Top 10 Places to Visit in Turkey for the First Time

If you want to take a tour of Turkey, here are our most suggested places to visit, where you may find some world-famous tourist attractions.

Map of Places to Visit in Turkey

Istanbul

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, is the economic center of Turkey. It has many places of interest with a long history, among which Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Dolmabachche Palace cannot be missed when visitors go to Istanbul. The former Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built in 1616. Most notably, it has six minarets and is the only extant six-tower mosque in the world. Known as the "Blue Mosque" because its walls are inlaid with a large number of blue tiles, which is one of the most distinctive mosques in Istanbul as well. Located in the beautiful Bosphorus, the latter Dormabachche Palace is famous for its exquisite architecture and magnificent interior decoration. What's more, there are many monuments and museums with large collections in Istanbul, allowing tourists to experience a journey through time to explore the generous history of this city.

Cappadocia

Fairy Chimneys, Cappadocia

Cappadocia is located in the center of Turkey, and its gully terrain makes it one of the most visually impacting areas in this country. In 1985, the fantasy landform of Cappadocia and its cave church were listed as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site.

When visiting this place, you can choose plenty of things to do, like hiking, taking a mountain bike, or a hot air balloon trip according to your interests. The unique scenery formed by the uneven surface, stones of different shapes, and amazing cave architecture will definitely bring visual shock to you.

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Konya

Located in the western part of Turkey, Konya is one of the oldest cities in this country with thousands of years of history. It was once a military city during the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Rich cultural traditions and long history have given this city many precious cultural treasures and monuments.

The Aladdin Mosque and the Mevlana Museum are indispensable attractions when visiting here. The Aladdin Mosque is located on Mount Aladdin in the center of Konya. Many marble pillars in this temple are the products of the Roman era. And there is an Antalya National Museum inside the temple, which displays many historical relics, such as clothing and embroidery.

The Mevlana Museum was converted from a mosque; therefore, many locals visit this museum every year. It enshrined not only the world's largest and smallest Koran but also many precious collections of dynasties. I believe that visitors who come here to explore this old city's history will leave deep memories.

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Antalya

Antalya is located in the southern part of Turkey and is the largest city on the south coast of Turkey. In the 2nd century BC, it was an important port in the eastern Mediterranean during the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire, and to this day, it is also one of the most important ports in the country. Its warm climate, beautiful natural scenery, and amazing beaches attract many tourists from all over the world every year.

In this city, you can see the spectacular and beautiful scenery of "Duden", the beautiful lake of Burdur, and the excellent seaside scenery on the stretching miles of the beach. In addition, you can learn about the history of ancient Rome in Bergy, an ancient city, and even experience the daily life of the paleolithic ancestors in the Karain cave.

Antalya

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a mineral-rich hot spring located in the western foothills of Denizli in the western part of Turkey. The landscape of this spring is step-shaped and its appearance is milky white as a whole.

The fluffy white ladder walls and stalactites are reflected in the clear pool water, making the hot spring more splendid and distinctive. Since ancient times, there has been a legend that this hot spring has a very magical effect on the treatment of diseases, so from then on, it has been highly valued and become the bathing ground of the palace nobles. Nowadays, Pamukkale is already a world-famous hot spring resort. Visitors who want to relax through hot springs should not miss it.

Pamukkale

Kayseri

Kayseri is located in the center of Turkey, and many Roman and Seljuk relics are preserved in this city, such as the Castle of Kayseri and the ancient city of Talas. The Kayseri Castle is located in the center of this city, and it is surrounded by bustling streets. So visitors can visit the castle and, in the meantime, experience the interesting daily life of the local people. This castle is made of local volcanic stones and around it, there are many historical sites and mosques. If you are interested in the history of this castle, you can visit them together. And if you want to learn about the history of Kayseri, you can visit the Kayseri Museum not far from the castle, which enshrines not only a large number of cultural relics found in local archaeology but also a large number of precious historical materials and cuneiform stones left over from the ancient imperial period, which are very worth seeing.

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Ephesus

Ephesus used to be one of the most important cities in ancient Greece. At that time, it was a prosperous trading city, and now the ruins of this ancient city have been incorporated into a Turkish town - Selcuk. It is the best-preserved ancient city on the east coast of the Mediterranean Sea and the world's largest ancient Greek-Roman city. The buildings excavated here show the once prosperity of this classical city, and the artistic treasures left by this city also show the glorious civilization of the ancient Roman Empire. What's more, tens of thousands of pilgrims come here every year.

Ephesus

Izmir

Located on the Aegean Sea, Izmir is the third largest city in Turkey. It is also a famous historical and cultural city, a tourist attraction, and a military fortress. Apart from the above, Izmir is one of the most important tourist cities in Turkey as well. As an ancient city, there are many historical sites, such as the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Efis, the ruins of the Temple of Atmethemé, the Temple of Hadrian, and so on. Visitors who want to know about its mysterious history will definitely be very interested in this place. In addition, Izmir is located by the romantic Aegean Sea. So travelers who come here can not only learn about its rich history and culture but also enjoy the excellent seaside scenery of this city.

Bodrum

Bodrum is located in the southwest of the Aegean region of Turkey, at the southern tip of the famous Aegean Sea. This city has many attractions worth visiting, such as its business card - Bodrum Castle, the famous Mosolas Mausoleum, and the unique underwater archaeological museum. Whenever you walk leisurely on the city street, you will see a beautiful picture of nature. This picture shows the blue sea, rows of palm trees, and snowy houses shining in the sun. I believe anyone who sees this beautiful scenery will definitely be intoxicated.

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Canakkale

Canakkale is located in western Turkey which spans the Eurasia continent. Its unique geographical location has made it a military center since ancient times. Canakkale is one of the closest cities to the ruins of the ancient city of Troy. The great Trojan War in history is well known, and the ruins of the ancient city of Troy are located about 40 kilometers south of the city of Canakkale. This site is the best proof of the entire Trojan civilization, which is an important relic in the world, and was listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1998. When you come here, I believe you can feel the impact and shock of this great civilization and cruel history through its ancient city walls.

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Turkey is an ancient country. There are three famous empires that have expanded their territory on this land, and the great Roman imperial civilization has flourished and developed itself on this land. The geographical advantage across the two continents of Europe and Asia has made its national culture integrate the essence and diversity of Eastern and Western cultures, all of which make this country a mysterious and fascinating one. Traveling with Odynovo, you will see the best Turkey scenery on your private trip with a tailor-made itinerary.