Turkey offers a captivating mix of history, culture, stunning landscapes, and modern attractions. Whether you’re a history lover, beach enthusiast, or adventure seeker, the best things to do in Turkey offer something for every traveler.
From exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus and hiking the scenic Lycian Way to sampling mouthwatering Turkish street food and enjoying vibrant nightlife, Turkey promises an unforgettable experience filled with diverse and memorable adventures.
In this guide you will learn about:
Most Romantic Things to Do in Turkey for Couples
01/ Fly above the Cappadocia region in a hot-air balloon
Imagine soaring across the sky over historic rock formations, cave carved homes, fairy chimneys, with the stunning rich landscapes of Cappadocia as far as the eye can see. Turkey is one of the top places for a hot air balloon ride and its not hard to see why.
Head out at sunrise to enjoy a refreshing mimosa while taking in the vast surrounds, along with other balloons, making a true Instagram worthy adventure. Cuddle up with the one you love, imagining a time of days gone by, before heading back down to enjoy a delicious breakfast.
02/ Rejuvenate in the Pamukkale Thermal Pools
While Turkey is well known for its Turkish baths, the Pamukkale Thermal Pools offer a sensationally romantic experience formed by nature. These white travertine formations erupt from the plains, creating an almost ice-like appearance, with separate pools sprouting from the hillside.
But there is nothing chilly about this experience, with the thermal pools reaching over a balmy 30 degrees. This is the ideal space to relax and feel rejuvenated in one of the most romantic places in Turkey. The waters invite visitors to take a paddle or simply sit and soak in the stunning natural surrounding landscapes.
03/ Sunset sail on the Bosphorus
Orange hues cascading onto the waters that run between Asia and Europe, the gorgeous Turkish mosques and Istanbul’s cityscape in the background, a sunset sail on the Bosphorus invites you to cozy up and soak in the rich history and wonder of Istanbul.
The range of romantic cruise ships offers something for everyone. Whether you and your loved one want five-star service from start to finish or something a little more laid back and comfortable, there are plenty of options to choose from.
04/ Exploring the Basilica Cistern
Located underneath the city of Istanbul, the Basilica Cistern is the ideal adventure for history-loving couples. Built in the 6th Century, the reservoir once supplied the Great Palace, today it holds beauty in the serene soft lighting, grand marble columns, and the sounds of dripping water.
Surrounded by romance and history, couples can take a walk along the wooden platforms to marvel at the historic engravings and hidden mythical creatures of Medusa. The Basilica Cistern is the perfect place to escape the mid-day heat and explore the history of Turkey.
05/ Savor the Best of Turkish Cuisine
There is nothing quite like exploring a new country through your tastebuds, so why not explore Turkey through date night indulgence. Turkish cuisine is one of the main draws to the country, with a range of dishes embedded in the country’s rich culture.
The Taksim area of Istanbul is the place to be to experience some of the best Turkish cuisine. From fine dining at restaurants like Mikla with a Michelin Star and top-quality Turkish cuisine to the infamous steaks served by the famous Salt Bae at Nusr-Et., there is no shortage of romantic places to eat in Turkey.
Luckily, you won’t have to travel far with a host of Airbnb options in Istanbul.
Exciting Things to Do in Turkey for Young Adults
06/ Navigating Turkey’s Nightlife
Turkey is full to the brim with enticing bars and clubs that invite young adults on the adventure of a lifetime. From laid back bars in the historic squares to more upscale cocktail bars, there is something for everyone, with Istanbul offering the best of both worlds. Whether you want to get down with the locals at Alexandra Cocktail Bar or enjoy an international extravaganza at 360 Istanbul.
The nightclubs of Istanbul are also a must with dancing until the early hours offering the ideal opportunity to get to know the locals who can help you find the best things to do in Turkey when the sun comes up. Some popular options include Back Street Club & Rooftop Bar Taksim and Ritim Roof (Teras).
07/ Beach hopping in Antalya
A Turkish summer holiday is not complete without visiting Antalya. Ideal for young adults who want to explore the natural beauty of Turkey and a few bar hopping excursions, Antalya is the place to be.
Lara Beach is the most popular, located in the city center with golden sands and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying a sundowner after a day of sensational sunshine.
For a more secluded beach experience, Konyaaltı Beach is the perfect place for relaxing in the clear Turquoise Turkish waters. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, with the perfect shoreline for your next viral-worthy travel post, Konyaaltı Beach is simply a must.
