Turkey attractions

Built in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian I as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Kücük Ayasofya Camii), it later took its name Little Hagia Sophia from its resemblance to the larger Hagia Sophia, which was built nearby a few years earlier. After the Ottomans conquered Constantinople, the church was converted into a mosque.

Looming over the seafront along Bodrum harbor, Bodrum Castle is not just a historic landmark—the medieval ruins also house the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Showcasing the archeological finds unearthed from shipwrecks along Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) Aegean Coast, the museum is a trove of ancient artifacts, Bronze age finds, and maritime treasures.

On a hill with a strategic view of the Gulf of Izmir, the co-called Velvet Castle was built in the 4th century BC under Alexander the Great. Remnants of successive occupants, including Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, may be found though not much remains of the fortified castle, except for towering ramparts, ruins of a 14th-century mosque—and the wonderful vista.

On a hilltop overlooking Ankara Old Town, Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi), also known as Ankara Citadel (Hisar), is the city’s most imposing landmark. Framed by 7th- and 9th-century fortifications, its lanes are flanked by Ottoman houses and wood-beamed restaurants and topped by ramparts offering spectacular city views.

Commissioned in the 15th century by Sultan Bayezid II in Bursa, Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), the Koza Han served as a caravanserai that provided income for the sultan’s mosque in Istanbul. Due to its strategic location at the end of the Silk Road, Koza Han—aka the Cocoon Inn—became a popular place for merchants to unload the last of their silk.

The Fire of Anatolia show is a dramatic tribute to Anatolia’s rich history. Watch as 120 dancers take to the stage, performing a mix of traditional and modern Turkish dance to live music complete with dazzling lights and costumes. See the show at the purpose-built, open-air Gloria Aspendos Arena.

Built in 1625, St. Polycarp Church is the oldest Christian house of worship in Izmir. Dedicated to St. Polycarp, who had been converted by John the Apostle and martyred by the Romans, the barrelled-shaped church features colorful murals, remarkably restored by a Frenchman who infamously inserted his likeness.

Close to the coastal resort town of Bodrum, the small village of Yalıçiftlik provides a tranquil retreat from the tourist crowds. Bordered by pine forests, olive groves, and rocky coves, Yalıçiftlik is the place to escape to the countryside, experience traditional Turkish life, and swim at secluded sandy beaches.

Constructed in the 16th century, Beyazit Mosque (Beyazit Camii) was the second imperial mosque built in Istanbul after the Ottomans conquered the city. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Beyazit II, whose tomb is located on the site. The interior of the mosque and its large central dome were based on the design of the Hagia Sophia.

The Column of Constantine (Çemberlitaş Sütunu), located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district, is a monumental landmark dating back to the 4th century. Built to celebrate the emperor's victory over his rival Maxentius, the column is one of the most significant surviving Roman landmarks in Istanbul and a popular pit stop for travelers visiting the Grand Bazaar.

Experience a traditional Turkish bath at one of Istanbul’s oldest bathhouses (hamams), Aga Hamami. Originally built in 1454 for Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, this historical hamam offers a Turkish bath experience—a must-do when visiting Istanbul—to men, women, and couples in a relaxed, mixed setting.

Istanbul’s Venezia Mega Outlet is a shopper’s paradise. This retail destination offers an extensive range of fashion brands, home decor, and electronics, all at discounted prices—so it’s a guaranteed hit with fashion enthusiasts and bargain hunters. A cinema and dozens of restaurants complete the shopping experience.

The Izmir Archaeology Museum (İzmir Arkeoloji Müzesi), located near Konak Square and the Ethnography Museum, lets you explore an impressive collection of artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age as well as the Greek and Roman periods. Originally opened in 1927, the museum relocated to its current location in 1984 and offers a diverse selection of historical treasures waiting to be discovered. With over 5,000 square meters of exhibition halls, laboratories, libraries, and conference spaces arranged across multiple floors, it’s one of the most important museums on Turkey’s coast.

Akyaka is a charming village nestled in Turkey’s Mugla province along Gokova Bay. The town—often overlooked by foreign visitors—is famous for its clear waters, rich culture, and outdoor sports opportunities. It’s the ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful or adventurous getaway without noise or aggressive salespeople.

The ancient city of Kaunos, near Dalyan in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), was founded in the 9th century BC, and was located between Lycia and Caria—hence it embodies characteristics of both empires. Though now abandoned, Kaunos was once a flourishing city that served as a bustling trading post on the coast, and its ruins provide a vivid glimpse into the past.

