Must-Visit Attractions In Turkey

Having witnessed the rise and fall of many empires as well as the lives of many different cultures and religions, Turkey is chock-full of historical wonders. From abandoned monasteries and ancient cities to the most popular touristic structures, check out this round-up of the most important attractions in the country where Europe and Asia meet. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Hasankeyf

Hasankeyf is an ancient town that runs alongside the Tigris River, and you should witness the stunning remains from the Artuqid period before a dam project floods it.

Mardin

The narrow streets, historic stone houses and hidden churches of Mardin are absolutely mesmerising.

Alahan Monastery

The Alahan Monastery dates back to the fifth century and is one of the best examples of Isaurian stonemasonry, hidden away at an altitude of 1,200m (4,000ft).

Ani

Ruins of the ancient capital of Bagradit Armenian Kingdom, Ani, in Kars, Turkey.

This once magnificent Medieval Armenian city may lie in ruins, but the remains continue to stun visitors, especially because of their location in the idyllic Kars province landscape.

Kayaköy

An ancient city once inhabited by a Greek-speaking population, Kayaköy is now a stunning ghost town with two beautiful Eastern Orthodox churches.

Safranbolu

A Unesco World Heritage site, the city of Safranbolu is home to very well-preserved Ottoman-era houses and architecture.

Sumela Monastery

Built into a steep cliff in the Trabzon province, the Greek Orthodox Sumela Monastery is not only beloved for the architecture but also the frescoes.

Rumkale

Once a powerful fortress on the Euphrates river, Rumkale continues to amaze because of its location across a glistening blue peninsula.

Şanlıurfa

Domed houses of the town Harran in Sanliurfa, Turkey.

Şanlıurfa is a stunning city where historic structures (dating as far back as 304BCE) stand alongside modern constructions, and the excellent cuisine reflects the deep history.

Olympos

Çıralı is not only known for its gorgeous beach but also the remains of the ancient Lycian city of Olympos, which is believed to have been constructed around the fourth century BCE.

Alanya Kalesi

This beautiful castle was built in 1226 under the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum and continues to overlook the city from a rocky peninsula.

Cappadocia

The fairy chimneys and underground cities of Cappadocia are truly stunning – as is the famous hot-air balloon tour. You can visit the underground city of Kaymakli on a guided tour as part of Culture Trip’s immersive 12-day Turkey adventure.

Ephesus

This ancient Greek city is among the most visited historical sites in the world due to the excellent state of the magnificent structures there.

Aspendos

This ancient Greco-Roman city in the Antalya province continues to wow with an incredibly well-preserved theatre.

Pergamon

Once a powerful ancient Greek city, the ruins of Pergamon, a Unesco World Heritage site, continue to amaze visitors.

Mevlana Museum

The mausoleum of the famous Sufi mystic and poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi is a hugely important attraction in Konya.

Nemrut Dağı

At the summit of this 2,134m-high (7,001ft) mountain is a collection of ancient sculptures believed to be a royal tomb.

Anıtkabir

Anitkabir memorial to Kemal Ataturk founder of Turkish Republic Ankara central Anatolia

The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is a true feat of architecture.

Aya Sofya

A visit to Istanbul would not be complete without exploring this stunning Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica that now serves as a museum.

Pamukkale

The hot spring and pure white travertines of Pamukkale have become an iconic image associated with Turkey.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.