Top Things to Do in Turkey
Whether your ideal vacation involves sunbathing on a Mediterranean beach, trekking in rugged mountains, or learning more about the complex cultural layers laid down over thousands of years of history, Turkey has options to entice every kind of traveler.
The country boasts an abundance of ancient sites and diverse natural landscapes, as well as lively cities, tantalizing food, and opportunities for adventure. You’ll never cover everything on just one vacation; therefore, here’s our pick of the best things to do in Turkey to get you started.
Tour the Ancient City of Ephesus
The well-preserved streets of Ephesus are lined with evidence of what daily life was like for the ancient Greeks and Romans who inhabited the city for hundreds of years: the remains of their shops, schools, temples, and public toilets.
Highlights of the main site include the intricately carved facade of the Library of Celsus – once the third-largest library in the world – a huge open-air theater, a Roman bath, and numerous monumental fountains and gates. Well worth the separate admission fee are the Terraced Houses. These luxurious residences belonged to the Roman elite and feature intricate mosaics, frescoes, and marble.
Luxuriate in a Turkish Bath
In the days when most homes lacked indoor plumbing, hamams (commonly referred to as Turkish baths) played a crucial role as both places to get clean and to socialize. Today, they’re often frequented by tourists but still represent a luxury worth indulging in.
The full treatment typically includes a scrub and massage by a same-gender attendant, but you can also opt for a self-bathing experience. With marble-covered interiors and sky-lit domes, the grandest hamams, such as the Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı, Cağaloğlu Hamamı, and Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Istanbul, are a treat for the eyes as well as the body. In the old Ottoman capital of Bursa, hamams like Eski Kaplıca and Yeni Kaplıca feature pools fed by the area’s natural thermal springs.
See Cappadocia from Above and Below
Every morning, the skies above Cappadocia fill with hot-air balloons that take visitors floating above the area’s canyons, fairy chimneys, and other fantastical rock formations. Even if you don’t fancy a flight, it’s worth getting up early to see the colorful aerial display from the ground.
For a more grounded experience, explore labyrinthine tunnels many stories deep into underground cities such as Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı, where thousands of people took shelter from invaders. These subterranean settlements included living quarters, facilities to stable animals, cook, worship, and even make wine.
Feast on Meze and Fish
The “rakı-balık” night is a quintessential Turkish dining experience, particularly in Istanbul and along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Rakı, a strong anise-flavored liqueur, is typically mixed with water and ice, while balık refers to fish. Such meals often start with an assortment of meze, which are the real stars of the show.
These small dishes feature classic and creative combinations of vegetables, herbs, and seafood, often topped with yogurt or cooked in olive oil. If you manage to save room for the main course, popular fish choices depending on the season include grilled levrek (sea bass) or lightly fried istavrit (mackerel).
Shop in Colorful Bazaars
Despite the proliferation of shopping malls and grocery stores, traditional bazaar culture remains strong in Turkey. Most historic centers will have at least one çarşı, a shopping arcade or maze-like marketplace district with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to handmade crafts.
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is the most famous example, but those in cities like Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa are often more atmospheric. Equally important is the pazar, an open-air market for fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other products. These lively places feature everything from cheap staples to unique finds.
Admire Architectural Splendor in Istanbul
The rulers of the city formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople left their marks in grand style. The Hagia Sophia’s soaring dome still leaves visitors awestruck, while the towering Aqueduct of Valens and the vast subterranean Basilica Cistern showcase the engineering feats of the Romans.
With a prime position overlooking the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and Marmara Sea, Topkapi Palace evokes the might of the Ottoman Empire with its lavishly decorated chambers and extensive treasures. Visitors should also explore the Blue Mosque and the smaller, tile-bedecked Rüstem Paşa Mosque.
Cruise Turquoise Waters on a Gület
Few vacations are more relaxing than a multi-day cruise aboard a gület (traditional wooden yacht) along Turkey’s southwestern coastline. While away the long, sunny days swimming in secluded coves, reading, or enjoying fresh-caught fish. If you tire of relaxation, hop ashore to explore ancient ruins or enjoy meals at cozy café-restaurants in picturesque towns.
Hike the Lycian Way
For a more active way to explore the Turquoise Coast, consider taking on part of the Lycian Way, a long-distance trekking path stretching over 540 km (335 mi) from Fethiye to Antalya. Best traversed in spring or fall, the trail winds along spectacular coastal cliffs, through idyllic villages, ancient ruins, and into the mountains.
See Incredible Roman Mosaics
During the Roman era, tiny colored cubes of glass, ceramic, or stone were used to create captivating mosaics that depicted mythological tales and heroic battles. Splendidly preserved examples can be found in numerous museums across Turkey, especially the Gaziantep Zeugma Mosaic Museum and the Hatay Archaeology Museum.
Linger Over a Leisurely Turkish Breakfast
Fuel up for a big day of sightseeing with a traditional Turkish breakfast spread (serpme kahvaltı). Start with savory nibbles like olives, cheeses, and sliced vegetables, before satisfying your sweet tooth with homemade jams and thick cream. Endless small glasses of black tea are a must.
Watch the Sunrise from Atop Mt. Nemrut
The summit of Nemrut Dağı showcases massive statues built by a Hellenistic king as a monumental testament to his power. Tour groups typically bring visitors to the site at sunrise or sunset, offering an incredible experience. Consider staying overnight nearby for a chance to witness both breathtaking views.
Imagine the Beginnings of Human Civilization
Turkey is home to some of the world’s most important Neolithic sites, yielding new insights into early human life. The excavations of Çatalhöyük near Konya reveal clues about the transition from nomadic to settled lifestyles, while the findings at Göbeklitepe showcase early religious practices.