From its lively culture and interesting history to its breathtaking natural beauty, Turkey is a country full of surprises. It’s no surprise that millions of tourists visit the nation each year. However, choosing which cities in Turkey are worthwhile visits might be difficult given the sheer number of them.
To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a list of cities in Turkey for visitors who want to take advantage of everything this wonderful nation has to offer.
There is something to explore for everyone, from vibrant metropolises with thriving nightlife and cultural attractions like Istanbul and Ankara to coastal towns with exquisite beaches like Bodrum and Antalya.
Every one of these places provides distinctive experiences that will make your vacation unforgettable. These cities offer something unique in store for every traveler, whether they are interested in historical monuments, outdoor activities, or simply want to get away from the rush of city life.
Cities In Turkey
- Istanbul
- Edirne
- Eskisehir
- Canakkale
- Izmir
- Denizli
- Bodrum
- Marmaris
- Fethiye
- Antalya
- Ankara
- Konya
- Samsun
- Nevsehir
- Trabzon
- Van
Istanbul
The history and culture of Istanbul date back to 2000 B.C. It is one of the most visited cities in Turkey and is situated on the Bosporus Strait, where Asia and Europe meet.
Istanbul is a must-see location on your Turkey itinerary since it has served as the home to several civilizations over the years. From its famous skyline adorned with stunning architecture to its bustling markets, exciting nightlife, and top-notch restaurants, this city is simply amazing.
Shop at the Grand Bazaar, take a boat on the Bosphorus and join a Kadikoy Food Tour in addition to visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Istanbul has everything.
With the White House Hotel Istanbul’s prime location in the city’s centre, all the major attractions are easily accessible on foot. They provide breakfast while you’re there as well as transportation to and from the airport.
Edirne
Before 1453, when Constantinople fell, Edirne was a significant Byzantine metropolis that served as the Ottoman capital. The Selimiye Mosque, constructed in 1575 by famed Ottoman architect Sinan, is one example of the exquisite architecture from several centuries that the area is today recognized for.
Additionally, visitors may meander through the cobblestone lanes of Old Town Edirne or examine the remains of ancient Roman fortifications.
The primary highways that connect Europe to Istanbul pass via Edirne, which is situated along the London to Istanbul Railway.
Hilly Hotel is a calm and tranquil hotel for visitors to Edirne, Turkey. The hotel has family rooms and suites available for your stay, as well as complimentary WiFi and breakfast.
Eskisehir
The city of Eskisehir, which is situated on the Porsuk River, lies in the northwest of Turkey.
Visitors adore visiting the stunning Kursunlu Kulliyesi complex to view the caravansary, kitchen, and mosque. This is a great area to wander around local neighbourhoods and observe the colourful old wooden houses. There are also nearby museums.
The ideal location for soaking in the nearby thermal springs is Tasigo Eskisehir Bademilik Thermal. A Turkish bath, saunas, steam rooms, thermal hot tubs, and other amenities are available in the hotel’s spa.
Canakkale
Between 3000 and 2000 B.C., Canakkale served as the location of the ancient city of Troy. Today, you may go to the location where they thought Troy to be, go to the Troy Museum, and view a Trojan horse facsimile.
Learn about the First World War’s Battle of Gallipoli and pay your respects to the fallen troops by visiting the memorials. You may also make a side excursion to Bozcaada, an island in the Aegean Sea that is held by Turkey.
Visitor activities include fishing and wine tasting at one of the many nearby vineyards, as well as seeing historic sites like the Greek Temple of Dionysus.
With access to the beachfront boardwalk and views of the Dardanelles Strait, Double Tree by Hilton Canakkale is conveniently placed.
Izmir
The third-largest city in Turkey is Izmir. It serves as a major hub for tourists going to Ephesus and the Aegean coast.
View mosques, historic churches, the Agora of the old city of Smyrna, ancient Greek ruins, and stunning hilltop vistas. Day outings are fantastic here as well.
Take a half-day journey to Ephesus or spend the day lazing around Pamukkale’s hot springs.
The Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir is situated on the renowned Kordon Promenade along the Aegean shore in the centre of Izmir. Numerous pubs, cafés, restaurants, and stunning sunset views can be found in the walking area.
Denizli
One of Turkey’s well-known cities, Denizli is home to the historic city of Hieropolis as well as the well-known thermal springs and travertine pools of Pamukkale.
The Ataturk Ethnography Museum, the ancient city of Laodicea, and Kaklik Cave are further attractions in Denizli.
In Pamukkale, the Doga Thermal Health & Spa offers air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, and contemporary rooms. The hotel offers both indoor and outdoor thermal pools as well as spa services.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast that is well-known for its nightlife, beaches, and live music. There are five-star resorts, upscale stores, and stunning sea vistas.
Explore Bodrum Castle, the historic remains of Mausolus, go on a blue cruise along the Turkish Riviera, go by boat to the Turkish Maldives, and unwind on the sand beaches.
Visit the nearby wineries for a touch of luxury, or get a taste of the local cuisine by taking a cooking class or visiting a farmer’s market.
The Marmara Bodrum is a five-star hotel for adults only with hilltop views of Bodrum and poolside views of the Aegean Sea that extend 180 degrees. Lounge at the exclusive beach club or unwind at the on-site spa. Everyone may enjoy their stay with the choice of suites with a view of the garden or the sea.
Marmaris
Turkish coastal city of Marmaris is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, lovely sand beaches, clean waters, and as a gathering place for yachts and gulets cruising the Mediterranean coast.
Marmaris is also an excellent starting point for day visits to adjacent attractions like Iztuzu Beach and the Dalyan mud springs.
