Things to Do in Turkey

Turkey offers an incredible variety of experiences, from exploring ancient cities and vibrant markets to relaxing on stunning beaches and indulging in world-class cuisine. Whether you're into adventure, history, or relaxation, there's something for everyone.

Embark on an extraordinary cultural journey across Turkey during your tour. Start with iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, where Byzantine and Ottoman influences blend seamlessly, and the ancient city of Ephesus, home to stunning ruins such as the Library of Celsus. Dive deeper into archaeology with Troy, famed for its role in Homeric legends, and Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple. Lesser-known treasures like the Lycian Rock Tombs carved majestically into cliffs, and Ankara Castle, a fortress offering panoramic views of the capital, add unique charm. With such diverse and captivating sites, these are truly unforgettable things to see in Turkey.

Top destinations:

• Istanbul: As the former capital of the country and a gateway between the East and the West, Istanbul is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. Food, music, dance, art, and handcraft all form part of the colorful Turkish culture. Watch the iconic Whirling Dervish dances or pay a visit to the Islamic Art Gallery to learn about the city’s long-spanning history.
• Goreme: Touring Goreme offers a wealth of insight into the ancient cultures of Turkey. The town features cave dwellings, rock formations, and ancient religious sites, giving you a glimpse into the country’s past.

Best season: Spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and there are not many tourists around.

A hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a magical experience and one of the most fun things to do in Turkey. Imagine colorful balloons floating over an otherworldly landscape of sharp sandy peaks and ancient rock formations. Every morning, hundreds of balloons fill the sky, offering breathtaking views of this historic region. As you soar above the fairy chimneys and unique valleys, you'll witness a sunrise like no other, making it an unforgettable highlight of any Turkish tour.

Best season: The best months for a hot-air balloon ride in Turkey are from April to November. During these months, Cappadocia enjoys clear skies, mild temperatures, and calm winds, creating ideal conditions for balloon flights.

Insider's Tip: Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is truly magical, but if your budget doesn't stretch that far you can still enjoy stunning views of the sunrise balloons floating across the surreal landscape by heading up to Sunrise Point on Aydin Kiragi Sk, just up the hill from Artemis Cave Suites. There is a small entrance fee but it is absolutely worth it, the view is beyond insane! – by Alexx Hayward from Finding Alexx.

Soaking in thermal baths is one of the most unique things to do in Turkey, offering relaxation and rejuvenation. Pamukkale, known for its stunning white travertine terraces and warm mineral-rich waters, is a must-visit destination. The ancient city of Hierapolis nearby adds a historical charm to the experience. For a more traditional touch, visit the historic thermal baths of Bursa, famous for their centuries-old Ottoman hammams. These natural and cultural wonders make Turkey a haven for wellness seekers.

Top destinations:

• Pamukkale: Take a trip to Pamukkale and witness stunning travertines in their cloudlike formations that are some of the most unforgettable things to see in Turkey. The healing properties of these mineral-rich waters are well known and it is said that even Cleopatra once bathed here.
• Ilgin: The southern town of Ilgin in the Konya region has water rich in Hydrocarbonate, Calcium, and Sodium. Its healing properties are endless and you will leave feeling rejuvenated.
• Cesme: The thermal water from Cesme comes from the sea, making it one of the most unique thermal experiences in the world.

Best season: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit thermal springs that are outdoors. But if you are visiting in the winter, you can always try indoor hot springs.

Turkey is a land of unparalleled historical significance, where ancient civilizations left their indelible marks. Walk through the streets of Ephesus, once a thriving Roman city, and uncover its impressive amphitheaters and temples. Explore Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest temple complex, revealing mysteries of prehistoric society. In the ruins of Hattusa, the Hittite capital, you’ll find remarkable remnants of an ancient empire. Finally, visit Ani, the "City of 1,001 Churches," to witness Turkey’s deep medieval history etched into its stunning ruins.

Alternative destination:

• Ephesus: The biblical city of Ephesus is one of the best-preserved sites of the ancient world. Marvel at the sheer size of the Greek amphitheater or ponder over secrets kept in the Ephesus library. Ancient civilizations have left a wealth of archeological sites and treasures scattered all across Turkey.
• Ankara: The current capital of Turkey houses the Museum of Anatolian History, which takes you on a journey through Turkish history, while Anitkabir connects you with more recent Turkish times. Click here to see our history tours in Ankara.

