Turkey is not probably but indeed one of the wealthiest countries in the world thanks to its cultural, historical and geographical treasures. It is that country that you won’t leave quickly because of its beauty.
Millions and millions of tourists consider it as their yearly favourite destination, and what makes it outstanding in its way is the fact that you can hit the road towards it on different occasions of the year, why not if it is always stunning. So If you have never been to Turkey to discover how captivating it is and you still don’t know the best places to see there, here are the top ten best places to visit in Turkey.
1. Istanbul
The Wonderful Istanbul is where the East meets the West, a place where Asia hugs Europe. So it got invaluable touristic treasures, making it one of the most popular touristic destinations to attract tourists.
The building of Hagia Sophia is the most popular and stunning in Istanbul; it went through an exciting journey, it was a church, then became a mosque and now a museum where you can find impressive paintings and drawings of Christianity near the prestige of Islamic minarets; in two words the museum is a bouquet of arts.
In addition, Istanbul features dozens of hotels, shops, restaurants and delicious Turkish shawarma shops; it will take you on its narrow alleyways, you can walk on foot to the Galata Bridge or the majestic Blue Mosque with its elegant nightly minarets, or you can book a hotel near the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market and other places where you can smell luxury.
2. The Goreme
The area of Goreme or the fairy chimney is also known as the Cappadocia Valley in the centre of Turkey. It is a famous tourist destination which is surrounded by beauty, magic and mystery.
Tourism here differs from Istanbul. There are no luxury hotels and sunny beaches. Instead, Goreme National Park is one of the most vital touristic areas in Goreme. A trip to the nature reserve can be made at the cost of 20 lira for a tour of several hours.
You can also go camping to spend some unforgettable nights in the beautiful valleys, including the Valley of Love, Wadi Hamam and Wadi Roses, and hearths goblins that locals believed to be the jinn and goblins housing. Overall, Goreme is for those who adore discovering different and sometimes scary things.
3. Izmir
Izmir is characterized by its monuments, hotels and lively markets. The corniche area is the largest centre for family gatherings and hiking, and recreation. The corniche is 4 kilometres away and is surrounded by great restaurants, cafes and hotels.
The charming view there is ideal for pleasant summer evenings. The city’s Alsancak district is famous for its luxury and expensive hotels and distinctive markets, especially the shops for brides and weddings. The old bazaar called “Kimeralta” includes dozens of shops selling jewellery and accessories in addition to vegetable markets, fish, spices and handicrafts. Izmir gives you all that you will be looking for as a tourist.
4. Antalya
Antalya is one of the best cities to visit in Turkey and one of the world’s excellent touristic destinations; it is ranked third after Paris and London as one of the most popular destinations visited by millions annually.
Antalya is distinguished by the multiple and various leisure activities and hotels. In addition, its nature and markets and closed museums mark it a gorgeous place to live in and travel to regularly.
The magnificent Roman history and monuments and ancient mosques all gather to make it worth visiting and worth the big fuss made about it.
But, if you don’t think so, then go to see the magnificent view of the marina and the sea, most notably the prestigious Hadrian Gate, as well as dozens of shops selling handicrafts and cafes with balconies that are open to the harbour; to name a few.
5. Bursa
It is said that its name means “gift of God”. Therefore, it can be a piece of paradise on the earth. The city of Bursa is characterized by its romantic atmosphere and its friendly people. The heart of the old town dates back to 1400.
It has 20 beautiful domes, marble fountains and Seljuk-style decorations. It is close to the Green Mosque, another beautiful and unmatched monument.
If you are passionate about shopping Kosa Han Market is your place, it is one of the ancient markets where caravans passed through. The market is two floors; the ground floor features several tree-shaded cafés offering delicious Turkish coffee. The second floor contains dozens of shops selling fabrics, silk and handicrafts that you can’t miss.
6. Ankara
The Turkish capital Ankara is known as the political and cultural capital of Turkey. Here leisure activities range from parks to museums to modern shopping centres. It is a perfect destination for family travels and gatherings. It has many luxury and budget hotels.
The Museum of Anatolia is one of the most important museums in the world. The entry ticket is merely 15 lira. The visitor moves happily between the various halls that tell about the history of the civilizations that settled Turkey from prehistoric times to the present day, focusing on the effects of the Hittite civilization, which left its mark on this rich land.
7. Adana
One of the fascinating cities of Turkey is the city of Adana. It is located in the South of Turkey.
Adana is considered one of the most attractive touristic cities in Turkey; it is beautiful to the extent that it makes deemed the capital of Southern Turkey by many. Moreover, because of its essential archaeological and touristic features, it has a good number of massive fortresses that have been there for centuries.
This ancient Roman city is also famous for its cotton cultivation; it is called the white city. If you are in Adana, never think about where to eat or even where to sleep. The people of Adana are well-known for their generosity and a good sense of hospitality. They will wholeheartedly receive you and share with you their tasty and distinctive food and yummy kebab.
8. Agri
The city of Agri is situated in the Eastern of Anatolia. It is one of the most beautiful and formidable Turkish cities; its beautiful nature and archaeological features display a unique charm and rare beauty ready to cheer up everybody looking for joy and bliss.
Its most important features are Mount Agri, actually the highest peak in Turkey. It also contains several caves, the most famous of which is the Junoldo Cave.
9. Amassia
If you miss this city when in Turkey then never tell your friends about your visit to Turley. I strongly invite you to visit Amassia. If you are a lover of travel and keen to explore historical places, unique and ancient monuments, I suggest you choose Amasia, the city of unique relics and Ottoman princes.
The town of Amassia is associated with a long and significant history that appears in the archaeological monuments that exist in it. Amasia was considered the city of princes during the Ottoman Empire.
Most of the kings and princes of the Ottoman Empire were established there; hence Amassia has several archaeological and touristic attractions in palaces, castles and wooden houses.
10. Afyon
This mountainous countryside is located in the West of Turkey, south of the Turkish capital of Ankara, precisely near the Aegean Sea coast. It was named Afyon for the opium used in the main structures of some pharmaceutical treatments.
The city is famous for its formidable castles, most notably the Opium citadel in the centre of the town, built on a volcanic plateau about 226 meters high in the era of Hittite civilization around 350 BC more than 2000 years ago to defend and protect the city. During the Seljuk state, the Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Kikopat restored it. However, all you need to do is to dedicate one or two days to explore the beauty of this stunning countryside.
