100 Cool Things & Places in Turkey

Turkey travel guides. What are the 100 cool things and places in Turkey, one of the top travel destinations in the world?

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What would be your dream vacation if you decided to take a Turkey tour? Learning the Turkey's history and visit places of great historical value? Relaxing on the white sandy beach, staying at a five-star hotel that offers full service, including a spa? Getting a grip on the culture by exploring natural wonders and cities?

Regardless of what you want, Turkey has attractions and activities to satisfy any taste.

100 COOL THINGS & PLACES IN TURKEY

View the video below about the top 100 cool things in Turkey:

What are the 100 cool places and things in Turkey?

Turkey is a treasure trove of history, nature, and cultural experiences. Below is a detailed list of 100 best places and things in Turkey, categorized for you.

Historical Landmarks in Turkey

• Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi), Istanbul A UNESCO site blending Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, originally a church, later a mosque, and now a museum.
• Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul The administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, featuring opulent rooms, courtyards, and the legendary Harem.
• Ephesus Ancient Site, Izmir One of the best-preserved ancient cities, famous for the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
• Cappadocia Underground Cities, Nevşehir Subterranean cities like Derinkuyu used by early Christians for shelter.
• Pamukkale & Hierapolis, Denizli White travertine terraces and ancient Roman spa ruins.
• Troy (Troia), Çanakkale The legendary city of Homer’s *Iliad*, with layers of ancient ruins.
• Mount Nemrut, Adıyaman A 1st-century BC mountaintop site with colossal statues of gods.
• Ani Ruins, Kars A medieval Armenian city with striking stone churches.
• Pergamon Ancient Site, Izmir An ancient hilltop city known for its theater and library.
• Sumela Monastery, Trabzon A stunning cliffside monastery with beautiful frescoes.
• Aspendos Theatre, Antalya A well-preserved Roman amphitheater still used for performances.
• Gallipoli, Çanakkale A poignant World War I battlefield with memorials.
• Dolmabahçe Palace, Istanbul A lavish Ottoman palace overlooking the Bosphorus.
• Göbekli Tepe Ruins, Şanlıurfa The world’s oldest temple complex, dating back 12,000 years.
• Ishak Pasha Palace, Ağrı A unique 18th-century palace blending Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian styles.
• Myra Ancient Site, Antalya Lycian rock tombs and the Church of St. Nicholas.
• Chora Church Museum, Istanbul Renowned for its exquisite Byzantine mosaics.
• Aizanoi Ancient Site, Kütahya Features one of the best-preserved Roman temples in Turkey.
• Sardis Ancient Site, Manisa The capital of ancient Lydia, famed for its synagogue and gymnasium.
• Selimiye Mosque, Edirne A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture by Mimar Sinan.

Natural Wonders in Turkey

• Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys, Nevşehir Breathtaking volcanic rock formations.
• Pamukkale Travertines, Denizli Unique thermal terraces with healing waters.
• Lake Van, Van Turkey’s largest lake with turquoise waters and Akdamar Island.
• Mount Ararat, Ağrı The legendary site of Noah’s Ark.
• Butterfly Valley, Fethiye A secluded beach surrounded by cliffs, home to rare butterflies.
• Kaçkar Mountains, Rize Ideal for trekking and lush landscapes.
• Saklıkent Gorge, Muğla One of the longest and deepest canyons in Turkey.
• Uzungöl, Trabzon A serene lake nestled in a valley with alpine vibes.
• Olympos & Chimera Flames, Antalya Eternal flames from natural gas vents near ancient ruins.
• Kaputaş Beach, Antalya A turquoise cove surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
• Lake Tuz, Central Anatolia A salt lake that turns pink in summer.
• Düden Waterfalls, Antalya Beautiful cascading waterfalls flowing into the sea.
• Mount Ida, Balıkesir A lush area linked to Greek mythology.
• Ihlara Valley, Aksaray A stunning canyon with ancient rock churches.
• Patara Beach, Antalya A vast sandy beach home to Caretta Caretta turtles.
• Erciyes Ski Resort, Kayseri A top destination for skiing in winter.
• Lake Eğirdir, Isparta A tranquil freshwater lake with mountain views.
• Çıldır Lake, Ardahan Frozen in winter, perfect for ice fishing and sledding.
• Tortum Waterfall, Erzurum A majestic waterfall surrounded by natural beauty.
• Alaçatı, Izmir A charming town known for windsurfing and stone houses.

Cities and Towns in Turkey

• Istanbul A city where East meets West, rich in landmarks and culture.
• Ankara Turkey’s capital, home to the Atatürk Mausoleum.
• Izmir A lively port city with ancient sites and a vibrant waterfront.
• Antalya A coastal city with historic old town Kaleiçi and beautiful beaches.
• Bodrum Known for its marina, castle, and vibrant nightlife.
• Mardin A historic town with stunning Mesopotamian views.
• Şirince Village, Izmir A quaint village near Ephesus, famous for wine production.
• Safranbolu, Karabuk A UNESCO town with well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
• Fethiye A hub for exploring Lycian tombs, the Blue Lagoon, and Butterfly Valley.
• Gaziantep Culinary capital of Turkey, renowned for its pistachio baklava.
• Urfa (Şanlıurfa) Known as the “City of Prophets,” home to Balıklıgöl.
• Trabzon A Black Sea city known for the Sumela Monastery and tea plantations.
• Kars Famous for Ani ruins and its unique cheese culture.
• Dalyan A riverside town with rock tombs and loggerhead turtles.
• Kaş, Antalya A small coastal town ideal for diving and exploring Lycian ruins.
• Alanya, Antalya A resort town with a medieval castle and great beaches.
• Amasya A charming city with Ottoman riverside houses.
• Bursa The birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, known for thermal baths.
• Göcek, Fethiye, Mugla A yachting paradise with beautiful bays.
• Cunda Island, Ayvalik, Balikesir A quaint Aegean island with cobblestone streets.

Unique Experiences in Turkey

Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkish baths (Hammams) in Istanbul, Bosporus cruise in Istanbul, exploring the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, watching whirling dervishes in Konya, sailing the Turquoise Coast, paragliding over Ölüdeniz in Fethiye, pottery workshops in Avanos, Cappadocia, diving in Kaş, Antalya, hiking the Lycian Way, visiting fishing villages of the Black Sea, skiing at Uludağ in Bursa, wine Tasting in Bozcaada, Çanakkale, exploring Istanbul’s Underground Cistern, carpet weaving in Konya, tasting baklava in Gaziantep, exploring Çatalhöyük, olive Harvesting in Ayvalık, Balikesir, tea picking in Rize, horse riding in Cappadocia, Nevsehir...

Festivals and Food in Turkey

Mevlana Festival in Konya, Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival in Edirne, Istanbul Tulip Festival, International Istanbul Film Festival, Antalya Sand Sculpture Festival, Dondurma (Turkish Ice Cream), Adana Kebab in Adana, Iskender Kebab in Bursa, Pide and Lahmacun, Künefe in Antakya, Menemen Breakfast, Turkish Delight (Lokum), Simit and Börek, Şalgam Juice in Adana, Raki and Fish Nights, Seafood on the Aegean Coast, Baklava in Gaziantep, Street Foods of Istanbul, Culinary Tours in Gaziantep, Black Sea Anchovies (Hamsi)...

Enjoy your trip to Turkey!

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