15 Best Touristic Cities to Visit in Turkiye

Turkey is a country that offers something for everyone, no matter what month of the year you visit. In the spring, the country is filled with colorful flowers and the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. In the summer, the beaches along the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts are a popular destination, with crystal-clear water and warm temperatures. In the fall, the temperatures are cooler and the country’s many historical and cultural sites are less crowded, making it a great time to visit. And in the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing in the mountainous regions of the country or relaxing in the thermal baths in cities like Pamukkale. No matter when you visit, Turkey has something to offer. Let’s check the 15 best touristic cities to visit in Turkiye!

Istanbul

As the largest city in Turkey and the country’s cultural and economic hub, Istanbul is a city that should not be missed. Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a city with a rich history and vibrant contemporary culture. Some of the must-see attractions in Istanbul include the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

Cappadocia

Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is known for its stunning landscape of towering rock formations and underground cities. This region is also home to hot air balloon rides, which offer breathtaking views of the landscape below. In Cappadocia, be sure to visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, and the Uçhisar Castle.

Pamukkale

Located in western Turkey, Pamukkale is famous for its natural hot springs and terraced pools filled with mineral-rich water. The thermal baths of Pamukkale have been a popular destination for thousands of years, and the ancient city of Hierapolis, located nearby, is home to the well-preserved ruins of a Roman spa.

Antalya

Located on southwestern Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and charming old town. Some of the must-see attractions in Antalya include the Kaleiçi old town, the Antalya Museum, and the ancient city of Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world.

Selcuk Ephesus

Located in western Turkey, Selcuk is a small town that is home to the ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was once a major city in the ancient world and is home to some of the best-preserved ruins in the world, including the Temple of Artemis and the Celsus Library.

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a city located on the Aegean coast of western Turkey. The city is a popular vacation destination, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. Kusadasi is also home to a number of important historical and cultural sites, including the ancient city of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Bodrum

Located on the Aegean coast of southwestern Turkey, Bodrum is a popular vacation destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and picturesque castles. The Bodrum Castle, also known as the Castle of St. Peter, is a must-see attraction, as is the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Fethiye

Fethiye is a city located on the Mediterranean coast of southwestern Turkey. The city is a popular vacation destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning natural surroundings. Fethiye is also home to a number of important historical and cultural sites, including the ancient city of Telmessos and the Fethiye Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and historical objects from the region.

Konya

Located in central Turkey, Konya is a city with a rich history and cultural significance. It was once the capital of the Seljuk Empire and is home to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the final resting place of the famous Sufi poet Rumi. Konya is also home to the Karatay Medrese, a Seljuk-era theological school, and the Sultanhan Caravanserai, a well-preserved inn along the Silk Road.

Bursa

Located in western Turkey, Bursa is a city known for its beautiful natural surroundings and rich cultural heritage. The city is home to a number of important historical and cultural sites, including the Bursa Citadel, the Bursa Grand Mosque, and the Bursa City Museum. Bursa is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a number of beautiful parks and natural areas to explore.

Trabzon

Located on the Black Sea coast of northeastern Turkey, Trabzon is a city with a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. The city is home to the Sumela Monastery, a beautiful Orthodox monastery built into a cliff, and the Hagia Sophia Museum, a 13th-century Byzantine church. Trabzon is also a gateway to the beautiful Uzungöl Lake and the famous Sümela Monastery.

Sanliurfa

Located in southeastern Turkey, Sanliurfa is a city with a rich history and cultural significance. The city is home to the ancient city of Edessa, which was once an important center of Christianity and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sanliurfa is also home to Gobeklitepe, the Balikli Gol, a sacred pond believed to have healing properties, and the Grand Mosque of Sanliurfa, a stunning example of Seljuk-era architecture.

Mardin

Located in southeastern Turkey, Mardin is a city with a rich history and a unique blend of cultures. The city is known for its beautiful ancient architecture, including the Mardin Castle and the Great Mosque of Mardin. Mardin is also home to the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important center of Syriac Christianity.

Van

Located in eastern Turkey, Van is a city known for its beautiful lake and the ancient city of Tushpa, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Urartu. The Van Castle, built by the Urartians in the 9th century BC, is a must-see attraction, as is the beautiful Akdamar Island, home to the 10th-century Akdamar Church.

Kars

Kars is a city located in northeastern Turkey, close to the border with Armenia. The city has a rich history and cultural significance and is home to a number of important historical and cultural sites. Some of the must-see attractions in Kars include the Kars Citadel, a well-preserved fortress that dates back to the 9th century, and the Kars Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts and historical objects from the region.

In conclusion, Turkey is a country with a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, soaking in natural hot springs, or simply soaking up the vibrant culture of Istanbul, there is something for everyone in Turkey. Do not forget to check the weather before you plan your holiday.

If you are planning a trip to Turkey, you might be interested in Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Book Your Turkey Holiday with a Turkish Travel Agency