The Best Places To Visit In Turkey

Turkey, a land where history, nature, and culture converge in a breathtaking symphony, invites travelers to embark on a mesmerizing journey through its diverse landscapes. From the cosmopolitan allure of its vibrant cities to the tranquil embrace of secluded beaches, the ancient echoes of its historic sites, and the serenity of alpine pastures, Turkey offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that captivate the soul. Join us as we embark on a virtual tour, unveiling some of the most enchanting destinations that beckon every traveler to explore the splendor of this extraordinary country.

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.

Istanbul

As Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul is one of the first places that comes to mind with its world-famous historic sights, thriving art, gastronomy and culture scene, as well as the downright excellence of its cosmopolitan existence. Istanbul is a city like no other in the world and one that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

RYMRCB Melike Hatun Mosque as seen from Genclik Parki , Ankara, Turkey

Turkey’s capital may not be as high-energy as Istanbul, but the quieter bureaucratic city of Ankara has amazing architecture from the founding of the Republic and onward, the historic state opera and ballet, Atatürk mausoleum Anıtkabir and its historic quarter with its famous castle.

Mardin

One of the most visually spectacular cities in Turkey, Mardin impresses thoroughly with its old city composed of beautifully hand carved stone houses, mosques and churches belonging to the Artukid period.

Cappadocia

Certainly one of Turkey’s most well-known destinations, the image of hot air balloons gliding over the magical landscape of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys has become an icon. Underground cities, cave churches with beautiful frescoes and the earthenware potters of Avanos are all world-famous.

Antalya

The coast of Turkey has been a dream for many summer vacationers and Antalya’s beautiful landscape, where the mountains and glittering sea become one, is one of the most impressive. Exploring Antalya outside its main city is rewarded in the form of secluded bays and beaches.

Muğla

Speaking of secluded bays and beaches, the municipality of Muğla (which includes the major summer resort towns of Marmaris, Bodrum and Fethiye) has its fair share of exceptional spots to truly enjoy the confluence of sea and flora. From the secluded beaches of Mazı near Bodrum to the Kabak Bay and Butterfly Valley near Fethiye to Dalyan near Marmaris, there’s plenty to explore.

Mersin

Often overlooked by travellers, Mersin is actually an exceptional destination for historic sights that are outside of the usual tourist destinations. From the Mamure Castle to the ancient city of Soli Pompeiopolis, Mersin is a dream for history enthusiasts.

Black Sea Coast

Most comparable to the Swiss terrain, the Black Sea region is a fantastic conglomeration of mountains and alpine pastures where villagers still live in nature’s simplicity. From the Kaçkar Mountains to Artvin to the Sumela Monastery, Turkey’s Black Sea region is exceptional.

Gaziantep

One of Turkey’s most important cities for gastronomy, Gaziantep is famous for its pistachios, which also means it’s one of the prime producers of the best baklava. Of course, Gaziantep’s old town market, its amazing kebabs and the Zeugma Mosaic Museum (the world’s largest mosaic museum) are also great reasons to visit.

Bursa

The former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa has a long list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include its many külliye, mosques and bazaars, as well as the beautifully preserved village of Cumalıkızık from the early Ottoman period.

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.