by Al Khail Real Estate Broker
Turkey is a country of sightseeing, whether you’re looking for amazing beaches and seas, or looking for mosques and historical sites, Turkish cities don’t disappoint you. There are many options waiting for you such as local Turkish cuisine, happy and intimate ambiance, which will welcome you. Turkey’s rich culture and spectacular places make a beautiful memory for you that stays in your mind for a long time.
There is something for everyone to enjoy, from the bustling street of Istanbul to the quiet, laidback way of life in Urgup. Because there are so many places to see and so much to do in Turkey, travelers are usually confused and don’t know what to do or where to go. That’s why in this article we will introduce the best cities in Turkey.
Awesome cities and places to visit in Turkey
Turkey is a country with a very long history. Due to its strategic location, it has been home to and hosts many empires whose footprints in different Turkish cities are characterized by mansions they have left behind. There were also many merchants traveling to Turkey, which has made great progress in various fields. Besides all of this, Turkey is very rich in nature and has exciting seas and beaches. Finally, Turkey has intelligent statesmen who have been able to attract many tourists annually, relying on these features. We have to say that most of these tourists are interested in living in Turkey after a trip to Turkey. In reasons that make Turkey a good place to live, we examined the reasons which attract tourists to live in Turkey. Below we will examine the cities and touristic places in Turkey.
1. Fethiye, located on a beautiful natural harbor in Turkey
Fethiye is located on a beautiful natural harbor. Fethiye is sunning due to the pristine turquoise waters and the forest-covered hills which border it. Its fine beaches are perfect for lounging on and it is a popular destination in Fethiye city. An enjoyable entertainment is taking a Turkish yacht cruise around the bay or heading to one of the nearby pretty islands.
The city was destroyed by an earthquake in 1958. But it quickly became one of Turkey’s most beautiful and touristic regions, and the remarkable thing is that its historical and old places have survived without destruction. These are the city’s most visited places, such as the stunning Amintas Rock Tombs, Kadyanda Ancient City, and the ghost town of Kayakoy. It was only part of the beauty of this city. Most tourists who come to Fethiye and Turkey are thinking about moving and living in it by seeing the characteristics of Turkey. In How to Move to Turkey, we provided full guidance on this issue
2. Cesme, has wonderful beaches in Turkey
It is only eight kilometers away from the Greek island of Chios. Cesme is a seaside resort town that has a wonderful waterside promenade, a stunning Genoese castle, and a lot more to visit.
Someone thinks the Castle is the main attraction but a modern marina is an exciting place. It has many shops and restaurants in a wonderfully preserved old town.
Cesme is a great place for those who want to explore the surrounding areas and it has lots of nice beaches to offer. If you are looking for a peaceful life and at the same time great entertainment, this city can be a good option for your life. Also, some tourists are interested in having Turkish citizenship by seeing Turkey and the benefits of becoming a Turkish citizen. In the article, the best ways to get Turkish citizenship and a passport some different ways to do were checked.
3. Bursa, the fourth largest city in Turkey
Bursa is the fourth largest city in Turkey. It has grown quickly in recent years and it was the first of the Ottoman Empire. Bursa is currently one of the modern cities of Turkey that may make you feel a little turbulent. The countryside does not have a beautiful face due to its industrial nature, but there are many beauties waiting for you in the city center historically.
Bursa has a lot to offer such as fantastic mosques, mausoleums, and museums to enjoy. Its people are very welcoming and friendly. There is Mount Uludag near the city, which is a beautiful place to ski. If you are looking for a warmer way to pass the time, there are lots of hamams around the city. We think that owning one of the villas in Bursa Turkey is the wish of many property investors.
4. Ankara, the capital city of Turkey
Ankara is a fantastic place but it is often overlooked by tourists. It has a very young population and there is good energy in the city and it is really worth visiting Ankara, Turkey. This modern city in Turkey is home to countless embassies. There are many fine restaurants and trendy cafes for you to visit in Ankara. If you want to pass a wonderful time you can visit the concrete jungle.
A must-see in the city is the spectacular museum of Anatolian Civilizations and it is a fun and lively place to visit too. Another place to visit is the humongous Anitkabir mausoleum of Attaturk.
5. Urfa, a city of the historical building in Turkey
Another name of the city is Sanlifura. We have to say that the city is very rich in terms of having old buildings and a lot of people come here to see the building. Walking through its local market creates a great Middle Eastern feel for you.
There are many construction projects underway in the city that will quickly change the face of the city. Also, the historical face of the city is displayed by Dergah Park and Mosque complex. A must-see place in Urfa is the ancient Gobekli Tepe temple.
