Turkey is one of the leading tourism destinations in the world, welcoming millions of international tourists from across the globe each year. Turkey tourism offers something for everyone, from beaches and gorgeous natural landscapes to historic landmarks and cultural spectaculars.
In this guide we’ll take you through some of the must visit places, important Turkey tourism industry stats, and what you need to know about this top tourist destination.
In this guide you will learn about:
- Turkey tourism
- Where to visit in Turkey
- Two week Turkey itinerary
- Top attractions in Turkey
- Turkey tourism statistics
- Why Turkey is worth a visit
Turkey Tourism
Turkey is a top travel destination celebrated for its deep historical roots, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant cultural heritage. It draws millions of international travelers annually and plays a significant role in the global tourism industry.
From the gorgeous Mediterranean coast and cultural extravaganzas to the top restaurants and range of activities for all, Turkey tourism is flourishing year on year.
But it’s not only popular for travel, the country is welcoming thousands of expats each year thanks to programs like the Turkey Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, allowing foreign nationals a fast track to become Turkish citizens.
Turkey Tourism Places: Where to Visit
Istanbul
Istanbul is the heart of Turkey, offering a unique blend of culture and historical sites. Visitors can enjoy the fantastic mix of Eastern and Western culture with a range of things to do in Istanbul.
Things to do in Istanbul:
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Cruise the Bosphorus
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapi Palace
Cappadocia
If you’re a thrill seeker looking to get a bird’s eye view of Turkey, Cappadocia in central Turkey is the place to be. Known for its incredible hot air balloon rides and fairy chimneys, Cappadocia offers a truly unique experience.
Things to do in Cappadocia:
- Göreme Open-Air Museum
- Hot air balloon rides
- Uchisar Castle
- Derinkuyu underground city
Ephesus
As possibly the most well-preserved ancient city, Ephesus is a must for all history lovers. Explore the stunning Roman architecture and be transported to days with ancient civilizations.
Things to do in Ephesus:
- Temple of Artemis
- Library of Celsus
- House of the Virgin Mary
- Great Theatre
Antalya
Beach lovers unite! Antalya, located in western Turkey, offers some of the most pristine beaches in the country. Stunning resorts and the historic coastal city await.
Things to do in Antalya:
- Konyaaltı Beach
- Hadrian’s Gate
- Old Town
- Düden Waterfalls
- Lara Beach
Two Week Turkey Tourism Itinerary
If you’re thinking about visiting Turkey, you’ll want to know the best places to visit and how to get there. Here is a basic two-week itinerary for visiting Turkey:
| Day | Place | How to Get There | Things to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Istanbul | Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW) | – Explore Sultanahmet – Walk around the Old City – Have dinner with a Bosphorus view |
| 2 | Istanbul | Walk or tram within Sultanahmet | – Hagia Sophia – Blue Mosque – Topkapi Palace – Basilica Cistern |
| 3 | Istanbul | Tram, ferry, or taxi as needed | – Bosphorus cruise – Spice Bazaar – Grand Bazaar – Galata Tower – Karaköy |
| 4 | Cappadocia | Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevşehir | – Check into hotel – Hike in Rose or Red Valley |
| 5 | Cappadocia | Local tours or car rental | – Hot air balloon ride (sunrise) – Göreme Open-Air Museum – Uchisar Castle |
| 6 | Cappadocia | Local shuttle or car | – Underground cities (Derinkuyu or Kaymakli) – Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Devrent Valley |
| 7 | Ephesus (Selçuk or Kusadasi) | Fly to Izmir, then 1-hour drive/train to Selçuk or Kusadasi | – Library of Celsus – Great Theatre – Temple of Artemis – House of Virgin Mary |
| 8 | Ephesus area | Taxi, walk, or rental car | – Şirince village – Kusadasi |
| 9 | Pamukkale | 3-hour drive or bus from Ephesus area | – Pamukkale’s travertine terraces – Hierapolis ruins – Cleopatra’s Pool |
| 10 | Pamukkale -Antalya | Drive (4 hrs) or bus | – Transfer to Antalya – Relax at the beach – Old Town |
| 11 | Antalya | Walk or local taxi | – Kaleiçi (Old Town) – Hadrian’s Gate – Marina – Local markets |
| 12 | Antalya | Day trip by tour or rental car | – Perge and Aspendos (ancient ruins) Konyaaltı or Lara Beach |
| 13 | Antalya | Local taxi or walk | – Düden Waterfalls – Seaside cafes – Souvenir shopping |
| 14 | Istanbul | Fly back to Istanbul | – Last-minute shopping – Turkish bath (hamam) |
Turkey Tourist Attractions
Turkey is full to the brim with things to do and see for visitors.
Here is a list of the top Turkey tourist attractions to ensure you don’t miss a thing:
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
- The Blue Mosque
- Topkapi Palace Museum
- Grand Bazaar
- Basilica Cistern
- Mount Nemrut
- Suleymaniye Mosque
- Ephesus Archaeological Site
- Sümela Monastery
- Göbeklitepe
- Aspendos Theatre
- Galata Tower
- Bodrum Castle
- Kaymakli Underground City
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Göreme Open Air Museum
Turkey Tourism Statistics
Here are some fascinating Turkey tourism statistics for 2024:
| Number of visitors in 2024: | Nationality visiting Turkey the most: | Amount spent by tourists in Turkey in 2024: | Average amount spent by each tourist: | Most popular month for tourism in turkey 2024: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 62 million | Russia 6,710,198 | 61.1 billion | $972 per person | July, with 7.33 million visitors |
Best Time to Visit Turkey
April, May, September, and October offer comfortably warm weather, ranging from 68°F to 86°F, making them ideal months for exploring Turkey’s impressive historical sites and other things to do in Turkey.
In contrast, the summer months (June to September) can be very hot, especially in southern and western Turkey, where temperatures often climb into the mid-90s°F. But if you’re visiting Turkey to soak up the sun and enjoy the sensational beaches, then this is perfect.
October to March the weather cools down significantly, this can be a great time to explore the range of Turkey tourist sites without the hustle and bustle. However, some areas, like Cappadocia can reach freezing temperatures, so be sure to pack accordingly.
Turkey Medical Tourism
Turkey is a leading destination for medical tourism, known for its modern healthcare facilities, experienced medical professionals, and high standards of care.
Turkey offers competitive pricing on advanced treatments, such as cosmetic surgery, dental work, and eye procedures, offering an accessible alternative to more expensive options in Western countries.
The healthcare system is supported by the Turkish government and there are private health insurance options available.
Why Turkey Is More Than Just a Tourist Destination
While Turkey is famous for its rich history, scenic coastlines, and iconic landmarks, many international tourists are increasingly drawn to Turkish towns for deeper lifestyle and long-term benefits. Here are some key reasons Turkey continues to attract expats.