Best season: April, May and October are the best months to enjoy the historical sites of Turkey, as the crowds are low and the weather largely agreeable.

Cruising in Turkey offers a range of unforgettable experiences, from luxurious yacht charters to traditional gület cruises. The gület, a classic wooden vessel, is perfect for exploring the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, with stops in picturesque towns like Bodrum, Fethiye, and Göcek. Alternatively, a ferry cruise along the Bosphorus in Istanbul provides stunning views of the city’s skyline. For a more adventurous option, consider a blue cruise, which combines relaxation with exploration, visiting hidden coves and ancient ruins along Turkey’s breathtaking coastline.

Top destinations:

• The Black Sea: Embark on an enchanting voyage across the mysterious Black Sea. Cruise through a realm steeped in history. Witness stunning landscapes as you traverse from picturesque coastal towns such as Trabzon and Rize.
• Greek Islands: The romantic Greek islands are just a stone’s throw from the idyllic Turkish Mediterranean coast. Ships from Izmir go to Santorini and Mykonos while the Bodrum cruises also include Naxos, Paros, and a few other islands.
• Bosphorus cruise: Spanning the gap between Europe and Asia, there are dozens of ferries and boats that cross the strait every day. There are also plenty of pleasure cruises offering sunset champagne boat excursions and sightseeing cruises, where you can see popular locations like the Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace.

Best season: The best months for cruise tours in Turkey are May, June, September, and October. The weather is warm but not excessively hot, crowds are smaller, and the sea remains perfect for swimming and exploring.

Turkey offers a vibrant shopping experience, especially if you are traveling in Istanbul which is the home to the iconic Grand Bazaar, filled with handmade sweets, fragrant spices, and golden baklava, to the lively bazaars of Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa. Beyond these famous spots, open-air bazaars (markets) are integral to daily life, offering fresh produce, local cheeses, olives, and traditional foods like Turkish delight and gözleme. Whether you’re exploring boutique shops or haggling for unique crafts, be sure to leave room in your suitcase for the treasures you'll find. The lively atmosphere and variety of goods make shopping in Turkey an unforgettable experience.

Best season: There is not a best season for shopping of course. However, markets are less crowded during the winter months.

Off-road adventures in Turkey offer thrilling experiences for those looking to explore its diverse landscapes. From the rugged mountains to the coastal terrain, Turkey provides numerous opportunities for off-road enthusiasts. Some of the top activities include 4x4 jeep safaris in Cappadocia, where you can explore the region's unique rock formations and quad biking along the Mediterranean coastline near Antalya. The Taurus Mountains offer challenging trails for mountain biking and hiking, while the area around Pamukkale is perfect for ATV adventures. For an unforgettable off-road experience, consider exploring the remote landscapes of the Lycian Way. If you're looking for cool things to do in Turkey, off-roading is an exhilarating way to immerse yourself in the country's stunning natural beauty.

Top destinations:

• Cappadocia: A tour of Cappadocia is a must for off-road enthusiasts, offering breathtaking landscapes of fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings, and expansive valleys. Jeep safaris and quad biking are popular ways to explore its surreal terrain, providing an unforgettable adventure.
• The Taurus Mountains: The Taurus Mountains provide a challenging and rewarding off-road experience. With rugged trails, dense forests, and remote villages, it's perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and 4x4 expeditions. The vast landscapes and natural beauty make it a top adventure destination.
• Marmaris: The mountains around the coastal city of Marmaris provide the best place for thrill seekers. Take a jeep safari or an ATV tour through the surrounding mountains for an exhilarating experience.

Best season: The best months for off-road adventures in Turkey are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November). During these seasons, the weather is mild, with cooler temperatures and clear skies, ideal for outdoor exploration.

Turkey’s beaches are the perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun. Ölüdeniz, with its serene blue waters, is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Patara Beach, known for its vast sandy stretch, offers a tranquil escape, while Kaputaş Beach, tucked between towering cliffs, provides a more secluded feel. Whether you’re looking to unwind or take part in water sports, a beach tour in Turkey is perfect for enjoying nature. Some of the best activities include swimming, sunbathing, parasailing, and beach volleyball.

