18 Special Tourist Places in Turkey

Looking for the perfect Turkey tourist attractions to explore with your near and dear ones? Here is the perfect list of the top places to visit in Turkey for your next trip. Keep scrolling down and know all about where to go in Turkey with your loved ones!

Looking for the perfect Turkey tourist attractions to explore with your near and dear ones? Here is the perfect list of the top places to visit in Turkey for your next trip. Keep scrolling down and know all about where to go in Turkey with your loved ones!

1.     Miniatürk

This is a miniature park present in the north-eastern shore of the Golden Horn. The area covered by this miniature park is about 650,000 sq ft and it opened to the public in 2003. In total you can see 122 models that are 1/ 25th in the scale and they hail from destinations in and around Turkey.

·       Location: Örnektepe, İmrahor Cd. No: 7 D: 1, 34445 Beyoğlu/ İstanbul

·       Timings: 9 am – 6 pm

2.     Kariye Museum

Present in the Edirnekapı neighbourhood, this building hails from the mediaeval Byzantine times. Tourists need to visit this museum to see the historical Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that line the walls. These are some of the best pieces of art hailing for Christianity and now everyone can see it as it was turned into a museum and the walls were restored diligently.

·       Location: Istanbul

·       Timings: 9 am – 7 pm

3.     Galata Tower

The Galata Tower or the Christea Turris is a medieval stone tower that you can find in Galata quarter of Istanbul. The top of it is cone shaped and the tower is nine stories high. People who are interested can climb it and sit at the restaurant to get a spectacular view of the city of Istanbul and the Bosporus.

·       Location: Bereketzade, Galata Kulesi Sk., 34421 Beyoğlu/ İstanbul

·       Timings: 9 am – 7.10 pm

4.     Oylat Cave

This place is significant to Turkey as fossils were unearthed here. From the year 2006, the cave has been opened to the tourists so that they can view the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites housed in it. Tourists can enjoy a 90-minute tour of the cave to appreciate its beauty. Oylat Cave is among the popular caves in Turkey.

·       Location: Hilmiye, 16400 İnegöl/ Bursa

·       Timings: 8 am – 5 Pm

5.     Synagogue Street

If you are in the mood to see one of the largest synagogues, then do visit the Synagogue Street present in Izmir. But along with that it will also bring you to one of a kind market experience where you are able to see the locals buying their daily food supplies. Do go along with a guide if you want to discover the nooks and crannies of this place.

·       Location: Turgut Reis, Mithatpaşa Cd. No: 265, 35280 Konak/ İzmir

6.     Gulhane Park

A long history is associated with the famous Gulhane Park in Istanbul. Historical urban park located in the Eminonu district of Istanbul is one of the largest public parks in Istanbul. The exact place where the Gulhane Park lies is where the 1839 edict of Gulhane was proclaimed and therefore the place becomes a very important historical site.

·       Location: Cankurtaran, Kennedy Cd., 34122 Fatih/ İstanbul

·       Best Time to Visit: Spring season

·       Timings: 6 am – 10.30 Pm

7.     Dolmabahce Palace

This historical palace was once home to the Ottoman Sultans and the place is absolutely stunning. Built in the nineteenth century, the place is quite famous for its unparalleled beauty and glamour. With a neoclassical structure and extravagant interiors the Dolmabahce Palace is a place you just cannot miss.

·       Location: Vişnezade, Dolmabahçe Cd., 34357 Beşiktaş/ İstanbul

·       Timings: 9 am – 4 Pm

8.     The Blue Mosque

Attracting tourists with its splendid blue interiors, Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built during the Ottoman era by a sultan. The mosque is standing right across Hagia Sophia, making it one of the best places to visit in Turkey. Blue Mosque is home to two courtyards- inner and outer. The inner courtyard is surrounded by porticos that showcase small domes along with a marble-paved path.

·       Location: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/ İstanbul

·       Timings: 9 am – 6 pm

Architect: Sedefkar Mehmed Agha

9.     Kursunlu Waterfalls

Defining the terms magical and refreshing perfectly, Kursunlu Waterfall is one of the most beautiful sight that one would ever behold. With hues of blue and green shimmering in the waters of this waterfall, this spot attracts flocks of travelers. The waterfall is sitting on a terrain rich flora. The waterfalls also house a small pool where one can encounter freshwater tortoises, crabs, and fishes.

