When thinking about Turkey, most people recall scenes of the Aegean sea: a kaleidoscopic cyan surface, light skipping along beaches in Antalya, and people dancing into the early hours of the morning. Others may conjure up images of Istanbul, with its Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus Strait. Amongst a select group of those in-the-know however, the destination has also started to be reimagined beyond balmy beaches and city centres.
History enthusiasts travelling to Turkey are now seeking out remnants from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. From spectacular churches converted into mosques, grand bathhouses and Baroque palaces, to gorges and subterranean cave cities – here's our pick of the best things to do in Turkey.
A long weekend is ample time if you're looking to stay put in one place during their stay. Readily available domestic flights allow easy travel around the country, but you should allow yourself a week or two to do so comfortably.
For wandering around historical sites, exploring cities, and hiking through deep canyons, the milder climate in spring and autumn is preferable. It tends to get too damp and chilly for these activities during winter, though the ski resorts in Uludag and Palandöken are always a great alternative. Looking to lounge by the pool? Anytime between May and August is recommended.
The best things to do in Turkey
The 'Turkish Riviera' is garnering quite a reputation amongst travellers. At luxury resorts in Bodrum, visitors dart in and out of inky waters until the very last dredges of sun slip behind the horizon. When the cacophony of tourists becomes overwhelming during Bodrum’s high season in August, locals tend to escape to the sequestered Six Senses Kaplankaya. Located in a pint-size coastal town, the resort has an onsite hammam, watersport classes, and a pioneering wellness programme.
Other popular beaches include the Blue Lagoon in Ölüdeniz and the resort-filled Antalya. For a more secluded option, head to Kabak beach in Fethiye. Nestled between pine forest-laden mountains, the beach is accessible by a steep hiking trail – only the determined will reach the undisturbed white sands below.
Part of the UNESCO-protected Göreme National Park, Cappadocia is steeped in honeycombed mounds, soaring fairy chimneys, and shrouded coves. Most tourists seek out fast thrills and aerial views, clambering into one of the wicker baskets flitting across the region’s skyline. Follow their lead and head towards the clouds, but be sure to also spend a few days exploring Cappadocia by foot; 85 metres below the region’s surface lies a subterranean city once home to 20,000 inhabitants. At Argos in Cappadocia, visitors can even get a sense of how ancient civilisations used to live in the hotel’s restored luxury cave rooms which once formed part of an ancient village.
Although relatively unknown in comparison to French or Italian wines, Turkey has one of the oldest wine traditions in the world. The region’s climate and diverse grape varieties, with over 1,2000 indigenous types, ensure that there are a myriad to sample. For those just looking to dip their toes into the scene, there is an impressive selection available at Pano Wine Bar Istanbul, which has been around since 1898.
If you are able to venture further afield, I would encourage a trip to the Aegan Coast. The Isabey Vineyard is well known for their Sauvignon Blanc, whilst the Lucien Arkas Vineyards specialise in organic wine produced from grapes harvested at moonlight in order to maintain their freshness. The results are sweet and fruity, with their Mon Rêve Marselan oozing deep hints of sour cherries and vanilla. In Cappadocia, visitors can also sample Emir wines. This native white grape variety has benefited from the region’s volcanic soils, ensuring the end product possesses distinct mineral notes and a crisp acidity. Tasting sessions can be organised at the Turasan Wineries or at Argos in Cappadocia, who have their our Gülşehir and Sofular vineyards.
Stretching across two continents, Turkey has a vast array of natural wonders. Thrill seekers tend to head straight for Turkey’s highest peak at snow-capped Mount Ararat, which stands steadfast as a dormant volcano in easternmost Turkey. More casual hikers can head up to the Lycian Way walking trail; crumbling amphitheatres, rugged pine forests, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea are all located along the 539 km stretch from Fethiye to Antalya. Also in southwestern Turkey, the Saklikent Gorge is another popular spot amongst wanderers, with the canyon itself cloaked by imposing limestone walls. At Pamukkale – meaning ‘Cotton Castle’ in Turkish – chalky travertine terraces of calcium deposits play host to turquoise pools.
