10 most beautiful sights in Turkey

Turkey is more than the beaches of Antalya and the Aegean coast. It has ancient cities, Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces and natural wonders. Here are 10 of Turkey's most beautiful sights worth seeing at least once.

10 sights of Turkey: where they are

1. Pamukkale, Denizli

Snow-white travertine terraces in south-western Turkey, formed by calcium-rich thermal water. Together with the ancient city of Hierapolis above them, Pamukkale is a UNESCO site. It is most beautiful at sunset, when the terraces change colour.

2. Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

A 6th-century Byzantine church, one of the greatest buildings of late antiquity and a UNESCO site. After the conquest of Constantinople it became a mosque, from 1934 it was a museum, and since 2020 it has again been a mosque, open to visitors outside prayer times.

3. Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

The former residence of the sultans and administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire. It has several courtyards, the harem, a treasury with the sultans' jewels and gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.

4. Ancient Ephesus

One of the most important port cities of the Roman Empire, 20 km from the resort of Kuşadası. Because the coastline shifted, the ruins now stand several kilometres from the sea. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and Curetes Street, and nearby in Selçuk are the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders.

5. Hot-air balloon flight, Cappadocia

Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is famous for its fairy chimneys, cave towns and hundreds of balloons over the valleys at dawn. A balloon flight is one of the most memorable experiences in Turkey.

6. Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built in 1609-1616 opposite Hagia Sophia. It is called blue for the thousands of blue and white Iznik tiles inside. It is a working mosque, so modest clothing is required.

7. Archaeological site of Troy

The ruins of legendary Troy near the Dardanelles, a UNESCO site. You can see remains of city walls and buildings from different eras, plus a wooden Trojan horse at the entrance. Excavations are still ongoing, and information panels help you find your way.

8. Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops in the Fatih district. It sells spices, carpets, ceramics, leather goods, jewellery and souvenirs, and bargaining is expected.

9. Castle Hill, Alanya

A fortress on a rocky peninsula above Alanya with the Red Tower by the harbour, an old shipyard and a citadel at the top. A cable car runs up from Cleopatra Beach, and in the evening there is a superb view of the town and the sea.

10. Bosphorus, Istanbul

A strait about 30 km long connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and separating Europe and Asia. It is crossed by three bridges, ferries and an undersea tunnel. The best way to see it is from the deck of a cruise boat.

Frequently asked questions

What must you see in Turkey?

Istanbul with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus.

What excursions can you take from the resorts?

From Antalya and Alanya people usually visit Pamukkale and Cappadocia, and from Kuşadası and Bodrum, Ephesus.