08/ Historic hike along the Lycian Way
For a fun, unique, and active way to get to beach day bliss in Antalya, hiking along the Lycian Way is highly recommended by locals and visitors. Starting in Fethiye, make your way along the stunning coast of Turkey.
The 540km (335 mi) hike takes you along gorgeous coastal cliffs, through historic beach towns, and past some exquisite ancient ruins that you might miss otherwise. There are fantastic camping areas along the way for those that want to sleep under the stars, alternatively, the towns and villages have accommodation available.
If hiking isn’t your thing, have no fear, there is a range of transportation in Turkey to choose from.
09/ Tantalize your tastebuds with a Turkish street food tour
Turkish cuisine is not to be missed with the traditional Turkish street food tour offering the ideal way to explore Turkey through the senses. Istanbul offers a range of tours, with options for visiting local markets to a more traditional sit-down meal with locals, there are a variety of options.
You’ll savor some of the best that Turkey has to offer, including Simit, Lahmacun, Kokoreç, and of course the infamous Turkish kebab. Many of the food tours of Istanbul will also take you through spice and tea markets, offering the ideal opportunity to buy some local ingredients to take home and try the specialties for yourself.
Fun Things to Do in Turkey with Kids
10/ Exploring mini-Turkey at Miniaturk
Located in Istanbul, Miniaturk is an outdoor education park with miniature replicas of Turkey’s many historical landmarks. This family activity is ideal for those travelling with children. In fact, visiting here before heading to the real-life versions of the replicas may be perfect for little ones to fully appreciate the real thing.
The detailed models of famous places like the Hagia Sophia, the Temple of Artemis, and the Bosphorus Bridge offer a fascinating and engaging experience for all ages. It’s a great opportunity for children to appreciate Turkey’s culture and architecture in a unique, interactive way.
11/ Visit the Istanbul Aquarium
One of the best things to do in Turkey for families is to visit the Istanbul Aquarium. This is the ideal activity for days in between exploring the major landmarks that may require a lot of walking for little feet or if it’s raining.
The Istanbul Aquarium offers a stunning mix of marine life that bring the interactive exhibits to life. The walkthrough tunnel is a favorite, where the whole family is surrounded by colorful and exciting marine creatures at every turn.
This is an all time top activity for expat families that live in Turkey while on school break. After all, Istanbul is home to some of the best international schools in Turkey.
12/ Swim at one of the many family-friendly beaches
Turkey is the perfect location for a family-friendly beach holiday. Çalış Beach in Fethiye offers beach day bliss for first time swimmers with shallow waters and a laid-back atmosphere. There are sunbeds available, with a nearby promenade for the midday ice cream craving.
Lara Beach in Antalya offers soft sands with many family-friendly resorts available. These include kids’ clubs, beach activities, and water slides, giving kids the chance to explore freely while parents can relax poolside with a cocktail. Antalya is a top choice for expats living in Turkey to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Turkey that are perfect for families. Oludeniz’s Blue Lagoon is ideal for children, thanks to its calm, shallow waters and safe swimming conditions. Cleopatra Beach near Antalya is another family favorite, with soft sand, gentle waves, and easy access to nearby amenities. For a quieter, more relaxed experience, Çıralı Beach provides a serene atmosphere and shallow areas suitable for kids, along with scenic surroundings that parents will enjoy.
13/ Take a Boat Trip in Fethiye
A boat trip in Fethiye offers a wonderful way for families to explore Turkey’s stunning coastline. These family-friendly tours often include stops at shallow swimming spots, making it safe and fun for kids to snorkel and explore colorful marine life.
Many boat tours also visit nearby islands and hidden coves, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the tranquil waters and scenic views. There is also the option of a ferry ride.
For families thinking of moving to Turkey, the Turkey Citizenship by Investment program offers the ideal way to obtain Turkish citizenship, providing main applicants and their dependents with a Turkish passport, with access to the EU and Schengen Zone.
Best Historical Places to Visit in Turkey
14/ Take in the historic Hagia Sophia
The most iconic landmark in Istanbul, Turkey, the Hagia Sophia is a Byzantine cathedral build in 537 AD. Today, this stunning structure with its towering minarets, magnificent dome, and gorgeous mosaics is a mosque, but remains open to the public, inviting visitors to marvel at this incredible structure.
