VISIT TURKEY

Listen visit Turkey info best places to visit in Turkey best Turkey destinations.

Troy

Pretty much everyone knows all about Troy, the legendary Trojan Horse, and the clever Greeks who used deception to enter and conquer, the up until then, unconquered city. Troy, also known as Truva or Troya, sits in what is now northwestern Turkey, made famous in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. According to the Iliad, this is the spot the famous Trojan War took place. Today, it’s a popular archaeology site, a Turkish national park, and UNESCO World heritage site. Troy was rebuilt and destroyed nine different times, and remarkably, each of its nine layers has left something behind that can be seen today. While the site certainly doesn’t resemble the ancient city in any way, and it’s difficult to imagine what it might have looked like if you don’t have a tour guide, audio guides are available that will help to evoke visions of Troy during its peak.

Ankara

The capital of Turkey offers a wealth of attractions, enough to keep any visitor busy for at least a week. Just one of its highlights is the lavish Mausoleum of Atatürk. The extravagant memorial and tomb is important to the city as it was the revolutionary founder and first president of the new Republic, Atatürk, who designated Ankara as the nation’s new capital city. Wander the streets of the historical Old Quarter, with its narrow, twisting and turning lanes revealing thick fortified walls, old red-roofed Ottoman homes and cluttered shops, and while you’re in the area, be sure to visit the Ankara Citadel to take in impressive views of the city. It surrounds Old Ankara and is free to enter and explore. If the chaos of Ankara gets to be too much, visiting the Ottoman village of Beypazari on its outskirts will offer pleasant relief.

Istanbul

Turkey’s largest and best known city is, of course, a must-visit. It offers the chance to see some of the country’s most spectacular, well-preserved architecture and landscapes. Located along the strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, there is a striking contrast between the bustling city and the tranquil blue waters. In this place where East meets West, culturally and geographically, you’ll enjoy experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Walk through the Grand Bazaar, taking in all of the sights and sounds of the local merchants haggling with locals and tourists, taste local cuisine and pick up authentic souvenirs. Be sure to take a Bosphorus cruise while you’re there to get a perspective of the city from the water, and possibly spot bottle nose dolphins and harbour porpoise.

Uzungöl

The little village of Uzungöl is situated on the edge of a beautiful lake with the same name, at the bottom of a lush, green valley in the mountains about an hour from the city of Trabzon. One of Turkey’s most unique places to visit, it’s a striking contrast from the typical image of the country, that’s often seen as a solely coastal, Medterranean nation. Here, you’ll see traditional Turkish homes among the Swiss-like views, as well as soaring minarets of a mosque. If you want to stay a while, you’ll find a number of accommodations in the Uzungöl Highlands. If you can, try to be here in the early morning, when a soft mist envelops the surroundings creating an especially surreal sight.

Izmir

Izmir sits along the Aegean coast on a wide bay under a range of high hills. The big city has a long history and a wealth of things to see and do. Its large Konak Square features a 1901 clock tower and is considered the spiritual heart of the city, and arguably of modern Turkey, with the fight for independence in the wake of World War I beginning here. From the square, it’s just a short walk to the seaside promenade known as the Kordon, which is lined with cozy cafes, as well as the Konak Pier that was restored and transformed into a chic shopping center. Kadifekale, which translates to the Velvet Castle, is a must-see, and from the site you can enjoy panoramic view.