In addition to a private beach, water sports, indoor and outdoor pools, and spa facilities, Marmaris’ TUI BLUE Grand Azur is a classy beachfront resort. Turkish culture is also promoted at this all-inclusive resort with culinary lessons, a hammam, and language classes.
Fethiye
With its beautiful beaches, mountains, mix of outdoor activities, and history, Fethiye is the ideal Turkish city to begin a journey along the turquoise coast. There is something for everyone. The area’s primary attractions are the Fethiye Rock Tombs and Kayakoy Greek Village.
Adventurers have the option of paragliding over the magnificent Oludeniz Beach or relaxing on a day cruise on the Mediterranean. Rejoice, hikers, for the renowned Lycian Way is right outside your door.
In the heart of Fethiye’s city centre, the luxurious and chic Yacht Classic Hotel is a boutique hotel on the sea that is convenient to numerous nearby tourist destinations.
To enjoy their well-regarded restaurant and bar, you may either stay on-site or go to nearby restaurants, cafés and pubs. Enjoy a meal amidst the marina’s magnificent ships or unwind in the cabanas by the pool.
Antalya
With the spectacular Taurus Mountains on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, Antalya is one of the best coastal cities in Turkey to visit.
Visit the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos as well as Termessos, which is located on a mountain. Spend the day at one of Antalya’s numerous well-known beaches or go on a breathtaking boat excursion and swim in the Mediterranean.
Visit one of the numerous Turkish restaurants in the area to enjoy the regional Mediterranean cuisine. A popular place to stay in Antalya is the Sea Life Hotel, which is a beachfront hotel on Konyaalti Beach.
It offers free WiFi, beach views, convenient proximity to restaurants, cafés, and bars, as well as a private beach with day-use umbrellas and lounge chairs.
Ankara
Turkey’s capital and political hub, Ankara, is located in Central Anatolia. It is renowned for its magnificent architecture from many centuries, including the Ataturk Mausoleum, which was constructed in 1953 in memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the architect of contemporary Turkey.
Historical sites including Anitkabir, Kzlay Square, top-notch shopping, and opera and ballet performances are all available to tourists.
The JW Marriott Ankara is located in the heart of Ankara’s political and commercial district and offers WiFi, contemporary decor, floor-to-ceiling windows, and spa and pool amenities. The hotel is adjacent to popular sights, as well as neighbouring eateries and coffee shops.
Konya
A centre for Turkish culture, Konya is well known for Sufism and the Whirling Dervishes. The well-known Mevlana Museum, Rumi’s (the Sufi mystic) tomb, and the magnificent Selimiye Mosque are all located nearby.
There are a lot of historical places to see, like the Sultanhani Caravansaray, the Catalhoyuk ancient village, and the Alaeddin Mosque, one of Turkey’s oldest mosques.
Try the native food in Konya and take a Konya Highlights Tour to experience it all. Only 13 rooms make up the historic boutique Hich Hotel Konya, which is located immediately close to the Mevlana Museum.
This hotel blends old and new, offering traditional comforts like handmade Turkish carpets and exposed brick walls with more contemporary amenities like room service and WiFi.
Samsun
Turkey’s Black Sea city of Samsun is renowned for both its historical significance and its contemporary allure. It is well known that Mustafa Kemal Ataturk ignited the Turkish War of Independence in this city, which resulted in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
Visit Sahinkaya Canyon for breathtaking vistas and a riverboat ride. Visit the Samsun Archaeological Museum, as well as the village and waterfall of Karacaoren.
Modern rooms at the Sheraton Grande Samsun Hotel with views of the ocean and a private beach. Your stay includes a sumptuous breakfast, and the helpful staff will be happy to assist you in any way they can.
Nevsehir
Nevsehir, which is a part of Turkey’s renowned Cappadocia region, serves as the principal airport in the area. Atop Nevsehir Castle, you may enjoy stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
After that, take a hot air balloon flight above the fairy chimneys and valleys in Cappadocia’s center by entering Goreme National Park. After that, visit the subterranean cities at a depth of 4-5 storeys before taking in the region’s twilight.
The refurbished stone rooms of the Konak Kale Cave Hotel are located in a typical cave (the rooms are caves!). You may witness spectacular views of the dawn, hot air balloons, and scenery from the lovely terrace at Uchisar, which is close to Nevsehir.
Trabzon
Trabzon is another Black Sea city in Turkey with a rich history and beautiful surroundings that you’ll want to discover.
The Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum, the cliffside Sumela Monastery, and Trabzon Castle are some of our favorite places to visit. Visit an old Ottoman Bridge and have a tea tasting on a tour of the charming town of Uzungol.
The My White Residence Trabzon property has magnificent gardens, a water sports complex, and a private beach on the Black Sea. The region is ideal for city and neighbourhood exploration.
Van
On the banks of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest salt lake, sits the city of Van. Visiting one of the breakfast salons in Van, which serve up to 70 different breakfast items, is a must-do activity.
After filling up on food and getting ready for the day, tourists can go to Akdamar Island in Lake Van, the Van Museum, or trek up to Van Castle. Visit Van Cat House for more information on the renowned Turkish white cats with one blue and one yellow eye.
Only a few minutes outside of the city centre, the Ramada by Wyndham Van is situated on Lake Van’s shoreline. Beautiful lake views, contemporary conveniences, and a superb Turkish breakfast are all provided by this hotel.
Conclusion
From the bustling metropolises of Istanbul and Ankara to coastal cities like Bodrum or Antalya, Turkey has something for everyone.
These top cities in Turkey offer unique experiences and no shortage of amazing places to explore on your next trip. Whether you’re looking for historical sites, outdoor adventures, or just some time away from it all, there are many cities and off-the-beaten-path places to visit.