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10 Most popular cities in Turkey to visit
Ready to explore Turkey? This guide highlights the 10 best Turkey cities to visit, from cosmopolitan Istanbul to bewitching Ephesus.
Turkey is a great travel destination — perfect for both quick family vacations and month-long nomadic adventures. There’s a city for every type of mood.
You’ve got seaside resort towns on the Aegean coast for relaxing beach days, and historical cities like Istanbul and Ephesus for cultural experiences.
Or, if you’re looking for adventure, you can visit mountainous regions like Cappadocia, to view the world from above from a hot air balloon.
If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, but having trouble figuring out your itinerary, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our full guide to the best Turkey cities to visit, along with how you can experience them at their best.
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1. Istanbul: The heart of Turkey
Istanbul is one of the best cities in Turkey for history enthusiasts and fans of getting immersed in busy urban life.
At various different points in history, the city on the Bosphorus Strait was the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires. You’ll find this legacy in its breathtaking architecture and rich cuisine.
| Travel tip: Most museums in Istanbul cost between $14 USD and $25 to enter. To save money, try the MuseumPass İstanbul E-Card. It costs around $110 and gives you five days of entry to 13 popular places including the Topkapi Palace and the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. |
Top attractions
- Visit historic sites like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace.
- Climb to the top of the Galata Tower for 360-degree, panoramic views of the city.
- Go shopping at the Grand Bazaar — one of the largest, covered markets in the world. It consists of 4000 shops in 61 streets and you can find everything from jewelry to spices.
- Cruise the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy views of Istanbul’s skyline and the opulent waterfront palaces.
- If you’re traveling in April, definitely check out the Istanbul Tulip Festival. For the best tulip displays, we suggest you head to Emirgan Park, Gülhane Park, or Hidiv Kasri.
| Travel tip: Book your hotel in Sultanahmet (close to most tourist attractions like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque) or Beyoglu (close to streets like Istiklal Avenue that have the best pubs and shopping areas in the city). Before you arrive, check if your phone works in Turkey, to make navigating this fabulous city as easy as possible. |
2. Cappadocia: The fairy-tale landscape
Cappadocia is not a city, it’s a large region in central Turkey that comprises cities like Göreme, Ürgüp, Uçhisar, Avanos, and Nevşehir. Most people stay at Göreme — it’s centrally located and has the best tourist infrastructure like public transport, restaurants, and tour operators.
The Cappadocia region has the best cities to visit in Turkey for hot air ballooning. If that’s on your bucket list, this is where to check it off.
Summer is the ideal time for this, but it’ll be incredibly hot so make sure to add sunscreen and sunglasses to your Turkey packing list.
Another feature that’s pretty unique to the Cappadocia region is cave hotels. Book your stay at one of the many cave hotels in Göreme for an experience that’ll take you back centuries.
Top attractions
- Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches dating back to the Byzantine era.
- Check out the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, which once sheltered thousands of people from invaders.
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the ‘fairy chimneys’ (cone-shaped rock formations) of Pasabag (Monks Valley).
| Travel tip: If you’re looking for a slower pace, skip Göreme and book your stay in Avanos. It’s more relaxed and you can even try your hand at pottery-making in local workshops. |
3. Antalya: The Turkish Riviera
Antalya is a modern city located on the Mediterranean Sea in southwestern Turkey. It’s a popular tourist destination, often referred to as the “Turkish Riviera” due to its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and mountainous backdrops.
It’s also a lot more liberal than other Turkish cities and has a thriving nightlife and party scene.
But it’s more than just seaside resorts and secluded coves. Antalya has some of the most well-preserved ruins in the country.
And if you’ve got a day to spare, take a trip to Termessos in the Taurus Mountains. While the hike up the ruins might be steep, you’ll find a city that’s been almost untouched for centuries.
Top attractions
- Wander through Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic old town filled with narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate.
- Spend a day relaxing at one of the beaches like Lara (great for watersports) or Konyaaltı (family-friendly with many parks, cafes, and playgrounds).
- Relax at the Lower Düden Waterfalls, a beautiful spot where the river plunges directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Explore historic sites like the Aspendos Theatre (one of the best-preserved Roman theaters) and the ancient ruins of Perge (famous for its Roman baths).
| Travel tip: For the best nightlife, head to Kaleiçi. You’ll find some great clubs there, including Holly Stone, The Rock Bar, and BLACK Live Antalya. |
4. Izmir: The pearl of the Aegean
Izmir, on the western coast of Turkey, is a vibrant city known for its beautiful Aegean coastline, historic ruins, and progressive vibe (and nightlife).
