Whether you want to see beautiful beaches and bays, ancient historical sites, or beautiful mosques, Turkey’s cities will never let you down. You’ll find delicious food, friendly people, and rich cultural history in Turkey. It will be an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a long time.
From the busy streets of Istanbul to the quiet, easygoing way of life in Urgup, the country’s beautiful cities offer something for everyone. Turkey is a great country with a lot to see and do, so it will be hard for tourists to see and do everything they want. Here are the best places to visit in Turkey to help you get started.
Cesme
This seaside resort town is only eight kilometers from the Greek island of Chios. It has a great promenade along the water, a beautiful Genoese castle, and much more for people to enjoy.
Even though the castle is the main attraction, a lot is happening in the modern marina and the old-fashioned town, which has been kept in great shape. Cesme is a great place to stay if you want to see more of the area because it has a lot of nice beaches and is close to many other places.
Bursa
In recent years, Turkey’s fourth-largest city has grown quickly. Bursa is now a real metropolis with a bit of a chaotic feel. The ugly industrial areas on the city’s edges stand in stark contrast to the historic center, which is a great place to walk around.
Bursa has a lot to offer, including great mosques, mausoleums, and museums. The religious people who live there are also very friendly and open. Skiing is great on Mount Uludag, which is close by. If you want to do something warmer, there are a lot of great hamams in town.
Urfa
Urfa is also called Sanliurfa and “the Prophet’s City.” The town’s entire of beautiful old buildings, and many people come here to make pilgrimages or get their spirits up. The local bazaar has a very Middle Eastern feel, and it’s exciting to walk around and try to take in everything that’s happening.
Urban development projects are making the city change quickly, but the beautiful Dergah Park and Mosque Complex show the city’s long history. You must go to the ancient temple at Gobekli Tepe when in Urfa.
Trabzon
Trabzon is the busiest port on the Black Sea. Because it is on the old Silk Road, it has been fought over and ruled by various cultures and people for thousands of years. Even though the city is becoming more modern quickly, the medieval mosque of Aya Sofya is still the main attraction. There is a couple of other interesting places nearby.
Trabzon is full of life, and some great restaurants and cafes exist. Seeing the local soccer team play will be an unforgettable experience. Visit the beautiful Sumela Monastery or the nearby Uzungol Lake for a nice day trip.
Konya
Rumi, a famous Persian poet, used to live in Konya. Today, the city is recognized for its beautiful architecture from when it was the capital of the Rum Sultanate. It is a conservative city that is the area’s economic center and where more and more tourists come every year.
The Mausoleum of Rumi is one of the most interesting places to see, and the nearby ancient village of Sille is a fascinating look into the area’s past.
Edirne
That once capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne, has a rich history that you can see everywhere. Wonderful old imperial buildings, palaces, and mosques can be found throughout the city. For example, the Selimiye Mosque is a must-see in this lovely city, and the Old Quarter is a great place to walk around.
Due to its tactical location and closeness to Greece and Bulgaria, Edirne feels like it is in Europe, and there is a lot of tasty food to try. The summer, when the prestigious and conventional oil-wrestling festival of Kirkpinar is held, is a great time to go.
Kusadasi
Because there are so many package-tour companies in Kusadasi, a lively and fun city to visit, it is a popular place to spend a holiday. On the coast, there are many hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs for tourists to enjoy. The party scene is especially fun.
Aside from its beautiful beaches and breathtaking views of the sea, Kusadasi is close to some great historical and natural sites that make it well worth a visit. The Ephesus ruins are fascinating, and the Dilek Peninsula National Park is a great place to get in touch with nature.
Urgup
Most of the time, the small town of Urgup is quiet and easygoing. It is a great place to stay while exploring the beautiful area of Cappadocia in Turkey. Even though it’s a small town, the downtown area is very busy, so there are a lot of nice hotels, restaurants, and cafes for tourists to enjoy. Some of the cave hotels are especially memorable places to stay.
Even though there aren’t any “attractions,” the old rocky hillside and beautiful stone houses make it a nice place to visit. Since it is in the middle of a wine-making area, there are many great wines to try. From here, you can go to the amazing Churches of Goreme or take a hot air balloon ride over the beautiful area.
Antalya
The coast of Antalya, which is on the Gulf of Antalya, looks beautiful, and the tall cliffs give amazing views of the mountains in the distance. Antalya is a great place to visit because it has a lot of history. The narrow streets and lanes in the old center of Kaleici are lined with beautiful Ottoman houses, making it a fun place to walk around.
Nearby, you can stop at the Roman-era harbor and enjoy the sea breeze. There are a couple of nice beaches where you can relax. Once thought of as the entrance to the Turkish Riviera, it is a great location to visit because it has many things to see and do great places to eat, and great weather.