Turkey attractions

Situated at the northern end of the famous hippodrome known as Sultanahmet Square, the German Fountain (also known as the Kaiser William Fountain) was built in 1898 to commemorate the German Emperor’s visit to Istanbul. Designed in a Neo-Byzantine style by a team of German and Italian architects, the fountain survives today as a testament to Germany and Turkey’s longstanding friendship.

Running for 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) between dramatic rock stacks and sheer cliffs—reaching up 1,312 feet (400 meters) high in places—Köprülü Canyon is one of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) most spectacular natural wonders. Carved out of the limestone cliffs by the Koprucay River, the canyon is the centrepiece of Köprülü Canyon National park.

Istiklal Street (İstiklal Caddesi) is the main pedestrian thoroughfare in Istanbul’s European Beyoglu district and an essential cultural center. Stretching from Taksim Square to Tunel Square, the bustling street is lined with late–Ottoman-era buildings built in a variety of architectural styles, ranging from neoclassical to art deco.

The Duden Waterfalls sit at the end of the river of the same name, which winds its way through the Taurus Mountains before tumbling from a cliff into a valley next to the Mediterranean. The falls consist of two cascades, and the upper part is nearly 50 feet (15 meters) tall and 65 feet (20 meters) wide.

A historically Jewish neighborhood in Istanbul, Balat shows off its roots in two major synagogues, which are still standing. Visitors also head to the Byzantine-era Chora Museum, formerly the Chora Church, to see its mosaics and frescoes. The colorful cafes and shops on the lower streets of Balat attract a big afternoon crowd.

Dating back to the 15th century, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) is the oldest covered market in the world. Home to more than 4,500 vendors, it’s a sensory banquet where you’ll find everything from carpets, beaded bracelets, and silver jewelry to multicolored lanterns, leather goods, ceramics, and belly-dancing outfits. With goods available at all price points, it’s a prime place to shop for souvenirs.

Discover the historic Zelve Open-Air Museum, built on the site of a Byzantine monastery carved into the rock face centuries ago. Once a monastic retreat from the 9th to the 13th century, Zelve was inhabited until 1952. Explore the open-air exhibition that showcases preserved ruins and highlights the fascinating history of the site. Don't miss the chance to experience this unique destination.

The World War I battle on the turquoise coastline of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Gallipoli Peninsula (Gelibolu Yarimadasi) was symbolic for Turks, Australians, and New Zealanders, many of whom trace their national identity to its tragic outcome. Every year on Anzac Day, Australians and New Zealanders flock to the Dardanelles to pay respects to their thousands of fallen countrymen.

Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleiçi) remains the heart of this modern Turkish city. Home to a number of historic monuments, it’s also the city’s most atmospheric district—a maze of narrow winding streets dotted with traditional wooden houses, bars, restaurants, and Ottoman-style boutique hotels.

The Manavgat River runs down from the Taurus Mountains all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, and it’s most scenic spot is the Manavgat Waterfall (Manavgat Şelalesi). Just outside of Side, the low, wide falls make a stunning backdrop for photos and serve as a popular recreation area, with visitors coming to swim, picnic, or cruise along the river.

Located right off the bustling pedestrian thoroughfare of Istiklal in the downtown Beyoglu area, Cicek Pasaji is a covered arcade dating back to the 1870s. Built in a luxurious Parisian style, the passage became popular with Russian flower sellers fleeing Bolshevik Russia—hence the blossom-inspired nickname. Today, you’ll find a lively mix of souvenir shops, bars, and upscale restaurants.

The magnificent hilltop city of Pergamon dates back to the 5th century BC and was once a hotbed for learning, culture, and invention, flourishing until the 14th century. Remnants of the city’s most important structures remain, such as the Acropolis, the Red Basilica, aqueducts, a major medical center, audaciously steep amphitheatre and a historically important library.

A grand two-story facade adorned with statues of the four Virtues makes the Library of Celsus the most photographed and best-known monument in the Ephesus UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in AD 110 to honor Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, it once held 12,000 scrolls, making it one of the largest libraries in the ancient world.

The best way to see the sprawling city of Istanbul is from above, and Camlica Hill (Camlica Tepesi) is one of the prime places to take in that view. Located near the Uskudar neighborhood on the city’s Asian side, the hill—which comprises two peaks, Big Camlica and Little Camlica—is home to tea gardens and green lawns that attract local picnickers.

Built in the 14th century, the Isa Bey Mosque is an architectural wonder located near the ancient city of Ephesus in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye). The mosque boasts a unique asymmetrical design and striking details like intricate carvings and calligraphy inscriptions on the western facade, green and turquoise tiles adorning the interior, a preserved brick minaret on the north side, and two impressive domes at the center. The mosque showcases the Selcuk style of architecture rather than the more common Ottoman style that emerged in subsequent years, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in design or history.

