21 Top Cities in Turkey to Visit

Turkey is synonymous with sparkling beaches, stunning architecture, adrenaline adventures, awe-inspiring mosques, and not to mention, otherworldly historical sites. All of these wonders lie in Turkey’s blissful cities. If you want to explore everything that Turkey is, start with top Turkey cities. Well, that’s not it! Turkey’s welcoming locals and mouthwatering food are the two other things that can make your time in the country worthwhile.

Whether you want to go on exploration tours, adventurous trails, historical excursions, or peaceful strolls by the shore, Turkey has everything you need for a fulfilling vacation. If you are in Turkey, there are plenty of cities to traverse at the heart of the country. Turkey is so huge, consisting of so many cities, which makes it hard for you to select where to go next. So, we have curated a list of the best cities to visit in Turkey, which will help you to tour the country. Let’s see what we have in store for you.

21 Most Visited Cities in Turkey

Here’s a list of magnificent cities of Turkey:

1. Istanbul

Istanbul is one of the most remarkable cities in Turkey. This vibrant city is one of the best cities to visit in Turkey. It is the world’s most-loved city-break destination that has mind-blowing ancient monuments, a serene cruise line, astounding architecture, and blissful beaches. Besides exploring the city’s grand past, Istanbul also boasts a vibrant city life always buzzing with a youthful and lively vibe. In addition, the classic restaurants and chic cafes charm tourists with their soothing ambiance and good food. The overall atmosphere of this city attracts tourists from around the world.

2. Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a fascinating city that lies in the center of Turkey. Known for its surreal valleys, fairy chimneys, awe-inspiring cave hotels, magical underground places, and hot air balloon rides, Cappadocia is one of the most-visited cities in Turkey. If you are a sunset lover, Cappadocia is a perfect place to watch some of the best sunsets of your life. How can someone miss the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia? It is one of the best experiences that this city has to offer. As you go up, you will witness the mystical landscape expanding in front of you, enchanting your soul. Some other places you can explore in Cappadocia are Uchisar Castle, Pigeon Valley, Goreme Open-Air Museum, and more.

3. Antalya

Antalya is a beautiful coastal city with stunning coastlines, soaring cliffs, picturesque landscapes, and spectacular beaches. Situated on the Gulf of Antalya, it is one of the best Turkey cities to visit if you want a laid-back holiday. Drenched in history, Ottoman architecture, delightful places, narrow streets, and sun-bathing beaches, Antalya is a remarkable city to explore. The wealth of attractions, pleasant weather, and fine dining are all you need to spend a day in Antalya. If you are in Turkey, a day trip to Antalya will be a worthy experience to take home.

4. Kusadasi

Kusadasi is a famous beach resort town in Turkey, surrounded by sparkling beaches and fascinating historic ruins. Popular as a cruise ship destination, Kusadasi is one of the top Turkey cities to visit. It is a fun and lively city that offers a full-swing vacation with many outdoor activities, hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and lovely beaches. The best way to spend your day is to explore Kusadasi Castle on Pigeon Island. Beach-hopping is another thing you can do to spend your day, as there are many beautiful beaches to explore in Kusadasi, such as Ladies Beach and Silver Sands Beach.

5. Ankara

Ankara is Turkey’s capital city and political center that offers fascinating sites to unearth. Brimming with youthful and upbeat energy, countless attractions, awe-inspiring architecture, trendy cafes, and spectacular museums, Ankara is among the best cities to visit in Turkey. Numerous museums of Ankara hold unparalleled collections of artifacts from various archaeological sites that a history buff will enjoy exploring. From majestic mosques to fascinating fortresses, breathtaking museums, bustling markets, and classic restaurants, Ankara has so much in its bucket for you.

6. Konya

Konya is home to the famous poet Rumi. Known as the Turkish cultural hub, Konya is one of the most-visited cities in Turkey. Konya boasts beautiful architecture that dates back to when it was the capital of the Rum Sultanate. Konya has plenty of attractions that tourists would like to explore while strolling through the city. One of the most exciting sites to visit is the Mevlana Museum. It is a significant pilgrimage site that once was the home of Mevlana Rumi. If you are a history buff wandering in Turkey, don’t forget to visit Konya. There is a whole new world of history awaiting your arrival.

