
One of the most popular gems of Turkey Tourism, Hagia Sophia Museum is an epitome of beauty and boasts of grand Byzantine architecture. Residing in Istanbul, the museum was once a Greek Orthodox Christian cathedral, and after approximately 900 years, it was considered as an Ottoman imperial mosque. Built by Emperor Justinian, the museum is a reminder of the 6th century Turkey.
Location – Hagia Sophia Museum is situated in Sultanahmet, Ayasofya Meydani in Istanbul.
Entry Fee/Price – The ticket fee for entering Hagia Sophia Museum is TL 60.
Timings – You can visit the museum from 9 am to 5 pm. It remains closed on Mondays.
One of the UNESCO protected sites of Turkey, Goreme Open-Air Museum is an amalgamation of rock-cut churches, chapels and monk-cells. Dating back to the 10h century, the complex is the most famous tourist attraction of Cappadocia.
Here, you will come across Elmali Kilise – Apple Church, Aziz Barabara Sapeli – Chapel of St. Barbara, Yilanli Kilise – Snake Church with wall paintings of St. George, and Karanlik Kilise – Dark Church storing frescoed walls.
Location – Goreme Open-Air Museum is situated at Cappadocia’s Goreme Valley.
Price – The entry fee for Goreme Open-Air Museum is TL 54 and entry for children under 8 years is free.
Timings – The place opens from 8.30 am and closes by 7 pm.
Among the famous Turkey tourism sites, Kaymakli Underground city is the grand historical example of ancient wonders. The underground city was first chiselled out of the ground in the Bronze Age Hittite era when Christians started living underground to protect themselves from Arab and Persian invaders.
This Cappadocian beauty is famed for the 6th and 7th century’s Byzantine history. Here, the city extends to a total of eight levels out of which four can be explored by visitors. The pathways inside Kaymakli are narrow and consists of a confusing network of tunnels.
Location – Kaymakli Underground City is situated at Kaymakli village of Central Anatolia Region of Turkey.
Price – The entrance fee for visiting Kaymakli Underground City is TL 42.
Travertines might be mistaken for snow-capped pathways but these white calcite cliffs of Pamukkale were formed by calcium deposits. These travertines look like a bizarre yet stunning natural fortress of snow. Here, for a perfect sightseeing tour, you should head for a walk barefoot from the base of calcite mountain to the top of cliff ridge. The upper levels of travertines have pools of water where you can sit and soak in the beauty of Pamukkale.
Location – The Land of Thermal Pools, Pamukkale is situated near Denizli in Turkey.
Price – The entrance ticket for adults and children to visit Pamukkale is TL 50.
Timings – The place opens from 6.30 am and closes by 7 pm.
Yet another gem from Turkey Tourism, Hierapolis Theater is nuzzled amidst the ruins of Hierapolis. This remarkable edifice was constructed during the reign of the Roman Emperors, Hadrian and Septimius Severus. The mighty theatre has two tiers of seating and consists of 26 rows.
The original details of Hierapolis Theater are well preserved like the imperial VIP guests vox, decorative panels along the stage, and aesthetic composition of rows.
Location – Hierapolis Theater resides in the Buyuk Menderes valley and adjacent to the Pamukkale and Denizli cities of Turkey.
Timings – You can visit this place around 11 am.
Situated in Fethiye, Kabak Beach comprises astonishing blue waters and white sands. To reach this beach, visitors have to take a 30-minute walk from Kabak village down a steep path. Also, several hikers and backpackers follow the Lycian path via Faralya to reach Kabak beach.
The pristine setup of Kabak is surrounded by lush green pine forest and the Turkish Mediterranean Sea. Also, here are several watersports for visitors to experience the laid-back vibes.
Location – Kabak beach is situated near Kabak village of Lycia in Turkey.
Price – Not required.
Timings – You can visit Kabak beach from 11 am to 6 pm.
Visit the ancient site of Pergamon near the town of Bergama. An Acropolis area, it was the most striking feature of the Hellenistic city. Here, you will come across a 15000-seat theatre, Temple of Athena, Pergamon’s famous library, the Temple of Trajan, and the Altar of Zeus.
Plan a full-day tour from Izmir to cover the highlights of this classic historical city. Here, you’ll get to explore the Acropolis and Asclepion areas, and the Bergama Archaeological Museum.
Location – This city is situated in Bergama of Izmir province of Turkey.
Price – It will cost TL 20 for visiting the Pergamon Acropolis Area.
Timings – It is open from 8.30 am to 7 pm.
