Best Things To Do in Türkiye

You can’t travel to Türkiye without spending time in its most famous city, Istanbul. Its imposing Bosphorus River marks the border between Europe and Asia, meaning you can expect an eclectic mix of architecture, history, and culture.

Our expert-led tours of Istanbul will take you on a vivid journey around the city’s most prestigious sights. This includes the must-see Blue Mosque, with its namesake blue-toned interior tiles, and the vast Hagia Sophia: an awe-inspiring example of Byzantine architecture. You could also step back in time to the days of the Ottoman Empire at the ornate Topkapi Palace. Or why not marvel at the city from the water on a leisurely Bosphorus River cruise?

Istanbul’s best-known market is also one of the largest covered markets on the planet! The Grand Bazaar is a key stop on any guided tour of the city and features over 4,000 stalls selling everything from colorful glass lanterns and beautiful ceramics to traditional clothing and Turkish carpets.

It’s the perfect place to pick up some keepsakes from your trip and experience a key part of the city’s culture. You’ll want to set aside a few hours to explore its maze of stallholders and come prepared to bargain for a good price.

Venture just a short drive from Izmir in the country’s Central Aegean region and you’ll uncover one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Temple of Artemis. It lies just outside the millennia-old city of Ephesus – a place teeming with remarkable ruins dating back to the Ancient Greeks and the Roman Empire.

While the Temple of Artemis now lies in ruins, the original structure dates back over 2000 years. It was built by the Greeks to honor the goddess, Artemis, and was destroyed and reconstructed many times over the centuries. One thing that has remained the same throughout its long history is its astounding beauty which appropriately matches its namesake.

A visit to this enchanting region of Central Anatolia is easily one of the best things to do in Türkiye. The historic area is best known for its eye-catching ‘fairy chimneys’: towering, cone-shaped rocks that were formed over thousands of years by various volcanic eruptions.

As well as exploring Cappadocia’s other-wordly topography on foot, why not soak it up from the sky with a magical hot air balloon ride? Our destination experts can help organize this once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s a dream come true for photography enthusiasts. Another must-see in this part of Türkiye is a traditional whirling dervish ceremony. It’s a form of active meditation practised by the local Sufi groups and sees participants whirling around in circles like spinning tops.

The scenic Cappadocia region is additionally home to some extraordinary Türkiye hotels. Many are lodged within ancient caves, making them a truly unique accommodation option you won’t want to miss!

Türkiye is blessed with hundreds of miles of stunning coastline. Nestled along the Turkish Riviera and bordering the crystalline Aegean Sea is the glamorous coastal city of Bodrum. As well as being a gateway to smaller beach resorts further down the coast, it’s a great spot for a little R&R in its own right. Stroll along its beautiful twin bays and enjoy refreshing swims in its blissful ocean waters. Bodrum Castle also sits between its two main beaches and is an essential place for history lovers to visit.

If you want to travel to Türkiye to immerse yourself in its rich history, Izmir should be on your agenda. This lesser-known city sits on the country’s Aegean coast and was originally known as Smryna. Its heritage is extremely eclectic: it was founded by the Ancient Greeks and then conquered by the Romans before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s.

Tick the city’s archaeological gems (including the Roman Agora of Smyrna) off your list, peruse handmade goods in Kemeralti Market, or watch local fishermen at work along its sweeping promenade. Izmir also makes a great base for trips to Ephesus and Pergamon if you want to continue your lesson in ancient history.

Venture into the heart of the Izmir Province to Sirence: a historical mountain-top village with plenty of old-world charm. Despite its name translating to ‘ugly’, Sirince is incredibly picturesque. Spend some time strolling around its pretty cobblestone streets and browsing for quaint souvenirs in its traditional shops. You could also embark on a wine-tasting tour at one of several nearby wineries, including sampling the area’s famous fruit wine.

Another big draw of visiting Sirince on your Türkiye escape is its proximity to Ephesus. Use the peaceful village as a base for a day trip to the ancient ruins and then return in the evening for dinner with a scenic view of rolling hills blanketed with grapevines and orchards.

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported thousands of years into the past in Pergamon. This UNESCO World Heritage city in the Izmir Province has been well-preserved and offers a remarkable glimpse into the culture and customs of Ancient Greece.

Tour its majestic ruins, including the Pergamon Acropolis which hosts the remains of a great theater, the Temple of Trajan, and the once-celebrated Pergamon Library which will delight literary fans. The latter was once one of the world’s most important libraries and a huge producer of parchment paper during the Hellenistic period.

You’ll find mouthwatering food wherever you go in Türkiye – and there are so many ways to experience it, too. Why not enjoy a delectable guided food tour in Istanbul or add a wine tasting in the lush countryside around Sirince or Bodrum to your itinerary?

Certain destinations are additionally famed for their gastronomy. Alacati on the Cesme Peninsula is the perfect place to delight your taste buds with the rich flavors of the Aegean. Dishes to look out for include stuffed eggplants, vine-wrapped sardines and grilled octopus. Many bars and restaurants also serve crisp Chardonnay from the area’s award-winning Urla Winery (another venue you can visit for a tasting).

There’s also the option of indulging in some home-cooked food with a cooking class at a local family’s home in Cappadocia. Türkiye is awash with olive oil farms and factories offering tasting tours, too. And the best bit? You’ll often be able to combine your gastronomic adventures with tours of historical sites and golden beaches for a truly immersive stay.

If you’re craving a break from sightseeing in the city, venture to one of the many relaxing hammams scattered throughout Istanbul. The tradition of Turkish hammams has been around since the days of the Ottoman Empire in the 1500s. They are a key part of Istanbul’s history and a visit is easily one of the best things to do in Türkiye if you need a little indulgence.

Once, over 200 hammams were dotted around Istanbul. Today, you’ll have around 50 to choose from – ranging from hotel-style decadent options to historic hammams in the style of ornate Ottoman-era palaces such as the Hurram Sultan Hammam. All of these feature the main facilities, including steam rooms, sauna-style rooms and showers, while the more luxurious hammams come with personalized service among other advantages. You can also choose from a variety of spa treatments for the ultimate relaxation experience.

Feeling inspired to travel to Türkiye? Our experts are on hand to help create your dream itinerary for your next escape. Get in touch today!