Turkey Things to Do

 
by smirnofforiginal
 
  •   Grand Bazaar
    by smirnofforiginal
  •   Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
    by smirnofforiginal
  • Pillared tomb - Xanthos
      Pillared tomb - Xanthos
    by al2401
  • Enjoy the Turquoise Waters of the Turkish Coast!
      Enjoy the Turquoise Waters of the...
    by Jetgirly
  •   Things to Do
    by Jetgirly
 

Most Viewed Things to Do in Turkey

101.

Topkapi Palace   Istanbul

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

 326 Reviews   The huge palace was built just after conquering of Constantinople in 1453. It was the main residence of Ottoman sultans till 19th century, when they moved to other palaces. Palace is a full range of... 

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102.

Castle   Marmaris

Castle, Marmaris

 17 Reviews  Marmaris Castle was rebuilt from scratch in 1522 by the Ottoman sultan Süleyman the Magnificent when he had set out for his campaign on Rhodes, for which Marmaris served as a base. Lord Nelson and his... 

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103.

Kaleici - Old Town   Antalya

Kaleici - Old Town, Antalya

 24 Reviews  Having had a great hamam experience in Istanbul, I thought I'd treat myself to another on my last day in Turkey. Sefa Hamam was located close to my hotel, so I dropped by late one afternoon. I didn't... 

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104.

St. Peter Castle   Bodrum

St. Peter Castle, Bodrum

 45 Reviews  Bodrum Castle (Bodrum Kalesi), located in southwest Turkey in the city of Bodrum, was built by the Knights Hospitaller starting in 1402 as the Castle of St. Peter. Sir Thomas Docwra was one time... 

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105.

Boat Trip   Icmeler

Boat Trip, Icmeler

 12 Reviews  There are two options for sailing in the wonderful little craft that sail from Ismeler. You can go to either Marmaris for 10 L or Turunc for 15 L return. Either trip is worthwhile, especially Turunc... 

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106.

Virgin Mary House   Ephesus

Virgin Mary House, Ephesus

 23 Reviews  The house of Virgin Mary is considered to be the last home of Mother Mary. The Christians visit here for pilgrimage and it has been also visited by the last 3 popes. Outside the house, you can find 3... 

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107.

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)   Istanbul

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), Istanbul

 340 Reviews   Hagia Sofia or “Church of Holy Wisdom” in Greek is a place, where was a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica for nearly 1000 years. The current form church was designed and built in 532 by the Greek... 

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108.

Bazaar   Marmaris

Bazaar, Marmaris

 11 Reviews  Over 1000 small shops make up the Grand Bazaar and you must visit if in town. Several long passageways make up the bazaar and it concentrates on bags, shoes, clothes, leather goods souvenirs jewellery... 

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109.

Düden and other Waterfalls   Antalya

Düden and other Waterfalls, Antalya

 37 Reviews  We have planned to see that waterfall just before the "normal" shopping in Antalya. Every year we "waste" few hrs for shopping in the big modern Shopping Centers around Antalya. We haven't expected... 

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110.

Blue Voyage   Bodrum

Blue Voyage, Bodrum

 18 Reviews  I highly recommend to do a Blue Cruise, but please save yourself some money and do not book through Blue Cruise Bodrum (www.bluecruise.org/). They do not own any fleets and will only charge you a... 

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111.

Beach   Icmeler

Beach, Icmeler

 6 Reviews  We did not actually go on the beach through our two week stay apart from walking along it at night when it was quiet. As the photo shows it is very crowded and the sun beds and canopies are very close... 

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112.

Celsus Library   Ephesus

Celsus Library, Ephesus

 57 Reviews  It's a long way down the main roads, lined with the ruins of several buildings that your guide will describe in detail. Finnaly it all ends facing the library, whose facade is the best preserved of... 

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113.

Grand Bazaar   Istanbul

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

 124 Reviews   Grand market, or, differently, Grand Bazaar could be named as one of oldest and biggest markets in the World. It was planned and constructed in middle of 15th century, when Constantinople was... 

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114.

Icmeler beach   Marmaris

Icmeler beach, Marmaris

 11 Reviews  Marmaris is nice but unfortunately is not the best beach... If you like to spend more time on the beach I recommend to go Icmeler Beach. Its very easy just pick the Orange MiniBus (Dolmush) till the... 

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115.

Aspendos   Antalya

Aspendos, Antalya

 29 Reviews  Turning off the Antalya-Alanya road at kilometer 30 in the direction of the village of Belkis we come to the best-preserved ancient theater in Turkey. Aspendos was also used as a caravansarai in later... 