This is also why it’s often called Turkey’s San Francisco, making it a preferred destination for young travelers.
One activity we recommend is the Culinary Walk, a six-hour experience where you’ll sample traditional dishes while learning about the local cuisine.
| Travel tip: Plan your visit in October to attend the Izmir European Jazz Festival, which has been bringing together Jazz artists and enthusiasts since 1994. |
Top attractions
- Explore the ruins of the Agora of Smyrna, an ancient marketplace that dates back to Roman times.
- Spend an evening at the rooftop restaurant atop Asansör, the historic elevator that connects the harbor to the hillside in Izmir. It’s considered one of the most romantic spots in the city.
- Go shopping at Kemeralti Bazaar — it’s right at the center of the city and shops sell everything from spices to textiles.
- Climb to Kadifekale (Velvet Castle) for some wonderful views of Izmir and its surroundings.
| Travel tip: If you’d prefer a non-touristy, authentic experience, visit Seferihisar — the first town in Turkey to get the Cittaslow title. The Cittaslow (Slow City) network helps towns protect local food, buildings, traditions, and crafts from being lost as the world becomes more alike. |
5. Ankara: The capital city
As Turkey’s capital city, Ankara is always bustling. But beyond its political and historical significance, it is also the cultural center of the country.
It has several world-renowned art museums, opera houses, and even an independent theater scene.
The city also hosts multiple elaborate festivals annually including the popular Başkent Culture Road Festival which takes place every September.
It takes place along a 3-mile cultural route that starts at Ankara Castle and ends at the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and includes over 700 activities.
Top attractions
- Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. It showcases artifacts from various civilizations that have inhabited Anatolia including items from the Hittite and Phrygian periods.
- Explore historic sites like Anıtkabir (the symbol of Turkish nationalism), Ankara Castle, and the Temple of Augustus (a great example of Roman architecture).
- Lunch at the rotating restaurant atop the Atakule Tower for delicious food and stunning views of the city’s skyline.
| Travel tip: Consider booking your stay in either Kızılay or Çankaya. They are close to most major attractions and have some great restaurants (casual and upscale). |
6. Bursa: The green city
Bursa in northwestern Turkey is a haven for nature lovers, surrounded by lush forests and expansive national parks.
History buffs will also be captivated by Bursa’s rich history. As the first Ottoman capital and one of the ancient cities on the Silk Road, it has a fascinating historical legacy that lives on in its museums and architecture.
| Travel tip: Book your stay in Kestel District if you want to stay close to the parks and in Osmangazi District if you’d prefer to explore the mosques and bazaars. |
If you have an extra couple of days, plan a weekend trip to the Uludağ Mountain. Just outside Bursa, it’s a great location for skiing in the Winter and hiking in the warmer months.
Top attractions
- Immerse yourself in nature at one of the city’s many beautiful parks like Soğanlı Botanical Park, Kentpark, or Botanik Park Uluabat.
- Learn about the city’s cultural heritage at the Bursa City Museum.
- Buy silk products and sip on local tea at Koza Han, a historic silk market that was established in the 15th century.
| Travel tip: Bursa is famous for its thermal baths which have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic properties. Visit a thermal bath (like Çekirge) and let years of stress wash away in its mineral-rich waters. |
7. Pamukkale: The cotton castle
Pamukkale in Turkey’s Denizli Province is known for its unique geological formations called travertine terraces.
Years of erosion from the hot springs that flow over the cliffs have resulted in white calcium carbonate deposits resembling cotton fields — making for an otherworldly sight.
Like Bursa, Pamukkale also has numerous mineral-rich thermal springs — the most popular one being Cleopatra’s Pool.
Local legends say Marcus Antonius created it as a wedding gift for Cleopatra. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top attractions
- Walk barefoot on the calcium deposits in the white travertine terraces — a great way to ground yourself and connect with the earth.
- Check out the stalactite formations and underground thermal springs at Kaklik Cave, around 18 miles from Pamukkale.
- Explore the ruins of the ancient spa town, Hierapolis, and then discover its history at the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum, nearby.
| Travel tip: For the best thermal baths, go to Karahayit. It’s known for its unique red thermal springs (rich in minerals like iron and sulfur) and the village is a lot calmer than the busy Pamukkale. |
8. Ephesus: A journey back in time
Once an important city in the ancient Roman Empire and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ephesus takes you back in time. A well-preserved ancient city, it’s a must-visit for any history lover.
