10 Things to Do in Turkey That You Shouldn't Miss

April 8, 2018 Carley Gatson

Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye [ˈtyɾcije]), officially the Republic of Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye Cumhuriyeti [ˈtyɾcije d͡ʒumˈhuɾijeti] ( listen)), is a transcontinental country in Eurasia, mainly in Anatolia in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries with Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, the Azerbaijan and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the south. The country is encircled by seas on three sides with the Aegean Sea to the west, the Black Sea to the north, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles, which together form the Turkish Straits, divide Thrace and Anatolia and separate Europe and Asia. Ankara is the capital while Istanbul is the country's largest city and main cultural and commercial centre, classified as a leading global city.
Restaurants in Turkey

1. Historic Areas of Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey
Excellent
78%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 9 reviews

Historic Areas of Istanbul

Reviewed By Renee H - Plymouth, Massachusetts

I used Grand Circle Travel, and got a guide who wrote a travel book for that government. He was wonderful and the trip was extremely interesting. We saw all the biblical and historic sites/ruins, as well as caravan saries (siq), craters, and areas like Troy, and Cappadocia--extremely unique in our world. (hot air ballooning there ) We were shown about half the country; away from the eastern half near Iran or Iraq. It was truly a trip of a lifetime for many; right up there with Greece--also with Grand Circle Travel. I felt that we got a lot for the price and couldn't have asked for more than what we received. It was wonderful!!! I also used them for Australia/New Zealand/ Fiji. I don't know if there's a more reasonably priced tour company, but I was so happy with them, I never looked further. They have excellent tours and guides; reasonable prices. Contact me if you ever need anyone to travel with; I get stuck going alone a lot. I went back in 2005, which is further back than the drop down date allows, so I have to fib on that. I went in Sept or Oct.

2. Celsus Kutuphanesi

Efes Selcuk Merkez, Selcuk, Selcuk, Turkey
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Celsus Kutuphanesi

Built by Julius Aquila in 110 A.D. as a memorial for his father, the Celsus Library is one of the finest buildings in Ephesus. The two-story building contained over 12,000 hand-written books, making it one of the largest library collections of its time.

Reviewed By waqarsarwar - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Celsus Kutuphanesi or as we call it a 'Library' was built by the Roman civilization of Ephesus town. Only the remains of the library stand till date but they do give an idea of what used to be here years ago. Must visit place!

3. Selimiye Mosque

Babademirtas Street, Edirne 22020, Turkey
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 793 reviews

Selimiye Mosque

Reviewed By mike1942EastLondonUK - East London UK

I am used to being astonished by Mosque architecture, having visited Istanbul several times but nothing prepared me for this!
You approach a magnificant porch and door, remove your shoes and walk into....wonder!
I huge dome, way above your head, apparently totally unsupported, just floating. All around patterned arches and a network of windows add to the ethearal quality.
This building was designed by an 80 year old man who could never hope to see his amazing vision realised.
I was bowled over and overawed.
I am returning today, just to see if it has the same effect a second time!

4. Ataturk Mausoleum

AnItkabir, AnIt Cad. Tandogan, Cankaya, Ankara 06520, Turkey +90 312 231 79 75
Excellent
78%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Ataturk Mausoleum

The mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, was constructed in 1944 and sits atop a hill overlooking the city.

Reviewed By Izani A

Modern Turkish history lay here. When I was here, its time for guard army change their shift. Nice to see. Come early morning, no people because even on working day also got crowds and meed to long queue to the museum

5. Mencuna Waterfalls

Arhavi Kamilet Vadisi 4.km, Artvin, Turkey
Excellent
91%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 96 reviews

Mencuna Waterfalls

Reviewed By traveloebus - Ankara, Turkey

Although it is tough to reach the waterfall the view you see afterwards and the swimming opportunity are worth trying. If you are confident enough try to walk all the way besides it and get cool in the water. It is an amazing experience.

6. Zeugma Mozaik Muzesi

Mithatpasa Mahallesi, Haci Sani Konukoglu Bulvari | Sehitkamil, Gaziantep, Turkey +90 342 324 88 09
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Zeugma Mozaik Muzesi

Reviewed By Marion S

Beautiful museum. Entrance is 8TL. Easy to find although taking a taxi is just easier and there are taxis waiting outside. I would suggest at least 2 hours to walk around and appreciate the art works, you can hire the headphones for extra info. The gypsy girl is amazing take time there to appreciate it. Wheelchair and park accessible . Some staff speak basic English

7. The Great Mosque (Ulu Camii)

Bursa center, Bursa, Turkey +90 539 490 15 91
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

The Great Mosque (Ulu Camii)

Built in the 14th century, this mosque is an excellent example of classical Ottoman architecture. Of special interest are the intricately carved wooden pulpit, and the three-tiered Fountain.

Reviewed By KMandKWM - Ankara, Turkey

If you visit Bursa, you must visit the Ulu Camii. This is a very interesting mosque to visit and for people who aren't familiar with Islam, it would be good to visit on a tour. The mosque was had numerous worshippers, so if you visit, please be considerate of those who are praying.
The mosque is in the heart of Bursa near the covered bazaar and some of the other popular attractions in Bursa.

8. Aynaligol (Gilindire) Magarasi

Mersin, Turkey
Excellent
89%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 174 reviews

Aynaligol (Gilindire) Magarasi

Reviewed By CEYLAN A - eSKİŞEHİR

It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It is well preserved. The entrance could be improved. It is from the ice age.

9. Sagalassos

Sakaraca Mahallesi | 15800 Ağlasun/Burdur, Aglasun, Turkey +90 248 731 23 69
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 238 reviews

Sagalassos

Reviewed By Kingsley F - Cossonay, Switzerland

The Antonine nymphaeum, beautifully restored in the main agora, full of water running through it, is a high point of this marvellous ancient city, as well as the little Fountain by the Neon Library, high up not far from the still tumbled down theatre in the 'new' part of Sagalossus. These features bring the ancient city to life in the imagination and are a wonder comparable to the library of Celsus at Ephesus, or the stunning ruins at Aphrodisias. The site reminds us of Delphi in Greece, and is much larger than suggested by the view from the road as you approach. It seems not to be in some guides, like the French 'petit fute' country guide, our edition 2013, which is crazy, as this is one of the best sites we have visited, among many. An advantage of this is that it is not swarming with tourists and allows the mind to wander back to ancient times in peace! The site has excellent guide panels and later, as I write, we shall visit Burdur museum which displays many items from here. Entry costs a measly 10 lira, and this is an essential visit when touring Turkey's wonderful ancient cities.

10. Gallipoli Battlefield

Eceabat, Turkey +90 286 814 15 65
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 283 reviews

Gallipoli Battlefield

Reviewed By rftu - Newry, United Kingdom

Decided to do this trip DIY.
Caught the car ferry from Canakkale (Tl35 O/W for car and driver) and drove north via Eceabat ( an alternative ferry port ) and then inland to Kabatepe.
From there I drove along a beautiful cost road visiting Anzac Cove and surroundings. Some of the Cemeteries names gives you pause for thought like SHRAPNEL VALLEY CEMETERY or HELL SPIT CEMETERY.
Doing a self drive allowed me to stop and ponder at leisure.
I drove south taking in a range of other Sights including the Cape Helles memorial ( where I accidentally came across my family name a number of times ) and included a trip up to Abide ( a massive, massive stone monument )
What I particularly liked was the small ( compared to Normandy etc ) Cemeteries mostly located where offensives took place.

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