Turkey is a beautiful nation located in the Middle East with a diverse geographical and cultural heritage. Turkey has gained the reputation of being a famous tourist destination. For any person who is a travel enthusiast, visiting and touring the magnificent country of Turkey is always on the to-do list. So, here we bring to you Top 15  Tourist Places to visit when in Turkey:

   1. ISTANBUL

Istanbul, also popularly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is a famous tourist attraction. This popular and influential city of Turkey is renowned for its historical monuments, culture and scenic beauty that this city has to offer. Built-in the 6^th century, iconic BYZANTINE HAGIA SOPHIA, is a major place to visit, which stands out with its alluring architecture and design. Istanbul is also equally famous as a trade centre, wherein merchants sell a wide variety of artefacts, carpets, and a lot more! Hence when visiting Turkey, don’t forget to visit this ancient city!

   2. CAPPADOCIA

Cappadocia is a famous destination in Turkey known for its fairytale scenery, fantastic and beautiful rock shapes and its mind-blowing view in the morning when the sky consists of several hot air balloons. One can go hiking and take a ride in the hot air balloons and discover the mesmerising place that Cappadocia is. From the Uchisar Castle to the Red Valley, this place will blow your mind!

• Fun Fact: Cappadocia was identified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1935.

   3. PAMUKKALE

Pamukkale is a town that is located in western Turkey, is as surreal as it can get.  This town is rightly known as ‘Cotton Castle’ that has been covered with white cascades of frozen waterfalls and is a hub to an ancient Roman-Greek city that had its first spa, called Hierapolis. The entire town will leave you to spellbound by the vast, artistic travertine along with old houses, baths and magnificent temples.

• Fun Fact: Pamukkale, declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.

   4. ANTALYA

Antalya is Turkey’s fifth most populous city and a major tourist attraction. This place has beautiful historical monuments, several beaches and a lot of things to try your hand at. From the tall and enticing Republic Square where all major events take place, to the Hadrian’s Gate, this city will have you capture every moment tirelessly. The Duden Waterfalls that is a must-visit here is nature’s abode for the nature lovers.

• Fun Fact: Antalya has many names like Attalia, Satalia, Andalya etc

   5. BOSPORUS

Bosporus is a natural strait that is one of the most significant waterways that is extremely important for trade and commerce. This strait unites the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea and has several ships, boats, etc. apart from being essential for fishing.  One can engage in a ferry cruise ride and explore the beauty that this place holds.

• Fun Fact: It is among one of the World’s Busiest Marine Passages.

   6. BODRUM

Bodrum is a city in Turkey. This city consists of the famous Bodrum Castle that was built around the 15th century.  Apart from this, there is a museum that has been dedicated to the underwater things that were found here.  From the Mausoleum to the Halicarnassus, Bodrum with definitely captivate you with its beauty.

• Fun Fact: The Bodrum Castle was once a mosque and prison.

   7. GOREME

Located in central Turkey, a picturesque destination with a landscape covered with mountain ridges and huge rocks sculptured in fascinating ways. This place is popularly known as ‘fairy chimneys‘. Located in the volcanic zone, this place is entirely and wholly created by erosion and volcanic eruptions. Goreme also consists of underground towns, dwellings and other remains, that provide us with proof of early inhabitants. Also, Goreme is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO You can enjoy several activities here like  Hot Air Baloon rides, ATV rentals, and guided tour buses.

• Fun Fact: All the spectacular rock structures here were made by wind and water that passed along the valley.

   8. MANAVGAT WATERFALL

Located around 80km from Antalya, this waterfall is a sight to behold. This waterfall is situated among lush greenery and is a must-visit to witness nature in all its bounty. The Manavgat River runs down from the Taurus Mountains to the Mediterranean Sea, giving the spectators an iconic view.

   9. DALAMAN BEACH

The Dalaman Beach is famous for its clear turquoise coloured water and white sand.  This beach is a paradise for those who want some time to relax and chill in Turkey. This beach will excite you, as several adventurous sports are available to experiment with if you are an adventurous soul.

   10. PATARA BEACH

Located in the ancient city of Patara in Turkey, this beach is part of the National Park because of the rich biodiversity of flora and fauna present here.  This beach is just perfect for having a relaxing time walking and swimming.

• Fun Facts: This beach has been declared as off-limits for development to protect the endangered turtles and their breeding.

   11. IHLARA VALLEY

Adorned with caves, ancient churches and monasteries Ihlara valley is a hub where one can find peace amongst nature. From going on a hike to treks and exploring this region, the valley will have you mesmerised. Believed to have consisted of 4000 dwellings and hundreds of caves, this valley once had a population of 80,000 people.

• Location: Aksaray
• Fun Fact: This valley is 15km long and approximately 150m deep.

   12. KALKAN 

This is a Turkish town that is famous for its several beaches, resorts and historical sites. Kalkan has become a significant tourist destination. At the beaches, one can undertake sports like paragliding and other water sports.

   13. MOUNT NEMRUT

Located in Southeastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut is a gigantic mountain, that consists of several statues that were assumed to be tombs back then. Significantly inspired by the Greek and Persian mythologies, this place is a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO.

• Fun Fact: The mountain is 2,134 metres high!

   14. MEVLANA MUSEUM

Located in Konya, Turkey, this is a place of a mystic called Rumi, who was a revered saint. The museum houses many artefacts and books. In the Rose Garden of the museum, there are many traditional performances that happens there as well.

   15. MARDIN CASTLE

Situated in the Old Midyat City, Mardin castle was constructed in the year 975-976 by Hamdanis. The wall inscribed with old literature and writings, tells the stories during Ottoman Regime. This castle has storage barns and other structures that date back to that period in time. It is known as the ‘Eagle nest’.

So, which places do you want to visit in Turkey. If already visited, then do Share your Experiences of Turkey.

Also Check Out, Things to do while in Turkey, Amazing Facts about Turkey and 10 Best Travel Tips For Turkey.