The blend of Islamic and Christian architecture makes the Hagia Sophia one of the most unique landmarks in the world, and an absolute dream visit for history buffs in Turkey.
15/ Explore the beaming Blue Mosque
Located in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most historic structures in Turkey. Built in the 1600s, this iconic landmark is infamous for its stunning blue tiles that adorn the interior, giving the mosque its name.
But its not all about the inside, the outside of the Blue Mosque is just as impressive with an iconic dome, six minarets, and gorgeous courtyard. The landmark is an active place of worship but invites visitors to explore outside times of prayer.
For a truly romantic experience, visit the Blue Mosque during sunset, where you can soak in the history of this magnificent structure.
16/ Take in Topkapi Palace
For the ultimate look into the world of the Ottoman Empire, Topkapi Palace offers a glimpse into the past. As residence to the sultans for over 400 years, this palace has earned its place as one of the most historic landmarks in Turkey.
From the royal rooms decorated to perfection and views over the Bosphorus to royal courtyards filled with centuries of secrets, there is no question that history lovers will find what they’re looking for exploring this gem of Turkish history.
17/ Marvel at Mount Nemrut
Located in southeastern Anatolia, Mount Nemrut is one of the most sensational archaeological natural wonders. At the peak, you can explore the remains of a 1st-century BC royal tomb built by King Antiochus I of Commagene, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The mammoth stone statues of the king, along with ancient gods is simply incredible, with the mere size mesmerizing history lovers. Sunrise and sunset at Mount Nemrut are out of this world, with a true sense of history and mystery combining into the ultimate historic adventure in Turkey.
18/ Escape to Ephesus
Once one of the most important major cities in the Roman Empire, Ephesus is now a magical open-air museum that takes you straight back in time. Walk down marble streets lined with ancient ruins, peek inside the Library of Celsus, and imagine the roar of the crowd at the grand theatre that once held 25,000 people.
It’s a must for history lovers, but even if ruins aren’t usually your thing, the sheer scale and beauty is something to marvel.
19/ Trek through Troy
The legendary city of Troy isn’t just a myth, it’s a real place you can visit in northwest Turkey. While only parts of the ancient city remain, standing where the Trojan War supposedly took place is a once-in-a-lifetime feeling.
Check out the ruins, walk the ancient walls, and snap a photo with the wooden horse replica near the entrance. There’s also a fantastic museum nearby with relics that bring the story of Troy to life.
Unique Things to Do in Turkey
20/ Explore the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı
Hidden beneath Cappadocia lie entire underground cities carved into rock. Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı are the most famous underground cities in Turkey, offering some of the most unique experiences in Turkey.
Heading down, you can explore the incredible areas where people once lived, originally built for protection. Getting a guide for this experience is a must, they can point out all the must-see places, with secret tunnels waiting to be explored.
21/ Feast your eyes on the Flaming Rocks of Yanartaş
At Yanartaş, near the village of Çıralı, flames flicker straight from the rocky hillside, and they’ve been burning non-stop for thousands of years. The Flaming Rocks of Yanartaş is truly one of the most unique things you can do in Turkey.
There is a short but steep hike, so bring your walking shoes. Climbing up just before sunset offers the best time for seeing this natural wonder come to life. Bring along a snack and enjoy this uniquely Turkish experience.
22/ Attend a Whirling Dervish ceremony
The Whirling Dervish ceremony is a traditional ritual performed by members of the Mevlevi Order. The dervishes spin in repetitive circles, creating a beautiful motion, symbolizing the journey of the soul.
As they turn, one hand faces up toward the heavens to receive spiritual energy, and the other faces down to channel that energy to the earth. It’s all accompanied by live traditional music, chants, and prayers.
There are ceremonies in Istanbul, especially in the old part of the city, or in Konya, the spiritual heart of the Dervish tradition.
23/ Shop til you drop at the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is a unique experience simply because it is the largest and oldest covered market in the world. As one of the most visited major attractions in Istanbul, you’re in for a treat, with thousands of kiosks to choose from.
Covering 61 streets, the options are endless. Whether you’re looking to splurge on genuine Turkish tapestry, explore the incredible ancient goods or savor the sensational spices and pick up some must-have souvenirs, the Grand Bazaar has it all, with a dash of Turkish tradition on every corner. This is a tried and true favorite for visitors or those living in Istanbul.