The Temple of Hadrian is one of the most remarkable highlights of Ephesus, an archaeological site in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye). Built in the 2nd century, this monument serves as a tribute to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus, and it’s considered to be one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the country. Though small in size, it boasts a stunning exterior arch, a porch, and a cozy main hall, all supported by pillars and Corinthian columns—a true masterpiece of ancient Roman engineering. What makes the Temple of Hadrian truly special are the hidden gems scattered throughout the grounds. Taking the time to stroll through the surrounding park can offer incredible views of the temple and its surroundings.

Founded around 1000 BC, the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos is best-known for its impressive Roman theater, one of the most remarkably preserved in the world. Designed by Greek architect Zeno and built in the second century AD, the theater seats up to 7,000 people and is still used as a venue today.

Rocky coves, pine-clad cliffs, and sandy beaches make a scenic backdrop for a boat ride, but Kekova’s biggest attraction lies underwater. This uninhabited island harbors the sprawling ruins of an ancient Lycian city, submerged after an earthquake in the 2nd century. Floating along the Mediterranean coast, you can spot buildings, walls, and stairways beneath the waterline.

Located in the heart of Konya, the Mevlana Museum is a captivating window into the world of Sufism and the life of the renowned 13th-century philosopher and poet Rumi. Once a dervish lodge and now a mausoleum, this spiritual haven now offers you a unique opportunity to delve into Turkey's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Just northeast of Antalya lies the region’s most significant Roman ruins. Dating to the Bronze Age, the city of Perge was originally settled by the Hittites, but under Roman occupation grew to become one of the most beautiful and scholarly cities of the ancient world, attracting important thinkers such as physician Asklepiades, philosopher Varius, and Apollonius, a pupil of Archimedes.

Smaller than Cappadocia’s other subterranean cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, Ozkonak Underground City (Özkonak Yeraltı Şehri) makes for a less crowded, more intimate travel experience. Built around the time of the Byzantine Empire (and at one point home to some 60,000 residents), this hidden gem was rediscovered in the 1970s by a local farmer—and it has served as a fascinating tourist attraction ever since.

The 6th-century Hagia Irene (Aya Irini) was the first church built in Constantinople—and the only one that was not turned into a mosque upon the arrival of the Ottomans. As a result, the original Byzantine architecture still awes. Under its dome and peaked ceilings, the building currently serves as a museum.

The Serpent Column, also known as the Delphi Tripod (Yilani Sütun), is a 2,500-year-old bronze work located at the center of Sultanahmet Square, where the Hippodrome of Constantinople once stood. The column was originally part of a sacrificial tripod until the Romans moved to its current location to adorn the horse racing stadium.

Şirince, a small village of just 600 inhabitants, has a long history dating back to the fall of Ephesus. Today, the mountainous town is mainly known for its well-preserved stucco homes, olive groves, and wineries with verdant backdrops. St. John the Baptist Church is another popular attraction, adorned with stunning Byzantine frescoes.

Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking its namesake southern Turkish city, Alanya Castle (Alanya Kalesi) is unmissable. Wherever you are in Alanya, look up, and you’ll spot the castle’s miles-long fortifications zigzagging down the hillside. The Seljuk-era castle is a sprawling complex that includes the seafront Red Tower, 400 cisterns, a clifftop Inner Fortress, and an 11th-century church.

Surrounded by the New Mosque, Egyptian Spice Bazaar, and Bosphorus Strait, Eminӧnü Square (Eminönü Meydani) is one of central Istanbul’s main transit hubs. The tangled side streets that radiate out from the square lead to tucked-away mosques, clothing boutiques, and bazaars. The plaza’s central location means most visitors will spend at least some time here.

Said to have been one of Cleopatra’s treasured retreats, the UNESCO-listed Hierapolis hot springs are a spectacular sight: The pools are bright white terraces filled with turquoise water that were formed by calcium that hardened over millennia and are surrounded by the ruins of the ancient city.

Antalya Marina (Kaleiçi Yat Limanı) is the heart of the city. It stretches along the waterfront beneath the steep cobbled streets of Antalya’s Old Town, known as Kaleiçi. With cruise ships, ferries, yachts, and fishing boats constantly arriving and departing, this historic harbor is buzzing with activity at all hours and is a popular hub for both locals and visitors.

Located along the southern end of the Galata Bridge, Eminonu Pier (Eminönü Iskelesi) is a central transportation point for Istanbul’s intercontinental ferries and public Bosphorus cruises. From here, boats head to Kadikoy, Uskudar, and the Princes Islands. To add to the energy, hawkers sell grilled fish sandwiches, roasted chestnuts, and steamed corn by the waterfront

With a 5-star hotel, a gigantic water park, a luxurious shopping avenue, and plenty of amusement park rides, the Land of Legends is a one-stop-shop for family entertainment. Open to both day visitors and Land of Legends hotel guests, the theme park is one of the largest of its kind in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye).