Country guide

Turkey

Spanning two continents and thousands of years of civilization, Turkey is a mesmerizing tapestry of ancient ruins, magnificent mosques, otherworldly landscapes, and vibrant bazaar culture. From the imperial grandeur of Istanbul's skyline to the surreal fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the pristine white terraces of Pamukkale, and the remarkably preserved streets of ancient Ephesus, Turkey offers an unparalleled journey through the crossroads of history, art, and natural beauty. With its warm hospitality, world-renowned cuisine, and a coastline stretching across four seas, it remains one of the most rewarding destinations on Earth.

  • AnkaraCapital
  • Turkish Lira (TRY)Currency
  • TurkishLanguage
  • About 85 millionPopulation
  • 7Attraction guides
Things to see

Top attractions in Turkey

Our guides to the main sights, with practical details and links to book tickets or tours where they exist.

Turkey · Religious Sites

Hagia Sophia

An architectural masterpiece blending Christian and Islamic heritage in the heart of Istanbul.

Turkey · Natural Attractions

Cappadocia

A surreal landscape of fairy-tale rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides.

Turkey · Religious Sites

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Istanbul's iconic imperial mosque, renowned for its six soaring minarets, cascading domes, and breathtaking interior adorned with over 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles.

Turkey · Historic Sites

Topkapi Palace

The magnificent imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries, housing priceless collections of jewels, relics, manuscripts, and the legendary Harem.

Turkey · Historic Sites

Ephesus

One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean world, featuring the magnificent Library of Celsus, a 25,000-seat Great Theatre, and remarkably intact Roman streets.

Turkey · Natural Wonders

Pamukkale

A stunning natural wonder of cascading white travertine terraces filled with turquoise thermal waters, crowned by the ancient Greco-Roman spa city of Hierapolis.

Turkey · Cultural Sites

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, a labyrinthine wonder of over 4,000 shops spanning 61 covered streets in the heart of Istanbul.

Where to base yourself

Cities in Turkey

Each city guide lists its attractions and links to things to do, tours and getting there.

4 attraction guides

Istanbul

The transcontinental metropolis bridging Europe and Asia, where Byzantine mosaics, Ottoman mosques, and a vibrant bazaar culture converge.

1 attraction guide

Goreme

The heart of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys, cave hotels, and unforgettable hot air balloon rides at sunrise.

City guide

Antalya

The gateway to Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast, a Mediterranean paradise of ancient ruins, golden beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

1 attraction guide

Selcuk

A charming town that serves as the gateway to ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world.

City guide

Bodrum

A glamorous Aegean resort town known for its medieval castle, turquoise waters, and vibrant marina culture.

1 attraction guide

Denizli

The gateway city to the spectacular white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

Book ahead

Popular tours in Turkey

Tours and day trips listed on Viator, ordered by their Viator rating and number of reviews.

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Selcuk

FOR CRUISERS: Skip The Lines PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR &On Time Return

THIS IS A PRIVATE TOUR FOR YOUR PARTY ONLY, THIS IS NOT A GROUP TOUR. Discover all the highlights of Ephesus with well-educated professional local tour guide. Visit one of the UNESCO…

5.0 (12,238 on Viator) 6 h Private tour Free cancellation listed
Istanbul

Best of Istanbul 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour

Visit highlights of Istanbul with your private tour guide in 1, 2 or 3 days with a flexible itinerary. Day 1 - Highlights of Topkapi Palace Museum, Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia…

5.0 (10,504 on Viator) 21 h Private tour Free cancellation listed
Selcuk

PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR FOR CRUISERS: On-time Return and Skip-Line

Discover the very best of Ephesus on a stress-free PRIVATE shore excursion designed for CRUISE PASSENGERS. With your own local guide and comfortable, air-conditioned Minivan, you’ll…

5.0 (9,442 on Viator) 6 h Private tour Free cancellation listed
Goreme

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride / Royal Balloon

Discover the stunning landscape of the Cappadocia region of Turkey from a hot-air balloon! Admire Cappadocia's beautiful scenery of tall, volcanic rock spires and high plateaus from the…

5.0 (8,563 on Viator) 3 h 30 min
Istanbul

Istanbul Bosphorus Sunset Cruise Experience on Luxury Yacht

Experience Istanbul’s magical sunset on a luxury Bosphorus cruise from Kabataş Pier. Enjoy drinks and light snacks as the golden sunset paints the city skyline, while your local guide…

4.9 (5,656 on Viator) 2 h 15 min Free cancellation listed
Goreme

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

Fly with the most boutique hot air balloon operator in Cappadocia over the Goreme National Park. What Brothers Balloon offers; -Safe Flight -Better Quality -Light Breakfast at take off…

5.0 (4,119 on Viator) 3 h Free cancellation listed
Istanbul

Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour - Spice Market & Ferry

Ready to taste the best food on both sides of Istanbul? Start with a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast in Europe in the heart of the historic Old City, before you sail across to…

5.0 (3,748 on Viator) 5 h 30 min Small group Free cancellation listed
Goreme

Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight / Discovery Balloons

Flying over the most beautiful valleys of Goreme National Park in Cappadocia where 150 balloons fly at the same time. Feel the safety of flying with the best chief pilots of Cappadocia…

5.0 (3,367 on Viator) 3 h Free cancellation listed
Goreme

Green (South) Tour Cappadocia (small group) with lunch and ticket

Hiking in Ihlara Valley to a classic village lunch, exploring the ancient monastery and underground city with its unique beauty. Green tour is a full day exploring the far southern…

5.0 (2,672 on Viator) 9 h Free cancellation listed

Tour details, ratings and review counts were last synced from Viator in October 2026. Prices change often, so check Viator for current prices and availability.

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Read next

Travel guides for Turkey

Food & Culture · 14 min read

Istanbul Food Guide: 15 Dishes You Must Try

From sizzling kebabs and flaky borek to syrupy baklava and strong Turkish tea, this guide covers the 15 essential dishes every visitor to Istanbul needs to eat.