Turkey is a colorful country in the Middle East. Visitors can experience the ancient influence of the Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Persian, and Byzantine eras in its many cities. Places to see in Turkey offer everything. It has calming beaches, lush parks, the fun-filled nightlife. During your trip, this exquisite location becomes even more interesting as you get to be a part of two continents that Turkey straddles between.
Here are the Best Tourist Places to Visit in Turkey
1. Prince’s Island
Prince’s Island is located in the Sea of Marmara, near the coast of southeastern Istanbul. This island is a set of nine islands out of which Buyukada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Kınalıada are accessible. Visitors need to board a ferry or IOD from Taksim or Kabata to reach the Prince Islands. They will find pollution-free living here. All kinds of vehicles are banned on the island the only modes of transport one can get are bicycles or horse chariots. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing at the beach.
2. Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is in Istanbul, Turkey. It is regarded as one of the most important monuments. This structure was also referred to as the Church of St. Sophia. During ancient times it was destroyed and rebuilt many times. In the preservation of UNESCO, this heritage is considered a treasury of ancient knowledge. Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century church that was refurbished by the Ottoman Turks as a mosque. It later secularized and has high significance in today’s time. However, it is one of the famous tourist places in Turkey.
3. Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is a large museum and library in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. It was originally called the New Palace. This palace is one of the most wonderful places to visit. Topkapi Palace gives a glance at the royal lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans. It was the main residence of the Turks during the 15th – 16th century. In 1924 it was transformed into a museum. Now this palace museum has many grand rooms and chambers on display. Visitors can find the royal treasury, the spoon maker’s diamond, the Topkapi dagger, Ottoman clothing, weapons, armor, and manuscripts in the museum.
4. Sumela Monastery
Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery dedicated to Mary. It is located at Karadag within the Pontic Mountains. In modern Turkey’s Macka district of Trabzon Province. The monastery was constructed back in the 4th century. It is one of the world’s oldest monasteries that sits atop the majestic Zigana Mountain. This monastery has a brilliant architectural design that attracts spiritual seekers and architecture buffs. The interior walls of this monastery are adorned with vibrant and elegant frescoes.
5. Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is a 2,134-metre-high mountain in southeastern Turkey. It happens to be the monumental abode of King Antiochus I Theos of the Kingdom of Commagene. Mount Nemrut is considered one of the world’s 8th wonders. This amazing place is packed with magnificent statues of King Antiochus I Theos and various Persian and Greek gods. In 1987, Mount Nemrut was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can find magnificent stone heads of ancient gods perched on the arid mountaintop. Mount Nemrut include Zeus Oromasdes, Apollo-Mithras-Helios-Hermes, Commagene-Tyche, and Heracles-Verethragna-Artagnes-Ares.
6. Pamukkale
Pamukkale means cotton castle in Turkish. It is a natural site in Denizli Province in southwestern Turkey. This place is famous for its mesmerizing cotton-look terraces. This white terraces slope appears like a snowfield set amidst the lush landscape. The magnificent calcite hill of Pamukkale is also home to the rambling remnants of Roman Hierapolis. It makes for another attraction of this place. Visitors can witness the travertines shine amazingly as the sun goes down the horizon.
7. Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque is also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. The mesmerizing blue-tiled architecture of the mosque is a visual delight. It is a picture-perfect location. This mosque was built during the Ottoman era by the sultan. Blue Mosque is next to Hagia Sophia. This mosque is home to two courtyards- inner and outer. The inner courtyard is surrounded by porticos that showcase small domes with a marble-paved path. This picturesque mosque with the domes and the blue color scheme has a unique touch of detailing.