Straddling two continents, Turkey is a land steeped in history, fascinating fallen empires, cultural delights, and mesmerizing landscapes from sun-drenched beaches to towering mountains. The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures makes the best cities of Turkey worthy of your bucket list!
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There’s also so much delicious, famous Turkish food to try!
We spent a month driving around this magnificent country and highly recommend it.
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Here are our picks for the best cities of Turkey.
21 Ankara
Located in the northwestern part of the country, Turkey’s capital and 2nd largest city, Ankara, is a sprawling, modern city with castles and vibrant markets juxtaposed next to government and parliament buildings, upscale restaurants, and malls.
Ankara is an old city that was once inhabited by empires such as Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. Some of the tourist sites include the Citadel, the Temple of Augustus, and Anitkabir – a mausoleum housing the tomb of Turkey’s first President, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
20 Lake Tuz
Lake Tuz, aka the Pink Lake, is the second largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest saline lakes in the world.
It was a fun stop on our road trip, although massively windy and dry. While it’s known for its vibrant pink color, due to the weather conditions it barely had a pink hue at all.
19 Dalyan
Dalyan is home to fascinating Lycian tombs hewn into the rocky cliff, shimmering lakes, and a beautiful stretch of beach.
Even though it is a difficult (auto) climb, it is worth going to Radar Hill to see the Dalyan Overlook. The ascent up the mountain is via a bumpy, windy road that requires a slow drive, preferably with a 4-wheel drive. When you get as far as you can (still not the top, but it becomes unpassable), look for a dirt parking area to leave your car and the rest is on foot, not too far. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the Dalyan Delta and Iztuzu Beach.
18 Mardin
Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the plains of Mesopotamia in southeastern Turkey, Mardin is known for its history dating back to Artuqid architecture dating the 11th and 12th Centuries and an old city of sandstone buildings that cascade down the hill.
With sandstone buildings terraced against a citadel-topped mountain that overlooks a vast plain below, Mardin is a labyrinth of narrow streets that crisscross the old town. In ancient times it was an important Silk Road town and is still dotted with bazaars, churches, and mosques.
Popular tourist sites include Deyrü’z-Zafaran Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world, and the Sultan Isa Medresesi, a medieval structure that once served as an astronomical observatory, and Zinciriye Medresesi, a 14th-century Islamic school with stunning views all the way to Syria.
Mardin’s proximity is close to the border with Syria and conflicts in that area, so be sure to check with your government agency before planning a visit.
17 Konya
One of the oldest cities in the world and best known for its remarkable Seljuk architecture and Whirling Dervishes, Konya is the Islamic capital of Turkey.
In the 13th century, Konya was home to the world-famous spiritual poet Rumi. His tomb, the Mausoleum of Rumi, is a must-see site in Konya. Rumi’s followers founded the Mevlevi Order, aka the Whirling Dervishes. They founded a religious dance in which they spin around on their left foot while wearing white, billowing gowns.
Tourist sights include the Alaeddin Mosque, Seljuk Palace, the Seljuk Tower, and Ecdad Park.
16 Izmir
Izmir is Turkiye’s 3rd most populous city, located on the Aegean Sea, offering a mix of cultural, historical, and archeological sites.
The city has a rich history. Founded by the Greeks, it was taken over by the Romans and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
We only spent one day in Izmir but were able to take in tourist sites such as Konak Square, the harbor clock tower, Kemeraktu Bazaar, and Konak Pier with waterside shops and restaurants.
The highlight of Izmir for us was the ancient ruins of Smyrna in Izmir. Smyrna (“myrrh” in Hebrew) was a Greek city located at a strategic point on Turkiye’s Aegean. Due to its advantageous port conditions, defensive position, and good inland connections, Smyrna rose to importance.
Smyrna is another of many fascinating Bible references to Turkey. It was one of the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelations, presumably founded by the apostle Paul. Unlike the church at Laodicea (see my post below), the message to Smyrna is a positive one, encouraging them to continue to persevere despite persecution.
15 Golyazi
The last stop on our epic road trip before returning to Istanbul (where we started) was the charming village of Golyazi in the Bursa area. This secret gem dates back to the 6th century B.C. Known in ancient times as Apolloniatis, the small community lies on a small peninsula on Lake Uluabat. It’s so picturesque!
We were the only tourist exploring the cobbled streets and lakefront. We stopped for lunch at an authentic mom-and-pop restaurant, making our way to the colorful second floor overlooking a town street below. The old woman who owned the restaurant and waited on us did not speak or understand any English and the menu did not have pictures. Close by, a table of three friendly young people (the only other patrons in the restaurant) overheard our challenge in trying to order and helped us out. We were able to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in an adorable setting.
14 Bodrum
Bodrum is another coastal gem on the Turkish Riviera. It’s best known as the ancient fortified city containing the ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Other historical tourist attractions include Bodrum Castle (aka Castle of St. Peter), built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, and Myndos Gate which was once the scene of a bloody battle during a siege by Alexander the Great.
