Looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Turkey in 2023? This post will show you all the must-visit places in this beautiful Eurasia country.
Turkey, the perfect blend of modern European elegance and classic Muslim allure with the array of landmarks, museums, and natural wonders ready to be explored, has been top of the list of many travelers in the past decade. As time passes, the country has been ageing like fine wine.
With the mesmerizing backdrop of golden sunsets with numerous hot air balloons dotting the sky in Cappadocia, the jaw-dropping refinement of the Hagia Sophia, the food carts lining the streets selling traditional Turkish delicacies, Turkey is a must-visit if you are looking for a country with old-school charm together with modern-day luxuries.
But with so many attractive options to choose from, which places should one visit to see the best of the country in a limited amount of time.
This article will be detailing the top ten places in Turkey that should be on one’s itinerary when visiting this beautiful country.
So let’s get started!
Cappadocia
If one is talking about the best places to visit in Turkey, Cappadocia always occupies a spot.
The city, with its unique landscape fashioned by years of winds and volcanoes, is teeming with tourists year-round. Cappadocia is famous for its hot air balloon rides.
The massive fire-driven balloons soaring over the valleys at dusk or dawn make for an unforgettable experience.
The village of Göreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which boasts a collection of mystical rock-cut churches with frescoes lining the inner walls depicting the importance of Byzantine religious values, is also a famous choice for many visitors.
For a nature lover who wants to explo
Istanbul
The city of Istanbul, coveted by numerous Asian and European conquerors, forms the site joining Europe and Asia.
The first order of business when in Istanbul is visiting the Hagia Sophia, which is considered an architectural wonder of its time, and one of the best landmarks in Istanbul.
The building, which has served as a mosque, a church, and even a museum, has an interior that will leave you dumbfounded.
The Topkapi Palace (also known as the Topkapı Sarayı) is another must-visit site, boasting a dazzling display of Islamic art, luxurious courtyards, stunning decorated rooms with intricate hand-painted tilework.
Built in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque, with six minarets, is another building displaying the excellence of Muslim architecture.
The Basilica Cisterns located underground are a surprising tourist attraction in Istanbul.
The massive space supported by 336 columns in 12 neat rows was used to store water for the Byzantine emperors.
There’s also the option of strolling across the Hippodrome, which was a site for famous chariot races and also a gathering spot for the locals back in the day.
Other than that, there’s also Istanbul Archaeology Museum with long galleries displaying stunning neoclassical artefacts, Süleymaniye Mosque with its traditional Ottoman design, the Mısır Çarşısı or the Spice Bazaar, which displays local
Blue Lagoon, Oludeniz
Located off the southern coast of Turkey, the Blue Lagoon is easily one of the most exotic locations on the planet.
The soft white sands contrasting sharply with the bright turquoise waters are a sight for sore eyes after the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Blue Lagoon is separated from the main beach by a narrow strip of sand, where you can paddle into the warm water and relax.
Lounge on the pristine sands with the right sun shining overhead while you top up your tan or wade into the shallow azure waters, snorkel to the floor and discover the vibrant species lining the bottom.
Rent a paddleboat to explore the tricky nooks and crannies of the beach, the sense of calm serenity one experiences here is unparalleled.
Bodrum
Known for its sun-warmed coasts, Bodrum is the perfect destination for the beach bum traveller.
With its marina full of bobbing yachts, calm Aegean waters, and stunning coastal attractions, Bodrum will sweep you off your feet with its beauty and graceful charm.
The Castle Of St. Peter, which tops the list of most tourists visiting Bodrum, is a 15th-century structure entrusted with the task of defending the city many times.
The inner layout consists of various towers, including the French Tower, English Tower with a sculpted lion, and the Gatineau Tower, which leads to the dark dungeons.
One of the main attractions of Bodrum is the Gulet cruises which take you through the vast inky waters snaking through lush green islands and valleys.
You can opt for eight-day cruises which pass through the Gulf of Gokova, where the small bays eventually give way to the pine-clad mountains.
The cruise also explores the Seven Islands, each unique in its beauty and magnificence, and remind me of the beautiful islands in Croatia.
