Things to do and places to see during a stay in Türkiye

From ancient ruins inherited from the Greco-Roman invasion to the white sand beaches that line its shores, Turkey guarantees you plenty of adventures. Let yourself be captivated by its vibrant culture and centuries-old historical remains . You’ll never tire of exploring this magnificent country while meeting its locals. To help you plan your stay, here are some must-see tourist attractions during your trip to Turkey.

Visiting Ankara, the capital

A trip to Turkey will always begin in Ankara . It is indeed the capital of the country and this city remains the cradle of Turkish civilization . It has one of the most beautiful architectures ever to exist in all of Turkey. It continues to fascinate until today. Among the places that testify to the richness of Turkey, you will find the Ankara Castle as well as the Genclik Park. The latter is located on an area of ​​30 hectares and attracts tourists and locals throughout the year. Do not miss attending open-air theater plays or taking the little trains to tour the park. Ankara guarantees you a unique experience to rediscover your child’s soul while being an adult.

Discovering Istanbul and its famous Turkish bath

Istanbul’s reputation is well established as the economic capital of Turkey . Between the brand new skyscrapers springing up all over the city and the cultural traditions that continue to reign there, discover the traditional hammams . Don’t hesitate to try the famous Turkish bath in one of these places. This legendary bath is conducive to well-being and has become part of Turkish custom over the centuries. Most of these hammams are located in a decor and architecture typical of the country. Istanbul is the perfect place to enjoy it.

The Grand Bazaar of Istanbul

During your stay in Istanbul, don’t miss a visit to the Grand Bazaar . It is one of the oldest markets in the world. This place has become a very popular tourist attraction where you can find handcrafted objects that can serve as souvenir gifts. From stained glass lamps to handcrafted lanterns, local carpets and oriental spices , you will discover thousands of shops selling items, sometimes authentic , sometimes less so. This is also what the Grand Bazaar is all about: detecting the real from the fake.

The Lycian tombs

Turkey has many ancient ruins, just like Greece and Italy . Although these ruins are not as famous, they are an excellent source of curiosity for tourists visiting the country. Among them, the Lycian tombs dug into the walls of the hills should certainly be noted. According to Lycian culture, after death, the souls will be detached from the body. Winged creatures then transport them. To do this, the Lycians placed the remains in high places. That is why they chose the mountainside . The peculiarity of these tombs lies in their architecture , which is an excellent blend of Greek , Persian , and Lycian styles .

The ruins of Ephesus

Did you know that Ephesus played an important role in the rise and fall of the Greek Empire  ? Located in Turkey , the ancient city has left behind remnants and ruins of the past, perfect for history buffs. During your visit, you will have the pleasure of discovering the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Mount Nemrut for hikers

If you are a hiking enthusiast and want to explore Turkey in all its attractions, Mount Nemrut is definitely the hiking trail you should not miss. After spending hours climbing it , you arrive at its summit where you will discover statues in honor of the tomb dedicated to the Turkish royal family. Once there, enjoy the landscape at sunset or sunrise.

The Aegean Sea for a sea trip

Named after King Aegeus , the Aegean Sea connects Greece to Turkey . With its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, this sea invites you to enjoy a moment of relaxation and idleness. For this, there is nothing better than going to the port of Bodrum and boarding a pleasure boat to sail on the Aegean Sea. A few days at sea will allow you to cut yourself off from the rest of the world while recharging your batteries in a unique haven of peace .

The underground city of Derinkuyu

The Derinkuyu Underground City will introduce you to the beauty of Turkey as well as its history. Located beneath Cappadocia , this city sheltered nearly 20,000 people during the Roman invasion. These inhabitants lived underground with their livestock and food to escape the onslaught. You can visit the narrow underground rooms and cellars for an interactive experience and discover the history of Turkey.

The thermal waters of Pamukkale

Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s natural wonders . This region is characterized by its natural thermal pools that flow from terrace to terrace. This is what makes the region famous throughout the world. You will appreciate the well-being provided by the turquoise waters of these pools , but also by the atmosphere that reigns there.

Discovering Cappadocia by hot air balloon

Many travelers to Turkey will tell you that to experience Cappadocia , you must take a hot air balloon ride. You’ll be treated to a breathtaking view, especially at sunrise. It’s the perfect place to take photos to immortalize every moment. The view is also worth seeing from land.

Göreme National Park

Not far from Cappadocia , Göreme National Park allows you to witness one of the rarest phenomena in the world: the formation of soft rocks from the volcanic explosion that took place in this locality. The inhabitants used them to create churches. This is why Göreme Park is home to many temples formed from rocks. Their architecture is inspired by Byzantine art of the post-iconoclastic period. You will be surprised to discover stone dwellings that gave rise to troglodyte villages and underground cities. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to many hiking trails. It’s up to you to choose the one that best suits your level and your desires.

Cleopatra Island for an excursion

Cleopatra Island is located off the southeast coast of Turkey and is perfect for a day trip. Legend has it that this was the place where Mark Antony and Queen Cleopatra met in secret. This is also the origin of the island’s name. Surrounded by sparkling waters , this piece of land is characterized by its beach made exclusively of shells . Having taken years to form, the beach is now part of Turkey’s protected areas . It seems that it is difficult to access . However, local agencies can help you organize this discovery.

Turkish coffee, a symbol of the country

If you’re a morning coffee fan, then Turkish coffee should be on your to-do list during your trip to the country. Prepared in the traditional way, especially in a metal pot to make it stronger than espresso , Turkish coffee is known everywhere. You can find it in every restaurant in the area. However, the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul remains the perfect place to enjoy this drink. The flavor is different from that of regular coffee. It traces the history of the country and its people. So, enjoy your Turkish coffee after a day full of discoveries.

The ruins of Troy

Don’t miss exploring the ruins of Troy during your trip to Turkey. You’ve probably heard of the mythical city , especially through cinema. Indeed, for 10 years, the city resisted the assaults of these invaders until it fell into the hands of Achilles’ troops. A replica of the Trojan Horse not far from the ruins will immerse each visitor in the heart of the city’s history. You’ll appreciate the magnificent ancient ruins found in the region before heading off on other adventures the country has to offer.

When to go to Turkey?

You’re probably wondering what the best time of year is to explore Turkey? It’s best to plan your trip from May to June or from September to November. During spring and autumn, the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, giving you the freedom to explore the country and all its attractions. Moreover, during the summer , Turkey welcomes a large number of tourists, which can be a bit of a turnoff for introverted types. Winter sports enthusiasts can visit Turkey during the winter season. The country boasts magnificent ski resorts.

What documents are required for traveling to Türkiye?

For French nationals coming to Turkey , a visa is required if the trip lasts 3 months or more. If your stay does not exceed three months, you will not need a visa, but only an identity card or passport . Make sure it is still valid. To obtain your visa, please refer to the Turkish consulate in your country. They will explain the steps to follow for the issuance of this document.

Which accommodation should you choose during a stay in Türkiye?

Just like most of the most popular tourist destinations along the Mediterranean, Turkey has hotels , Airbnbs , and various hostels . You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation, especially since many of them are relatively affordable . So, you’ll have no trouble saving money on your entire stay.

What should you pack when traveling to Türkiye?

In principle, you won’t need any special equipment to travel to Turkey , especially if you’ve decided to explore the country during the summer months. However, please bring an adapter for your electronic devices to recharge your batteries. As for clothing, you should bring both city and hiking attire. However, since Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, it’s important to respect the rules of etiquette in certain public places. This will help you avoid offending your hosts while still enjoying your visit to the country.