Amazing Places to Visit in Turkey - Turkey Travel Guide

Turkey, a mesmerizing country straddling both Europe and Asia, offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, this stunning nation is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and everything in between. From the ancient city of Ephesus to the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey has something for everyone. In this guide, we'll explore 10 amazing experiences and places to visit in Turkey, detailing the wonders, history, and practical information you'll need on your journey. So, let's embark on a virtual tour of this extraordinary land and discover its captivating allure.
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul.
Wonders. The building's architecture is a unique blend of Eastern and Western styles, with features such as its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and stunning interior design. The Hagia Sophia's dome, in particular, is an engineering marvel, as it was constructed without the use of scaffolding and remains one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.
History. Originally constructed as a cathedral in 537 AD during the reign of the Roman Emperor Justinian I, the building served as the seat of the Eastern Orthodox Church for almost a thousand years. In 1453, the Ottomans conquered Constantinople and transformed the cathedral into a mosque. It remained a mosque for almost five centuries until it was converted into a museum in 1935.
Cost and hours. Visitors to the Hagia Sophia can tour the museum and marvel at its stunning architecture and historical significance. The cost of entry is 100 Turkish Lira (approximately $12 USD), and the museum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during the summer months.

Ephesus.
Wonders. Ephesus is an ancient city located in the Aegean region of Turkey, and it's considered one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. The city is home to several wonders that reflect its rich history and cultural heritage. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was located in Ephesus, and although the temple itself is now in ruins, visitors can still marvel at the remains of its grandeur.
History. Ephesus was a major city in the ancient world and a center of early Christianity, and it's believed to have been founded in the 10th century BC. Its location on the coast of the Aegean Sea made it an important center for trade and commerce, and it was also a hub of cultural exchange and innovation.
Cost and hours. Visitors to Ephesus can stroll through the marble streets and imagine what life in Roman times would have been like. The site is open from 8 AM to 6:30 PM in the summer and 8 AM to 5 PM in the winter, and entry costs 60 Turkish Lira (approximately $7 USD).

Cappadocia.
Wonders. Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey known for its surreal and otherworldly landscape, which features fairy chimneys, unique rock formations, and underground cities. It's a popular destination for tourists seeking an otherworldly experience.
One of the most popular activities in Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. This allows you to see the breathtaking landscape from a unique vantage point and is an experience that should not be missed. The cost of a hot air balloon ride is typically around $200 USD per person.

History. The region's unique geology has been carved by millennia of erosion, creating a landscape that is unlike any other in the world. The area is also home to several underground cities, which date back to the early Christian era. These cities were carved into the soft volcanic rock and were used as hiding places by early Christians who were fleeing persecution.
Cost and hours. Hot air balloon rides typically cost around $200 USD per person. The underground cities charge a small entrance fee, usually around 20 Turkish Lira (approximately $2.50 USD).

Pamukkale.
Wonders. Pamukkale is a natural wonder located in the Denizli Province of Turkey. The site is famous for its travertine terraces, which are filled with mineral-rich thermal waters. The striking white formations are created by the deposition of calcium carbonate and create a breathtaking backdrop for a relaxing soak.
History. Pamukkale has been a popular spa destination since Roman times, and visitors can still see the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, which was built near the thermal springs. The city was a center of culture and commerce during its heyday, and its ruins offer a glimpse into the history of the region.
Cost and hours. Visitors to Pamukkale can explore the travertine terraces and take a dip in one of the thermal pools. The site is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM, and entry to Pamukkale and Hierapolis costs 80 Turkish Lira (approximately $10 USD).

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul.
Wonders. The palace is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture, featuring opulent courtyards, lush gardens, and ornate decorations. Visitors can explore the palace's many rooms and halls, including the Imperial Council Chamber, the Treasury, and the Harem, which was once the private quarters of the sultan and his family.
One of the highlights of Topkapi Palace is its vast collection of Ottoman treasures, including jewels, porcelain, and weapons. The palace also houses several important Islamic relics, such as the Prophet Muhammad's cloak and sword.
History. Topkapi Palace is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, Turkey, and is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in Ottoman history and architecture. The palace was built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II and served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years.
Cost and hours. Entry is 100 Turkish Lira (approximately $12 USD). The palace is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, closed on Tuesdays.

