Things to Do in Turkey: Top Cities, Regions & Experiences

There are so many things to do in Turkey! And how could they not? Turkey is a vast country, with a diverse range of climate zones, cultures, customs, traditions and food. You can explore historical sights, beautiful natural landscapes, delve into the local way of life, swim in crystal blue waters of the Aegean, Mediterranean or Black Sea. Visit islands, quiet coastal towns and bustling metropolises, all in one country!

In this guide, we will explore its many sides and all the best things to do in Turkey. We will take it city by city and region by region, starting from Istanbul, then moving to Cappadocia, Antalya, Bodrum, Ankara, Izmir and a multitude of other places as well.

Let’s dive in.

Istanbul is the biggest city in Turkey. A true metropolis, spanning two continents and the home of over 15 million people! Istanbul carries millennia of history behind it. What started as an ancient Greek colony, evolved into a capital of empires, the envy of the medieval world and today is the economic and cultural center of Turkey.

Naturally, it attracts a large number of tourists every year, all rushing to explore its neighborhoods, landmarks and sights and participate in its lively nightlife. Being such a big city, it has a lot to offer and no one who visits it will be bored or left wanting. If you want to make the most out of it, it’s important to choose the best time to visit Istanbul.

Here’s a list of things to do in Istanbul and places to visit:

Hagia Sophia: A true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and the center of the Greek Orthodox faith, Hagia Sophia serves today as a mosque and is one of the most famous buildings in the world.

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Covered by thousands of blue Iznik tiles that gave it its name, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is known for its elegant domes and six minarets. It’s not only a monument, but remains an active place of worship.

Topkapi Palace: Once the residence of Sultans, Topkapi is a vast palace complex with rich history and insights of the complex and often dangerous life in the Ottoman imperial court. The complex includes the Harem, treasury and offers panoramic views over the Bosphorus.

Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar: If you like vibrant markets, bristling with the aroma of spices and filled with the voices of thousands of people, then the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are the places for you. They are among the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and a must see for everyone visiting Istanbul.

The true capital of Turkey, Ankara is the political heart of the country. And while Istanbul has been marked by its imperial past, bustling tourism and splintered between Asia and Europe, Ankara feels more local and contemporary. It played a significant role in Turkey’s transition from empire to a modern state and has a strong focus on museums, monuments and civic life.

Here are some top things to do in Ankara:

Anitkabir: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is the father of the Turkish Republic and perhaps the most important figure in the nation’s modern history. His mausoleum is set on a large hill overlooking the capital of the country he formed and it combines monumental architecture with museums dedicated to his life and legacy.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: One of the best museums in the country, if not the best, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations showcases artifacts from prehistoric Anatolia, the Hittite Empire and all other ancient civilizations that shaped the region.

Ankara Castle: The Ankara Castle rises in the old part of the city. Climb it and you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood, traditional houses and a look into what Ankara was before it became the capital.

The third largest city in Turkey and the gem of the Aegean coastline, Izmir is an easygoing destination. Blending urban life with a seaside culture and history, Izmir is often viewed as a gateway to both the Greek islands and western Turkey. If you compare it to other Turkish cities, you will notice that it’s a bit more relaxed and has a characteristically Mediterranean vibe.

Below are the highest recommended things to do in Izmir:

Kordon Promenade: A waterfront area full of life and ideal for walks, cycling and sunset views. No better place for a romantic getaway or some aesthetic photos in Izmir.

Kemeralti Bazaar: Not as big as Istanbul’s, but still filled with history, the Kemeralti Bazaar includes shops, cafes, mosques and traditional inns. Here you can experience everyday life, local food and shopping in the heart of the city.

Konak Square and Clock Tower: Izmir’s most recognizable landmark. The clock tower sits right at the center of the city and its purpose goes beyond telling time, as it also serves as a popular meeting point.

If you want something vastly different from cities and coasts, then Cappadocia is your destination. A land of wild and sometimes surreal beauty, Cappadocia is a landscape like no other, thanks to its iconic chimney-shaped rock formations, ancient cave dwellings and expansive valleys. Here you can find adventure, culture and unforgettable experiences. Cappadocia truly promises a journey filled with wonders.

Hot Air Balloon Flights: The first thing that comes to mind when someone talks of Cappadocia, are the famous hot air balloon flights. If you come during the best time to visit Cappadocia, which is late spring or early autumn, then you will find plenty of flights available with minimal risk of cancellation. Witness hundreds of colorful balloons dotting the sky and panoramic views of the rugged landscape below. A serene experience.

Göreme Open Air Museum: Göreme is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a treasure trove of rock-cut churches and monasteries. Dating back to the Byzantine era. These structures are decorated with frescoes depicting biblical scenes. The Göreme museum acts like a portal to the region’s rich religious and cultural history.

Underground Cities: Cappadocia is not known only for its skies, but its underground cities too. Derinkuyu and Kaymakli being the most famous ones, they were carved out of soft volcanic rock and served as refuges for early Christians fleeing persecution. You can explore the narrow tunnels, hidden chambers and ventilation shafts that breathed life into these cities for thousands of people.