You’ve got historic sites like the Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and The Library of Celsus, renowned as the third-largest library of its time.
It’s also believed that St. John wrote his Gospel here and that the Virgin Mary spent her last years in a house nearby.
Top attractions
- Explore the ruins of Ephesus, including streets lined with columns, public baths, temples, and residential areas.
- Visit the Grand Theatre — a massive structure that can house around 24,000 spectators, mentioned in biblical texts for its role in events like the Riot of Demetrius.
- Visit historic sites like the Temple of Artemis, The Gate of Hercules, St. John’s Basilica, The House of Virgin Mary, and more.
| Travel tip: Book your stay in Selçuk. It’s the nearest town to Ephesus. If you’re staying in Pamukkale, then Ephesus is only a two-hour drive — perfect for a day trip. |
9. Fethiye: Gateway to the Turquoise Coast
Nestled between the Aegean Sea and the Taurus Mountains, Fethiye is a picturesque coastal town with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
It is also one of the few places in the world where sarcophagi (stone tombs used by ancient civilizations) can be found in the streets.
While Fethiye is a great place to visit year-round, many tourist bars and restaurants close at the end of October. So expect a quieter experience if you visit from October to May — when tourists start pouring in again.
Top attractions
- Indulge in water sports at Oludeniz Beach or go paragliding at the nearby Babadog Mountains — one of the highest commercial take-off points in the world.
- Explore Kayaköy, an abandoned Greek village near Fethiye that takes you back in time with its stone houses and churches.
- Shop for souvenirs and sample local cuisine at Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur).
| Travel tip: If you’re visiting in Spring or Fall, plan a day trip to Butterfly Valley. It’s 14 miles from Fethiye and is home to over 80 species of butterflies. It also has some very scenic hiking trails. |
10. Trabzon: The scenic Black Sea region
Another one of the top cities to visit in Turkey is Trabzon on the Black Sea coast. Not only does it have some lovely beaches, but it also boasts a rich history dating back centuries.
It was an important trading post on the Silk Road and played a key role in both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.
Trabzon is known for its delicious local cuisine, particularly its traditional dishes such as kuymak (a cheese and cornmeal dish) and Akçaabat meatballs (beef seasoned with spices and grilled over charcoal).
Plus, Trabzon is reputed to supply nearly 70% of the hazelnuts used in Nutella. You can buy some for your homemade chocolate spread or hazelnut butter recipes at places like Sabirlal Hazelnut and Bizim Toptan Market.
Top attractions
- Explore Çal Cave — one of the longest caves in the world.
- Go hiking near Uzungöl (a mountain lake in the Pontic Mountains) or fishing at Sera Lake.
- Visit ancient historical sites like the Sumela Monastery, Fatih Mosque, and Trabzon Castle.
| Travel tip: Trabzon has a great tea culture. Visit the Boztepe Tea Garden for the best traditionally made Turkish tea. |
Enjoy uninterrupted travel internet in Turkey with Holafly
We hope this guide to top cities in Turkey to visit has helped you plan your perfect itinerary.
As you start preparing for your trip, grab a Turkey eSIM (embedded SIM) to stay connected and not rely on questionable public WiFi spots at airports and hotels.
We recommend using Holafly’s Turkey eSIM with unlimited data for just $6.90 for a one-day plan. The longer you stay, the cheaper the price.
For example, if you’re planning on touring the most popular cities in Turkey for seven days, your Holafly eSIM will cost you $4.27 per day.
Even better, you can share up to 500 MB of data with your second device and enjoy unlimited international VOIP calls without any roaming fees. You’ll also have peace of mind, knowing that the Holafly team is on hand 24/7 to offer support if you ever need it.
Get yourself a Holafly eSIM, and hop online from anywhere in Turkey!
Limitless data, endless adventures
Stream, scroll, and share as you please. With Holafly, your data is always unlimited.
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Living in Romania's only coastal city, Constanta, Stefania Manea has been in the content marketing space for 9 years. She discovered her passion for writing while studying Maritime Engineering, which led her to switch her career path and join the marketing industry. Since then, she has relentlessly written copy and content for renowned brands in the B2B SaaS landscape, including MarkUp.io, Toggl, MarineTraffic, Route4Me, and Insense. She values creativity, loves horror novels, and occasionally believes in ghosts!