Blue Mosque, Istanbul.
Wonders. This iconic mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Mosque, is known for its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. The mosque's interior is adorned with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles.
History. Completed in 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque remains a functioning mosque and a popular tourist attraction.
Cost and hours. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. Visiting hours are between 9 AM to 6 PM, excluding prayer times.

Mount Nemrut.
Wonders. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features giant stone statues of ancient gods and a tomb sanctuary believed to be that of King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene.
History. The statues date back to the 1st century BC and were part of a royal tomb and temple complex.
Cost and hours. Entry is 25 Turkish Lira (approximately $3 USD). The site is generally open from sunrise to sunset.

AncientCity of Pergamon.
Wonders. Pergamon is an impressive archaeological site that includes the Acropolis, the Temple of Trajan, and the Great Altar of Pergamon. The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
History. Pergamon was a major center of culture and learning in the Hellenistic period and later became an important Roman city.
Cost and hours. Entry is 60 Turkish Lira (approximately $7 USD). The site is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Göbekli Tepe.
Wonders. This archaeological site features the world's oldest known temple complex, with massive T-shaped pillars and intricate carvings. The site challenges our understanding of early human civilization.
History. Göbekli Tepe dates back to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic era, around 9600 to 7000 BC, and was most likely a ritual center for early hunter-gatherers.
Cost and hours. Entry is 60 Turkish Lira (approximately $7 USD). The site is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM in summer, and 8 AM to 5 PM in winter.

Whirling Dervishes, Konya.
Wonders. Witness the mesmerizing, spiritual ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes, a form of Sufi meditation. The ritual dance, known as the Sema, is performed to live music and accompanied by traditional instruments.
History. The Whirling Dervishes are followers of the 13th-century Persian mystic and poet Rumi, who founded the Mevlevi Order in Konya. The Sema ceremony has been performed for centuries as a form of worship.
Cost and hours. Tickets for public performances range from 30 to 60 Turkish Lira (approximately $4 to $7 USD). Shows typically take place in the evening and last around an hour.

A look at the history of Turkey.

The history of Turkey spans over 12,000 years, from the ancient Anatolian civilizations of the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, and others, through the Classical Age of the Greeks and Persians, to the rise and fall of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. The Turkish peoples began migrating into Anatolia from Central Asia around the 11th century. The Seljuk Turks established the Sultanate of Rum, conquering much of Anatolia from the Byzantines.
In the early 13th century, the Seljuk Turks were defeated by the Mongols, and the Sultanate collapsed. One of the Turkic clans, led by Osman I, fled to the western borders of the Sultanate, where they established the small Ottoman beylik. The Ottomans began expanding throughout the 13th and 14th centuries, conquering Byzantine lands in Anatolia and the Balkans. By the mid-15th century, the Ottomans controlled most of Anatolia, the Balkans, and parts of the Black Sea coast.
Under Sultan Mehmed II, the Ottomans conquered Constantinople in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire. The Ottoman Empire became a dominant power in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean. Suleiman the Magnificent conquered most of Hungary in 1521, and the Ottoman Empire reached its peak under his reign. The Ottomans continued expanding until the unsuccessful Siege of Vienna in 1529.
The Ottoman Empire began declining in the 17th and 18th centuries, losing territory in Europe. Reforms in the early 19th century led to greater rights and freedoms and new constitutional monarchy. However, reforms slowed down and the Empire further declined. After losing Libya to Italy and most of its Balkan territories in the 1912-1913 Balkan Wars, the Ottomans joined Germany in World War I. Following the war and the subsequent partitioning of the Ottoman Empire, the Turkish War of Independence was fought from 1919 to 1922. The Republic of Turkey was established in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
The new republic shifted towards Westernization and authoritarian secular government. Turkey transitioned to multi-party politics in the 1950s and full democracy in the 1980s and 1990s. Turkey applied for membership in the European Union in 1987 and is still a candidate country today despite periods of military coups and political instability. Turkey has emerged as a regional power, with influence in the Middle East, the Balkans, and the Caucasus.
Final Thoughts.

In conclusion, Turkey is a land of endless fascination, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The 10 amazing experiences and places listed above merely scratch the surface of what this incredible country has to offer. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Istanbul, marveling at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, or soaring above the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, your visit to Turkey is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and set off on an unforgettable adventure through the wonders of Turkey.