Alternative destination:

• Oludeniz Beach: If you love all things beach-related, a visit to the Blue Lagoon is a must. This natural marvel on the southwest coast is famed for its tranquil setting and beauty.
• Patara Beach: Patara Beach is located near the ancient city of Patara in southwestern Turkey, famous for its 12-kilometer-long stretch of soft golden sand. The beach is part of a protected national park, home to loggerhead sea turtles. It’s perfect for a peaceful day of sunbathing, swimming, or exploring the nearby ruins of Patara, including a well-preserved ancient theater and a Roman arch.
• Kaputaş Beach: Kaputaş Beach is nestled between dramatic cliffs on the Antalya-Kalkan road, offering stunning views as you descend a long staircase to the beach. The small but striking cove features crystal-clear, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is relatively secluded, making it perfect for a more private and relaxing experience.

Best season: June and July are the busiest times to visit Turkish beaches, but you can enjoy amazing weather starting as early as April and well into late September.

Turkish food is characterized by heaps of flavor, a sharing mentality and an abundance of options. Eat your body weight in baklava, Turkish delights, and an extensive Turkish breakfast to enjoy the best of the country’s legendary cuisine. Here are our food tours in Turkey.

Recommended dishes:

• Doner Kebab: On every street corner, you will see giant rotating meat mounds. These juicy stacks of chicken or pork are thinly sliced and cooked to perfection. They are served on pita bread or with an assortment of pickles.
• Turkish Delight: Seek out real hand-made Turkish delight that is made with starch to give it an extra gummy texture. For an extra special treat, get your hands on the colorful rolls of Turkish delight and nougat served together with pistachio, peanuts, rose petals, or chocolate.

Best season: There is no bad time to tuck into any Turkish delicacies. Enjoy markets and local merchants all year round.

Turkey is home to incredible underground cities, built by ancient civilizations for protection and survival. Derinkuyu, one of the most impressive, extends 85 meters underground and could house up to 20,000 people and their livestock. Kaymakli, another notable city, is nearly half the depth of Derinkuyu but equally fascinating. Visitors can crawl through narrow tunnels and explore rooms carved into the rock, marveling at the advanced engineering that allowed these cities to thrive. These underground cities were designed with ventilation shafts, kitchens, living spaces, and even stables. The experience of navigating the winding passages offers a unique glimpse into ancient life. This adventure is perfect for history buffs and those looking to explore one of the most extraordinary feats of human ingenuity.

Best season: The best months to explore Turkey’s underground cities are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November). These seasons offer mild weather, making it more comfortable to navigate the tunnels without extreme heat or cold.

Insider's Tip: One crucial travel tip when you are visiting Turkey is to explore the country's unique cuisine. Turkish cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavors and rich culinary traditions. From kebabs and baklava to Turkish tea and Turkish delight, there are countless dishes and treats to try. Don't miss the opportunity to sample regional specialties like lahmacun (Turkish pizza), mantı (Turkish dumplings), and gözleme (stuffed flatbread). Exploring the local food markets and dining at traditional restaurants will give you a true taste of Turkey and its vibrant culinary culture. — Sankalp Singh from Chasing Whereabouts

Hiking trips in Turkey are a fantastic way to explore its stunning landscapes and rich history. From the famous Lycian Way, stretching along the Mediterranean coast, to the dramatic peaks of the Taurus Mountains, Turkey offers diverse trails for all levels. Hikers can discover ancient ruins, hidden valleys, and breathtaking views. Whether trekking through the rugged terrain of Cappadocia or along coastal paths, hiking is one of the top things to do in Turkey for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Top hiking trails:

• The Lycian Way: The Lycian Way is a 540-kilometer coastal trail offering stunning views of the Mediterranean, ancient ruins, and picturesque villages. Highlights include the cliffs of Olympos and the ruins of Phaselis. Stretching from Fethiye to Antalya, the full tour can take anywhere from 30 to 45 days to complete. For a shorter trek, consider the Fethiye to Patara section, which showcases some of the trail’s best scenery.
• St Paul’s Trail: As the second-longest trail in Turkey, St Paul’s Trail covers 500 kilometers from Perge, near Antalya to Yalvac, replicating the saint’s journey through Turkey. It can take up to a month to complete, but there are plenty of guided and self-guided tours that are around eight days in length. This gorgeous trail takes you from the Mediterranean Coast all the way into the mountains before finishing at the Ancient Roman city of Antioch in Turkey’s lake district.

