12 tourist places in Turkey must see

What is there that has not been said about the magnificence of Turkey as a tourist destination? It is a paradaisicial land where all your travel dreams come true. There are countless ancient monuments that have been left over from a parade of conquerors and house scenery that never fails to impress. Turkey has a vibrant culture, delectable cuisine and a rich legacy of heritage for tourists to swoon over. We have curated a list of the 12 best tourist attractions in Turkey for you to plan your trip better:

Aya Sofya

If you are wondering what is famous in Turkey, your search ends here. It is known as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and the much spoken about Byzantine glory is on display here. Aya Sofya Museum (Hagia Sophia) is one of the best things that you can do in Turkey. The exterior is rimmed by the delicate minarets that were added after the Ottoman conquest, whereas the sumptuous interior takes us back to Constantinople's might and power.

Istanbul

If one place in Turkey had to win an award for being a tourist’s favourite choice, it would be Istanbul. Almost all itineraries of Turkey start with Istanbul. This city straddles two continents at once with the Bosphorus Strait acting as a continental border, dividing the city into two halves—European and Asian. Moreover, Istanbul is like the Mumbai of Turkey and houses the country’s film and television industry, which is loved by many. During your time in Istanbul, make sure you visit the Ottoman Topkapi Palace, the beautiful Hagia Sophia with its intricate mosaics, and the underground Basilica Cistern. If you love to shop, head to the Grand Bazaar and take a cruise down the Bosphorus, and stop for a short break at the Blue Mosque.

Ankara

Ankara needs no introduction since it is known as the capital as well as the second-largest city of Istanbul. Many refer to Ankara as a quieter version of Istanbul and this city has all the fine-tunings that are attached with a diplomatic seat of power. And still, you will not spend a bored moment in the city. Make sure you visit the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of Turkey.

Mardin

One of the most unexplored places in Turkey, Mardin is located strategically on a hilltop that overlooks the plains of Mesopotamia in southeastern Turkey. It is one of the oldest settlements in the region and is known for many reasons such as the cultural diversity and stunning architecture, which is made of sandstone buildings that cascade down the hill. The Old City is best enjoyed on foot, with a cup of coffee and street food in the hand.

Konya

All Rumi lovers would have heard of Konya since this is known for being the city of the whirling dervishes. Konya was also the home of the Persian theologian and Sufi mystic, Rumi. His mausoleum is a must-see site in Konya. Rumi’s followers founded the Mevlevi Order, better known as the Whirling Dervishes due to their religious ceremonies in which they spin around and around on the left foot while wearing white, billowing gowns.

Kas, Antalya

For those who love their time away from the hustle of the cities in a tranquil environment, Kas is a quiet seaside town that you must visit during your time in Turkey. It is located in the Antalya region on the Mediterranean coastline of Turkey. If you want to do some underwater exploring in Turkey, this should be your first choice.

Trabzon

Trabzon gives us best of both worlds in one trip, since it is located by the Black Sea in north-eastern Turkey and has the Pontic Mountains pass through it; which lends in the feel of a hill station. One of the best things to do here would be to spend a night near the Uzun Göl or Long Lake or enjoy the sunset over the Black Sea at Boztepe.

Marmaris

Marmaris is one of the most famous seaside resorts in Turkey, and it is a postcard perfect place of pine-clad mountains, sandy white beaches, turquoise waters and historic architecture. It is located along the Turkish Riviera in southwest Turkey, and it is a tourist paradise with a stunning cruise port and exceptional sightseeing opportunities, water sports, adventure, fantastic dining and buzzing nightlife.

Side

Side is one of the most major ports in Turkey, and the most important port in ancient Pamphylia which was in fact, occupied by Alexander the Great in 4th century BC. It is a picturesque town which combines the old and the new, with the beautiful classic ruins and modern day resorts overlooking sandy white beaches.

Ephesus

It is often known as one of the most classical metropolis in Europe, and Ephesus is a beautiful ancient site which is located in Aegan Turkey. In fact, it was one of the biggest cities in the Roman Empire during 1st century BC and also housed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis.

Pamukkale

The word, Pamukkale directly translates to “cotton castle” and is a beautiful natural site in southwestern Turkey which houses many hot springs that are rich with minerals travertine and have been luring visitors from the 2nd century B.C.! It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses different landscapes such as mineral forests, waterfalls and terraced basins.

Cappadocia

Although it is listed very low in the list, the surreal swooping rock valleys of Cappadocia are what makes every tourist and photographer’s dreams come true. There are many things to do here, especially hiking because of the many Cliff ridges and hill crests here that make for interesting paths.. And if you don't feel like hiking for the views, this is one of the world's top destinations to take a hot air balloon ride.

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