best places to visit in turkey map & photos

If you want a chilled beach holiday, an adventurous holiday or a holiday full of culture and history, Turkey is the place for you! Turkey has beaches, mountains, beautiful cities and amazing weather, which is why it is a favorite travel destination for many people.

best places to visit in turkey

The country has a rich history, Many civilizations and empires flourished at different times. An independent country was formally established in 1923, with a population of about 85 million as of this year (2022). We found the Turks to be very caring in general, and obviously they want us to feel Welcome wherever we go. In this article, we'll highlight 15 of the best attractions in Turkey!

What is the best places to visit in Turkey?

It is the intersection of Europe and the Middle East, where the ancient Silk Roads met and the history of Europe was rewritten once again. Located on the Mediterranean coast between West Asia and southeastern Europe, Turkey is a surprising but severely underrated country.

List of the best places to visit in Turkey with map

Ankara
Istanbul
Antalya
Marmaris
Side
Bodrum
Ephesus
Konya
Izmir
Mardin

1. Ankara

Ankara

Turkey’s capital town, Ankara, is a sprawling, current town domestic to authorities buildings, industrial businesses, universities and overseas embassies. Located proper withinside the middle of the US of a and the Anatolia region, Ankara is a crucial transportation hub, linking nationals and travelers alike to different important locations in Turkey. However, Ankara isn't always all business. This bustling town additionally gives some anciental webweb sites and a few arts and culture.

Ankara, located in the center of Anatolia, is an important commercial and industrial city. It is the center of the Turkish government and is home to all foreign embassies. It is an important trade crossroads, strategically located at the center of Turkey's road and rail network, is the Marketing center in the surrounding agricultural area. The city is famous for its long-haired angora goats and its precious wool (mohair), a unique breed of cat (angora) and white rabbits with its precious wool (angora), pear honey and the region's muscadine grapes.

Map of Ankara

2. Istanbul

istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey's bustling metropolis, is a city full of charm, where past and present go hand in hand, each step showing the traces of the years. At the crossroads of two continents, Europe and Asia, this spectacular city absorbs the best of both worlds.

And Its beautiful historical landmarks, classic cuisine, vibrant nightlife, arts and music festivals, celebrations of faith, labyrinthine markets and shopping malls, the beating heart of Istanbul and the soul of the Bosphorus, a traveller's paradise under the watchful eye of the Maiden's Tower dreams.

Map Of istanbul

3. Antalya

Antalya

Nestled on the beautiful Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean coastline, Antalya is a large and vibrant city that welcomes visitors with its many resort hotels, bars and restaurants. Breathtaking views set the city apart from beautiful beaches and lush green mountains dotted with ancient ruins. Start with swimming And sailing to mountaineering sightseeing and family fun, Antalya has something for everyone.

Take a walk in the old town of Kaleiçi, where you can admire the maze of streets and historic buildings of the ancient walled Roman gates, including the bell tower and beautiful old churches, mosques and temples. In the center of the old town is Cumhuriyet Square is surrounded by shops, cafés, hammams and street performers.

Map Of Antalya

4. Marmaris

Marmaris

Marmaris, one of Turkey's most popular seaside resorts, boasts picturesque pine-covered mountains, white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and historic buildings. Located along the Turkish Riviera in southwestern Turkey, this stunning cruise port is a tourist paradise with extraordinary Sightseeing opportunities Water sports Great dining and lively nightlife.

There is so much to see in Marmaris that visitors will be spoilt for choice. Take a walk along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where you'll see charming architecture and visit the 16th-century Suleiman the Magnificent Castle. Various boating tours lead visitors to explore the Picturesque bay and neighbouring villages.

Horseback riding tours jog around lush pine forests, orange groves, traditional villages, unspoilt bays and stunning waterfalls, while jeep tours present off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Marmaris also has a water park and hammam for the whole family to pamper and relax. If that's not enough, there are also many day trips from Marmaris to famous destinations such as Dalien, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cleopatra.

Map OF Marmaris

5. Side

Side

A major port in ancient Pamphylia, occupied by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. Today it is a picturesque town with classic ruins and modern resorts overlooking white sandy beaches. Side, a small peninsula located in Antalya Province on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Wonderful sightseeing nightlife and outdoor adventure.

Side's star attractions are the excavations of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, which include the remains of a huge amphitheater, bazaar, Byzantine cathedral, public baths, marble columns and various temples. The Roman Baths are now restored into a museum, showcasing many Roman statues and artifacts. Overlooking the beach, the Temple of Apollo is a spectacular sight, especially at sunset.

