Turkai

Turkey

 

   

 

Planning to visit Turkey? Sounds wonderful! The best part about Turkey is it offers something for all visitors. From vast mountain summits, cave churches, and Ottoman mosques to hiking trails following the pilgrimage spots to buzzing streets. In other words, a vacation in Turkey combines epic history and a variety of landscapes. If you are still figuring out the best and most famous places in Turkey to cover during your trip, I totally understand your anxiety. Planning a trip can be a daunting task, indeed. So, to help you during the planning process, I have prepared this insightful Turkey travel guide. It will help you save plenty as you prepare to visit this gorgeous country.

 

Turkey has a vast coastline of over 7000 km, stretching from Europe in the west to Asia in the east. The western and southern coast regions are surrounded by turquoise blue waters, attracting millions of tourists worldwide. Ankara, the country’s capital in Central Anatolia, has volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia towards the east. However, Istanbul is the largest and most popular city. It features a rich history, vibrant culture, and ancient architecture. The Aegean coast, on the other hand, has four prominent areas- Izmir, Ephesus, Bodrum, and Marmaris. 

 

Turkey has been gaining popularity for quite some time among travelers looking for exciting and unique experiences. From savory and sweet baklava to delicious kebabs, its local cuisine is yet another popular feature and foodie’s delight. With fascinating culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food, Turkey offers a range of experiences for all. 

Without further ado, let’s dive deeper and explore what this beautiful country offers through my Turkey travel guide.

 

Istanbul

 

The bustling city of Turkey is full of charming historical sites where the past goes hand in hand with the present modern era. Moreover, this beautiful city has absorbed the best of both worlds, offering quintessential cuisine, art and music, shopping arcades, and more. Its old city, Sultanahmet, is considered its historic hub. After all, the place is crammed with monumental sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. In addition, it also features contemporary fashion that sets the tone for most of North Africa and the Middle East. As all of these three are grouped together, many visitors cover all three during their Istanbul travel itinerary.

 

Hagia Sophia

 

Hagia Sophia is a dazzling feat of engineering, a massive dome suspended on slender supports. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum, the architectural marvel has always been the precious of its time. The walls are beautifully designed and are pierced by windows that fill the airy interiors with light. As you step inside, you are amazed by the soaring complexity and grandeur of the space. The walls are richly veined with marble and decorated with glittering gold mosaics. Also, the stone patterns on the floor and the constant echoing sound through the domes give the whole building a sense of liveliness. Some of its popular attractions are the Virgin Mary Mosaic, Weeping Column, and Designated Ottoman Tombs. In other words, Hagia Sophia is one of the go-to places and main spots travelers usually love to visit while traveling to Istanbul.

 

The Blue Mosque

 

 

With a huge central dome, soaring minarets, and six slender, the Blue Mosque isn’t a museum but a thriving place of worship. As you step inside, it feels like walking under the vault of heaven. There is a massive central dome, smaller side domes, and decorated 21000 iznik tiles on the walls. Moreover, there are also floral and geometric motifs on walls adorned with cobalt blue and swirls of green, yellow, and red designs.

 

Topkapi Palace & Archaeology Museums

 

Next on my Turkey travel guide is the Topkapi Palace. The palace stands proudly on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus and Golden Horn. Its sprawling complex is well planned, so you get to spend at least half a day at the grandiose architecture. One of its intriguing stops is the harem, offering a glimpse into the intensely exuberant architecture. Located on the palace grounds is the Archaeology Museum, where three different buildings display treasures worldwide. Its popular collection includes gold necklaces, a bas-relief sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, and tiles from Ishtar Gate of Babylon. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) is the best time to visit Istanbul. This is because the weather remains moderate during these seasons.

 

Izmir

Izmir, also known as Smyrna, is the best-known western-oriented Turkish city. Its pedestrian center is a stunning place with lots of stores from all sides. As there are many stores, I would recommend taking a walk and enjoying the scenic beauty. Here, you can find all the great classics of souvenirs and antiques. If you come to Izmir, I strongly advise you to go for a walk along the Aegean Sea. The city has a nicely developed promenade across the sea that extends for many kilometers. Also, don’t forget to visit Agora, an open-air museum where you can admire the remains of the ancient city of Smyrna. Apart from these places, there are many mosques in Izmir, and most of them are worth a look. 

