Things to do in Turkey.

Consistently cited across creators as Istanbul's defining historic wonder — a former Byzantine cathedral turned mosque that anchors any visit to the Old City. Entrance fees have changed in recent years, so check before you go.

The seat of Ottoman power for centuries, praised by multiple creators for its grandeur and its famous harem rooms. Rick Steves and Travels With My Friend both dive into the harem's layered history.

One of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, described by Rick Steves as a place where 'endless shops enchant visitors.' Multiple creators flag it as a core Istanbul experience for shopping and atmosphere.

A sensory feast of spices, Turkish delight, and dried fruits right in the heart of the Old City. Rick Steves visits specifically to taste Turkish delight, while Travels With My Friend took a full gourmet expert walking tour of it.

Istanbul's iconic six-minaret mosque, praised for its stunning architecture and central location across from Hagia Sophia. Nearby Arasta Bazaar offers post-visit shopping.

A ferry or cruise along the strait dividing Europe and Asia gives the best views of Istanbul's skyline, palaces, and waterfront. Rick Steves cruises the busy port, while World Travel Guide and Travel Time both list it as essential.

The 19th-century Ottoman palace that replaced Topkapi as the imperial residence, famous for its opulent European-style architecture and its more 'modern' harem used until as recently as 1924.

A medieval stone tower offering panoramic sunset views over Istanbul's skyline and the Golden Horn. Listed by World Travel Guide as perfect for sunset.

The ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium at the heart of Byzantine Constantinople, visited by Rick Steves as the starting point for understanding Istanbul's layered imperial history.

A vast underground Byzantine water cistern beneath the city streets, listed by Travel Time among Turkey's top 10 must-visit sites.

Istanbul's modern public square and the heart of the Beyoğlu district on the European side. Rick Steves zips there by tram from the Old Town to taste local treats.

A legendary 1895 hotel built to welcome Orient Express passengers, described by Travels With My Friend as a 'hotel-museum' with palpable history — from three Ottoman sultans through Agatha Christie's famous stay.

A traditional steam bath ritual in marble chambers that's one of Turkey's oldest wellness traditions. Rick Steves calls it 'the ancient ritual of the Turkish bath,' while Bery Istanbul Tips gives a full insider walkthrough of the experience.

A mesmerizing Sufi spiritual ritual featuring white-robed dervishes spinning in trance-like ceremony. Rick Steves watches a performance during his Istanbul visit and calls it 'captivating.'

A highly praised cooking school and food tour operator in the Sultanahmet district that teaches Ottoman palace recipes. Travels With My Friend visited multiple times and called the food tours a trip highlight.

An evening dinner cruise on the Bosphorus combining waterway views with a Turkish night show of music and dance. Bery Istanbul Tips gives a detailed breakdown of prices, food, and what's included.

The Anatolian shore of Istanbul offers a notably different, more local vibe than the touristy European side. The New Travel explores it as a contrasting lens on the city, while Rick Steves hops a ferry to Asia as part of his Old Town day.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site of ancient cave churches and monasteries carved into volcanic rock by early Christian communities. Multiple creators call it a top Cappadocia attraction and a genuinely surreal walk through history.

The single most iconic Cappadocia experience — sunrise balloon flights over fairy chimneys and valleys. Cited by nearly every creator covering the region, including a rooftop breakfast shot with balloons floating in the background.

A valley of unusually shaped fairy chimneys said to resemble animals and figures, listed by Travel Time among the top Cappadocia sights.

Famous for its multi-headed fairy chimneys where early Christian monks carved out hermitages. Listed by Travel Time as a top Cappadocia attraction.

The tallest rock castle in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and fairy chimney landscape. Listed by Travel Time among the region's top sights.

Ancient multi-level underground cities carved deep below the Cappadocian plain by early inhabitants seeking shelter. World Travel Guide and N&K Travel Guides both highlight them as a surreal and unmissable part of any Cappadocia visit.

A stunning Mediterranean beach city backed by snowy mountain peaks, described by The New Travel as one of the most beautiful landscapes encountered in years of world travel — 'shimmering Mediterranean sea below snowy mountain peaks.'

The spiritual resting place of Rumi (Mevlana), the 13th-century poet and Sufi mystic. The New Travel made a special trip despite locals warning him off, calling it a moving, unforgettable spiritual journey.

Turkey's culinary capital, famed for baklava, kebabs, and food culture that rivals anywhere in the country. Bery Istanbul Tips dedicated a full food and travel guide to the city in 2025.

Turkey's famous white calcium terraces cascading down a hillside — listed by Travel Time among the country's top 10 must-see sites.

One of the best-preserved ancient Greek and Roman cities in the world. Travel Time lists it among Turkey's top 10 must-see sites, alongside Hagia Sophia and Pamukkale.

Described by Ramin's Travel Guide as one of the most exclusive resorts in Turkey — a luxury escape on the Turkish Riviera combining Aegean Sea views, private beaches, and world-class wellness on the Bodrum peninsula.