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116.

Bodrum environs   Bodrum

Bodrum environs, Bodrum

 27 Reviews  Foundations of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus St. Peter's Castle, with the underwater museum which has exhibited the glass wreck the Uluburun, an important archaeological find from the late Bronze... 

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117.

Marmaris   Icmeler

Marmaris, Icmeler

 4 Reviews  When having a holiday in Marmaris, a good idea for having a break for the beach life is to go to see the cosy small and sweet town of Icmeler. It is also a holiday resort, but much smaller and with... 

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118.

Toilet   Ephesus

Toilet, Ephesus

 19 Reviews  You don't need to use your imagination too much here! The latrines were part of the Scholastica Baths and built in the 1st century AD. They were the public toilets of the city where citizens were... 

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119.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet )   Istanbul

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ), Istanbul

 296 Reviews   Blue mosque, as I imagine, is one of main landmarks of huge Istanbul, also its minarets could be visible in panoramas that present Turkey, Istanbul, Sultanahmet historical suburb. Actually I was... 

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120.

Turkish Baths - Hamam   Marmaris

Turkish Baths - Hamam, Marmaris

 7 Reviews  Complaining from body pains, long lasting headaches, giving up excess body-weight, desire for feeling fresh and young addresses you to a "Hamam" where you feel like a new-born person. If you're after... 

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121.

Hadrian's Gate   Antalya

Hadrian's Gate, Antalya

 24 Reviews  Hadrian's Gate is a triple triumphal arch built in the second century. It is very well-preserved because originally the front of the gate was encased inside Antalya's city walls. Today you can pass... 

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122.

Bodrum nights   Bodrum

Bodrum nights, Bodrum

 5 Reviews  This discos is the biggest and loudest. The staff at the entrance will look you up and down for a proper trendy dress and take a cover charge of US$ 17 ! before admiting you inside. Once inside, it is... 

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123.

Market   Icmeler

Market, Icmeler

 2 Reviews  rWednesdays in Icmeler they have their own market, which was bigger that we thought it would be. Same sort of goods as in the shops but all in one place for you to barter and compare. The fruit and... 

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124.

Grand Theatre   Ephesus

Grand Theatre, Ephesus

 43 Reviews  The biggest construction remaining in Ephesus, and the most impressive after the Library is the great theatre. Built under Greek influence, it was enlarged and transformed by the Romans, an, despite... 

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125.

Bosphorus River   Istanbul

Bosphorus River, Istanbul

 130 Reviews  Recommend this ferry trip for anyone visiting Istanbul. The Government run ferry (Turkish Maratime Lines)departs Eminonu 2 or 3 times daily for the return trip along the Bosphorus. The 3 hour ferry... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Hagia Sophia

by al2401

The present Hagia Sophia is built on the site of a great church built by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine in 360 AD. It was destroyed by fire in 404 AD and a stronger building was opened in 416 AD. This building was destroyed by anti-imperial rebels in 532 and the present structure was completed in 537.Mosaics of religious scenes and people were removed in the Iconoclastic Era (726 AD) and replaced with simple cross shapes. When this era ended in 843 Hagia Sophia was redecorated with frescoes and mosaics, many with golden tiles, only for them to be covered over with lime when the building became a mosque in the 1450's. This actually preserved the works of art until they were restored by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the building opened as a museum in 1935.An amazing building - definitely a must see.

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Topkapi Palace/Museum

by al2401

Topkapi Palace was the administration centre of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years. It was constructed by the Sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet between 1475-1478 and was enlarged and enriched by successive Sultans until it was abandoned in the 19th century. It is now a museum.As well as the architecture and decoration there are many museum sections - the Harem (you need a separate ticket), Kitchen and Porcelain collection, the Exhibition of Armory, the Imperial Treasury and the Costume Display are but a few.There are extensive gardens in which to wander and there are great views across the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. There is a cafe and book/gift shop.It is open every day except Tuesday from 9am - 5pm (tickets close 4pm) and the Harem from 9am - 4pm (tickets close 3.30pm)

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Sultanahmet or Blue Mosque

by al2401

The mosque was constructed by the 14th Ottoman sultan Ahmet I who ruled 1603 - 1617. The complex consisted of a medresa, hospital, Arasta Bazaar, school, mausoleum, caravanserrai and public fountain as well as the mosque. The term 'Blue' came from the 21 thousand Iznik tiles and pieces used for the interior decoration. Inside is also a beautiful silk carpet and excellent examples of stained glass. It is the only mosque in Istanbul (and one of the few in the world) with 6 minarets.The standard rules apply for visitors - you can't visit while prayers are in progress, no shoes inside and respectful dress for both men and women. Ladies - carry a scarf in your day bag. If not they are available for a small cost.