Turkey has a plethora of historical sites, including the UNESCO-protected Perge, Aspendos, and Aphrodisias. Located around two hours away from Bodrum, Ephesus is a great option for a group looking for a blend of culture and relaxation. The most important Greek city on the Coast of Ionia, Ephesus is home to the multi-storied Library of Cesus and the soaring Temple of Artemis.
Another notable site is the mountainous Nemrut National Park in the southeast region of Anatolia. Once part of the Kingdom of Commagene - a Hellenist political entity - the ancient tomb sanctuary is surrounded by statues of Greek and Iranian gods. Be sure to stay for sunset to see the statues' terracotta glow.
Perched along the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Istanbul has long been a pitstop for travellers. Tick off all the classics in the historic Sultanahmet District first, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Afterwards, move onto the other architectural triumphs of the city: peruse an eclectic mix of Baroque, Ottoman, and Neoclassical architectural styles at the Dolmabahçe Palace and enjoy vistas of Istanbul’s skyline from the medieval Galata tower.
For those more geared towards the contemporary, Istanbul’s Museum of Modern Art exhibits a rage of work from notable Turkish artists produced after the first half of the twentieth century. Conveniently located inside the Galataport complex, the museum is next to a recently renovated Ottoman-era post office exhibiting Turkish artisanal brands; Atelier Rebul is well known for their perfumes and Adamo sells natural leather goods.
There are plenty of wonderful dining opportunities in the city, including the Michelin-approved Yeni Lokanta, which serves classic Turkish manti dumplings filled with meat. Some alternative, no-fuss options can be found on the Asian side of the city, with the Kadiköy market a favourite amongst local foodies. Stock up on hearty lamb stew served on a bed of eggplant at family run eatery Ciya Sofrasi and crispy lahmacun doused in lemon at Halil Lahmacun. Be sure to shop for spices to take home, too - the market is far cheaper than the tourist traps of the Sultanahmet district.
The hammam ritual is believed to have been introduced to Turkey during the Seljuk period, though the practise truly flourished after the fourteenth century under the Ottoman rule. During this period, a whole host of bathhouses were constructed featuring a mixture of Roman and Byzantine architecture; glittering marble interiors, soaring cupola adorned ceilings, and star shaped starlights all featured heavily. In these palatial surroundings, attendants would enjoy the ancient communal bathing ritual. First, visitors would acclimate to the elevated temperature on a warm marble bed before being rigorously scrubbed and massaged by an attendant.
Today, a handful of historic hammams are reviving the practise. The best by far is the recently converted Zeyrek Çinili Hamam, where tourists can learn about the region’s historic wellness culture at the bathhouses’ onsite museum before visiting the renovated 500-year-old baths themselves. Other spots in the city include the sixteenth century Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamam or eighteenth century Cağaloğlu Hammam. Bathhouses can be found throughout the country, with Argos in Cappadocia even boasting an underground hammam in a repurposed monastic settlement. Unlike the older spots boasting domes with patterned skylights, this hammam is all about smooth, speckled marble interiors and low-lit intimacy.
Things to know
Weather: Winter tends to be surprisingly chilly in Turkey; temperatures hover below ten degrees celsius in Istanbul and snowfall is common further inland. The weather sits between a comfortable mid-teens and low-20 degrees celsius during Autumn and Spring, reaching the mid-30 degree celsius range during the high season of July and August.
Currency: Turkish Lira
Transportation and how to get around: A reliable tram and ferry service runs within Istanbul, allowing visitors to traverse between the European and Asian side with ease. Taxis are also a safe option, as are Uber and InDrive, though it is best to carry cash when using these options. For travel between destinations in Turkey, domestic flights and night busses are readily available at reasonable prices.
Visa requirements: None, but stays are limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.
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