 

Antalya

 

As one of the most popular destinations across the Turkish Mediterranean coast, Antalya is my favorite one in this Turkey trip guide. The sprawling modern city has a charming history and culture. In addition, there are also a lot of malls, family-friendly activities, museums, Turkish baths, and some of the most gorgeous beaches, such as Konyaalti Plaji and Mermerli Plaji. Its historic center is called Kaleici, which beautifully surrounds the Roman harbor. There are many entrances, but the most stunning is walking under the three large arches of Hadrian Gate, which the Roman emperor originally built. Many of the buildings in Antalya date back to Ottoman and Roman times and are flanked by large & luxurious resorts. The city is also famous for its nightlife and comes alive with its scenic viewpoints, blustering bars, and dinner cruises.

 

Ankara

Ankara, Turkey’s capital, is brimmed with museums, galleries, and plenty of superb restaurants. One of its popular, must-visit places is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Vakif Eserleri Muzesi. Its popular memorial, Ataturk Mausoleum, is a classical structure in honor of the father of the Turkish nation. Moreover, Kizilay is one of its trendiest areas, with the most vibrant shopping areas and lively nightlife. Overall, Ankara is a great place if you are looking for historic, modern vibes and lively social scenes.

 

Pamukkale

 

 

Pamukkale is home to some of the most famous thermal pools that have been a popular tourist attraction. Bathing in the brightly white pools full of turquoise blue water is a sheer pleasure and the most incredible privilege for travelers worldwide. The site of the entire hill covered in these white terrace thermal pools is a beautiful sight to behold. Apart from the thermal pools, you can also explore archaeology museums, ancient theaters, and paragliding activities.

 

Pergamon

 

 

The city of Pergamon looks above the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Today, the city is known as a UNESCO world heritage site and offers an awe-inspiring, stunning glimpse into the region’s history. Besides the historic culture, thousands of travelers are drawn by the quiet environment and stunning sea views. 

 

• Cappadocia

 

Cappadocia, also known as the land of beautiful horses, is UNESCO’s world heritage site. The magical place is one of my favorite spots in this Turkey travel guide. Nestled in the heart of Central Turkey, it is one of the best honeymoon destinations. Moreover,  it is also an amazing place to spend quality time with your friends, as well. Known for its unparalleled beauty, it captivates visitors with unique moon-like landscapes and natural wonders.

 

One of its fascinating aspects is its whimsical fairy chimneys, the rock formations created by the forces of nature. As you explore this region, you are transported back to the realm of imagination, where ancient stories come to life. No matter which part of the year you plan to travel, Cappadocia will leave you in awe of its otherworldly beauty.

 

Ephesus

 

 

Delve into the archaeological marvels of this vibrant city that brings history to life in many unique forms. The adventure extends beyond the main site and includes an inspiring visit to the Virgin Mary- a pilgrimage destination, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Visit Ephesus and don’t miss an opportunity to immerse yourself in rich culture, history, and architecture. In addition, you may also visit the Library of Celsus, the third-largest library. Here, you can marvel at the elaborate structure, Harbor Street, the temple of Hadrian, and the great theater.

 

 

Nemrut Dag

 

 

 

Nemrut Dag is the world-famous mausoleum of Antiochus I (69-34 BC) who reigned over Commagene, a kingdom in North Syria. The Greek and Persian influence is evidenced in the archaeological duality. This mausoleum crowns the peaks of the Eastern Taurus mountains. Here stand five giant limestone statues consisting of the heads of deities, flanked by statues of an eagle and a lion head face from the mountains. It’s an amazing testament to archaeological discovery and ancient art. 

 

Explore Turkey 

Turkey. Crystal-clear waters, ruins of ancient empires, idyllic villages, and tall mountains- these are just a few reasons why you should come and explore Turkey. Make the most of your experience on a memorable trip, which includes Istanbul, Antalya, and Cappadocia, amongst other fantastic destinations. Every region in Turkey has a unique culture and history, with many archaeological sites spread throughout the country. From Istanbul palaces and mosques to the ruins of Ephesus to the landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey is a haven for archaeology and history enthusiasts. The best part? The people are known for their profound hospitality, and spending time with locals is truly valuable. 

 

Boasting magnificent mountain ranges, shimmering beaches, and expansive deserts, Turkey attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. Pulsating with elegance, the paradise will remain in your heart and mind forever with it’s balloon-packed skies, salt pools, and ancient historical sites.

 

Turkey Travel Guide Tips

Research well before planning an itinerary.

Choose appropriate accommodation.

Respect culture.

Dress casually.

 

 

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