Turkey
Places to Visit and Must-Visit Destinations
More than a destination, Turkey feels like a collection of completely different worlds, each one offering something unique. One moment you are walking through centuries-old mosques and bazaars, and the next you are standing in a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet, before eventually finding yourself by the sea, slowing everything down.
When we planned our Turkey trip, I realised very quickly that trying to see everything would take away from the experience. Instead, I focused on choosing places that felt different from each other but still came together to create a complete journey. If you are visiting Turkey for the first time, these are the five places I would prioritise. They give you history, landscapes, coastal luxury and a more local side of Turkey, without making the trip feel rushed.
Istanbul — Where History and Modern Life Meet
Istanbul is the cultural heart of Turkey and one of the best places to visit for history, architecture, food and city experiences. The city blends Ottoman, Byzantine and modern Turkish influences, making it ideal for travellers who want a destination with depth rather than just sightseeing.
The best things to do in Istanbul include visiting Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. A Bosphorus cruise is also one of the most memorable ways to see the city, especially at sunset when the skyline, mosques and waterfront palaces feel even more dramatic.
Istanbul is best for first-time visitors, culture lovers, food travellers and anyone who wants Turkey’s most iconic city experience.
Do not miss: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Bosphorus cruise, Grand Bazaar
How long to stay: 3 to 4 nights
Best for: Culture, food, first-time visitors
Cappadocia — The Most Surreal Landscape
Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most unique destinations, famous for its fairy chimneys, cave hotels, valleys and sunrise hot air balloons. It is the place to visit if you want landscapes that feel completely different from anywhere else in the country.
The best things to do in Cappadocia include taking a hot air balloon ride, visiting Göreme Open-Air Museum, exploring underground cities, hiking through Rose Valley or Red Valley, watching sunset from a viewpoint and staying in a cave hotel. Even if you do not take a balloon ride, watching the balloons rise over the valleys at sunrise is one of the most iconic experiences in Turkey.
Cappadocia is best for couples, photographers, adventure travellers and anyone looking for a magical landscape-focused escape.
Do not miss: Hot air balloon ride, valley hikes, cave hotels
How long to stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: Couples, landscapes, unique experiences
Bodrum — Coastal Luxury and Relaxation
Bodrum is one of Turkey’s most stylish coastal destinations, known for its marina, beach clubs, whitewashed buildings, luxury resorts and Aegean Sea views. It is a great place to add to a Turkey itinerary if you want a slower, more polished seaside experience after exploring cities and historic sites.
The best things to do in Bodrum include visiting Bodrum Castle, walking around the marina, relaxing at beach clubs, exploring nearby bays by boat and enjoying long seaside dinners. It is also one of the best places in Turkey for luxury hotels, boutique stays and a more sophisticated coastal atmosphere.
Bodrum is best for beach lovers, luxury travellers, couples and anyone wanting a relaxed coastal finish to their Turkey trip.
Do not miss: Beach clubs, marina, coastal views
How long to stay: 2 to 4 nights
Best for: Relaxation, luxury, couples
Pamukkale — Natural Beauty and Thermal Pools
Pamukkale is famous for its bright white travertine terraces and thermal pools, making it one of the most visually striking places to visit in Turkey. The landscape looks almost unreal, with mineral-rich waters flowing over white limestone formations.
The best things to do in Pamukkale include walking along the travertine terraces, visiting the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool and watching the landscape change colour in the soft light of morning or late afternoon. It is usually best visited as a short stop rather than a long stay, but it is worth including for its natural beauty and historical setting.
Pamukkale is best for unique landscapes, photography, history and travellers who want to see one of Turkey’s most famous natural wonders.
Do not miss: Travertine terraces, Hierapolis ruins
How long to stay: 1 night or day trip
Best for: Unique landscapes, photography
Antalya — Beaches, Old Town and Easy Luxury
Antalya is one of Turkey’s best destinations for combining beaches, resorts, history and coastal scenery. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it offers a mix of old-town charm, turquoise water, waterfalls, Roman ruins and large luxury resorts.
The best things to do in Antalya include exploring Kaleiçi Old Town, visiting Hadrian’s Gate, relaxing at Konyaaltı or Lara Beach, taking a boat trip, seeing Düden Waterfalls and using Antalya as a base for nearby ancient sites such as Aspendos, Perge or Termessos.
Antalya is best for beach holidays, family-friendly resorts, relaxed coastal itineraries and travellers who want a mix of history and seaside comfort.
Do not miss: Kaleiçi old town, beaches, coastal resorts
How long to stay: 2 to 4 nights
Best for: Beaches, relaxed travel, mixed itineraries
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