Turkey, generally called as ‘A bridge between East and West’, is a parliamentary republic, with the smaller part in South Eastern Europe and the bigger part in Western Asia. This country shares its border with eight others and because of being located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe; it is a country of geostrategic importance. It is a secular and democratic republic with a rich cultural heritage.
Turkey as a tourist place is a mix of the mesmerising exotic beauty and the familiar day to day life. It combines influences from the Mediterranean and the Middle East, co-existence of Mosques and Churches, scenic landscapes with Roman theatres and from football matches to music concerts. The amicable nature of the local people makes tourist feel at home and making their visit a pleasure, the showering of warmth and the generosity often makes tourist visit the place again and again.
Turkey proudly boasts of ancient monuments been built by conquerors and dazzling scenic beauty, some top rated must visits in Turkey –
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The royal ruin of Ephesus is a city of marbled columned roads and colossal monuments. If you want to see and feel the golden age of Roman Empire, what life has been at that time, this Roman city offers you a glimpse. You can check out the Library of Celsus, Street of the Curetes, Pigeon Island, Kusadasi, Odeion, Basilica of St John, Selcuk, Lower Agora and Isa Bey Mosque to name some few.
Location/State/Town/City – Ephesus is located 450 miles south of Istanbul.
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) –
By Flight to Izmir Adnan Menderes International airport
By Rail (from Izmir airport),
By bus roadways (from Izmir central bus station) or Hotel shuttles to Selcuk
Airport to Selçuk, 55 Km
Festivals
Best Season to Visit – April, May, October, November
Family Tickets cost – 10 TL per person
Days Open-Close – Every day open
Hotels near attraction – There are no hotels at the site, so one has to go to Selcuk which is 4 kms away for accommodation
La Vista Boutique Hotel - Prices starting from 65 Euros per person
- Charisma Deluxe Hotel 5 Stars - Prices starting from 55 Euros per person- Double Tree Hotel 4 Stars - Prices starting from 55 Euros per person
This is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Turkey, and is the best preserved monument in the world. The spellbinding Byzantine glory built in the sixth century AD by Emperor Justinian, the building was converted into a mosque and now operates as a museum. With its remarkable architecture, delicate and crafted minarets, it stands tall as a grand reminder of old might and power.
Location/State/Town/City –Istanbul
By Flight to Istanbul International airport, Turkish Airlines
Best Season to Visit – Spring and summer (April, May through Mid June)
Family Tickets cost – TL 30; children 12 and under free
Days Open-Close – open every day except Monday, The museum is closed on the first day of the Ramazan
Hotels near attraction
Called a Photographer’s dream, Cappadocia is a surreal rock valley with underground cities. This has been built over a period which spans hundreds of years; it has many complexes which are now open to the public for sightseeing. Cliff ridges and rock cut Churches with the World’s top destination for hot air balloon rides is an important place for Christian site. The other highlights of this place are Kaymakli, Soganli Deresi and Urgup.
Location/State/Town/City – Central Anatloia Region, Turkey
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) – By Flight to Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport, Turkish Airlines
Best Season to Visit – Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November)
Family Tickets cost – TL 15 per person; some caves are free also to visit
Days Open-Close – open every day
Out of World’s natural wonders, this one belongs to Turkey, Pamukkale, pure white terraces give resemblance to snow field among the green landscape. These are actually calcite hills and the travertines are a must visit destination for the nature lovers, it also showcases the vast ruins of Roman Hierapolis. Other site scenes here are Laodikeia, Hierapolis, Aphrodisias and Limestone Terraces.
Location/State/Town/City – Denizli
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) – Flight from Istanbul to Denizli
Best Season to Visit – All the year round
Family Tickets cost – TL 3 per trip; 20 minutes ride
Days Open-Close – open every day
Hotels near attraction
Creative people, for you is a must visit best preserved open Roman theatres Aspendos. It’s a charming ancient construction which is still a huge attraction for many tourists visiting Turkey. This theatre has the capacity of 15000 people and if you are one of the few lucky ones, you can also see the annual summer festival. There are also other tour options available which are Roman architects and a myriad of Antalya hotels.
