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Best Places to Visit in Turkey

The 16 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.

Gobekli Tepe and Sanliurfa

The places, most named first

From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in turkey"

Named by 6 of 81. IstanbulMarmara, TurkeySits on both Europe and Asia; the historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Main sights are Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar; plan 3 to 4 days.Best time to visit Istanbul
Named by 5 of 82. CappadociaCentral Anatolia, TurkeyKnown for fairy chimneys and cave hotels; sunrise hot air balloon rides are the signature activity.Almost 700 km from Istanbul; plan 2 to 3 days.
Named by 5 of 83. EphesusAegean coast, TurkeyOne of the best-preserved ancient cities, with the Library of Celsus and a Great Theatre seating up to 25,000.About 1 hour south of Izmir; Kusadasi is the closest base.

Named by 4 of 84. PamukkaleAegean inland, TurkeyWhite travertine terraces filled with warm mineral water, with the Roman ruins of Hierapolis above.A full day is enough; going early morning or late afternoon avoids crowds.

Named by 4 of 85. AntalyaMediterranean coast, TurkeyThe main beach resort hub, with large all-inclusive resorts; best April to October per one guide.Has Kaleici old town, Duden Waterfalls and Konyaalti Beach.Best time to visit Antalya

Named by 3 of 86. BodrumAegean coast, TurkeyA beach town opposite the Greek island of Kos, known for marinas and nightlife.Hot, dry and windy summers; June to September is the favorable stretch per one guide.

Named by 2 of 87. FethiyeMediterranean coast, TurkeyPart of the Mediterranean coast known for beaches and paragliding at Oludeniz.Pairs well with Kas for coastline and small-town charm.

Named by 2 of 88. Gobekli Tepe and SanliurfaSoutheast Anatolia, TurkeyHome to what is described as the oldest known temple, about 11,000 years old.Gobekli Tepe lies 17 km northeast of Sanliurfa.

Named by 2 of 89. MarmarisAegean coast, TurkeyA small city on the Aegean shore suited to a couple of days or a longer base, with Rhodes a short trip away.

Named by 2 of 810. IzmirAegean coast, TurkeyA coastal city with a busy waterfront promenade, said to be livelier in the evening.

Named by 2 of 811. TrabzonBlack Sea, TurkeyGreen landscapes on the Black Sea with Sumela Monastery set on cliffs; autumn suits the foliage.

12. AlanyaMediterranean coast, TurkeySecond most beautiful Mediterranean city after Antalya per this source, with beaches that can be used for sunbathing even in January.

13. DidimAegean coast, TurkeyA lesser-known Aegean beach town with sandy beaches, shallow water and the Temple of Apollo.

14. GallipoliMarmara, TurkeyA memorial to the First World War Gallipoli Campaign.

15. AnkaraCentral Anatolia, TurkeyThe capital and second largest city after Istanbul, in the Anatolian center.

16. Safranbolu and MardinAnatolia, TurkeySafranbolu is an Ottoman heritage town with preserved wooden houses; Mardin is a stone city on a hill.

Fares from your city

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When to go

Travel guides most often name April to May and September to October as the best time to visit Turkey.

Turkey month by monthWeather, crowds and what's on

Questions people ask

How many days in Turkey is enough?: The Holidify guide suggests two regions for a week and three for ten days; separate pages suggest 3 to 4 days in Istanbul and 2 to 3 in Cappadocia.
Which area of Turkey is best for a holiday?: Holidify says the Mediterranean coast around Antalya, Fethiye and Oludeniz is the beach and paragliding end; Antalya is the default beach-first choice.
What is the best time to visit Turkey?: One guide names spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) for pleasant weather and smaller crowds.

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Best Places to Visit in Turkey: 16 Places, Ranked by How Many Guides Name Them