7. Bodrum

Bodrum is a stunning port city in Turkey that offers a fantastic time in the city. Located in Southwestern Turkey, Bodrum is one of the best Turkey cities to visit. With trendy hangout spots, stunning castles, historic places, and ancient ruins, Bodrum has everything you may want in a Turkish holiday. There are a myriad of picturesque beaches and lovely landscapes that steal the attention of tourists. Whether it is beaches, nightlife, live music, and ancient ruins, Bodrum offers an out-of-the-world experience. Some major attractions in Bodrum are Orak Island, Bodrum vineyards, Turkish bath & spa, and more.

8. Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a blissful tourist destination- famous for its unique and surreal landscapes. Located in the heart of Turkey, Pamukkale is one of the most visited cities in Turkey, often referred to as “Cotton Castle”. Famous for its mineral white forests of petrified water, Pamukkale welcomes large bunches of tourists each year. Pamukkale’s main attraction is the stunning travertine terraces. Visitors come to witness these pools to embrace the therapeutic and healing properties, enjoying the beautiful and rejuvenating experience. If you are a history enthusiast, you can explore the nearby ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, located on top of the Travertine Terraces.

9. Bursa

Bursa is one of the largest cities in Turkey that has become a budding tourist destination. With its modern charm and slightly chaotic energy, Bursa tops the list of the best cities in Turkey. It is a perfect place to go on a sightseeing tour as there are various colorfully decorated mausoleums, classic museums, stunning mosques, and soothing hamams to explore. If you are vacationing in Turkey, Bursa should be on your itinerary. Bursa not only offers sightseeing opportunities but also gastronomic tours.

10. Fethiye

Fethiye is one of the gorgeous tourist destinations that is a part of the Turkish Riviera. Known as a major yachting destination, Fethiye is one of the top Turkey cities to visit. Tourists can enjoy a plethora of sailing activities here. These activities can range from group boat tours to multi-day private yacht hires. With Mediterranean beaches, an awe-inspiring Butterfly Valley, a soulful natural harbor, and a laid-back ambiance, Fethiye captivates the wanderlust heart of visitors. From beach-hopping to Turkish yacht cruising, Fethiye never disappoints a tourist. If you have an adventurous soul, Fethiye must be on your list of places to visit in Turkey.

11. Izmir

Izmir is a delightful destination in Turkey. Located on the Aegean Coast of Turkey, Izmir is one of the best cities to visit in Turkey. It is the most vibrant and lively metropolitan center in Turkey. This Turkish city is always teeming with life and energy that charms every tourist. Filled with attractive mosques, sparkling beaches, stunning art museums, and awe-inspiring historical monuments, Izmir is an ideal destination for every kind of traveler. If left with nothing to explore, you can devour the mouthwatering food. Izmir has a lot of good food to offer to its tourists.

12. Safranbolu

Safranbolu is a picturesque city in Turkey, situated in the rolling hills of Karabuk province. This small town is among the most visited cities in Turkey. Renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, Safranbolu has its name engraved in UNESCO’s World Heritage list. The narrow cobblestone streets, traditional wooden houses, and centuries-old mansions make tourists visit this town with a curiosity to explore. Every corner of this city showcases the town’s rich history. Visitors can also go on a day tour to Safranbolu’s nearby countryside, where lush forests, hiking trails, and pristine waterfalls lie in the lapse of nature.

13. Nigde

Nigde is a charming historic city in Turkey. Packed with cultural heritage, natural wonders, unparalleled landscapes, and welcoming locals, Nigde is one of the best Turkey cities to visit. This city is Turkey’s hidden gem that awaits travelers to unearth the magic of exploring it. Nigde Castle is one of the most captivating attractions of the city. Perched on a hill, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood. History buffs can explore the storied history that dates back to Roman times. Moreover, tourists can also check out the Nigde Museum, which houses vast collections of artifacts like ceramics, sculptures, and coins.

14. Alanya

Alanya is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey. With so much to offer, Alanya is one of the best cities in Turkey. Alanya has everything a tourist may like- the blue sea, clear sky, sunsets, and Turkish villages. Whether you are a sun-seeker or a partygoer, Alanya will never disappoint. Most tourists visit Alanya for a quaint holiday, where they can relax and bathe in the sun. Some come to enjoy the historical sights and scenic landscapes. One moment, you might be enjoying the boat ride. The next, you might be marveling at the sun-kissed activities. Later, you might be reveling in the pulsating nightlife. That’s how Alanya captures the hearts of travelers.

