Whether you dream of relaxing on a sunny Mediterranean beach, embarking on mountain treks, or delving into the rich cultural tapestry shaped by thousands of years of history, Turkey offers something for every traveler. With its wealth of ancient sites, varied landscapes, vibrant cities, delectable cuisine, and thrilling adventures, Turkey promises an unforgettable experience, Call +971-4256-2434 and book our exclusive Turkey tour packages from Dubai. While no single vacation can cover everything, let’s explore some of the top places to see in Turkey.
Here are some best things to do in Turkey
Tour the ancient city of Ephesus
In Ephesus, the well-preserved streets reveal glimpses of daily life for the ancient Greeks and Romans who inhabited the city for centuries. You’ll find remnants of their shops, schools, temples, and even public toilets. The main site boasts several highlights, including the intricately carved facade of the Library of Celsus – once the third-largest library globally – a vast open-air theater, a Roman bath, and numerous grand fountains and gates. Additionally, the Terraced Houses, accessible with a separate admission fee, are opulent residences that belonged to the Roman elite. Inside, you’ll discover mosaics, frescoes, and marble befitting a scene from “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous which makes it one of the best places to go in Turkey.
Luxuriate in a Turkish bath
In the past, when most homes lacked indoor plumbing, hammers (commonly known as Turkish baths) played a vital role as places for both cleanliness and socializing. Today, they are often considered a special treat for tourists rather than locals, but they remain a luxurious experience worth savoring.
The complete Hamam treatment includes a scrub and massage by a same-gender attendant, but you can also choose to bathe independently in the steamy chambers. The grandest hammams, such as Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamamı, Cağaloğlu Hamamı, and Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı in Istanbul, feature marble-covered interiors and sky-lit domes that delight the senses. In the former Ottoman capital of Bursa, hammams like Eski Kaplıca and Yeni Kaplıca offer pools fed by natural thermal springs, adding to the rejuvenating experience.
See Cappadocia from above and below
In the early morning, the skies above Cappadocia come alive with hot-air balloons, carrying visitors over the area’s canyons, fairy chimneys, and other enchanting rock formations. Even if you’re not interested in taking a flight, waking up early is worthwhile to witness the vibrant aerial spectacle from the ground. For a more grounded experience, explore the intricate tunnels that extend deep into underground cities like Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı. These subterranean havens once provided shelter for thousands of people during invasions, offering not only living quarters but also spaces for stabling animals, cooking, worship, and even winemaking.
Feast on meze and fish
The “rakı-balık” night offers a quintessential Turkish dining experience, especially in Istanbul and along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Rakı, often considered Turkey’s national drink, is a potent anise-flavored liqueur typically diluted with water and served over ice. Balık, on the other hand, refers to fish. These meals usually kick off with an array of meze – small dishes meant for sharing. Meze steals the spotlight with its delightful combinations of vegetables, herbs, and seafood, often complemented by yogurt or cooked in olive oil. If you manage to leave room for the main course, popular fish options (depending on the season) include grilled level (sea bass), çipura (sea bream), or lightly fried start (mackerel), barb (red mullet), and hamsi (anchovies).
Shop in colorful bazaars
Despite the prevalence of shopping malls and grocery stores, traditional bazaar culture remains vibrant in Turkey. Most historic centers feature at least one çarşı, a maze-like marketplace district where vendors sell a variety of items, from inexpensive souvenirs to handmade leather or metal crafts. While Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar (known as the Kapalı Çarşı, or “covered marketplace” in Turkish) is the most famous, smaller bazaars in cities like Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa offer a more authentic and atmospheric experience.
Admire architectural splendor in Istanbul
The rulers of the city, once known as Byzantium and Constantinople, left their impressive marks and one of the best attractions in Turkey Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia’s magnificent dome still amazes visitors even after a millennium and a half. The towering Aqueduct of Valens and the vast Basilica Cistern showcase the Romans’ engineering prowess in supplying water to the city.
Watch the sunrise from atop Mt. Nemrut
In the 1st century BCE, a powerful Hellenistic king built massive statues of gods, mythical creatures, and other figures on the summit of Nemrut Dağı. Over time, earthquakes caused the heads of these statues to fall off, leaving them scattered across the rugged landscape. Tour groups often visit at sunrise or sunset, but staying overnight in nearby lodgings allows you to experience both.
There are a lot of things to do in Turkey if you want to know more or want to book our exclusive Turkey tour packages, you can Call +971-4256-2434 and book your trip.
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