13 Kasadusi
We took a short break from our cultural and ancient adventures to chill out at the beach resort town of Kusadasi on Turkey’s western Aegean coast. Our accommodation was right on the beach with a great view, and we enjoyed strolling and eating our way along the oceanfront boardwalk.
12 Karadut
Ordinarily, the tiny village of Karadut would not be on any tourist agenda except that it sits at the foot of Mt. Nemrut. Located in Eastern Turkiye, UNESCO-listed Mt. Nemrut is famous for the eerie, colossal 6-ton carved stone godheads that jut up from the ground.
Mt. Nemrut is the highest peak in Mesopotamia. This hidden jewel is a temple tomb built by the late Hellenistic King Antiochos I of Commagene (69-34 B.C.) as a monument to himself.
Although tremendously windy and cold at the top, it is magical to experience Mount Nemrut during sunrise. As the sun rises it infuses the statues with a glowing light that is both mysterious and enchanting.
11 Kas
Often overlooked in favor of larger cities on the Turkish Riviera such as Antalya or Fethiye, Kas offers a blend of historical and beach attractions.
Visitors can explore the seaside village and charming harbor surrounded by fishing boats, or take a boat to the fascinating sunken city of Kekova.
Carved into the cliffs overlooking Kas are the fascinating ruins of Myra Ancient City. One of the most important towns of ancient Lycia, Myra is famous for its well-preserved Roman-era amphitheater and rock-carved tombs thought to date back to as far as the 5th century B.C.
The highlight for me was stunning Kaputas Beach, offering stunning golden sand and crystal clear turquoise water surrounded by high cliffs. The fact that it’s a bit difficult to get to only adds to its allure.
The first view of the magnificent beach will take your breath away. Driving on the road high above the coast, the sight will almost make you drive off the cliff. But the euphoria is soon replaced with dismay as you realize you’ll have to park a couple of miles away, next to the cliffside, and walk along a dangerous, narrow, winding mountain pass because the beach has no parking. Finally, access to the beach is only reached by a series of 187 stone steps leading down to the sand.
10 Safranbolu
This über-charming UNESCO World Heritage-listed town is a beautifully preserved example of red-roofed Ottoman architecture and culture.
Cobblestone alleys lace through the picturesque village, rambling past ornate wooden mansions and mosques, creating a fairytale vibe of days gone by.
Safranbolu is a great place to stop for lunch and a walkabout on a road trip from Istanbul to either the Black Sea area or Ankara.
9 Alanya
Alanya is a resort town on Turkey’s central Mediterranean coast (also known as the Turkish Riviera), often passed up for its more popular neighbor, Antalya. But is Alanya worth visiting? In a word, yes.
Its broad sandy beaches, mild Mediterranean climate, natural attractions, ancient fortifications, and rich cultural heritage make it an attractive vacation playground. The world-famous Alanya Beach – Cleopatra’s Beach, cliff top castle, Old Marina, and city bazaar are worth a couple days’ visit.
You may be interested in Best Alanya Beach & Activities.
8 Trabzon
Trabzon is located close to the Black Sea and the Pontic Mountains in an area not often visited by North American tourists as it’s quite far from Turkey’s major tourist attractions.
The highlight in Trabzon is the magnificent Sumela Monastery nestled on the side of a steep cliff. The monastery, built in 346 A.D. is an important historical attraction.
7 Antalya
Nestled on the Turquoise Coast and tucked under the Taurus Mountains, Antalya is easily the most popular seaside town, well-known for its vibrant nightlife.
The Old City Marina was the site of the first harbor in Antalya. The Roman harbor sits at the base of the old town slope and served as Antalya’s commercial center from the 2nd century BC until late in the 20th century. Today, it is still an active marina with fishing boats and yachts alike moored here. On the far side of the bay, visitors can get stunning panoramic views of Antalya Bay by riding to the top floor of the glass elevator.
Kaleiçi’s (Old Quarter) maze of streets is fun to explore with Ottoman-era mansions, ancient Roman walls, Old Clock Tower, and the photogenic Hadrian’s Gate, as well as a plethora of cafes and boutique shops.
There are several ancient Roman ruins easily accessible from Antalya, such as Aspendos, Perge, and Termessos.
Mermerli Plaji is the best beach in Antalya. It is a bustling strand of shore at the edge of the Kaleici (old town), accessible by rock steps leading down to the gorgeous turquoise beach with a dazzling rocky backdrop and ancient castle walls.
6 Fethiye
Fethiye is a delightful town on the Turquoise Coast offering visitors a plethora to do… archeological ruins, outstanding hiking, unspoiled beaches, and magnificent soaring mountains.
The Amyntas Rock tomb was just a short distance from our apartment. The impressive ancient Lycian rock-hewn tomb was built in 350 BC. Not much is known about the Lycians, but we do know Amyntas was important because his tomb is higher and larger than the others carved into the cliff.
Butterfly Overlook is a vantage point at the top of a high cliff that looks down on a pretty sandy, secluded beach. Intrepid hikers used to be able to scale the steep cliff down to Butterfly Valley, but the path has been closed due to multiple deaths.
