Turkey : ​Best Destinations to Visit

With ancient monuments and stunning natural beauty, Turkey is all set to amaze people. It is a dazzling destination that mingles the ethnicities of Europe and Asia. The vibrant culture, sun-soaked Mediterranean, glorious landscape, famous food, and rich history of Turkey will surely stun you. Let’s take a look at the most famous places that you should visit in Turkey.

Aya Sofya

Famous as one of the amazing buildings in the world, Aya Sofya museum boasts of Byzantine glory. The bulky exterior is ornated with minute detailing. The sumptuous interior is a reminder of the power, might, and glory of old Constantinople. The place has become a must-visit for tourists.

Once there, don’t forget to pay a visit to Sultanahmet. It is an ideal destination for shopaholics. You can buy lots of souvenirs, spices, apparel, home decor, and accessories from the place. It houses multiple bazaars including Arasta Bazaar, heritage nomadic art gallery, and caferaga madrasa. Treat your tastebud with piyaz, ezogeling corba, saksuka, and kisir.

The place is also known as Hagia Sophia. You can reach the place via tram. Get off at the Sultanahmet stop. If you travel by bus, 92B, BN1, and 66 can take you there.

Ephesus

If you crave to see ancient ruins and explore the beauty of history,  Ephesus is a place that you cannot skip. It is one of the fascinating Roman cities in the Mediterranean region. Explore life during the golden age of the Romain empire.

If you have a turn for shopping, Ephesus will not disappoint you. you can buy leather items, carpets, silver, and antique jewelry, watches, handicrafts, and ceramics. Beware of fake items as Turkey is the hub for that. Also, you should brush up on your bargaining skill before shopping anywhere in Turkey. Don’t forget to try mercimek kofte, yarak dolma, and inegol kofte.

A trip here will take half of your day to just witness the major highlights. You can stay in nearby hotels if you look to visit the place with more time.

Izmir is the nearest airport to Ephesus (1.8 km). you can avail a taxicab to reach the place.

Cappadocia

The swooping and surreal rock valleys of Cappadocia will bring out the photographer in you. get amazed with a panorama view of the hillcrest, wave-like rocks, cliff ridges, and wacky-shaped pinnacles. Lake and hills - nature has abundance in here.

You can hike here for the views. Also, you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride. It will give you a lunarscape view of the place.

Pay a visit to the chez Galip pottery workshop for some amazing handicrafts. If you have a turn for high-quality wine, the Turasan wine store is a must-visit for you. there is yet another wine shop called Kocabag wines. If you are looking for souvenirs, the Ozler art center is the ideal destination. While here, try the delicacies like iskender kebab, cag kebab, hamsili pilav, and perde pilav.

Nevşehir Kapadokya is the nearest airport from Cappadocia (located at a distance of 43.5 km). You can avail of cabs from the airport to reach your destination.

Topkapi palace

Royalty and vigor blend in Topkapi palace. The opulent and fantastical world of the sultans will surely amaze you. The carvings of the Ottoman era perfectly merge Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The interiors with decadent and lavish decor and exuberant tiling reflect the glamour of the days forlorn. The public garden is vibrant and glorious. The Royal Court offers a tranquil and serene respite from the din and bustles of the city.

There are multiple apparel and jewelry boutiques that you can hit while visiting the place. The colors and grandeurs of the place are sure to charm you. Some of the must-try cuisines include manti, testi kebab, gozleme, etc.

The nearest airport to Topkapi palace is Istanbul airport, which is approx. 34 km away. You can also travel via road from Istanbul airport to Topkapi Palace which is 51.5 km.

Pamukkale

One of the exquisite beauties of the world, Pamukkale is frequented by nature lovers. It is called the cotton castle. The place with its snowfield amidst lush green landscape will remind you of the Frozen prince(ess). A trip to Pamukkale will remain in your heart forever. If you are exhausted with a tiring trip, pay a visit to Hierapolis - an ancient spa town in Rome. The place will infuse enthusiasm in you.
The place is famous for handmade household goods and cotton ware. Towels, bathrobes, and leatherwear are available in the local shops. Once there, taste su boregi and pide. The delicacies will surely amuse you.

The Cardak airport is the closest airport to Pamukkale. Daily flights land here from Istanbul. You can avail a shuttle vehicle to Pamukkale. It is located 68.9 km from Pamukkale.
 
Turkey is famous for its natural beauty, exquisite cuisines, historical monuments, and warm people. a trip to Turkey will forever remain in your heart. Pay a visit and see for yourself.