The Best Things to See and Do in Turkey
![Sample the delights of Gaziantep, including the circular bread called simit](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/e82gxd-e1624961454763.webp)
You’ll probably be familiar with the major sights in Turkey, from the Hagia Sophia to Ephesus, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the beaches of Antalya. However, Turkey has a lot more to offer. Here are some top things to see and do.
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1. Take a blue cruise
Bridge
![Cleopatras Bath and Gulets, Gulet Boat Cruise, Mediterrean Sea, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/rwbnja.webp)
In the summer, there’s nothing better than cruising along the Mediterranean or Aegean coast and making frequent stops for swimming or exploring. Turkey offers many blue cruises (also referred to as gullet sailing), which offer a unique way to experience the beautiful coastal towns and beaches of the country.
2. Go swimming in Çıralı
Architectural Landmark
![Aerial view of Cirali Beach from ancient Olympos ruins, Antalya Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/pr3gt5.webp)
About an hour’s drive outside Antalya, Çıralı is still a bit of a local secret and has one of the most beautiful beaches imaginable. Stay at a down-to-earth pension, take a dip in the dark blue water and explore the nearby ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Olympos.
3. Eat baklava and kebab in Gaziantep
Architectural Landmark
![Pistachio is most famous agricultural product of Gaziantep and widely sold all around the city, Turkey.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/rynth9.webp)
Gaziantep is known for its fields of pistachio trees and is therefore one of the best places to taste baklava in Turkey. The city is also known for its excellent kebab varieties – often consumed for breakfast by locals.
4. Visit a thermal spa in Afyonkarahisar
Spa
![Grand Ozgul Thermal Holiday Village](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/grand-ozgul-thermal-holiday-village.webp)
5. Take a wine tour
Winery
![Grapes are brought into the wine producing center after they were picked from vineyard near Tekirdag in western Turkey August 18, 2007. Turkish wine makers are looking to raise the international profile of their little known wines and boost their export v](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2d1prtg.webp)
Turkish wine is just beginning to make its mark on the world and the boutique vineyards here are in some of the most scenic Turkish landscapes. Tour operators such as Wine Tours Turkey offer an intimate glimpse into the wine-making regions of Tekirdağ, Hasköy, and Sarköy through private dinners with wine pairings.
6. Drink boza at Vefa Bozacısı
Cafe, Turkish
![Barman putting Cinnamon on drinks of Boza. The Vefa Bozacisi Shop, Istanbul, Turkey.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2bynfcm.webp)
Boza is a fermented millet drink usually enjoyed in the winter months – and Vefa Bozacısı is the best place to try it. Open since 1876, it provides a glimpse into the old Istanbul that is inevitably fading away.
7. Explore Mardin
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
![Historic centre of Mardin, Southeastern Anatolia Region, Anatolia, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/e6e5jh.webp)
One of the lesser-known destinations in Turkey, treasured for its architecture and history, Mardin is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Get lost among the narrow historic streets, gaze up at the famous Artuqid stone houses, and indulge in the local cuisine (including amazing spiced wine).
8. Take a long Bosphorus cruise
Natural Feature
![Tourism or Ferry boat on the Bosphorus Strait betyween Europe and Asia at Istanbul, Turkey.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/cyjcg3.webp)
One of the best ways to see Istanbul is from the Bosphorus. Hop on the long cruise operated by the city ferry to travel from Eminönü to where the strait meets the Black Sea. Get off at Anadolu Kavağı and eat fresh fish by the water before the ferry takes you back into the city.
9. Spend a weekend in Şirince
Architectural Landmark
![View of Sirince, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/c96k0b.webp)
A true marvel that’s still relatively unknown to visitors, the small village of Şirince outside of Izmir is a spectacular find with historic houses. Stay at Nişanyan Hotel – the owner was the first to undertake restorative projects to save the Şirince houses back in 1991.
10. Visit Safranbolu
Historical Landmark
![Traditional Ottoman villas of Safranbolu, Turkey. A UNESCO World Heritage Site](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cnndy3.webp)
The historic Ottoman houses of Safranbolu are some of the most well preserved examples you can find Turkey. It’s no wonder the small town became a Unesco World Heritage Site in the 1990s.
11. Hike up Mount Nemrut
Archaeological site
![Head of Zeus, Mount Nemrut Dagi National Park, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/phaxg5-1.webp)
Climb to the top of Unesco-listed Mount Nemrut to discover a royal tomb that dates back to the first century BCE. Huge statues depict King Antiochus I Theos of Commagene and various Greek, Armenian, and Medes gods.
12. See Hasankeyf before it disappears
Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark
![Ruins of old bridge and fortress at Hasankeyf, Eastern Anatolia, Turkey](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/c93jnc.webp)
Inhabited by at least six empires throughout history, Hasankeyf is a significant ancient city that will soon dissolve due to a dam project that will flood the area. Make sure to see the ancient caves, Old Tigris Bridge, the mosque, and the Zeynel Bey Mausoleum before they disappear.