As mentioned above, Izmir is the jewel of the Aegean coast. Antalya on the other hand, is the crown of the Mediterranean side of Turkey. A city that blends ancient history with stunning beaches and modern luxury, Antalya is known as the “Turkish Riviera”. Here you can explore Roman ruins in the morning, relax on golden sands in the evening and take part in the city’s vibrant nightlife, well, during the night of course.

Here’s what you can do in Antalya:

Kaleiçi (Old Town): Wander through the charming streets of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic old town. A district filled with Ottoman-era houses, boutique hotels and small but lively cafes. Do not miss the Hadrian’s Gate, a well-preserved Roman gate and the Yivli Minare, built in the 13th century. In Kaleiçi you can also find a wide variety of art galleries, souvenir shops and restaurants.

Düden Waterfalls: A spectacular natural wonder, the Düden Waterfalls create a breathtaking sight. The Lower Düden Waterfall falls into the Mediterranean Sea and you can admire it from Düden Park or take a boat tour for a closer look. The Upper Düden Waterfall is located just outside Antalya, and it’s a great place for a peaceful escape and picnics.

Beaches (Konyaalti and Lara): Antalya wouldn’t be the crown of the Turkish Mediterranean coastline, if it didn’t have some stunning beaches too. Konyaalti Beach is pebbly and ideal for swimming and beach sports. Lara Beach, on the other hand, is known for its golden sands and luxurious resorts. Antalya’s beaches are perfect year round, but consider the best time to visit Turkey if you want to balance coastal living with inland adventures and exploring ancient ruins or hiking in the Taurus Mountains.

Bodrum is another glamorous Aegean town that blends ancient history, vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches. Whitewashed houses, luxury marinas, a lively atmosphere, all things that attract travellers seeking relaxation and adventure at the same place.

Here’s what you can do in Bodrum.

Bodrum Castle: A 15th century fortress that dominates the harbor, Bodrum’s castle was built by the Knights of St. John. Today, it houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a very important collection of shipwreck artifacts. Explore the castle’s towers, dungeons and courtyards while enjoying panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was built in the 4th Century as a tomb for Mausolus, a Persian Satrap. Today, much of the structure has been leveled by earthquakes, but it still remains an impressive testament to ancient architecture.

Beaches and Nightlife: Gumbet and Bitez beaches are legendary in Turkey. Gumber beach has shallow waters and a more family-friendly atmosphere, while Bitez is quieter with calmer waters. And when the sun sets, Bodrum’s nightlife comes alive, with beach clubs, bars and restaurants offering everything from live music to DJ sets.

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Turkey is not just a few big cities. There are dozens of smaller ones that offer amazing experiences. And if your main question is, “is Turkey safe” even outside of the central locations, you will discover that the answer is a resounding yes.

Ride the cable car to Uludağ, explore Ottoman-era mosques, and wander through historic bazaars in Turkey’s first capital.

Discover the ancient city of Side, including its Roman amphitheater and seaside ruins, combined with relaxed beach time.

Explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, including the Library of Celsus and nearby Temple of Artemis.

Visit Alanya Castle for panoramic views, enjoy sandy beaches, and try water sports along the coast.

Relax at Ölüdeniz Beach, take a boat trip to Butterfly Valley, or hike sections of the Lycian Way.

Stroll the marina, enjoy boat cruises along the Turquoise Coast, and experience the town’s nightlife.

Combine beach time with nature by riding the Olympos cable car and exploring nearby national parks.

Enjoy Mediterranean beaches, visit ancient sites like Soli Pompeiopolis, and explore the coastal city center.

Walk along the Black Sea promenade, visit museums, and experience a less touristy side of Turkey.

Sample local Anatolian cuisine and use the city as a gateway to Cappadocia’s main attractions.

Explore lush tea plantations, mountain villages, and scenic highlands along the Black Sea coast.

Discover a vibrant student city with canals, museums, and a charming old town area.

Unwind in thermal spas and enjoy nature parks close to Istanbul.

Relax in a popular seaside resort town and use it as a base to visit Ephesus.

Experience Turkey’s food capital, famous for baklava, and explore its rich historical heritage.

Enjoy a laid-back coastal town with crystal-clear waters, small beaches, and excellent diving spots.

Visit Pamukkale, the stunning "Cotton Castle" with its thermal pools, and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and Laodikeia.

To summarize, we saw that Turkey is not a single-purpose travel destination. The best things to do in Turkey include something that everyone will find enjoyable. Museums, historical landmarks, nightlife, sunkissed beaches, hikes, hot air balloons and adventures of all kinds can be found in this beautiful and diverse country.

We also saw in the article that you do not need to confine yourself in the few well-known regions and areas. We explored Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bodrum, Antalya and Cappadocia but we also took a trip to other less known cities and towns, like Alanya, Fethiye, Marmaris, Samsun and many more. 

Planning a Turkey getaway? Get a tailor-made Turkey itinerary designed by locals. See all of our Turkey Vacation & Tours!