Things to do in Turkey.

One of the world's most storied monuments, it has served as a Byzantine church, Ottoman mosque, museum, and active mosque again since 2020. Creators consistently call it an unmissable first stop in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district.

An active mosque directly opposite Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet, praised by creators for its stunning architecture. Visitors are advised to dress modestly and time their visit between prayers.

One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, described by creators as a maze of streets and a must-do shopping experience. Multiple creators highlight it as a top Istanbul stop.

Home to Ottoman sultans for centuries and packed with imperial collections and harem quarters. Creators pair it with the nearby Hagia Sophia as the centrepiece of a Sultanahmet day.

A boat tour along the strait dividing Europe and Asia, passing luxurious waterfront mansions including Dolmabahçe Palace. Creators list it as among the best ways to see the city from the water.

A medieval stone tower with sweeping panoramic views over Istanbul and the Bosphorus. Creators recommend it for sunset and note its colourful history as a watchtower, jail, and observatory over the centuries.

A vibrant covered market filled with spices, Turkish delight, dried fruits, and local food products. Creators say even if you don't buy anything, the colours and aromas alone make it worth a visit, and a guided gourmet walking tour here is a highlight.

At 600 metres long, this is the largest palace in Turkey and among the most opulent in the world, built at a cost equivalent to roughly $2 billion in modern terms. The last six Ottoman sultans lived here, with ceilings gilded with 15 tonnes of gold.

A legendary historic hotel-museum first opened in 1895 to welcome Orient Express passengers, with rooms tied to Agatha Christie and Atatürk. Creators describe it as a place where 'no money can buy' the sense of history, and the Agatha Christie mystery room and Orient Bar are highlights.

A traditional Turkish bath inside one of Istanbul's most historic marble bathhouses — creators take you through the full ritual from arrival to a final relaxing tea, calling it one of Turkey's oldest wellness traditions and a must-do for first-time visitors.

A vast underground Byzantine water cistern beneath Sultanahmet, with forest of columns reflected in still water. Listed by creators among Istanbul's top 10 attractions alongside Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.

The iconic surreal landscape of Cappadocia, with cone-shaped rock formations and rock-cut churches. Creators call walking through the fairy chimneys one of the most magical experiences in the world, with the Göreme Open Air Museum charging €13 entry and accepting Museum Passes.

Floating over the fairy chimneys at sunrise is the defining Cappadocia experience. Creators note balloons can be seen directly from hotel terraces and that a budget alternative exists at Soğanlı Valley nearby.

A lesser-known cave-system alternative to Göreme, about 50 km away, with multi-storey interconnected cave dwellings that are free to enter — compared to the €20–30 tourists pay in Göreme. Almost no crowds and cheaper balloon flights available.

A towering natural rock fortress honeeycombed with caves and tunnels, offering panoramic views over the Cappadocia region. Listed by creators as one of Cappadocia's must-see landmarks.

Famous for its remarkable mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, some with double and triple caps, in a compact and walkable setting. Creators list it as a top Cappadocia landscape stop.

Snow-white calcium terraces cascading down a hillside that visitors can walk on barefoot. Creators across the dataset cite it as one of Turkey's most iconic natural sites and a must-see stop on any multi-city itinerary.

An ancient thermal swimming pool at Hierapolis surrounded by submerged Roman columns and ruins — creators describe it as a surreal swim among ancient ruins on the same site as Pamukkale's terraces.

A hidden cave system near Denizli with mineral formations resembling Pamukkale's terraces — but underground and visited by almost no tourists. Mountain Trekker describes it as a hidden gem most visitors never find.

One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, with monumental Roman streets, the Library of Celsus, and the nearby Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders). Multiple creators rank it among Turkey's essential historical sites.

A long-distance coastal hiking trail offering incredible views along Turkey's turquoise southwest coast. Creators recommend hiking at least a section of it for stunning scenery.

One of the world's top paragliding destinations, launching from Babadağ Mountain over the iconic turquoise Blue Lagoon. Creators call it one of the best paragliding spots in the world.

A dramatic narrow gorge where visitors wade through icy river water between towering rock walls. Creators recommend it as a refreshing adventure stop near Fethiye on the southern coast.

A strikingly beautiful crater lake nicknamed 'Turkey's Maldives' for its turquoise waters and white sandy shores. Creators list it as one of Turkey's most photogenic natural stops.

One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, still used for live performances today. Creators describe it as a remarkable piece of ancient engineering worth visiting on Turkey's southern coast.

Antalya's historic old quarter with Roman harbour walls, winding cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era buildings, and Hadrian's Gate. Multiple creators recommend it as the best base and most atmospheric part of the city.

A series of dramatic waterfalls near Antalya where the Düden River plunges directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Featured in multiple Antalya travel guides as one of the city's most scenic natural highlights.

An authentic rural Turkish village in the Afyonkarahisar province where a local host named Gökhan now welcomes tourists. Mountain Trekker stayed here for over a week and describes it as a genuine immersion into Turkish village culture, far from the tourist circuit.

The world's oldest known temple, dating back over 11,000 years — a site that creators say 'really makes you stop and think' about human history, located in southeastern Turkey near Şanlıurfa.