Turkey attractions

Located on the shores of Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait—within the captivating Perili Kosk, known as the Haunted Mansion—Borusan Contemporary is a vibrant art museum. Often overlooked by international tourists, it presents cutting-edge exhibitions and thought-provoking installations by established and emerging artists.

According to legend, Cleopatra enjoyed clandestine rendezvous with her lover, Marc Antony, on the shores of this tiny island in the Aegean Sea, just off the Gulf of Gokova. Their story makes the island a renowned romantic spot. Its other claim to fame is its unusually textured sand, which is made up of smooth, white, ground-up seashells.

Known for its panoramic views overlooking Turkey’s Black Sea coastline and the city of Trabzon, Boztepe is a favorite among locals and travelers alike looking to unwind. You’ll find a range of teahouses—known as çay bahçesi—at the top of the hill, where it’s possible to grab traditional Turkish sweets like baklava and a hot glass of çay.

If you’re interested in exploring Konya’s rich history, from the Early Christian period to the arrival of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi in the 13th century, Konya Panorama Museum opens a window to the past. Wandering through the open-air courtyard and into the domed panorama building, you’ll see dramatic depictions of the life of Rumi.

Located in one of Bodrum’s twin bays, Bodrum Marina—officially called Milta Bodrum Marina—is one of the city’s favorite waterfront spots. With berths for 475 yachts as well as shops and restaurants, it’s a stylish place to stroll and relax, and also a departure point for many Bodrum boat trips.

In the verdant Black Sea region of Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), this protected nature reserve is characterized by thick forests—oak, pine, and hazelnut trees abound—and scenic freshwater lakes, from which Yedigöller (meaning “Seven Lakes”) takes its name. Known for its panoramic peaks and lush scenery, the national park is also a haven for wildlife, including foxes, deer, and wolves.

Located in Turkey’s verdant Black Sea region, Altindere Valley National Park is best known as the home of the Sumela Monastery. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and likely constructed in the 4th century, this surreal cliff-cut landmark soars above the forest from a solid sheet of rock. Beyond this star attraction, the park is known for its mountain springs and diverse flora and fauna.

Not to be confused with Alanya Castle, Alara Castle is a 13th-century fortification perched atop a craggy rock. Once a lookout point to protect caravans traveling from the Silk Road, it's now a popular hiking and sightseeing spot. The castle contains the picturesque ruins of a caravanserai, mosque, and hammam, most dating back to the end of the Byzantine Empire.

In the heart of Cesme, this vibrant port is an unmissable stop on any visit to Turkey’s lively Aegean coastal town. The sight of dozens of motorboats and yachts bobbing in the water makes for one of Cesme’s most distinctive photographs. The area is filled with restaurants, cafés, fast-food joints, and ice cream shops, making it tempting to linger here for hours.

This authentic, tranquil village nestled along the picturesque Aegean Sea, east of the bustling town of Bodrum in southwest Turkey, offers a serene escape from the crowds. So secluded that it feels almost untouched, Mazı boasts narrow streets lined with traditional guesthouses, while the coastline is dotted with hidden bays.

Set between two peninsulas in the Aegean Sea—Bodrum to the north and Datça in the south—and hemmed in by the dramatic sea cliffs, sandy coves and rocky islands of the Gulf of Gökova (also known as the Ceramic Gulf) make up some of the most picturesque landscapes of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) famous Turquoise Coast.

With its white sand, turquoise waters, and refreshing lack of tourists, Limnionas Beach is where you can plop yourself directly into one of the postcard seascapes for which Greece is famous. Set in a cove along Limnionas Bay, the beach is protected from strong winds and rough seas, making it a haven for boat excursions and snorkeling.

Just north of Fethiye Old Town, Calis Beach is Fethiye’s principal beach, stretching for almost three miles (four kilometers along the Bay of Fethiye. Famed for its dreamy sunsets, wind-swept shores, and movie connections—the bay of Calis Koca was a filming site for Bond movie Skyfall—it’s a favorite among both locals and travelers.

Don’t be put off by its small size—Fethiye Museum (Fethiye Muzesi) is crammed with ancient treasures. Findings from Telmessos (the ancient Lycian city upon which Fethiye was founded) and several nearby sites, including Tlos and Kaunos, form the basis of the collection, which includes statues, mosaics, and other artifacts.

Learn more about Turkey's (officially the Republic of Türkiye) chocolate production at Istanbul’s Pelit Chocolate Museum, a must for chocolate lovers visiting the city. With a history dating back to 1957, the Pelit Chocolate Factory is home to Turkey’s first chocolate museum, filled with spectacular chocolate sculptures.