Opened in 2003 on the shores of the Golden Horn, Miniaturk (Miniatürk) is one of the largest miniature parks in the world. The exhibitions are divided into three sections: Istanbul, Anatolia, and Ottoman territories that today lie outside of Turkey. Through the miniature re-creations, it’s possible to experience all of the highlights of Turkey.

The grand Myndos Gate (Myndos Kapısı) once guarded the western entrance to the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus and marked the route to nearby Myndos (now Gümüslük). Now in ruins, the gate is the last trace of the city’s once-mighty fortifications and remains a prominent landmark of modern-day Bodrum.

Dramatically situated high in the Taurus Mountains and part of Gulluk Dagi Termessos National Park, the ancient city of Termessos is as notable for its impressive location as for its remarkably preserved ruins. The star attraction is the 4,200-seat theater, built right on the cliffside and affording stunning views over the mountains below.

Patara Beach is a coastal treasure on the Turkish Riviera. Boasting a long coastline, this stretch of pristine sand near the ancient Lycian city of Patara offers a warm welcome to Mediterranean beach lovers. Seasonal wildlife such as native birds and nesting sea turtles are protected and can be observed at specific times of the year.

Studded with palm trees and presided over by the 82-foot-tall (25-meter-tall) Izmir Clock Tower, Konak Square (Konak Meydanı) is the navigational and social heart of the city. A popular meeting place, it’s home to important civic buildings and is located near Izmir’s historic ferry terminal and Kermeralti Grand Bazaar.

Located deep in the Anatolia region of Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), Hattusa is one of the country’s biggest archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the second millennium BC, Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire, wielding power across Anatolia and beyond. Its ruins coat a large hillside and include temples, fortifications, gates, and statues.

Despite the sign over the entrance reading “Old Bazaar,” this attraction feels more like a shopping mall than a historic marketplace. A 1-stop shop for all your souvenir needs—as well as clothes and designer fakes—this largely covered market in the heart of Antalya offers spices, lanterns, coffee pots, shisha pipes, leather goods, Turkish delight, and more.

Set on a north Bodrum hillside, Bodrum Amphitheater (Antik Tiyatro is a relic of the ancient Greek city of Halicarnassus. Built in the 4th century BC and later developed by the Romans, the restored 13,000-seat theater offers a fantastic glimpse into the ancient world alongside stellar city views, and is a stage for concerts and events.

South of Antalya, Beydaglari Coastal National Park has over 74,000 acres (30,000 hectares) of coastal cliffs, beaches, and mountains. Spectacular hiking trails, fascinating archaeological sites, and dramatic views over the Mediterranean make it a popular day trip from Antalya and Kemer.

Selimiye is a quaint coastal town in the Mugla province of Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye). Situated between Marmaris and Datca, it boasts a picturesque harbor with locally crafted fishing boats, a quiet seaside, and a handful of ancient ruins. Selimiye offers travelers an opportunity to experience authentic Turkish life away from the bustle of more touristy cities nearby.

One of Ephesus’ most important fountains, the Fountain of Trajan (Nymphaeum Traiani) stands proud on Curetes Street. Built sometime between 102–114 AD to honor Emperor Trajan, it once stood more than 30 feet (9.5 meters) high and featured around 15 statues, including a vast sculpture of Trajan, of which only one foot remains.

Eyup is a sacred district in Istanbul that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. A visit here offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of Istanbul and its cultural heritage. It’s home to the Eyup Sultan Mosque (arguably the holiest sight in the city), local markets, Pierre Loti Hill, and outstanding panoramic views of Istanbul.

Look across the Bosphorus at Asian Istanbul, and the first thing you’ll notice is the Camlica Mosque (Çamlıca Camii). As the largest mosque in Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye), it has a capacity for 63,000 worshipers beneath its 70 domes. (Compare that to the Blue Mosque’s nine domes and 10,000–person capacity.) Though often overlooked by tourists, it’s worth a visit.

Commissioned in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent for his daughter, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Mihrimah Sultan Camii) in Edirnekapi was designed by the celebrated Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The mosque is dappled with windows that let sunlight into the space and is topped by a monumental dome. Unlike most imperial mosques, it only has one minaret.

Opened in 2012 by Turkish author and Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk, Istanbul’s Museum of Innocence (Masumiyet Müzesi) is designed to complement Pamuk’s novel of the same name. The exhibitions tell the story of his book through objects that Pamuk collected personally. It isn’t necessary to have read the book to enjoy the evocative collection.