·       Location: Kursunlu Şelalesi, 07119 Aksu/ Antalya

·       Best Time to Visit: April and May

·       Timings: 8 am – 6.15 pm

10. Hadrian’s Gate

With deeply rooted and intriguing history latched to it, Hadrian’s Gate is one of the popular ruins in Turkey that dates back to 130 AD. Built for Emperor Hadrian’s visit, this monument has survived all the wear and tear of time, nature, and humanity. Showcasing Roman architecture perfectly, Hadrian’s Gate is a typical triumphal arch that possesses three same-sized archways and beautifully adorned facades.

·       Location: Barbaros, 07100 Muratpaşa/ Antalya

·       Timings: Open 24 hours

11. Konyaalti Beach

One of the most famous beaches in Antalya, the Konyaalti Beach is tucked away from the bustling cities and offers you a quiet and peaceful time. You will also find some cute, little cafes here where you can try some delectable delicacies and even Turkish cuisine and have a good time. Enjoy water adventures like swimming and snorkeling in Turkey at this beach.

·       Location: Konyaaltı Beach, Kuşkavağı, 07070 Konyaaltı/ Antalya

·       Timings: 4 pm – 7 pm (preferred time)

12. Antalya Muzesi

Featuring over 5000 artworks and 13 exhibition halls and housing an open-air gallery, if that is not unique we don’t know what is! The Antalya Muzesi is spread across 75,000 square feet and is one of the best places to visit in Turkey. An open air gallery is as amazing and district as it gets. You should visit the place to know what it is all about.

·       Location: Bahçelievler, Konyaaltı Cd. No: 88, 07050 Muratpaşa/ Antalya

·       Timings: 8.30 am – 7 pm

13. Harbor District

Also known as Antalya Marina, Harbor District is where you will find many fishermen and it is also counted among Turkey famous places. But the main attraction is that you will find many cafes and stalls here where you can indulge in some really delectable delicacies and can also try authentic Turkish cuisine. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Turkey and you can have a good time here.

·       Location: Harbor District, Antalya

·       Best Time to Visit: NA

·       Places to Stay: Yeniacun Apart Hotel, Nehir Apart Otel, Glaros Hotel

14. Rumeli Fortress

Rumeli Fortress also known as Boğazkesen Castle or Rumelihisarı is a spectacular fort on hills at the European banks of River Bosphorus. This Ottaman structure was built in 1452. It is one of the most popular Turkey tourist attractions and hosts one of the most interesting festivals in Europe. The fort has 3 large towers, a small tower, and 13 other smaller towers. This huge castle offers a mesmerizing view of the river. Its open-air space now serves as a stunning venue for various art festivals and concerts.

·       Location: Rumeli Hisarı, Yahya Kemal Cd., 34470 Sarıyer/ İstanbul

·       Timings: 9 am – 7 pm

15. Tombs of Osman

Tombs of Osman are the tombs of the founder of the Ottaman Empire, Osman Gazi along with the tomb of his son, Orhan Gazi. The original tomb was destroyed by an earthquake that struck Bursa in 1855. The current tomb which was built in 1868 sits on a hill near the Tophane Park entrance. It is located amidst the ruins of an ancient chapel from the Byzantine Monastery, St. Elie and is among the finest tourist places in Turkey. The Mausoleums has 14 coffins that include the coffin of Orhan, his wife and their children.

·       Location: Yigitler Cd. No: 4, Bursa 16040

·       Timings: NA

16. Nusretiye Clock Tower

Nusretiye Clock Tower, also known as Tophane Clock Tower, is one of the major landmark structures from history as well as one of the must visit places in Turkey. It still stands strong next to the beautiful Nusretiye Mosque. This neoclassical tower was completed in 1848. The 15-meter tall Tophane Clock Tower is four-sided and has 3 floors. Surrounded by lush green lawns, grand time-piece has its own charm.

·       Location: Osmangazi, Tophane Parkı, Yiğitler Cd., 16040 Osmangazi/ Bursa

·       Timings: Open 24 hours

17. Mermerli Beach: Antalya’s Prized Possession

This magnificent beach is enveloped by lush vegetation and picture-perfect cliffs that make it one of the top Turkey attractions. It’s a private beach that offers everything from relaxation, unmatched beauty, food shacks, and a lot more so that you can enjoy your excursion to this spot in Antalya province. If you are looking for something more refreshing while you are here, you can take a dip in the shallow crystalline blue waters here. Offering endless facilities and beauty, this Mediterranean coast is perfect for your beach vacation, which is what makes it one of the must see places in Turkey.

·       Location: Selçuk, 07100 Muratpaşa/ Antalya

·       Timings: Open 24 hours