Topkapi Palace is a colourful and beautiful reflection of the magnificence of Turkey's former Ottoman Empire. The first courtyard is the outermost, and the fourth is the innermost, of the four large courtyards that made up the Topkapi Palace. Each courtyard has a unique collection of buildings and specialties that draw visitors from all over the world. And as the Ottoman Empire came to an end, the government transformed Topkapi Palace into a museum honouring the glorious past.
Location- Cankurtaran, 34122, Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Timings- Everyday 10am to 4pm, Tuesday closed.
The Basilica Cistern is a well-known historical attraction that attracts millions of visitors each year. The big cistern is made up of 336 columns that are 9 metres long and 4.8 metres apart. The two Medusa heads are the most notable feature of the Basilica Cistern. The two heads are reminiscent of magnificent Roman architecture and the roof of the cross vault rises high on marble columns laid out in a gridiron pattern. It’s an architectural marvel which is definitely worth visiting.
Location- Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. 1/3, 34110 Fatih/?stanbul, Turkey
Timings- Everyday 9am to 7pm.
Cappadocia’s scenic beauty is clustered with rock formations, underground cities, and cave churches. Hop on a hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of this exquisite place. In this enthralling activity of Turkey tourism, the hot air balloon will take you to a certain height from where you can admire Cappadocia’s beauty. The ride usually lasts from 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending upon the visitors.
Location – Hot Air Balloon ride takes place at Cappadocia.
Price – The ride will cost approximately TL 840 to TL 1500.
Timings – The activity takes place before dusk.
Pamukkale is famous for its terrace pools full of milky mineral waters. The white mineral deposits can fool you for snow-capped mountains, but as you reach the upper levels, tepid water will break your illusion. Here, you can dip into these terrace pools and spend some time splashing and soaking the unique springs.
Location – Thermal hot springs are located in Pamukkale in Denizli.
Price – A visit to thermal hot springs in Pamukkale will cost you TL 50.
Timings – The thermal hot springs can be visited before dusk.
Plan for a quick day trip to the Love Valley. Located near Goreme, this valley comprises hills, narrow pathways, and rock formations accompanied with beautiful flowers. Love Valley is perfect for planning a quick trip as you can cherish the hillside of Cappadocia in your leisure time. Make sure you wear sturdy shoes while exploring the gigantic rock formations.
Location – Love Valley is situated near Gorem of Cappadocia in Turkey.
Timings – You should visit the Valley of Love before dusk.
One of the most significant places in Turkey Tourism, Oludeniz gained its fame from the movie Skyfall. Quench your thirst for a crazy adrenaline rush by taking part in paragliding at Oludeniz. While soaring high into the mighty sky, you can observe the perfect blend of hills and beaches.
This beach town showcases the lush green forest surrounded by the mighty Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, many tourists take a camera with them to shoot this wild experience.
Location – Oludeniz is 4 hours away from Antalya.
Price – Paragliding over Oludeniz will cost you approximately TL 847.
Timings – The paragliding activity will take place before dusk.
Perched high on a cliff, live your childhood dream of sleeping in a teepee at Faraya. Shiva Camp is a place where you can spend overnight, bracing the beauty of the lush green forests. The camp also provides a hearty breakfast and a cosy dinner for two people.
One of the best parts about this overnight trip is that it boasts beautiful panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Also, many tourists hike down from the camp to spend their morning at the rocky Kabak Beach. The unique blend of pebbles and white sand attracts a lot of tourists to the beach.
Location – Farayla is situated near Oludeniz and up to the Kabak Beach.
Price – An overnight stay at the camp will cost you around USD 50.
Timings – You should enter the camp before the dusk as you need to hike amidst the forest to reach.
Yet another enthralling adventure of Turkey Tourism, Kayaking is the most amazing activity amidst the ruins of Kekova. This region runs along the south coast forming the Lycian Trail. The sunken city of Kekova, represents the remains of a once town, which was flooded after an earthquake.
While kayaking amidst the clear water, your trip will end at the little town of Kalekoy. After stopping at this spot, you can also indulge in savouring the authentic taste of Turkish dishes. Moreover, you can also head to snorkelling with turtles near the bay.
Location – Start your trip from Kas then head to Kekova situated near Demre district of Antalya province.
Price – It will cost you around TL 165.
Timings – Indulge in kayaking during day time.
Istanbul flaunts a flurry of exotic attractions from Turkey tourism. Spread into two continents, Istanbul is the most beautiful city of Turkey. To explore the local wonders of this city closely, a walking tour is a must. On this walking trip, you will come across significant landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Also, some of the other tours include a visit to the famous Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market as well. Moreover, while visiting the mosques, make sure you are dressed appropriately.
Location – Head to SultanAhmet Park at 10.30 am for a free walking tour.
