Hagia Sophia
Region: Istanbul
Cultural heritage
World Heritage converted from Eastern Roman cathedral to mosque
Tourism in Turkey
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Region: Istanbul
Cultural heritage
Famous for six minarets and blue Iznik tiles
Topkapi Palace
Region: Istanbul
Cultural heritage
Residence of successive Ottoman Empire sultans
Cappadocia (Göreme National Park)
Region: Nevşehir Province
Nature-cultural composite
Rocky formations created by volcanic ash and underground cities, balloon tours popular
Pamukkale
Region: Denizli Province
Nature
Hot spring site including travertine terraces and Roman ruins Hierapolis
Ephesus Ruins
Region: İzmir Province
Cultural heritage
Ancient city preserving Artemis Temple ruins and grand theatre
Troy Ruins
Region: Çanakkale Province
Cultural heritage
Stage of 'Iliad,' city ruins layered in strata
Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi)
Region: Antalya
Modern architecture
Resort gateway preserving Roman gate and Ottoman wooden houses
Mardin Old Town
Region: Mardin Province
Cultural heritage candidate
Stepped sandstone townscape and Syriac Orthodox church groups
Lake Van and Akdamar Island
Region: Van Province
Nature / Culture
Country's largest lake and Armenian-style Holy Cross Church
Suggested itineraries
Golden Route 7 Days
Duration (days): 7
Highlights: Istanbul Historical District, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus
Standard course touring major World Heritage sites in one week combining domestic flights and long-distance buses
Eastern Black Sea Wilderness and Highlands
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: Trabzon, Uzungöl Lake, Laz ethnic village, Tea plantation terraces
Experience monasteries and alpine resorts in lush Black Sea region
Travel tips
- Istanbul card enables discounted public transport use
- Summer coastal areas have strong sunlight requiring UV protection
- Many paid toilets carry small change
- Domestic flights and long-distance buses cheaper with early booking
- Consideration for eating and drinking outside tourist areas during Ramadan
- Verify quality certificate and shipping method when purchasing carpets
- Hard tap water so mineral water safer
- Confirm taxi meter use beware of overcharging
- Women need scarves when entering mosques
- Weekend metropolitan expressways heavily congested
- Tipping customary at hammam baths
- Many military facilities near borders with photography prohibited areas