100 Epic Things To Do in Turkey!

From soaring hot air balloons over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys to diving into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Turkey is a land of endless adventure. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins in Ephesus, savoring sizzling kebabs in Istanbul, or relaxing in Pamukkale’s thermal pools, this vibrant country offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.

History buffs, foodies, thrill-seekers, and beach lovers will all find their perfect escape. Ready for the ultimate Turkish adventure? Here are 100 epic things to do in Turkey that will make your trip legendary!

FROM ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA: 100 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN TURKEY

Historical & Cultural Wonders of Turkey

• Explore the ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities.
• Walk through the rock formations of Cappadocia and visit its underground cities.
• Marvel at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul—a Byzantine masterpiece turned mosque.
• Visit the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) with its stunning Iznik tiles.
• Discover the Library of Celsus in Ephesus.
• Step into the Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans.
• See the Basilica Cistern, an eerie underground water reservoir.
• Wander through the ancient city of Troy and see the legendary wooden horse.
• Explore Hierapolis and bathe in the Pamukkale thermal pools.
• Visit Ani, the hauntingly beautiful "Ghost City" near Armenia.
• Walk the Lycian Way, an ancient 540-km hiking trail.
• Discover Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple.
• Tour the Mevlana Museum in Konya, home of the Whirling Dervishes.
• See the Aspendos Theatre, a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater.
• Visit Mount Nemrut at sunrise to see its giant stone heads.
• Explore Patara, an ancient Lycian city with a stunning beach.
• Walk through the ruins of Perge, a major Roman city.
• Visit Sumela Monastery, clinging to a cliff in Trabzon.
• See the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Discover Sagalassos, a hidden Roman city in the mountains.

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Adventure & Nature in Turkey

• Hot air balloon over Cappadocia at sunrise.
• Paraglide over Ölüdeniz for breathtaking coastal views.
• Scuba dive in Kaş, Antalya to explore ancient underwater ruins.
• Raft the Köprülü Canyon for thrilling white-water rapids.
• Hike the Butterfly Valley for stunning cliffs and waterfalls.
• Ski in Uludağ (Bursa) or Palandöken (Erzurum).
• Trek up Mount Ararat, Turkey’s highest peak (5,137m).
• Camp in the Kaçkar Mountains, a paradise for hikers.
• Take a boat cruise along the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
• Explore the İğneada Floodplain Forests, a unique wetland.
• Swim in the turquoise waters of Kaputaş Beach.
• Kayak over the sunken city of Kekova.
• Drive the scenic Black Sea coastal road.
• Visit Lake Van and see the mysterious Akdamar Island.
• Relax in the thermal springs of Pamukkale.
• See the flamingos at Lake Tuz.
• Hike through the Aladağlar National Park.
• Explore the Saklıkent Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons.
• Take a mud bath in Dalyan.
• Sail the Turquoise Coast on a traditional gulet.

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Unique & Quirky Experiences in Turkey

• Sleep in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
• Try a traditional Turkish bath (hammam) in Istanbul.
• Smoke nargile (hookah) in a historic café.
• Attend a Whirling Dervishes ceremony.
• Ride the nostalgic Orient Express route.
• Visit the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy in Fethiye.
• See the fairy chimneys of Pasabag in Cappadocia.
• Explore the abandoned "Çatalhöyük", a 9,000-year-old Neolithic city.
• Take a photo at the Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia.
• Visit the world’s oldest shopping mall, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

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Turkish Food & Drink

• Eat a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) with olives, cheese, and honey.
• Try authentic baklava in Gaziantep.
• Sip Turkish tea (çay) in a tulip-shaped glass.
• Drink Turkish coffee with fortune-telling afterward.
• Taste freshly caught fish in an Istanbul meyhane (tavern).
• Eat a döner kebab from a street vendor.
• Try Iskender kebap in Bursa.
• Sample rakı (Turkey’s national drink) with meze.
• Visit a spice bazaar and buy saffron & Turkish delight.
• Eat gözleme (savory stuffed pancakes) in a village.

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Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems of Turkey

• Visit the rock tombs of Myra in Demre, Antalya.
• Explore the ancient city of Aphrodisias in Aydın.
• See the surreal travertines of Eğirdir Lake.
• Discover the Uzunköprü, the world’s longest stone bridge.
• Wander through the old mansions of Mardin.
• Visit Hasankeyf, an ancient town soon to be submerged.
• See the Yedigöller (Seven Lakes) National Park.
• Explore the İshak Pasha Palace near the Iranian border.
• Visit the Hittite capital of Hattuşa.
• See the Dara Ruins, an ancient Mesopotamian city.

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Festivals & Events in Turkey

• Attend the Istanbul International Film Festival.
• Experience the Camel Wrestling Festival in Selçuk, Izmir.
• Join the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne.
• Celebrate Eid (Bayram) with a Turkish family.
• Watch the Whirling Dervishes Festival in Konya.

Beaches & Islands in Turkey

• Relax on Ölüdeniz Beach with its blue lagoon in Fethiye.
• Party in Bodrum like a VIP.
• Visit the Butterfly Valley by boat in Fethiye.
• Swim in the Cleopatra Beach in Alanya, Antalya.
• Explore the Princes' Islands by bike in Istanbul.

Modern Turkey

• See the Çamlıca Mosque, the largest in Turkey.
• Visit Miniaturk, a park with miniature Turkish landmarks.
• Explore Taksim Square & Istiklal Street in Istanbul.
• Ride the Tünel, one of the world’s oldest subways in Istanbul.
• See the Galata Tower for panoramic Istanbul views.

Mystical & Spiritual Turkey

• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus in Izmir.
• See the Seven Sleepers Cave (Ashab-ı Kehf).
• Explore the Saint Nicholas Church in Demre (Santa Claus’s birthplace).
• Meditate at Mount Ida (Kaz Dağı), a sacred site.
• Visit the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Road Trips & Scenic Drives in Turkey

• Drive the Kaçkar Mountains route.
• Take the Bosphorus ferry from Europe to Asia in Istanbul.
• Ride the Eastern Express (Doğu Ekspresi) train.
• Drive the Mediterranean coastal road from Antalya to Fethiye.
• Cross the Bosphorus Bridge between two continents.

Last But Not Least...

• Bargain at the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs.
• Get lost in the Spice Bazaar’s intoxicating aromas.
• Watch the sunset from Pierre Loti Hill.
• Take a Bosphorus dinner cruise with folk dancing.
• Simply wander and let Turkey surprise you!

Turkey is a land of endless adventure—whether you're into history, nature, food, or adrenaline, there’s something epic for everyone.

Which one will you do first?