We also explored an under-the-radar gem rarely visited – the ghost town of Kayakoy, now an open-air museum with about 500 preserved houses and three churches. Its history goes back to the Lycians (4th century BC), and recently in the 1700s, the Greeks built a newer town (Karmylassos in Greek) on top of the ancient one. Housing Anatolian Muslims and Greek Orthodox Christians were living peaceably together in a thriving and harmonious community.
Saklikent Gorge was one of our favorite adventures in Turkey! Recognized as the longest and deepest canyon in Turkey, Saklikent Gorge’s incredible natural beauty will take your breath away. Encompassing cliffs, waterfalls, and 16 caves, it’s a must-see when visiting the Turkish Riviera (about a one-hour drive from the coast). There are restaurants cantilevered over the river (near the beginning) colorful cushions surrounding low tables – a fun place to grab refreshment after the hike.
5 Oludeniz
Oludeniz is an adorable coastal town perfect for a few days of chill. It’s small but easily accessible to other tourist attractions along the Turkish Riviera.
It’s been said that the #1 place to paraglide is over the gorgeous Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, Turkiye. So naturally I had to find out if this was true! Well…it is!
To launch, I had to run OFF the 6500-foot Babadağ Mountain to take to the sky. I won’t lie, running off a cliff is a bit daunting, but once you hit the air, it’s sometimes a peaceful, sometimes exhilarating ride through the air.
The Blue Lagoon is famous for its ever-varying shades of turquoise and azure, and soft sands, and nothing is quite as spectacular as getting a birds-eye view.
4 Ephesus
Turkiye is rich in history, including a great many Biblical sites, in which Ephesus (New Testament Book of Ephesians written by the Apostle Paul) is probably the most well-known. The UNESCO city was the 2nd largest city of the Roman Empire and its history can be traced to the tenth millennium BC. There are so many reasons why people tour Ephesus Turkey!
Ephesus is an open-air museum and the second most-visited destination in Turkey. Its excavated remains reflect centuries of history, from classical Greece to the Roman Empire – to the spread of Christianity. It was an important port city at the crossroads between East and West. Cobblestone boulevards meander past public squares, baths, theaters, and other ancient ruins.
In 2015, the remarkably well-preserved Ephesus became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still being discovered and unearthed.
Ephesus is a pilgrimage destination for Christians due to its mentions in the Bible and allegedly the final resting place of the Apostle John.
You may be interested in How to Tour Ephesus.
3 Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is famous for a carbonate mineral left by the flowing of thermal spring water. The cascading terraces form pools of turquoise water juxtaposed against the brilliant white pools is breathtaking and one of the most surreal places on earth.
Your entrance ticket also gives you access to two additional fantastic places in the Pamukkale complex.
The Greek city of Hierapolis (“Sacred City”)) was originally a Phrygian cult center of the Anatolian mother goddess of Cybele. In the 1st century, it was part of the tri-city area of Laodicea, Colossae, and Hierapolis. The cities are linked in Paul’s reference to Hierapolis and Laodicea in his epistle to the Colossians. It is also believed to be the place where St. Philip was martyred in 80 A.D.
According to legend, the UNESCO Cleopatra Antique Pool is a man-made sculpted pool that was a gift from Marc Antony to Egyptian queen Cleopatra, though it’s unclear if she ever visited. I really enjoyed swimming in these warm, bubbling waters.
2 Istanbul
Straddling Asia and Europe and separated by the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul will explode your senses. It is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Europe and a great place to begin a journey through Turkiye.
Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is easily the most iconic city in Turkiye, embracing centuries of culture and religious history. From the mesmerizing blend of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman architecture, to awe-inspiring mosques, kaleidoscope bazaars, and lavish sultan palaces, visitors delight in the 2500+ years of rich history.
Many of the top things to do in Istanbul are within walking distance of Sultanahmet, the old town, but we also took the tram across the Bosphorus, as well as a taxi to explore the colorful village of Balat.
You may be interested in How to Spend 3 Days in Istanbul.
1 Cappadocia
View of Uchisar Castle
I’ve traveled extensively all over the world and Cappadocia ranks #1 as the most magical place on earth!
High on the Anatolian plateau, Cappadocia is a semi-arid region in central Turkiye famous for its unique “fairy chimneys” – surreal cone-shaped rock formations, created million years ago by volcanic eruptions and erosion. These bizarre structures are clustered in Monks Valley, Love Valley, Göreme, Uchisar, and elsewhere. Uchisar Castle and Goreme Open Air Museum contain Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians seeking to avoid persecution.
Somewhere between 3 and 9 million years ago, Mt. Erciyes erupted, depositing ash, basalt, and lava across the landscape which hardened to become “tuff” (volcanic ash solidified into a soft rock). Tectonic movement and erosion also contributed to the odd-looking hoodoos that exist today.
Around 4000 B.C., locals discovered they could hew the rock and use the structures as houses and churches. Today, some of the fairy chimneys have been converted into boutique hotels.
You may be interested in the 10 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia.
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a freelance travel writer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick and the southern travel blog Gone to Carolinas. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the next few months.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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