The charming town of Side, with its narrow streets and charming gardens, is home to many restaurants, from delis and pizzerias to fine dining restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Just outside of town, the Manavgat River offers boat excursions with whitewater rafting and impressive waterfalls.

Map of Side

6. Bodrum

Bodrum

Mugla Povince, in the Aegean region south of Turkey, bodrum, is home to the ancient fortified city of Halicarnassus, which was once home to marble buildings, temple ordinance paved streets and ancient Home to the mausoleum of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

After falling into ruins, the city was a quiet fishing village until the Turkish intellectuals brought it popularity through their writings in the 20th century. Today, Bodrum's stunning ruins, stunning beaches and cliff-top resorts attract people from all over the world.

To the east of Bodrum, visitors will find a beautiful beach overlooking the azure waters. There are many café bars and nightclubs near the beach. On the west side of town is the marina shopping mall and restaurants.

No visit to Bodrum is complete without seeing St Peter's Castle (also known as Bodrum Castle). It was built in 1402 by the Knights Hospitaller and now operates as a museum. Other sights include mausoleums and the last remains of the ancient amphitheatre and what were once Scenes of bloody battles during the siege of Alexander the Great.

Map of Bodrum

7. Ephesus

Ephesus

Without a doubt, the most famous building in Ephesus is the Temple of Artemis. This temple was once the largest temple on earth and shows the importance of the city of Ephesus. Unfortunately, the temple itself was mostly destroyed around the fifth century, but it can still be visited ruins.

Some of the recently discovered sites in Ephesus, and certainly some of the most popular, are the townhouses. These were the homes of the wealthiest inhabitants of Ephesus around the first century, and they were built in the modern Roman style.

It's worth noting that some homes have marble floors for hot and cold baths, and even heating systems. On the walls you can see unusual mosaic artwork and even handwritten love poems.

No trip to Ephesus is complete without a visit to the famous Library of Celsus. Built in AD 123, the library was once the largest library in the ancient world, the third largest after the library of Alexandria and Pergamum. The library has been restored to make it easier to see its two floors Design, its columns and its capitals.

Map of Ephesus

8. Konya

Konya

One of the oldest cities in the world, famous for its remarkable Seljuk architecture and the revolving ascetic Konya, is a large city in the central Anatolia region of Turkey. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Konya prospered as the capital under the Seljuk dynasty. Attractive today, Architecture from that era can still be admired, such as the Aladdin Mosque, which houses the mausoleums of several sultans.

In the 13th century, Konya was the homeland of the Persian theologian and Sufi mystic Rumi. His mausoleum Rumi Mausoleum and its adjacent Mervana Museum are must-sees in Konya. Rumi's followers founded the Mevlevi Order, due to their famous During religious ceremonies, they wear white flowing robes and turn around on their left feet. These ceremonies, also known as sama, can be held every week at the Mevlana Cultural Center.

Map of konya

9. Izmir

izmir

izmir is one of the most beautiful destinations in Turkey, although Izmir is the third-largest city in the country, it is far less well known than Turkish destinations such as Marmara Oludeniz or the Cappadocia region. If you want to think outside the box and want to explore another aspect of Turkey, we recommend visiting Izmir to See a city teetering between East and West.

Izmir is considered to be the westernmost city in Turkey and by any means it has the best quality of life. We recommend a visit to its Blue Mosque and a stroll on the Konak Pier (designed by Gustave Eiffel). During your stay, be sure to visit the UNESCO site of Ephesus, as well as the lovely Şirince Turkish Orthodox small village. If you have time, you can drive to explore Pamukkale and its natural pools (3 hours drive).

Map of Izmir

10. Mardin

Mardin

Mardin, the capital of the province of Mardin, sits on a strategic hilltop overlooking the Mesopotamian plains in southeastern Turkey. One of the oldest settlements in the Mardin region is known for its cultural diversity and the old town of sandstone buildings pouring down from the hills.

The old town of Mardin can be easily explored on foot. A maze of winding streets leads visitors along terraced houses and popular sights such as the Deyrü'z-Zafaran monastery, one of the oldest in the world, and the observatory. Zinciriye Medresesi is a 14th century Islamic school with beautiful courtyards and works of art.

The Great Mosque with its towering minaret is not to be missed. Although the castle is closed to the public, it offers excellent photo opportunities. Countless shops can be found throughout the Old Town selling things like pottery, silver, leather and traditional headwear.

Map of Mardin

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10 best places to visit in turkey (map & photos)