What to Do in Turkey?

What are the best activities to do in Turkey? As a crossroads of different cultures, Turkey is an enchanting destination with a rich heritage dating back to ancient times... Turkey has a complex history that makes it an undeniable cultural territory when you travel! Discover all its mysteries by navigating between Greek and Roman ruins, as well as its Asian, Ottoman, and European influences

Turkey is not short on tourist attractions! In this guide, I present the must-see places and activities you absolutely cannot miss during your visit. From a cruise on the Bosphorus to exploring the city of Troy, to Cappadocia and the beaches of the southwest, you will love it!

A must-visit destination when traveling to Turkey, Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents simultaneously. This city is a true treasure trove of history and culture, visible through the Hagia Sophia, an ancient church and mosque converted into a museum. Not far from there is the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and interior adorned with thousands of Iznik tiles... you will definitely find out what to do in Istanbul!

Of course, a visit to Istanbul would be incomplete without checking out Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, which offers a lovely view of the Bosphorus! The Grand Bazaar, on the other hand, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and a true treasure trove... Istanbul is undoubtedly a comprehensive destination that I recommend you explore over a few days!

Cappadocia is certainly one of the most popular regions in Turkey! Located in the heart of the country, it is renowned for its fairy chimneys, cave houses, and breathtaking rocky landscapes! The hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is a must-do activity in the region! You will enjoy a panoramic view of the colorful valleys and rock-cut churches from above...

There are several types of flights, starting with a classic sunrise flight lasting 3 hours at a price of 80 € per person. To make the most of this morning experience, you can also combine it with a breakfast starting at 103 € It's up to you to choose based on your budget and wildest desires!

Paradisiacal and unusual, this exceptional natural site is located in the province of Denizli. The terraces of Pamukkale, meaning cotton castle in Turkish, are distinguished by their white travertine formations created by the flow of mineral-rich hot springs. It is a beautiful place to bathe in Turkey as the pools contain crystal-clear warm water that takes on a golden hue at sunset!

The Pamukkale terraces are also located near the ruins of Hierapolis. This ancient Roman spa town is interesting to visit, so do not hesitate to continue this experience with it. It is possible to combine these two outings during a guided excursion from Antalya for only 36 €!

Not far from Selçuk is Ephesus, one of the best-preserved and most impressive archaeological sites in the country! If you're not sure what to do during your stay in Turkey, I truly recommend wandering through this ancient Greek city that once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. You can also admire the Celsus Library and the monumental ancient theater that could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators... It's truly breathtaking!

For around 20 €, don't hesitate to opt for this guided tour including pickup from your accommodation, a guide, and parking fees ️

If you are traveling to Turkey as part of a road trip, passing through the southwest coast will lead you to discover truly idyllic beaches ⛱️

The turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea flirt with beautiful beaches such as Ölüdeniz Beach, famous for its blue lagoon, and Kaputaş Beach, nestled between cliffs. Patara Beach, the longest in Turkey, offers a unique atmosphere near the ruins of the ancient city of Patara

Located in Anatolia, in the southeastern part of the country, Mount Nemrut is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sites in the world! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this location looks like it's straight out of a science fiction movie as it houses colossal statues representing Greek and Persian gods. Indeed, it is at over 2,000 meters above sea level that you will find the tumulus of King Antiochus I of Commagene, with its gigantic carved heads... The sight is even more fascinating at sunrise or sunset!

Climbing Mount Nemrut is an experience you absolutely must do! For that, I recommend taking a guided hike that also offers comments on the history of the place... These excursions often last 2 days and can be quite pricey! If you have a rental car, you can easily access the site. I advise you to stay in Adıyaman to shorten the travel time

Among the most beautiful places to see in Turkey, the Sumela Monastery is perched on a cliff in the Black Sea region. This impressive religious site was founded in the 4th century and offers a spectacular view of the Altındere Valley National Park, which is also worth seeing!

The monastery itself houses fairly well-preserved Byzantine frescoes. To access the building, you can use your car, but you will need to pay for parking. A minibus from the Trabzon bus station also makes round trips. To not miss anything and learn more, you can also participate in a tour that includes a visit to the monastery for 49 € per person ️

Not far from the city of Çanakkale, about 220 km southwest of Istanbul, lies the archaeological site of Troy. This city became world-famous due to the legendary Trojan War described by Homer in the Iliad.

These ruins are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and allow visitors to walk in the footsteps of mythical heroes! Even though nothing remains of the city, you can still imagine Troy as it once was, thanks to the many information panels

To make things easier, nothing beats a guided tour! I found one departing from Istanbul, including transportation, entry fees, lunch, an English-speaking guide, and a ferry ticket. Expect to pay at least 143 €

The Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe from Asia, is an exceptional geographical convergence point offering spectacular views of both shores! Palaces, mosques, and typical wooden houses are part of the scenery to admire during a cruise on the Bosphorus... ️

The best place for this is Istanbul, as the strait shares a unique perspective on the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Galata Tower, and the Ottoman fortresses of Rumeli and Anadolu.

Several cruises are available; for example, you can enjoy a day or sunset cruise with an audio guide for only 7 € per person. If you're in a more festive mood, I recommend this dinner cruise with a show on the Bosphorus and a private table for 20 € per person.

Antalya is located on the Mediterranean coast; it is not only a popular beach destination but also an important cultural center! It is home to the Antalya Archaeological Museum, one of the largest in Turkey, rich in a collection of artifacts from the Roman, Greek, and Byzantine periods.

As for the old town of Antalya, called Kaleiçi, it is full of Ottoman houses and exudes charm with its old port lined with yachts... You can also see Hadrian's Gate and relax on the beaches... If you have the time, I recommend spending a few days there to fully experience the city with the help of my article on where to stay in Antalya

The best season to visit Turkey mainly depends on what you want to do and see. However, if there are two times to prioritize, it's spring and autumn. Both present a mild and pleasant climate, with moderate temperatures, perfect for spending time outdoors. These are also periods with fewer tourist crowds, so prices are much more attractive...

In general, people often say that summer is the best time to go to Turkey! This is not false, but be aware that temperatures rise very quickly... This is particularly the case in interior regions like Cappadocia, which can become extremely arid and unbearable. If you choose this season, make sure to organize yourself and book flights and accommodations as early as possible, as prices are high!

Flying is the fastest, most practical, and comfortable means of transportation! The country has several international airports based in Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, ideal when departing from the United States. Several cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami offer direct flights to these destinations. The airlines to prefer are mainly Pegasus Airlines, Air France, and Turkish Airlines. Feel free to use a flight comparison site like Ulysse to ensure you get the best price

Or, would you be tempted by an adventure by car? Even if this solution involves a very long journey taking several days, why not. In this case, you will pass through several countries like Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece before reaching Turkey.

And that's it for this top 10 of the best activities to discover Turkey! I hope my tips will be useful to you, and if you have already decided on your activities in Turkey, take advantage of my suggestions on where to sleep in Istanbul to make your trip easier