The Best Cities in Turkey for Tourists

Turkey is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Beyond Istanbul’s modern vibrancy and big monuments, there is a vast country where one can explore in quest of lovely beaches or monumental reminders of a 5,000-year history. On a sightseeing trip in Turkey, you can visit tourist centers with vibrant nightlife or tiny towns where you can immerse yourself in local culture, whether it’s visiting a Turkish bath or finding outstanding cuisine.

Here’s a list of the best cities in Turkey for tourists.

Istanbul

Istanbul is an enormous metropolis with more than 15 million people, and many consider it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Although Ankara is the capital of Turkey, Istanbul is the country’s tourist, financial, and cultural hub. It is rich in architecture and has a Muslim, Christian, and Jewish population. It features a modern section with a highly European feel and several restaurants and designer shops, and a big section of Muslim tradition with spectacular monuments, cuisine, and traditions. One of the unique activities is to take a cruise ride across the Bosphorus Strait.

Dinner cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul

Embark on an Istanbul Bosphorus cruise with Dinner for one of the best evenings you’ll spend in the city. Perfect for a romantic meal for two or a special occasion with family or friends, this is one of the most popular boat tours out there.

This beautiful night cruise follows the Asian and European coastlines. Take in the breathtaking vistas of Istanbul’s most famous structures lit up at night. They will transform into golden, twinkling, sparkling, and dazzling hues, creating an extraordinary environment.

Cappadocia

This is a fantastic location where you can participate in various unique activities, such as balloon rides and visits to the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu. Cappadocia is also home to open-air churches, the Göreme museum, and the Avcilar and Güvercinlik valleys which you can visit throughout the year. You can also pay a visit to Capadoccia’s carpet, onyx, and turquoise workshops if you wish to capture the real essence of the region and take a souvenir or two back home for friends and family.

Hot air balloon flights and Red/Blue/Green tours are available in Cappadocia

When in Cappadocia, take a peek up at the sky around sunrise, and you will notice dozens of multicolored hot air balloons hovering in the distance. Hot air ballooning is the most magical and memorable method to view the area’s magnificent landscape.

You can also explore more of the region with the red, blue, and green tours. Each of the color-coded tours is organized by area, distance, and admission charge. Additionally, the tours feature both natural and historic structures and natural landscapes which means that there’s something for everyone. Whether red, blue, or green, each tour option is accompanied by an experienced and licensed guide to ensure that you’re learning all about the places you’re visiting while you have a great time.

Uçhisar Castle, Love Valley, Open Air Museum, Avuşin Rum Village, Paşaba Valley, Devrent Valley, Pottery Workshop are included on the Cappadocia red tour.

Green tour Cappadocia sites include the Panorama of Göreme, the Underground City, the Güvercinlik Valley, the Ortahisar Rum Village, the Red Valley, the Kaledibi Monastery, and the Onyx Workshop.

Soğanlı-Valley, Mustafapaşa Old Greek Village, Underground City, Keşlik Monastery, and Ürgüp Fairy Chimneys are included on the Cappadocia blue tour.

Izmir

Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful journeys in Turkey begins in Pamukkale and ends in the Izmir area, which is rich in ancient landmarks and routes used by Alexander the Great and the Romans. Among other things of interest along this road, it’s worth stopping in Selcuk right by Ephesus, to explore the ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

From Izmir, take a Pamukkale Trip

Pamukkale’s beautiful, tiered hot springs are a half-day excursion from Izmir. Additionally, you’ll visit Hierapolis, one of the most important communities throughout the Hellenistic and Roman eras, to witness its recently rebuilt theatre. If you’re into shopping, you can also stop by to take a look at some great souvenirs and goodies to take back home.

Tour of Pergamon from Izmir

Take a Pergamon tour from Izmir to experience a significant cultural center and the Roman Empire’s eastern capital. Pergamon, located 26 kilometers from the Aegean Sea, is famed for inventing parchment, which was used when papyrus became scarce.

Antalya

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk referred to Antalya as “the most beautiful place in the world” at one point. While that may be exaggerated, there is no doubt that Antalya boasts some breathtaking views. The marina, which is encircled by dramatic cliffs and historic city walls, the beach with views of the Taurus Mountains, and the picturesque old town of Kaleici are all worth seeing.

Rafting tour in Antalya

Antalya Rafting Tour is one of the most popular activities to do on holiday. The Antalya rafting tour takes place in the Koprulu canyon, which is considered as one of the top rafting rivers in the world. Koprulu Canyon is around 80 kilometers south of Antalya. The Koprulu Canyon’s natural grandeur will astound you. Rafting down the canyon’s length is around 14 kilometers, and the course is classed by international river rafting standards as a level 3 medium. Stop for swimming, strolling, and photography throughout the rafting tour from Antalya.

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is the birthplace of Turkey’s first resort, Aydin, on the Aegean Sea. It is a district that has grown rapidly in recent years due to the tourist mobility that began in the 1960s, and it is home to one of the country’s most significant ports.

Kusadasi is certainly one of Turkey’s most beautiful cities. This compels every traveler visiting Turkey to learn about Kusadasi, a small paradise with vibrant nightlife, beachside breakfast tables, and several historical attractions that will leave you wanting to learn more about this fascinating place.

Tour to Ephesus from Kusadasi

Ephesus is the greatest Roman city in the Mediterranean region and one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations. It is superior to Rome in terms of ruins. If you want to experience what life was like 2000 years ago in the glory days of Greece and Rome, Ephesus is the place to go.