15. Cesme

Cesme is the most sought-after destination in Turkey. Famous for its rich history, divine beaches, historic sites, and lively nightlife, Cesme is one of the best Turkey cities to visit. It is a coastal town- offering a seaside break at the city’s breathtaking beaches, such as Ilica Beach and Altinkum Beach. It offers many opportunities to sunbathe, swim, and water sports for tourists to enjoy the time by the beach. Cesme has so much for its tourists to enjoy, such as restaurants, boutique shops, vibrant markets, and souvenir shops.

16. Edirne

Edirne is the most popular tourist city in Turkey. Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne is among the top Turkey cities. Everything about Edirne is just otherworldly- palaces & mosques, old imperial buildings, and delightful landscapes. One of the major tourist attractions in Edirne is Selimiye Mosque. The mosque has one of the finest mosque architectures, built by the Ottoman architect Sinan. Edirne’s proximity to Greece and Bulgaria gives the city a European charm. If you are a history enthusiast, you will find plenty of things to do in this Turkish city.

17. Eskisehir

Eskisehir is one of the hidden gems of Turkey that has a lively and enthusiastic vibe. This enchanting tourist destination is on the list of the best cities in Turkey. Offering rich history, vibrant culture, Ottoman architecture, wooden houses, art galleries, and classic cafes, Eskisehir is an ideal destination for a vacation in Turkey. Whether you want to stroll through the cobbled streets, enjoy a quiet evening by the cafe, or admire the landscapes, Eskisehir got you covered. You will find lively art and cultural scenes in Eskisehir. If you are holidaying in Turkey, you must add Eskisehir to your list of places to visit in the country.

18. Marmaris

Marmaris is among one of the most visited cities in Turkey. It is a captivating tourist destination that offers natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant nightlife for visitors to explore. The location of this beautiful city offers you an ideal place to rejuvenate and relax. There is an array of beautiful beaches where tourists can indulge in various adrenaline activities, such as scuba diving, parasailing, and snorkeling. For history lovers, Marmaris Castle is a must-visit tourist attraction. Tourists can catch panoramic views of the town and the sea. With a mix of historical sights, beaches, and pounding nightlife, Marmaris appeals to a wide range of tourists seeking a fulfilling coastal experience.

19. Trabzon

Trabzon is the busiest yet famous port on the Black Sea. It is fondly known as the Black Sea Pearl because of its unparalleled ocean views. For all the right reasons, Trabzon is among the list of the best Turkey cities to visit. Teeming with a lively vibe, Trabzon has countless tourist attractions, classic restaurants, and old-world charm that invites tourists from across the world. Trabzon is a perfect place for a day trip. If you are heading for Turkey, make sure to put a day aside for exploring Trabzon.

20. Samsun

Samsun is one of the most-loved cities in Turkey. Nestled on Turkey’s Northern coast along the Black Sea, Samsun is one of the best cities to visit in Turkey. This city offers an off-the-beaten holiday experience. Samsun offers a unique glimpse into Turkey’s authentic vacation experience. Among the countless stunning attractions, one of the most captivating is Gazi Caddesi. This waterfront promenade runs along the Black Sea coast and offers strolls, cycling, or sitting by the waves. Samsun’s unique charm, historical significance, and natural essence speak more than words can describe. So, don’t forget to visit this one-of-a-kind city in Turkey.

21. Sanliurfa

Sanliurfa is a culturally rich city in Turkey. This southeastern city is among the top Turkey cities that are known for its deep historical significance, vibrant attractions, bustling markets, unique religious heritage, and natural escapes. The major tourist attraction in the city is the Pool of Abraham, a sacred pond filled with fish and surrounded by beautiful mosques and gardens. The other thing to enjoy in Sanliurfa is its teeming markets, which are a delight to explore. If you want to experience a blend of history, culture, lively markets, stunning attractions, and warm hospitality, Sanliurfa is a place for you.

Turkish Cities are a Treat to Travelers!

Turkey is one of the most blissful destinations to visit across the world. It is on every frequent traveler’s bucket list of places to explore in the world. And by reading this post, you can know why! Turkey has countless gorgeous cities that can take you on a gratifying holiday journey. If you want to go ahead with your plan to visit Turkey, don’t forget to check out Dook International. Dook has some of the most enticing Turkey tour packages that can lure you to take the much-awaited vacation. We ensure a stress-free travel experience with Dook. We assist you throughout the trip and assure you a great travel experience. No matter what you want to explore in Turkey, we have your back!

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