Best Places To Visit In Turkey, 2020

Turkey’s Mediterranean climate is a major crowd-puller. This major tourist destination is blessed with impressive sandy beaches. Several civilizations have left their marks on the country’s identity. You can buy authentic carpets, kilims, and rugs if you know where to shop.

Here are the best places to visit in Turkey:

1. Bodrum
   This coastal city is famous for its ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and clifftop resorts.You must go scuba diving at the beaches. Nightclubs make the boat tours fascinating. Go sailing at the venue of the Bodrum Cup – the annual sailing competition.
   You must visit the ruins of the Myndos Gate and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is a part of the Bodrum Castle. It is full of relics recovered from shipwrecks.
   End an exhausting day with a visit to the Turkish saunas. Experience the calming effects of a mud bath. Shop for Turkish clothes and souvenirs at the Bodrum Bazaar. Onyx vases, mosaic lanterns, carpets, and jewelry are some of the handicraft items you can buy in Bodrum.
2. Antalya
   Antalya is a vibrant touristy city known for its sailing, swimming, and mountain climbing opportunities. Make sure you visit in the summer for the splendid beaches in the summer or in the winter for excellent skiing conditions.
   The Konyaalti and Lara beaches are the star attractions of Antalya. You can enjoy a day out with the family thanks to the nearby amusement parks, water parks, and zoo.
   You must visit the gorgeous Upper Duden and Lower Duden waterfalls. Antalya Museum will take you through the history of Antalya. Admire the fantastic views of Antalya from the peak of the Mount Tathli.
3. Cappadocia
   Cappadocia is known for its Fairy Chimneys – unique rock formations resulting from volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Many tourists take hot air balloon rides to observe fairy chimneys every day. The swarm of colored hot air balloons is a sight to behold during the day.
   Apart from fairy chimneys, you must also explore the underground cities, cave churches, underground monasteries, and rock castles. You’ll get to shop for handmade souvenirs and pottery works in Cappadocia.
4. Mardin
   Mardin is full of hand-carved stone structures from the Artuqid period. The Old City is so small that you can explore it on foot. The hill full of sandstone structures is the highlight of the Old City. You can shop for earthenware, headdresses, silverware, leather products, and a lot more at the bazaar.
   The Deyrü’z-Zafaran Monastery is one of the world’s oldest monasteries and is still functions as one. Sultan Isa Medresesi a medieval structure that once was an astronomical observatory. Explore the lovely courtyards and artworks at ZinciriyeMedreses. Do visit the Great Mosque if time permits.
5. Ankara
   
   The influence of the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans can be seen in the architecture of Ankara. You must pay a visit to the Temple of Augustus, the Citadel, the Roman Theater, and some of the mosques.
   A trip to Ankara is incomplete without a visit to the Ataturk Mausoleum (Anitkabir). It houses the tomb of the founding father of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city from the Atakule Tower and from Ankara Kalesi.
   You can learn a lot about the art and culture of Ankara from its theaters and museums. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is home to more than 200,000 art pieces.  You can shop for carpets, fresh produce, and spices on a budget at the traditional bazaars. Electronics in the shopping malls are affordable and value-for-money.
6. Istanbul
   The historically significant city spans both Asia and Europe. You get to experience both the continents by taking a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait. Istanbul offers a fair bit of sightseeing opportunities. The New City offers what every modern tourist is looking for: modern attractions, shopping malls, and skyscrapers.
   The Old City is full of historical monuments. The Blue Mosque has traditional Islamic architecture and also makes use of Byzantine Christian elements. Once the residence of the ruling Ottoman sultans, the Topkapi Place serves as a museum showcasing the glorious past of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia features Byzantine mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy.
   You must shop for local teas, herbs, and spices at the street markets of the Grand Bazaar. Treat yourself to a refreshing Turkish bath after a day of sightseeing and shopping. You’ll find restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs for all budgets in the Beyoglu and Galata neighborhoods.

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