6. Trabzon, the busiest port on the Black sea in Turkey
Perhaps the busiest port in the Black Sea is Trabzon. Due to its strategic position, it has been fighting for many years and has seen many governments. Aya Sofya Mosque is one of the main attractions in the city. There are also other historical and recreational places in the city, and Trabzon is rapidly being modernized.
There are fantastic restaurants and trendy cafes to visit. It will be certainly a memorable experience to watch a local football team. For a nice day trip, you can go to nearby Uzungol lake or to a fabulous Sumela Monastery. Trabzon villa for sale attracts investors because of its features and location.
If you are one of those tourists who are interested in living in Turkey after traveling to the country and seeing its features and capabilities, we’ve prepared everything you should know before living in Turkey in this article.
7. Konya, an economic powerhouse in Turkey
Nowadays Konya is known for its wealth of beautiful architecture, which has survived since it was the capital of Rum Sultanate. At first, it was the home to the famous Persian poet Rumi. Lots of tourists are visiting the city every year and it is an economic powerhouse in the region.
Among the attractions of the city we can name the Mausoleum of Rumi, which is so interesting place to visit, and the ancient village of Sille, which offers a fantastic look at the region’s past.
8. Bodrum, an enjoyable place for everyone in Turkey
Everything you could want in your holiday destination is prepared in Bodrum. We can say it is a trendy and cool place to hang out. The city has lovely beaches and a picturesque look. Its traditional whitewashed houses and the delightful little cafes show the Aegean character of the city. You can find cobbled alleys about the town.
There is something for everyone to enjoy such as a historic place with a stunning castle, ancient ruins, a spectacular amphitheater, Bodrum’s elegant bar, trendy restaurants, and lively nightclubs. We have to say that apartments for sale in Bodrum, Turkey, have gained a lot of fans in recent years.
9. Edirne, a great city to visit in Turkey
Once it was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Edirne’s grand past is visible to you by fantastic old Imperial buildings, Places, and mosques. For instance, The Selimiye Mosque is a must-see in this delightful city and the old Quarter is lovely to wander around.
Edirne has a European feel about it due to its strategic location and its proximity to Greek and Bulgaria. Summer is a great time to visit Edirne because the prestigious and traditional oil-wrestling festival of Kirkpinar takes place.
10. Kusadasi, a popular destination holiday in Turkey
Kusadasi is a popular holiday destination. It is a lively and fun city to visit. The city is lying on the coast, and there are lots of hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs for tourists to enjoy.
Someones think just lovely beaches and stunning views of the sea are Kusadasi’s tourist attractions but its proximity to some wonderful historical and natural sights make it well worth stopping. The mesmerizing place to visit is the archaeological Ephesus. If you are looking to immerse yourself in nature the Dilek Peninsula national park is great. With its beautiful beaches and excellent climate, it is not surprising that Kusadasi Villas are highly regarded by investors. As you know, property prices in Turkey vary in different cities. You can check out the price range of real estate in Turkey for more information.
11. Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey
Izmir is Turkey’s third largest city with exciting beaches from the bay. The population of the city is very young and there is great energy in the city. It is a fun city to visit due to the lovely waterfront which is full of great restaurants, bars, and cafes. There is lots of delicious food to it because of its multicultural heritage.
It is amazing to wander around the fantastic bazaar. Other landmarks include lots of old churches and mosques for you to visit. Izmir has great beaches to offer like beaches of the Aegean sea, as well as a brilliant history and art museum. In the end, its welcoming population makes you feel at home any time you are there. In recent years, the city has hosted many tourists, some of whom have been willing to buy Izmir villas by checking their living conditions.
12. Alanya, is a popular city to visit in Turkey
As Alanya is a popular place to visit in Turkey cheap package tours are offered here by lots of companies. Alanya is located on the south coast. So people come to this city to the all-inclusive hotels, the pounding nightlife, and in the end the sun and sea. There are some different and interesting to do and see in Alanya such as many people come to just kick back and relax because Alanya has a lovely waterfront, some great historical sights and a scenic look to it, and the hills surrounding the center of town are coated in traditional houses.
You can try an enjoying boat trip one minute, the next thing is marveling at the spectacular old Citadel, after that you can be reveling in the raucous nightlife after a sun-kissed day of activities.
It should be noted that Alanya is one of the modern and enigbo cities in Turkey that has attracted many investors from all over the world. Due to the facilities in the city, most of these investors have turned to buying a villa in Alanya.