Location/State/Town/City – Bodrum in southwest Turkey
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) –Direct Flight from Istanbul to Milas- Bodrum Airport
Best Season to Visit – June-July
Festival – Ballet Festival
Family Tickets cost – N/A
Days Open-Close – open every day
Hotels near attraction
This palace in Istanbul made by the fifteenth century Ottoman Sultans is a huge ornate palatial building which is the focal point of city’s social and political life. This is UNESCO’s world heritage site flocked by many visitors to see the eminent architecture, Christian and Muslim relics and courtyards. The interiors have exuberant tiling and lavish jewelled decor giving a glimpse of Ottoman’s powerbase. It still remains one of the top visited tourist attractions every year in turkey.
Location/State/Town/City –Istanbul
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) – By Flight to Istanbul International airport, Turkish Airlines
Best Season to Visit – August
Family Tickets cost – TL 30
Days Open-Close – open every day except Tuesday
Hotels near attraction
The Country’s Mediterranean coastline gives a paradise for beach lovers getting soaked in sun, relaxing and enjoying the coastal views. It has many ruins galore to keep the tourists busy apart from cruising on yacht to Bodrum and Fethiye. The white sand beaches, steep forest slopes and hundreds of scattered small islands make it the perfect place to explore the sea. One can also enjoy the coastal food along with varieties of spices and cuisines.
Location/State/Town/City –Bodrum
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) – Direct Flight from Istanbul to Milas- Bodrum Airport
Best Season to Visit – Summers
Family Tickets cost – Depends on the Yachts
Days Open-Close – N/A
Hotels near attraction
No one can visit Turkey and miss visiting the famous Troy from Harmer’s ancient yarns to the magnificent Hollywood styling. Taking a stroll along the street, homes and theatres, one feels great about this legendary city which is reminiscent of the famous war of the Troy. Though there is no solid proof that the events described by Homer took place here but the mind wanders and imagines everything while taking a tour of the city.
Location/State/Town/City –Northwestern Turkey
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) – Direct Ferry from Canakkale
Best Season to Visit – Summers
Family Tickets cost – Depends on the number of days stay
Hotels near attraction
A prominent entry on the tourist list of the people visiting Turkey is the picturesque sight of the Blue Mosque. This magnificent and religiously important Mosque has been built by the young sultan Ahmet I, the original concept to build this mosque was to rival its neighbour the Hagia Sophia Mosque. With its huge spread large domes, crafted minarets, this vast complex defines Istanbul’s skyline. The interior of this Mosque is grand which includes swathes of blue tiles quoting the name as the Blue Mosque.
Location/State/Town/City –Istanbul
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) – By Flight to Istanbul International airport, Turkish Airlines
Best Season to Visit – Spring and summer (April, May through Mid June)
Days Open-Close – open every day 9 a.m. – 6 p.m
Hotels near attraction
It is generally the hidden gem in the tourist attractions of Turkey, often overlooked. An ancient underground wonder is one of the best Istanbul’s Byzantine sites; this was formerly a water storage chamber with imposing columns, vaulted ceilings and having ancient carvings of the Gods. Now a day, visitors mount its raised platforms to view the eerie waters. It is one of the most astonishing ancient place on the planet and a must watch for every visitor.
Location/State/Town/City –Istanbul
How to reach (Nearest Train/Rail/Road) – By Flight to Istanbul International airport, Turkish Airlines
Best Season to Visit – Spring and summer (April, May through Mid June)
Family Tickets cost – N/A
Days Open-Close – open every day 9.00 a.m.to 6.30 p.m
Hotels near attraction
Though above mentioned sites are very popular when it comes to tourist attractions of Turkey, which all are fantastic sites for visitors to explore. But there are many more comprehensive list which are equally on the must watch list like Anzac Cove, Bodrum Castle, Sumala Monastery, Mount Nemrut, Ani and Pergamum. So the advice to the tourist is to take a long vacation while planning the Turkey trip and don’t miss this exotic, serene and magnificent architectures.