What are the must-see sites to visit in Turkey?
Turkey's must-see sites include Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque), Cappadocia (fairy chimneys, hot air balloons), Pamukkale (travertine terraces), Ephesus (ancient ruins), Antalya (Mediterranean coast), and the Aegean coast with its archaeological sites.
Istanbul's greatest classics
- Hagia Sophia: Byzantine masterpiece turned mosque
- Blue Mosque: its six minarets and Iznik ceramics
- Topkapi Palace: residence of Ottoman sultans
- Grand Bazaar: 4000 shops in the world's oldest covered market
Natural and historical wonders
Cappadocia fascinates with its fairy chimneys sculpted by erosion, hot air balloon rides at sunrise and underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı.
Pamukkale offers its white travertine terraces and natural thermal pools, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ephesus reveals the remains of one of the greatest ancient cities, with its Library of Celsus and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.
Mediterranean and Aegean coasts
- Antalya: turquoise beaches, Ottoman old town of Kaleiçi, Düden waterfalls
- Aegean coast: ancient sites of Bodrum (Mausoleum of Halicarnassus), Didyma (Temple of Apollo), Assos
- Mount Ararat: mythical peak of 5165m, associated with Noah's Ark
Key takeaways
Turkey has 18 UNESCO sites. Plan for a minimum of 10-15 days to discover the must-sees between Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Mediterranean coast.