13. Urgup, a small and quiet town of Turkey
For the most part, it is a small town in Turkey and laid back place. We have to say it is a perfect base from which to explore the stunning Cappadocia region of Turkey. It’s true that we said it’s a small town in Turkey, but we have to say that there are many beautiful hotels here. There are many beautiful cafes and restaurants in the city center that are great hosts for you. You can also make an exciting journey by staying in cave hotels.
These are the attractions of the city the beautiful stone houses and old rocky hillside. There are lots of great wines to try because it is located in the heart of the wine-producing region. Another attraction is to visit the spectacular churches of Gorme. In the end, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the incredible countryside.
14. Antalya, a Stunning coastal town in Turkey
Antalya was seen as the gateway of the Turkish Riviera at first. Antalya’s coastline is stunning, the coastal cliffs are very gigantic and the view of the mountain very tall in the distance creates a unique picture for you. Antalya is a wonderful city to visit, it is drenched in history and the old center of Kaleici is delightful to explore, with Ottoman houses lining the narrow streets and alleys.
To stop and take in the sea breeze Roman-era harbor is a lovely place, we have to say there are a couple of nice beaches that are perfect for relaxing on. It is a well-worth visiting city, and the wealth of attractions fine dining options, and great weather make it a suitable place for everyone. Villas in Antalya are highly regarded by investors due to their touristic nature.
15. Mardin, one of the best places to see in Turkey
Mardin is the capital of Mardin province in Turkey. It is located on the strategic hilltop overlooking the plains of Mesopotamia in southeastern Turkey. One of the oldest settlements in Turkey in Mardin. Mardin is famous for its sandstone building that cascade down the hill.
By walking you can easily tour Mardin city. Mardin’s spectacular attractions include Deyiu z-Zafran Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the world, and the Sultan Isa Medresesi. The Great Mosque is a different place to see. We have to say that you have the opportunity to photograph all over the city.
16. Marmaris, the most popular place to visit in Turkey
Marmaris is one of Turkey’s most popular seaside resorts. Marmaris is a picturesque setting because of pine-clad mountains, sandy white beaches, turquoise water, and historic architecture. It is located along the Turkish Riviera in southwest Turkey. This stunning cruise port with exceptional sightseeing opportunities, water sports, fantastic dining, and buzzing nightlife is a tourist paradise.
Visitors will be spoiled for choice because there is so much to do and see in Marmaris. For instance, walking along the cobblestone street of the old quarter offers attractive architecture, and a visit to the 16th-century Castle of Suleyman the Magnificent. To explore the picturesque bays and neighboring villages you can take a boat.
Other hobbies in Marmaris Turkey include horse safaris centered through lush pine forests, orange groves, traditional villages around untouched bays, stunning waterfalls, and jeep safaris.
Another hobby that should be pointed out is the water park in Marmaris, which can be used by everyone in the family, and you can also use Turkish baths to relax and pamper. In addition, there are day trips from Marmaris to different places such as Dalyan, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cleopatra Island.
One of the most exciting nightlife in Turkey is Marmaris nights. There are various restaurants that serve all kinds of food. If you’re looking for a club, you can find them around the city and beaches. In the end, don’t miss Turkish Night Show Venues. Traditional Turkish food, mezes, and belly dancing are waiting for you in these venues.
After a trip to Turkey, you will be so surprised by the beauty of it that you will also choose another Turkish city to travel to for the next holiday. In Turkey travel tips that come handy, we reviewed some interesting and efficient tips about traveling to Turkey and be sure it’s worth reading.
17. Side, amazing city to visit in Turkey
This major port in ancient Pamphylia and occupied by Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC. This city is a picturesque town of classic ruins and modern-day resorts overlooking sandy white beaches. The side is located on Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast in the Antalya Province on a small peninsula. Fantastic sightseeing, nightlife, and outdoor adventure are offered by Side.
One of the most important attractions of Side is the star attraction, an excavated site of ancient Hellenistic and Roman ruins. This popular Side’s attraction includes the remnant of a colossal amphitheater, an agora, a Byzantine basilica, public baths, marble columns, and various temples. A museum is housed in the Roman Baths which displays a number of Roman statues and artifacts. If you are interested in Beaches, the temple of Apollo is a spectacular sight, especially at sunset.
Other attractions of Side can be mentioned, narrow streets, attractive gardens, and many restaurants. The restaurants range from delis and pizza shops to upscale dining in a variety of cuisines. Manavgat River is just located outside the town and offers boat tours, white water rafting, and impressive waterfalls.
