Turkey Landmarks

With its dazzling culture, ancient history and fabulous food, Turkey is a wonderland for the senses. Here are the top 25 landmarks not to miss when you’re fortunate enough to visit.

1. Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) 

Touted as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, the Byzantine Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) is a grand monument to old Constantinople’s power. Notice the delicate minarets of the exterior and the elaborately frescoed interiors. 

2. Ephesus 

History buffs are wood by the mighty ruin of Ephesus and its marble-columned roads and massive monuments. This is one of the most complete Roman cities in the region, offering an insightful look at life in the golden age of the Roman Empire.

3. Cappadocia 

If you can, view Cappadocia from above in a hot-air balloon at dawn. No matter how you experience it, you’ll find the landscape surreal and dream-like. Marvel at rippling rock formations and Byzantine rock-cut churches. 

4. Goreme National Park 

Cappadocia is within Goreme National Park, and while you should enjoy the water and wind-eroded landscapes of those valleys, there is much more to do here. Stay in a cave hotel in Goreme, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to view cave churches and cave towns and the Kaymakli Underground City. 

5. Topkapi Palace 

Imagine the opulent life of a sultan as you tour the decadent interiors - think exquisite tiling and lavish jewels - of Topkapi Palace. Don’t miss the lush green space surrounding the palace, once the domain of the Royal Court. 

6. Pamukkale

In English, Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle” and there really is no better way to describe it. This natural wonder consists of pure white travertine terraces, down which turquoise water cascades, a startlingly beautiful juxtaposition with the surrounding green landscape. Visit the ruins of Roman Hierapolis, an ancient spa town, atop Pamukkale. 

7. Sumela Monastery 

Built into a cliffside, the Byzantine-era Sumela Monastery (Monastery of the Virgin Mary) is a highlight of the Black Sea Coast. The religious complex is long abandoned but gives visitors plenty to see, with its dazzling frescoes and empty monk cells. 

8. Mount Nemrut 

In Eastern Turkey, don’t miss Mount Nemrut, with its summit funerary mound. Indulge your archaeological wonderings as you gaze upon the giant stone heads of ancient gods that are placed to stare out into the distance from atop the barren mountain. 

9. Ani 

Near the Armenian border with Turkey, the remains of Ani - once a powerful Silk Road city - may be crumbling, but they’re somehow as impressive as ever. The red-brick structures rise up from the steppe grass, reminding all who visit of Ani’s golden age. Visit, too, the Church of the Redeemer and the Church of St. Gregory, where you can still view elaborate stone masonry and frescoes. 

10. Aspendos

An easy half-day trip from nearby Antalya or Side, the mammoth Roman Theater of Aspendos is a commemoration of Marcus Aurelius’ rule. It is considered to be one of the best examples of a classical-age theater still standing. 

11. Pergamum 

From its beautiful hilltop perch, the Greco-Roman ruins of Pergamum boast sweeping views of the surrounding area. One of the ancient world’s most important libraries was situated here and today you can wander around the temple remains, Acropolis area and theater. 

12. Oludeniz 

Celebrate Turkey’s abundant natural beauty at Oludeniz, known for its turquoise-blue water, lush green forest and white-sand beach. If you’re up for it, try paragliding from Babadag Mountain, which rises above the beach - it’s one of the world’s top destinations for the sport. 

13. Antalya  

Spend a day, at least, in this bustling Mediterranean city with two beaches, a delightful, cobblestoned Old Town and more. Don’t miss the Antalya Museum to see the Hellenistic and Roman marble statuary. 

14. Safranbolu

You’ll feel as if you’ve stumbled into a postcard when visiting this well-preserved Ottoman town, full of winding alleyways, beautifully restored mansions and charming boutiques and restaurants. Slow down, soak up the old world atmosphere and rest up for your further explorations of Turkey. 

15. Patara 

Patara reigns as Turkey’s most famous beach. It’s 11 miles long, giving you plenty of room to roam, even in the dog days of summer. Be sure to explore the ruins of Ancient Patara, not far from the beach, with its colonnaded street, old parliament and massive theater. 

16. Grand Bazaar

Sure, you can shop ‘til you drop at this famous Istanbul market - for everything from traditional Turkish souvenirs to local handicrafts - but as you do, take a moment to appreciate its age (500 years) and ancient style of architecture. The shops are arranged in a maze and the elaborate decor - colorful artwork, intricate tile everywhere - will continually catch your eye as you peruse textiles, produce, jewelry and more. 

17. Manavgat Waterfalls 

If you’re in the Antalya region, don’t miss the Manavgat Waterfalls, flowing from the slopes of Mount Seytan. The waterfall is impressively wide and a pretty spot for a picnic and perhaps a very refreshing swim.

18. Ruins of Aphrodisias 

Add this one to your life list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This well-preserved, intact UNESCO site in Anatolia contains ruins dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. Check out the ruined temple (repurposed as a basilica full of Christian objects), sculptures and artifacts from this small Greek city’s past. 

19. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s finest landmarks, located in the city’s historic center where it is joined by the Golden Horn and Hagia Sophia. The structure gets its names from the 20,000 blue tiles that line the interior ceiling, emblazoned with various images of flowers, trees and geometric designs. Notice, too, that the Blue Mosque has six minarets around its giant dome - most mosques have one, two or four minarets. 

20. Mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi 

If you’re a Rumi fan, don’t miss his mausoleum, the most visited shrine in all of Turkey. Admirers of his ancient Sufi poetry will want to include Konya on their itinerary to feel at one with the master in this beautiful mausoleum, known for its color, Turkish-style domed architecture and etched Rumi verses. 

21. Van Lake 

Explore Turkey’s natural side with a visit to Van Lake near the Iran border. This second-biggest lake in the Middle East boasts several ancient Urartian sites. Tour the edges of the lake or take a ferry to one of the islands. Carpanak Island is a favorite of nature lovers and photographers, whereas Akdamar Island is home to a beautiful Armenian monastery. 

22. Myra Ruins

Accessible via the Lycian Way hiking trail or by bus from Antalya or Kas, the Myra Ruins in Demre date back to the 4th century BC. Check out the extensive rock-cut tombs, sprawling ancient theater and stone-face carvings, all cut into the side of a mountain. While you’re here, visit the 6th-century tomb of Saint Nicholas (the actual saint, not the jolly red-suited guy who delivers Christmas gifts). 

23. Bodrum Castle 

Learn about the ancient shipwrecks of the Aegean Sea and see recovered glass, coins and vases in Bodrum Castle’s Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The castle, on the southwestern coast of Anatolia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built at the beginning of the 15th century. It was a fortification and refuge for area Christians and was taken over by the Ottoman Empire in 1522. 

24. Dolmabahce Palace 

A must-see in Istanbul, the mid-19th-century Ottoman palace was built to replace the former Topkapi Palace as a more modern residence for Sultan Abdulmecid I. It is mind-blowingly opulent with 285 rooms, 46 hallways and 6 hammam baths in Ottoman, Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical styles. 

25. Hattusha (Hattusa)

Visit the ruins of the capital of the Hittite empire during the Bronze Age, a city said to have been founded around 2000 BC. After the Bronze Age, the city was completely abandoned until it’s rediscovery in 1883 by French archaeologist Charles Texier. Today’s visitors find small temples, the Sphinx Gate and the famous rock sanctuary of Yazilikaya.