can also visit the Sumela Monastery, a stunning complex carved into the cliffs of the Altindere Valley. Dating back to the 4th century, it provides impressive frescoes and views.
- Konya
Konya is a major city in central Türkiye with a rich and diverse history dating back to the third millennium BC. It was the centre of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, which ruled most of Anatolia in the 11th-12th centuries. Konya is the home of Mevlana Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic who founded the Sufi order of the Whirling Dervishes.
Konya’s attractions include the Mevlana Museum, which houses Rumi's tomb and his relics and manuscripts. The museum also hosts the annual Mevlana Festival. Another landmark is the Alaeddin Mosque built by the Seljuk Sultans, one of the oldest mosques in Türkiye. It has a distinctive conical dome and a wooden minaret.
Konya is a city of history, spirituality, modernity, and development. A high-speed train connects it to Ankara and Istanbul, while its international airport offers flights to several destinations.
Things to do in Konya
- Explore the Çatalhöyük archaeological site, one of the world's oldest and largest Neolithic settlements.
- Admire the Alaeddin Mosque. It has a unique conical dome and a wooden minaret and contains the tombs of several Seljuk rulers.
- Enjoy the local cuisine, influenced by Konya’s Anatolian and Seljuk heritage. The specialities include Etli Ekmek (meat pizza), Firin Kebap (oven-roasted lamb), Okra Soup, and Helva (sweet dessert). The traditional drinks include Ayran (yoghurt drink), Salep (hot milk with orchid root), and Boza (fermented millet drink).
Best Time to Visit Türkiye
Depending on your preference, you can visit Türkiye's famous places during the following seasons.
To enjoy the beaches, the Black Sea highlands, and outdoor events, the best time to visit Türkiye is from June to August. If you want to see the ancient sites, go hiking, and experience cultural events, the best time to do so is from April to May or September to October. These months are the shoulder seasons, when the weather is delightfully warm but not too hot, and the crowds are smaller. For skiing and finding the best deals, visit Türkiye from November to March. This is the low season when the weather is cold, rainy, or snowy in most of the country.
Travel Insurance for Türkiye
Travel insurance for your Türkiye trip is a must. Proper travel insurance safeguards you from unexpected delays, losses, and financial mishaps. Insurance covers your medical expenses if you fall ill or face any medical urgency during your vacation in the beautiful country of Türkiye. It also provides assistance in case your trip gets cancelled or delayed. From lost luggage to unforeseen travel hiccups, travel insurance ensures a stress-free Türkiye adventure.
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