Best season: The best time to hike in Turkey is the fall months of September and October, when the summer temperatures have eased. But since this is also the peak hiking season, make sure to book lodges, campsites and accommodations along the Lycian Way well in advance.

Turkey is a fantastic destination for watersports, offering crystal-clear waters and ideal conditions. You can try windsurfing and kitesurfing in Alacati, which is famous for its strong winds, or go jet skiing in Bodrum’s lively bays. For scuba diving, head to Kas, known for its rich underwater ecosystems and shipwrecks. The calm, turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz are perfect for parasailing. With such a wide variety of watersports, these activities are among the top Turkey attractions for adventure lovers.

Top destinations:

• Fethiye: As a coastal resort paradise, Fethiye has long been a popular destination for Turkish families and international visitors alike. One of the most fun things to do in Turkey is to indulge in watersports. From scuba diving to kneeboarding to waterskiing, a trip to Fethiye has it all. If you are into diving, you can expect to encounter whale sharks, turtles, octopuses, cuttlefish, and several other marine creatures.
• Suluada Island: If you want some watersports action with some history and culture thrown in for good measure, join a kayaking tour or hire your own kayak and paddle over the top of an ancient city. Located near the resort town of Kas, you can still see the walls of the old city under the waves.

Best season: The best months for watersports tours in Turkey generally range from May to October, as this period offers warm temperatures and ideal sea conditions. For windsurfing and kitesurfing, summer (June to September) is the peak season, especially in places like Alacati and Gökova Bay, where strong, consistent winds are common.

Trekking in Turkey offers some of the most diverse and challenging routes. The Kaçkar Mountains provide rugged terrain and alpine views, perfect for experienced trekkers. The Taurus Mountains also offer demanding treks with steep climbs and remote landscapes. For a more adventurous challenge, explore the remote areas of Eastern Anatolia. Multi-day treks through these regions offer an immersive experience in Turkey’s natural beauty, making trekking one of the top things to do in Turkey for seasoned adventurers.

Top destinations:

• Kaçkar Mountains: Hiking in Alpine-style mountains might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Turkey, but the Kaçkar Mountains are worthy of any trekker’s bucket list. With the mighty Mount Kaçkar rising to 3,937 meters, it can be a challenging trek. You can also opt for lower altitude trails of different lengths and difficulty levels.
• Taurus Mountains: The Taurus Mountains in the south of Turkey are famous for hiking, mountain climbing and snowsports. These mountains are home to the source of two of Europe’s most iconic rivers: the Euphrates and Tigris. As it is close to the Mediterranean coastline, you can easily go inland for a day hike if you do not want to commit to a multi-day adventure.

Best season: The best season for hiking and trekking in Turkey is the fall (September to October) when the weather is not too warm or too cold and the majority of sun-seeking tourists have left.

Religious tours in Turkey offer a fascinating exploration of both Islamic and Christian heritage. Istanbul stands out with its iconic Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church, later an Ottoman mosque, and now a museum, alongside the grand Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. In Ephesus, visit the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years, and explore ancient ruins where St. Paul preached. Cappadocia offers rock-hewn churches and frescoes in its cave monasteries, while Konya is home to the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the Sufi mystic Rumi. These sites make religious tours one of the top things to do in Turkey, offering rich Christian and Islamic history.

Top destinations:

• Istanbul: Istanbul is a spiritual hub, offering a unique blend of Christian and Islamic history. Beyond the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, you can visit Chora Church, known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics, and The Church of St. George, home to the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, providing a deeper look into Turkey's Christian heritage.
• Ephesus: Ephesus is not only famous for its ancient ruins but also for its strong Christian connection. The House of Virgin Mary, located near the city, is a pilgrimage site, while the Basilica of St. John marks the spot where St. John is believed to have been buried, showcasing its early Christian significance.

Best season: The best months for religious tours in Turkey are April to June and September to November. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring outdoor religious sites without the summer crowds.

With tranquil waters to the west and picturesque deserts to the east, Turkey is a land of diversity, tradition, and unmatched beauty. Still wondering what to do in Turkey? Contact our travel experts for a customized trip to Turkey with all your favorite activities.