If your heart craves for places soaked in culture and history, then Turkey is the right place for you. This modern country exhibits captivating blends of ancient and contemporary, from enchanting historical landmarks to lavish restaurants.
Located in the outskirts of Istanbul, this revolving tower offers you a bird’s eye view of the city. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant on its top floor.
1. Duden Waterfall
A hidden gem on the outskirts of modern coastal Antalya, Duden Waterfall is a stunning waterfall that cascades into the warm Mediterranean Sea. The Upper Duden Falls are located in a nature park and are surrounded by lush Turkish nature while the Lower Duden Waterfalls fall 40 meters from a tall cliff into the water below.
These beautiful waterfalls are a must-see for anyone traveling to Turkey. They are a perfect place to escape from the bustle of city life and immerse yourself in seeing hot spots in Turkey.
Whether you’re hiking in the lush green surroundings or swimming in the refreshing waters, Duden Waterfall is sure to leave you with a lasting impression. It is also a popular place to visit with family and friends.
Visiting Duden Waterfall is not only a great way to escape the city but also supports the local economy. There are several restaurants and shops that offer delicious food and handicrafts. If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider taking a private boat tour. These tours will allow you to get up close and personal with the breathtaking views.
2. Butterfly Valley
Located near the beautiful beach of Oludeniz, Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi in Turkish) is the perfect back-to-basics destination to get lost in nature. Magnificent limestone cliffs, lush forests, a pristine beach, and cascading waterfalls all feature in this picturesque setting. However, what makes this place truly special is its diverse butterfly population. Hundreds of different species fly around here, including the endemic Jersey Tiger butterfly.
The area has no electricity, buildings, or roads, ensuring that its natural beauty remains intact. Those who want to immerse themselves in this paradise can choose to stay at one of the secluded wooden huts or tents that are available for rent. There is also a shack-bar where visitors can eat meals and grab drinks.
Although it’s possible to visit the valley all year round, the best time is from spring until late summer. This is when the butterflies are most abundant. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so expect large crowds and inflated hotel prices. If you’re looking to avoid this, try visiting in May or September.
3. Izmir Park
Izmir Park is a scenic seafront promenade that features lush green space and hosts concerts, festivals, and book fairs throughout the year. It also offers a range of activities like jogging or taking a stroll along the waterfront paths and enjoying local food and drinks at cafes and restaurants.
The park is home to a large number of animal species including big cats, monkeys, and meerkats. It also has a children’s zoo and knowledgeable staff that will help you learn about the animals and their habitats.
The most famous attraction in the park is the clock tower, which dates back to 1901 and was modeled after an Ottoman structure. It is so iconic that it even appeared on the 500 Lira banknote. This is a must-see attraction for those visiting Izmir and is especially impressive at night when it’s lit up. The reconstructed Faustina Gate, Corinthian columns, and statues are also eye-catching.
4. Sumela Monastery
Sumela Monastery is a spectacular rock-hewn monastery perched dramatically on the narrow ledge of a steep cliff in the forests south of Trabzon. It was built in the fourth century, just before the Roman Empire split into East and West, by two Athenian priests who, according to legend, found a miraculous icon of Mary in a cave.
The monastery complex is a series of buildings cut right into the side of the cliff, including student rooms, a library, kitchens, and a main rock church. Some of the rooms feature beautiful frescoes that have been well-preserved over the years.
The monastery was abandoned in 1923, but it was reopened to tourists in 2010. The area is part of the Altindere National Park and visitors are charged an entrance fee.
5. Uchisar Castle
If you are looking to take your Cappadocia experience to the next level, Uchisar Castle is the place to go. This colossal rock formation is one of the highest points in the region and provides insane views of the surrounding landscape. It also contains a collection of tunnels, rooms, and houses that have been carved into the rocks.
Visitors come here to hike through the caves and admire the intricate design of the structures. It’s also a popular spot to watch the sunrise or sunset and to snap some epic Instagram photos. In addition, there are a few restaurants carved into the rocks that serve up local dishes like testi kebab, lahmacun, and boşek.
The best way to visit Uchisar Castle is to take a group tour, such as the Red Tour of North Cappadocia. This small-group adventure will also see you take in the views of the fairy chimneys in Love Valley and Monk Valley, explore Imagination Valley, and make pottery in Avanos. It also includes a guided visit to an underground city, as well as a hot air balloon ride and other amazing sights in the area.
6. Museum of Independence
The Museum of Independence is located just a few blocks away from the iconic Liberty Bell. The museum is an amazing place to visit with kids as there are many exhibits that help them learn about history and how the US became independent. The museum features many historic documents, furniture, and 18th-century weapons. Besides this, the museum also houses a house and tavern that can be visited on guided or self-guided tours.
This historic site chronicles America’s struggle for freedom from colonial unrest through the formation of a new nation through gallery and film exhibits, outdoor living history activities, and reenactments. Visitors can muster with troops in a Continental Army encampment and help with chores at a re-created Revolution-era farm. The museum is also home to the Flag of the United States, the only surviving original flag from the American Revolution.
The museum also hosts the annual Independence Day celebration that features military demonstrations, reenactments of historic events, revolutionary foodways, and an artisan village. Moreover, the museum has a gift shop and restaurant.
7. Topkapi Palace
One of the best places to visit in Turkey, Topkapi Palace is an opulent residence that once housed the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Now a museum, the palace features four courtyards and displays a collection of priceless robes, weapons, porcelain, miniatures, calligraphic manuscripts, jewelry, and other artifacts. The harem section of the palace is also a highlight and is protected by a separate ticket and fee.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the place, consider booking a guided tour of the palace. Guided tours usually come with audio guides in multiple languages and offer insights into the lives of the Ottoman sultans.
The Topkapi Palace is open every day except Tuesday. It is easy to reach as it’s walking distance from the tram station Gulhane and Sultanahmet. Bus lines tb2 and 90B also stop nearby. There are a few entrances to the museum, so check the official website for more details on how to get there. It is best to visit during the months of September and November or March to May when the weather is cooler and less humid.
8. Underground City
Designed by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian, Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) is considered one of the best-preserved old buildings and is an attraction to never miss on your Turkey tour. It merges multiple religions in its design and is a symbol of peace, unity and inclusion.
The lunar-like Cappadocia region boasts of several underground cities but the deepest and most intricate is Derinkuyu. This secret metropolis includes ventilation shafts, schools, rooms and living spaces, wells, oil presses and a church. The complex is believed to be linked with other subterranean cities unearthed nearby and research is still ongoing.
The impossibly turquoise-blue waters and pristine beaches of Oludeniz are a must-see for any beach lover and are the reason why this destination is popular amongst travelers all year round. Turkey’s best-preserved Ottoman town is a photogenic area of skinny winding streets crammed with finely restored wooden mansions that were once the homes of merchants and are now boutique hotels. It is also home to the monastery that is built into a cliff face, Sumela Monastery.