Tourist Attractions in Turkey
Modern-day
Turkey covers an area which has stood at the crossroads of history for
thousands of years, leaving it with a wealth of fantastic sights for
visitors to explore. With so many options, selecting a comprehensive
list of the Top 10 tourist attractions in Turkey is tough. However,
we’ve put together a selection of some of Turkey’s most famous
attractions, along with a couple of gems that we feel deserve to rub
shoulders with the best of them.
No-matter what you’re
after from your trip to Turkey, be it a relaxing beach holiday, a
city-break or a journey into the country’s ancient past, our tourist
attractions of Turkey list will provide that spark of inspiration to get
you on your way while our expanded
list of sites in Turkey will give you loads more attractions to discover.
Don't forget to
download your free printable Top 10 Tourist Attractions of Turkey map and guidebook now
1. Hagia Sophia
Probably
the most famous tourist attraction in Turkey, the Hagia Sophia is one
of the best preserved ancient buildings in the world. Built in the sixth
century AD by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, the building was
converted to a mosque with the Turkish conquest and today operates as a
museum. With its remarkable architecture and beautiful mix of Byzantine
and Muslim adornment, the Hagia Sophia remains among the most popular
sights in Turkey.
2. Ephesus
Turkey
is awash with ancient cities, making it tough to select just one for
this list. However, the most popular of these attractions is Ephesus
near modern Selcuk. It contains some of the best preserved Greek and
Roman ruins in the world and remains a well-trodden part of the tourist
trail from nearby resorts such as Kusadasi and Izmir. Some of the most
impressive attractions at Ephesus include the Library of Celsus, the
Temple of Hadrian and the ancient theatre. Many visitors will explore
this city in combination tours with Miletus, Didyma and Priene.
3. Cappadocia Underground Cities
Among
the most intriguing and fascinating tourist attractions of Turkey are
the underground cities of Cappadocia. Built over a period spanning
hundreds of years, the area now includes several such complexes many of
which are now open to the public. The main tourist locations are the
underground cities of Kaymaklı, Derinkuyu, Özkonak, Mazi and Ürgüp.
4. Topkapı Palace
The
fifteenth century former residence of the Ottoman Sultans, the Topkapı
Palace in Istanbul is a huge, ornate palatial compound which was a focal
point of Istanbul’s social and political life for hundreds of years. A
UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors flock through its gates to see its
Ottoman architecture, courtyards and famous Muslim and Christian relics.
A must see sight, it consistently ranks among the top attractions in
Turkey.
5. Anzac Cove
The
Gallipoli Campaign in World War One saw months of bitter fighting
between Allied troops – particularly those of Australia and New Zealand –
and the forces of the Ottoman Empire. It was an attempt by the Allies
to knock the Ottomans out of the war and its failure marked a high-point
for Ottoman forces during the conflict. In modern times, the
battlefields of this campaign are marked with a series of memorials,
museums and cemeteries where visitors can pay their respects and learn
about the sombre history of these costly events. Today, it is at Anzac
Cove where the annual commemorative Anzac Day ceremonies are held.
6. Basilica Cistern
A
hidden gem which is often overlooked, in our minds, the Basilica
Cistern rightly ranks among Turkey’s top tourist attractions. An ancient
an underground wonder and one of Istanbul’s best Byzantine sites, this
former water storage chamber is composed of imposing columns, vaulted
ceilings and even ornate carvings of the ancient gods. Today, visitors
can mount its raised platforms to view its eerie waters – this is truly
one of the most astonishing ancient places on the planet and has to be
seen to be believed.
7. Troy
One
of Turkey’s most famous tourist attractions, the story of Troy has had
everything from Homer’s ancient yarns to the full Hollywood stylings.
Yet to truly get a feel for this legendary city you need to explore its
walls and take a stroll around its streets, homes and theatres. Did the
famed events described by Homer take place here? There’s simply no
definitive answer, but as your mind wanders while you stroll through
this timeless place you might just find yourself happily believing the
legends...
8. Bodrum Castle
An
imposing tourist attraction in one of Turkey’s most popular resorts,
Bodrum Castle has provided many a visitor with an afternoon of
exploration when a break from the sun lounger is required. This
impressive 15th century citadel was originally built by Christian
knights and today also houses the fascinating Museum of Underwater
Archaeology.
A
key entry on any list of major tourist attractions in Turkey, the
picturesque sight of the Blue Mosque will impress even the hardiest
sightseer. Built by the young sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque was
designed to rival its neighbour the Hagia Sophia and, with its hierarchy
of increasingly large domes, this vast complex helped define Istanbul’s
skyline. The interior is just as grand and includes swathes of blue
tiles which give this magnificent building its name.
10. Aspendos Roman Theatre
Among
the best preserved Roman theatres anywhere in the world, this charming
ancient construction remains a hugely popular tourist attraction. With a
host of tour options available from the myriad of Antalya hotels,
visitors to Aspendos can see this famous theatre along with a number of
other Roman remains. Still able to seat up to 15,000 people it also
plays host to an annual summer festival.
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