Turkey is much known for its great history, monuments, fantastic nature, and mouth-watering food. The country where East meets West has everything to offer, not just a vacation destination, but indeed an experience waiting to be unlocked. Turkey has it all: preservation sites under UNESCO into scenic escapes.
This guide will give you a tour of the top places and unique things that make Turkey famous, from architectural wonders to culinary delights.
Here are ten popular places Turkey is famous for. These are must-see places that should be included within your itinerary when travelling to Turkey.
Chora Church is an exceptional architectural masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. This Greek Orthodox church, converted to a mosque and now a museum, is celebrated for its breathtaking ceiling and wall fresco and mosaics. Be sure to see it, especially if you have an interest in ancient art and history.
Hours: Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Daily. (Closed during prayer times)
Note: Entrance to the buildings is on the north side, from Kariye Türbesi Sokak.
Location: Kariye Camii Sokak, Edirnekapı, Istanbul, Turkey
Mount Nemrut is best known for the gigantic statues of ancient gods that surround this prominent archeological site, and burial place of King Antiochus I Theos. If you visit at dawn or dusk, you can experience the beauty of the statues with the changing colors of the sky.
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Note: Best experienced at dawn or dusk.
Location: Adıyaman Province, Southeastern Turkey
Pamukkale, or "Cotton Castle", is known for its white travertine ledges formed by the flow of mineral-rich thermal waters. Of the travertine ledges of white, and the plants around it, Pamukkale is certainly one of the most photographed locations in Turkey.
Hours: 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM Daily
Note: The Timber pools are open to visitors during the specified hours.
Location: Denizli Province, Southwestern Turkey
The Antalya Aquarium is the largest tunnel aquarium in the world. It houses diverse exotic aquatic species, and it allows you to see the underwater world in a unique way. It is suitable for families and those who love sea creatures.
Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Note: Last entry is generally an hour in advance.
Location: Dumlupınar Bulvarı, Konyaaltı, Antalya, Turkey
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Topkapi Palace is a historic Ottoman Palace that will let you see what life was like for Sultans. The Palace has priceless antiques, manuscripts, weapons, and the world-famous Spoonmaker's Diamond.
Hours: Daily (Closed on Tuesdays; last ticket at 5:00 PM)
Note: More than one room and chamber has antiques on display, as well as the Harem Chambers and Manuscripts.
Location: Cankurtaran, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Hagia Sophia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a long history as a church, mosque, and now a museum. Its massive dome and stunning mosaics make it one of the world's most iconic landmarks.
Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (Partially Closed on Prayer Times)
Note: Be mindful of prayer times, especially on Fridays when it’s more crowded.
Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, Istanbul, Turkey
If you want to get away from the city and find some tranquility, Kabak Bay is an excellent option. Located near Lycia Village, this secluded beach offers snorkeling possibilities, swimming, sunbathing, and fantastic deluxe views of the Mediterranean coast.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Note: Kabak Bay is best suited for day visits; however, you can spend the night there, as some locals offer accommodations in the village.
Location: Near Faralya Village, Fethiye District, Muğla Province, Turkey
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The Blue Mosque is a historical structure with magnificent deep blue tiles and elaborate floral designs. It is one of Istanbul's most important mosques and a quintessential example of Turkish architecture.
Hours: Open every day from 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (except during prayer times)
Note: Women must wear a head covering, and men must wear longer pants to be permitted in the mosque.
Location: Sultan Ahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)Devrent Valley is known for its distinct rock formations which resemble animals, mythical creatures, and human figures. This valley is a perfect location for creative photoshoots and a surreal experience.
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Note: It's best to visit Devrent Valley in the daytime for optimal viewing of the rock formations.
Location: Cappadocia Region, Central Anatolia, Turkey.
Uchisar Castle provides breathtaking views and vistas of Cappadocia’s rock formations and fairy chimneys. The castle has many interconnected rooms and tunnels to explore.
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Note: Hours may vary by season; best to check on-site.
Location: Uçhisar, Nevşehir Province, Turkey
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Turkey has many traditional drinks, including Turkish coffee and Turkish tea. Turkish coffee is thick, frothy, and gritty. You can get icy, frothy Turkish tea in small tulip-shaped glasses. It's a local favourite and a tourist attraction.
Turkish food is famous around the world. Dishes everyone should try include Baklava (sweet pastry filled with nuts and honey), Kebabs, and Locum (Turkish delight). Sugar, cinnamon, and milk should not be omitted when trying Turkish rice pudding; everyone loves it.
Bathhouses are a considerable aspect of Turkish culture. A typical bath involves steaming and a massage, both of which are special experiences for anyone who visits.
One of the unique desserts is Turkish ice cream, which is thicker, chewy, and does not melt quickly. It's made from mastic and salep. Vendors often like to have fun and do tricks when serving to tourists.
One of Turkey's traditional sea adventures is spending time sailing on a Gulet boat. These boats were originally used for transport before people could afford them for fun. Now some people are able to use Gulet boats for luxury day tours on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.
A hot-air balloon ride over the stunning scenery of Cappadocia, particularly at sunrise or sunset, will give you a fantastic view of its rock formations and fairy chimneys.
Turkey has Europe’s oldest underground train, Istanbul Tunnel, which connects Karakoy and Pera. It’s a historic adventure that visitors to Istanbul should go on.
A cruise on the Bosphorus Strait is an enjoyable way to see Istanbul’s beauty, presenting panoramic views of the city whilst you are travelling between Europe and Asia.
Atakule, a tower in Ankara, provides a spectacular view of the city and a revolving restaurant at the top. Enjoy traditional Turkish meals as you view the scenic landscape.
The Galata Tower provides panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline. It is a popular location for tourists and photographers to enjoy, but it also has small restaurants serving traditional Turkish dishes.
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Turkey is a place that is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're visiting ancient ruins, eating tasty food, or lounging on its picturesque beaches, Turkey will give you an unforgettable experience. To help make your time even better, think about using a Hero FinCorp Personal Loan to pay for your trip, allowing you to be financially flexible while you soak up all that Turkey has to offer.
Some historical landmarks Turkey is known for are the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, which are icons of cultural heritage, and deeply felt by Turkish culture.
Turkey is known for Baklava, Kebabs, Rice Pudding, and Turkish Delight (Lokum).
Turkish coffee is a thick frothy drink, with its unique brewing method, that is rooted in tradition and enjoyed by the rest of the world for its deep flavour and unique bitterness.
Quality rugs and carpets are made from soft wool or silk in stunning patterns and designs, anchored in traditional methods, and prized for their value worldwide.
The Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar located in Istanbul is well-known for shopping, rugs, spices, jewelry, and textiles.
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