Price – The walking tours will cost you almost TL 50 – TL 100.
Timings – The walking tours take place around 10.30 am and go on for 2.5 hours.
This cruise makes stops throughout the Bosphorus, giving passengers the chance to explore Istanbul's palaces, mosques, and bridges, with amazing photo stops. With a day-long boat ticket, you may quietly explore several neighbourhoods, and at every stop, you have the option to get off and join the next boat within one or two hours.
Location- Istanbul, Türkiye
Price- Around 25TL to 15TL
Joining an ATV trip is the quickest and most convenient method to go around the valleys of Cappadocia. While riding your ATV cycle, you can get a thrilling experience of the desert and the scenery likewise. You can take stops along the journey to admire the landscape and snap lovely pictures. Riding an ATV Bike through the valleys is one of the best things to do, ideally at sunrise and sunset.
Location- Müze Caddesi, Zemi Vadisi Yolu, 50180 Göreme Belediyesi/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Turkey
Price- Around 300TL to 400TL
1. Family adventure around Kas
Enveloped between the pristine waters of the Mediterranean and the high trails of Lycia, Kas is a former Greek fishing village. Due to its proximity to marvellous natural wonders, visitors consider it as an ideal venue for a family adventure. Here, you can go sea-kayaking above an ancient sunken city of Kekova. Or, head to a rope adventure course at the hidden city of Saklikent.
2. Horse Riding across Cappadocia
The “Big Sky” country in Asia, Cappadocia, is home to mysterious valleys, churches, underground cities, and snow-capped volcanic peaks. To tour around this remarkable beauty, there is no better ride than custom-made horsebacks. Away from the commercialism, the saddle will take you into the unexplored region of Cappadocia.
3. Cycling along the Dalyan
Wish to get on a rendezvous tour of the southwest coast? Plan a cycle excursion around Dalyan. While pedaling around this majestic region, you’ll come across Turkish Backroads, Coastal Towns, and Lake Koycegiz. Drop your bike at Patara Beach for a quick swim and end the trip while soaking in the beauty of imperial Kas.
4. Climbing Mount Ararat
Quench your thirst for adventure while climbing Mount Ararat. Situated at an elevation of 17000 ft, this glacier-clad summit can be completed in almost five days. Although, visitors are advised to get acclimatized then head to Mt Ararat with crampons and ice-axe.
A great amount of diversity can be explored in this portion of the world, from the chic textiles and rustic ceramics to aromatic tea and coffee. The naturally designed rugs and carpets are one of the best things about Turkey country. Also, the unique geographical location of Turkey is one significant point to consider for its popularity. It resides in two continents – the east of Europe and the west of Asia.
Yes, a visa is required to visit Turkey. It is highly advised that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your arrival in Turkey. You can file a visa through the e-visa system and fill in the necessary information regarding your identity, passport, travel date, and online payment of visa fee.
To reach Turkey from India, you would have to book a flight from either of the cities- Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore. There are several options available for direct flights from these places. Your landing spot after leaving India would be Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport. The shortest time for travel would be available from Mumbai, i.e., 6 hours.
The Turkish visa fee ranges from INR 3300 to INR 13900. It might vary according to single entry, multi entry, single transit, or double transit.
1. Grand Mosque
Constructed during the Ottoman empire, Grand Mosque is a historical marvel. Located in Bursa, this mosque boasts of Ottoman architecture which is influenced by the Seljuk architectural style. Here, the display of Islamic calligraphy is quite prominent across the 2 minarets and 20 domes.
2. Sakirin Mosque
Designed by Zeynep Fadillioglu, Sakirin Mosque is famed for its mesmerizing architectural work. After the creation of the mosque, Zeynep became the first woman to design a mosque in modern Turkey. Sakirin consists of a water-drop shaped enormous glass chandelier and captivating decorative motifs.
3. New Mosque
Situated in Istanbul, New Mosque is the last and largest mosque built by the Ottoman family. The mosque is known for serving religious and cultural purposes. Originally, the New Mosque was named Valide Sultan Mosque, which translates to the Queen Mother.
4. Faith Mosque
Named after the Ottoman sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, Faith Mosque is situated in Istanbul. The mosque was built in 1470 but underwent reconstruction after an earthquake. Faith mosque housed a school of traditional Islamic sciences and the idea of school was established by the Persian astronomer Ali Qushii.
5. Selimiye Mosque
Yet another magnificent mosque of Turkey, Selimiye Mosque was built by the Mimar Sinan of Edrine. The mosque has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2011. The mosque is stretched over 28500 square kilometres and can accommodate 6000 people in the prayer hall.