The Aqua Florya Shopping Center (Aqua Florya Alisveris Merkezi) combines shopping and entertainment under one state-of-the-art roof. Housing more than 140 shops, the center also is is home to the Istanbul Aquarium, a multiplex cinema, arcade, numerous restaurants, an outdoor amphitheater, and exhibition and event spaces.

Stretching about half a mile (1 kilometer) along the northeast corner of Kos, Lambi Beach is a popular swimming and sunbathing spot near the island’s main town and port. Lined with sand and pebbles, the beach offers chairs and umbrellas for rent, water sports, restaurants and snack bars, and views facing the Turkish coastline.

Running from east of Izmir to Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) western Anatolian Plateau, the Boz Mountains (Bozdag) are one of the country’s most beautiful mountain ranges. Centered on the mountain town of Bozdag and capped with snow from December to March, the mountains are a year-round paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Located in the coastal neighborhood of Tarabya, Istanbul’s Ural Ataman Classic Car Museum is a mecca for vintage-car enthusiasts. Housed in a 21,528-square-foot (2,000-square-meter) space, the private museum features over 60 classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles from 1920 to 1970, complete with retro music, decoration, and ambience.

Istanbul’s Church of St. Mary of the Spring (Balikli Kilise), aka the Zoodochos Pege, is an Eastern Orthodox shrine originally built in the sixth century near a holy well. The current structure dates to 1835, after the Ottomans destroyed the original. The shrine is an important pilgrimage site that thousands visit annually.

For the ultimate Turkish bath experience, head to the 16th-century Hurrem Sultan Hamami in Istanbul’s historic center. Designed by iconic Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, this perfectly preserved bathhouse enables you to enjoy a variety of centuries-old rejuvenation traditions in one of Istanbul’s most historic buildings.

Only a short drive from the beach resorts of Cesme, Alacati Pazaryeri Camii is a small mosque in the town of Alacati. The historic landmark testifies to the region’s Greek and Turkish-Muslim heritage. Originally built as an Orthodox church in the 19th century, the building was converted into a mosque after the population transfer between Greece and Turkey following World War I.

This small, charm-filled town nestled in the Bodrum Peninsula in southwestern Turkey is about 18 miles (29 kilometers) northeast of Bodrum. Mumcular is known for pristine beaches, agricultural production, rich history, and warm, sunny days. The quaint town is popular as an escape from coastal crowds and a place to enjoy country life.

Built in 1290, Aslanhane Mosque (Aslanhane Camii) is Ankara’s oldest mosque. Located just beneath Ankara Castle in the city’s old town, Aslanhane is sometimes called the “Lion’s Den” or Ahi Serafettin Mosque. It’s open to visitors who want to view its beautiful stone-and-wood architecture.

Located in two 19th-century mansions on the northern European shore of Istanbul, the Sadberk Hanim Museum houses a wide collection of ceramics, coins, tiles, and art from different time periods. The museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions on subjects as diverse as early photography and archaeological digs.

One of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) historical gems, the small city of Amasya sits in a narrow gorge on the River Yesil, just south of the Black Sea coast. With origins that date to 6500 BC, this charming spot boasts everything from ancient cliffside tombs and a mountaintop citadel to Ottoman-era houses, medieval mosques, and craggy mountain scenery.

The ancient ruins at Fethiye reveal a history dating back to 350 BC, when the area was the Greek city of Telmessos and an important stop along the Lycian way. Today the Lycian Stone Sarcophagi are scattered around the modern town, and the ancient tombs are easily missed if you don’t know where to look.

Hidden away in a hillside enclave just behind Fethiye Harbor, the Fethiye Roman Theater (Telmessos Theatre is one of the last remaining traces of the ancient Lycian city of Telmessos. Dating back to the 2nd century BC and once seating up to 6,000; the theater is currently undergoing extensive restoration work.

Topped by a globe-shaped viewing platform and upper spire that reaches a height of 410 feet (125 meters), the Atakule is a 1989-built communications and observation tower in central Ankara. One of the city’s most prominent landmarks, it rises from a shopping mall in the Cankaya district and commands 360-degree views over the capital.

Built in the 17th century by Sultan Ahmet I, the ornate Aynalikavak Palace (Aynalıkavak Kasrı) served as royal hunting grounds. Today, the regal pavilion is an oasis of calm in the middle of bustling Istanbul and functions as a preserved museum. It’s decorated with mirrors and luxurious furniture showcasing the Ottoman-era palace style.