Choosing Where to Go in Turkey
Turkey is big. Flying between regions is easy, but trying to see everything in one trip leaves you tired. Choose a few places that match what you enjoy, and give each at least two nights. The list below is grouped by type of trip, and the sections after it cover tickets, passes and how long to allow.
For History and Culture
- Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. Allow three to four days. Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, so it closes to visitors during prayer times, and foreign visitors pay a separate ticket of about 25 euros for the upper gallery route, which is where the Byzantine mosaics are. Check current prices and hours before you go.
- Ephesus and Selçuk: a huge ancient Roman city with a theatre and the Library of Celsus. Go early in summer, because there is little shade. The Terrace Houses inside the site are a separate, extra ticket.
- Troy and Çanakkale: the ruins of Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields, which are very moving.
- Konya: the home of the Mevlevi order and the poet Rumi, and a good stop between Istanbul and Cappadocia.
- Bursa and Edirne: early Ottoman capitals with grand mosques and markets, and easier than most people expect as trips from Istanbul.
- Mardin and the southeast: stone old towns with a very different feel. Check your government’s travel advice first, because some areas near the border are not recommended.
For Landscapes
- Cappadocia (Göreme, Uçhisar, Ürgüp): fairy chimneys, cave hotels, walking valleys and underground cities. Sunrise balloon flights are popular and need booking in advance. Plan at least two nights, because wind can cancel a morning flight.
- Pamukkale: white mineral terraces next to the ruins of Hierapolis. Visit early or late to avoid crowds, and expect to walk the terraces without shoes.
- The Black Sea coast: green mountains, tea plantations and Sumela Monastery. Wetter and quieter than the south.
For Beaches and Sea
- Antalya: an old harbour, Roman gates, museums and long beaches. A good base for the coast.
- Kaş and Kalkan: small, relaxed towns with clear water and boat trips.
- Fethiye and Ölüdeniz: sea views, paragliding and boat tours.
- Bodrum and the Aegean coast: sailing, castles and lively evenings. Alaçatı and Çeşme near Izmir are popular with Turkish visitors.
For Food
Turkey is one of the easiest countries to travel for food. Istanbul’s Kadıköy market, the lokanta (home-style restaurant) lunches across the country, and the kebab and pide houses of Anatolia are all worth planning around. Cappadocia is known for pottery kebab, and the Aegean coast for olive-oil dishes and seafood. Most cities have plenty of halal choices, and eating where locals eat is usually cheaper and better than the restaurants beside the main sights.
Museum Passes: Worth It?
Turkey has several museum passes. The Museum Pass Türkiye lasts 15 days and covers many state-run sites, including Topkapı Palace, Ephesus, Hierapolis-Pamukkale and the Göreme Open Air Museum. It has recently cost roughly 165 euros, but prices change, so check the official site. Regional passes also exist for Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Aegean and the Mediterranean. A pass pays off only if you visit several major paid sites, and it does not cover everything. For example, the Istanbul Museum Pass is not valid at Hagia Sophia, and extras such as the Ephesus Terrace Houses are paid separately. Add up the entry fees for your own route before you buy.
How Long to Spend in Each Place
- Istanbul: 3 to 4 days
- Cappadocia: 2 to 3 days
- Ephesus or Pamukkale: 1 night each, or a day trip
- Antalya and the coast: 3 to 5 days
- Çanakkale, Troy and Gallipoli: 1 to 2 days
- Bursa or Edirne: a day trip from Istanbul, or one night
Visiting Mosques and Religious Sites
Dress modestly in mosques: cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a scarf for their hair. Shoes come off at the door, and visitors are asked to stay out during prayer times, so check the schedule before you go.
Related Guides
Back to the full Turkey travel guide. Turn this list into a plan with our Turkey itineraries, check the best time to visit, or see where to stay.