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Open Air Museum - Goreme

by al2401

The early Christians who settled in Cappadocia needed to hide themsleves from Arab raids and built homes and churches in the rock walls and caves. The most intensive settlement of this kind was near the town of Goreme and is now an open air museum.The churches here are from the 11th and 12th centuries and were decorated with amazingly detailed and colourful frescoes depicting religious scenes and people from the life of Jesus Christ. Many of these frescoes are still reasonably intact and have been restored and protected.The museum is definitely worth a visit even if only for the history and beautiful frescos. It is open every day but closes earlier in winter

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Konya

by solopes

We only passed by Konya, having time to visit Mevlana's tomb. And, even without seeing the most famous thing of this town, (the twirling dervishes), I think that it has enough attractions for a more detailed visit. Maybe next time.

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Winter visit..

by Durfun

Actually winter is one of the recommended times to check out the fairy-chimney landscape in Goreme, Cappadocia!!With snow sprinkled on the formations, it looks magical :-)Sure, it could be cold then, but the roads would be accessible.However, due to the cold, it's best to stay at a good hotel/cave hotel with decent heating, and private airport transport.For instance, check out www.kelebekhotel.com They provide private transport from Kayseri airport for 10 EUR per person.If you're arriving by coach, they are a mere 5 minute walk away!!A balloon ride over the chimneys at that time of the year would be lovely.

Sultanhani Caravanserai

by al2401

A basic caravanserai was originally a roadside inn where travelers could rest and recover from the day's journey. Caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information, and people across the network of trade routes that covered Asia, North Africa, and South-Eastern Europe eg. The Silk Road.They developed into a small fortress with a square or rectangular walled exterior, with a single gate wide enough to allow a laden camel to enter. The courtyard was almost always open to the sky and included a small mosque (mescit), and the inside walls of the enclosure were made into a number of identical areas to house merchants and/or their animals and to serve as their palce of trade. As such they provided food, water and protection for human and animal alike.The carvanserai of Sultanhani is one of the best preserved and had examples of all of the above. It was built by Sultan Alaettin Keykubad...

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Chalky Terraces of Pamukkale

by Leipzig

Pamukkale means Cotton Castle and is located near Hierapolis, an ancient town. Calcium oxide-rich warm water is flowing down the southern slope. Several terraced basins invite visitors to lie in them. It is said the wter has therapeutic powers.It is great to see the terraces but I wouldn't swim in water together with 1000 others.

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Alanya

by Leipzig

Alanya lies at one end of a rocky promontory which juts out into the Mediterranean between two long sandy beaches. Today, Alanya is a beautiful holiday center of modern hotels, numerous stores, jewelleries, fish restaurants, cafes and bars. The city has about 100.000 inhabitants in winter and more than quarter a million in summer - most of them are German, Dutch and Scandinavian tourists).

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Antalya

by Leipzig

Antalya, founded in the second century BC by King Atalos II, has played host to a number of visitors including Alexander the Great, the Romans, the Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans with each one leaving their mark on the city and region. Therefore there is much to see in the city, including many mosques, the “Antalya Archaeological Museum”, the Duden Waterfall...

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Top 3 Hotels in Turkey

Esans Hotel  Istanbul

 7 Reviews and 181 Opinions  a very new hotel. very near to grande museums and sophia dome. sea is very near to hotel. we enjoy... 

 Hotels in Istanbul

Welcome Barut Hotels Lara Spa  Antalya

 5 Reviews and 511 Opinions  This was our first time in Turkey and first time in an all-inclusive hotel. i have to say - we all... 

 Hotels in Antalya

El Vino Hotel  Bodrum

 2 Reviews and 272 Opinions  This small property is both central (10 min walk to the bazaar and waterfront) and secluded and... 

 Hotels in Bodrum

Questions and Answers

titotherio profile photo

Q:  Hi, my wife and I organize trips for high school students (groups of approx. 35 ppl) and our next trip is scheduled for June-July... 

Durfun profile photo

A: Hi, Turkey is stable, with broad-minded politians & people. I had never thought about visiting TR, till I all of a sudden & surprisingly decided! Why? A VERY... 

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