18. Ephesus, the Roman-style city in turkey
Ephesus an ancient site is located in Aegean Turkey. It is Europe’s most completed classical metropolis. Ephesus was one of the largest cities in all of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. It was boasting one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. Emphesus is one of the most popular tourist cities in Turkey with a large archaeological site.
The most popular attraction in Ephesus is Traced Houses, these houses were the homes of the richest people in Ephesus who lived in the 1st century. The houses were built in the modern Roman style. The homes have hot and cold baths, marble floors, and even heating systems. You can spot unusual artwork, mosaics, and even love poems scrawled by hand on the walls.
Don’t miss Celsus library. It has built-in 123 AD. The library was the largest library in the ancient world at once and came the third after the libraries of Alexandria and Pergamum.
We suggest to you the four statues which represent the four virtues. Sophia represents wisdom, Episteme represents knowledge, Ennoia represents thought, and Arte represents goodness. But don’t forget that they are replica statues and not the original.
19. Yalova, a place to relax in Turkey
Yalova was a district in Istanbul at first and it become a province in 1995. Yalova has a lot of natural resources and it is a rich province. Yalova’s hot springs are very famous and they have Therapeutic properties. These same hot springs draw many tourists to the area every year. Yalova’s climate is very unique and you can choose this place to have a quiet holiday. If you are looking for a peaceful life away from the commotion of the city, be sure not to miss the properties for sale in Yalova because of its proximity to Istanbul and other advantages that it can be the best place for you. To learn about other benefits of living in Yalova, you can read an article on why you should live in Yalova.
20. Istanbul, a remarkable city in the world
One of the most famous cities in the world is the city of Istanbul in Turkey, the fog by the Strait of Bosphorus connects the east and west. Due to the history history of Istanbul city, the city has influenced numerous people and tourists over the years.
Due to its strategic location, many merchants traveled to the city, resulting in beautiful buildings, mosques with different architectures, and magnificent mansions in the city. There is a complete collection of landmarks in Istanbul, perhaps the most important of which is the Aya Sofya Church.
As you know, the city of Istanbul is divided into Asian and European sections. Although Istanbul has become one of the busiest cities in the world in recent years, many investors are interested in buying property in it, and according to the statistics, villas for sale in European Istanbul and villas for sale in Asian Istanbulare at the top of the table. Because you are buying a property as a foreigner in Turkey, you have to be very careful and assess all the conditions. Make sure to check out all you should know for buying property in Turkey as a foreigner to be smart.
Brilliant restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightlife options to visit in Turkey
There are plenty of brilliant restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightlife options for visitors to check out such as:
1. Blue Mosque in Istanbul
It is one of the most picturesque sites in the city. Some people called it Sultan Ahmet Mosque, but more famously known as the Blue Mosque. We have to say it is still an active mosque, but visitors are allowed to visit around the prayer times. It is one of the historical marvels with its 13 blue-tiled domes, 6 towering minarets, and 200 stained glass windows. Any photographer’s palate will satisfy this place.
2. Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Istanbul Grand Bazaar is a paradise for shopaholics and it is also a very beautiful and wonderful place. Maybe you know it is one of the largest and old covered markets in the world. Mehmet completed the original core of the bazaar in 1461, where you can still see its intricately painted ceiling.
The bazaar is covered 60 streets and has 4000 shops. Statistics show that it has 250000 to 400000 visitors every day.
3. Gulhane Park in Istanbul
The beautiful Golhane Park is located on the grounds of Topkapi Palace. Gulhane park means the home of the rose has served many uses over the years. It was home to military warehouses and barracks during the Byzantine period. It use to place of celebration and ceremonies and was the main garden for Topkapi Palace during the Ottoman period. It was opened to the public and since has been a popular oasis for both tourists and locals since 1912.
4. Hagia Sophia Museum in Istanbul
One of the must-see sites in Istanbul is Hagia Museum. At first, it was used as the Greek Orthodox Cathedral for 916 years. It was used as a mosque for the next 482 years after the conquest by Sultan Mehmed. Finally, this incredible monument was converted into a museum so all could revel in its historical wonder under the order of Ataturk in 1935. It would stop you in your tracks by the sheer size of an architectural masterpiece.
Cities and places must be visited in Turkey
Thank you for accompanying us until the end of this article. In this article, we introduce some of the beautiful cities of Turkey and some recreational places. These cities and places in Turkey are so many that we cannot collect them in an article.
Turkey and its cities and ports have long attracted the attention of various investors for investment or migration and life because of its strategic location, as there are many opportunities to make a better life. If you are looking to invest or buy a property in Turkey, our consultants will answer you.
