Turkey Travel Bucket List
Turkey travel guides. What is the ultimate Turkey travel bucket list, best epic things to do in Turkey, one of the top travel destinations to visit in the world?
Learning Turkish? Download Turkish language courses and study Turkish yourself offline!
Turkey Travel Bucket List
View the video below about the best things to do in Turkey, Turkey bucket list.
Here’s a comprehensive list of 50 incredible things to do and places to visit in Turkey categorized and detailed for you:
ICONIC SITES & LANDMARKS IN TURKEY
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
Admire this iconic architectural masterpiece, a former church and mosque, now a museum and mosque again.
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Marvel at the stunning blue tiles and Ottoman-era design of this active mosque.
Topkapı Palace, Istanbul
Explore the opulent home of Ottoman sultans and its breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Wander through over 4,000 shops selling everything from jewelry to carpets.
Galata Tower, Istanbul
Climb up for panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline.
Bosphorus Cruise
Sail between Europe and Asia and witness Istanbul's waterfront beauty.
HISTORICAL WONDERS IN TURKEY
Ephesus, Izmir
Walk through one of the best-preserved ancient cities, home to the Temple of Artemis.
Pergamon, Izmir
Visit the hilltop ruins of an ancient city with incredible views.
Troy, Çanakkale
Explore the ruins of the legendary city and its replica Trojan Horse.
Ani Ruins, Kars
Discover the “City of 1001 Churches,” an ancient Armenian capital.
Aspendos Theater, Antalya
Witness one of the best-preserved Roman theaters.
Adventure activities in Antalya
Mount Nemrut, Adiyaman
View the colossal stone heads of ancient gods at sunrise or sunset.
Göbekli Tepe, Sanliurfa
Marvel at the world’s oldest known temple, dating back 12,000 years.
Hierapolis & Pamukkale, Denizli
Stroll through the ancient Greco-Roman city perched above travertine terraces.
NATURAL WONDERS IN TURKEY
Cappadocia, Nevsehir
Take a hot air balloon ride over fairy chimneys and explore cave dwellings.
Pamukkale, Denizli
Walk on white travertine terraces filled with thermal waters.
Ölüdeniz Lagoon, Fethiye
Relax in the turquoise waters of this world-famous beach.
Kaçkar Mountains, Black Sea
Trek through lush green valleys and alpine landscapes.
Lake Salda, Burdur
Known as “Turkey’s Maldives,” with its white shores and clear waters.
Düden Waterfalls, Antalya
Watch the waterfall cascade dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea.
Uzungöl, Trabzon
Enjoy the serene beauty of this Black Sea lake surrounded by forested hills.
Manavgat Waterfalls, Antalya
Visit the wide, picturesque falls close to Antalya.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN TURKEY
Whirling Dervishes in Konya
Witness this spiritual dance rooted in Sufi traditions.
Turkish Baths
Relax in a traditional steam bath for a rejuvenating experience.
Bazaar Shopping
Explore spice bazaars and markets in Istanbul, Gaziantep, and Izmir.
Attend a Turkish Wedding
If lucky, join locals for music, dancing, and food!
Turkish Tea and Coffee Culture
Sip tea in tulip-shaped glasses or enjoy thick, aromatic coffee.
BEACHES & COASTAL GETAWAYS IN TURKEY
Bodrum, Mugla
Swim and relax in this glamorous seaside town with ancient ruins.
Kaş, Antalya
A charming coastal town known for diving and quaint cobblestone streets.
Butterfly Valley, Fethiye
Hike or boat to this secluded canyon beach.
Çeşme, Izmir
Famous for crystal-clear waters, windsurfing, and its lively marina.
Patara Beach, Antalya
Stroll on one of Turkey’s longest and most pristine beaches.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN TURKEY
Paragliding in Ölüdeniz, Fethiye
Fly over stunning beaches and lagoons.
Diving in Kaş, Antalya
Explore shipwrecks and underwater caves.
Hiking the Lycian Way
Trek one of the world’s most scenic coastal trails.
Whitewater Rafting at Köprülü Canyon, Antalya
Experience thrilling rapids in Antalya.
Skiing in Uludağ, Bursa
Hit the slopes in Turkey’s premier ski destination.
BLACK SEA HIGHLIGHTS IN TURKEY
Sumela Monastery, Trabzon
Visit this stunning monastery perched on a cliff.
Rize Tea Plantations
Tour lush tea gardens and taste freshly brewed Turkish tea.
Ayder Plateau
Relax in the cool, green highlands with waterfalls and hot springs.
FOOD & CULINARY DELUGHTS IN TURKEY
Gaziantep
Savor the city’s renowned baklava and kebabs.
Adana Kebab
Try this spicy grilled meat dish in its birthplace.
Seafood in Trabzon
Enjoy fresh Black Sea hamsi (anchovies).
Lahmacun
Indulge in this thin-crust Turkish pizza topped with minced meat and spices.
Pide
Sample this boat-shaped flatbread filled with cheese, meats, or vegetables.
RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL SITES IN TURKEY
Mevlana Museum, Konya
Learn about Rumi and Sufi philosophy.
House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus, Izmir
Visit this pilgrimage site near Ephesus.
Selimiye Mosque, Edirne
A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
SEASONAL AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN TURKEY
Tulip Festival, Istanbul
Visit in spring to see Istanbul’s parks adorned with colorful tulips.
Camel Wrestling Festival, Selçuk, Izmir
Attend this unique event held in January.
Enjoy your trip to Turkey!
More Turkish travel guides:
Turkish Language Materials
