The Best Cities in Turkey to Visit - Your Turkey Itinerary
Use this article to construct your perfect Turkey itinerary. Here’s a rundown of the best cities in Turkey to visit from someone who lived there for three years.
The other day I realized that, despite living in Turkey for three years, I don’t really have all that much actionable content on Turkey for readers who visit my site. That spurred a thought, and this is the result - a Turkey itinerary which will go over the best cities in Turkey, and help you think about which cities to include on your next trip.
In thinking about the best destinations to include in this itinerary, I wanted to draw upon places that I visited that struck a chord with me, but also choose a variety of cities which show just how multifaceted this nation is.
It’s hard to conceptualize just how varied the cities and regions of Turkey are. One minute you’re in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, and the next minute you’re on a sailboat in Bodrum. Let’s also not forget that in Turkey’s most famous city, Istanbul, you can visit two continents in the same day.
As I’ve stated elsewhere on my site, Istanbul is my favourite city on the planet. I lived there for three years, and I could have lived there for three lifetimes and still not experienced all that I wanted to see. And yet, I’m perfectly content in Toronto right now, and pleased to write content like this to help others comprehend and feel encouraged to discover the magic of Turkey.
What to Consider When Thinking About The Best Cities to Visit in Turkey
There are a few things that I know now about travelling in Turkey that I’m sure would have been useful to know before I ever set off, so let me share them with you.
Whatever you do, make sure you have enough time allotted for Istanbul. It would be an enormous mistake to come all the way to Turkey, and only spend a day or two in Istanbul. At the very, very least, set aside 3 nights and 4 days for Istanbul. Even still, that won’t be enough, but at least you’ll get a taste.
Much of what you’ve heard to date about Turkey, and particularly Istanbul, is likely either exaggerated or false. On the whole, it’s a safe country, and that’s especially true on a list like this where I’m covering the top cities in Turkey. I would have absolutely zero qualms about boarding a plane right now to Turkey. In fact, I’d rather like that now that I think of it.
I’m focusing this list on cities in Turkey (and I’ll have to cover towns and villages in another post perhaps), but just recognize that Turkey is more than the sum of its cities. That being said, strategically visiting cities will give you a good feel for the nation at large.
For the most part, each major city has something that they’re well known for when it comes to cuisine. Do your research to figure out what the city is known for. Sometimes it’ll be obvious (for example, eating Adana kebab in the city of Adana), and sometimes it’ll be less so, but just as worth it (eating iskender in Bursa comes to mind).
Turkish cities are all very different, and more so than other nations I’ve visited. Visiting a city like Izmir which is youthful and liberal, then heading over to a more traditional city like Mardin in southeastern Turkey, is going to feel like visiting a different nation altogether, but I think that’s actually a huge positive in general.
NOTE: This post may contain some affiliate links. That means, simply, that I may get commissions from some of my recommendations. That being said, my opinions are fully my own.
Without Further Adieu, Here Are My Top Cities to Visit in Turkey
Again, when considering what to see in Turkey, I’ve tried to include cities that I feel all offer something unique, and that cover a fair bit of ground across the nation.
One way or another, I don’t think you’ll go wrong, since there are just an incredible array of beautiful cities in Turkey.
Lastly, keep in mind that I’m focused on cities here (so destinations that have populations in the tens and hundreds of thousands), and I’ll contend with villages in Turkey in another post as that’s a whole other ballgame.
Istanbul, Turkey
I mean, you knew this was coming, right?
Quite frankly, you haven’t seen Turkey unless you’ve been to Istanbul. Honestly, I would venture to say that you haven’t seen the world at all until you’ve been to Istanbul. In my mind, it is the centre of the globe, and I mean that more than just geographically.
The big mistake that people make in tackling Istanbul is spending the entirety of their trip in Sultanahmet. That is indeed where you’ll find the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace, so it’s a truly extraordinary area, but there’s more to the city than that.
Spend some time wandering around Fener and Balat, go to the top of the Galata Tower, get some kokoreç after a night of drinking in Beşiktaş, sit at a cafe in Karaköy, sip on rakı on Nevizade Sokak, Walk from Bebek to Ortaköy and take in the sights and smells of the Bosphorus (and see Ortaköy Mosque), or be casual and get a beer and catch a concert at Bomontiada in the Bomonti neighbourhood (right where I used to live).
The options are unlimited to be honest, and I could go on for days, but I actually went on a podcast and gave a one week itinerary rundown that people have told me has been quite helpful. Feel free to check out that one week Istanbul itinerary if you want something more in-depth. That episode will really help you plan days one through seven with everything from restaurant recommendations to bars, and a whole bunch in between.
I also wouldn’t leave Istanbul without getting your hands on some Turkish breakfast. Actually, I wrote all about that for USA Today, so feel free to see where I recommend getting Turkish breakfast in Istanbul.
Izmir, Turkey
Whenever anybody is heavily misinformed about Turkey and tries to tell me that Turkey is basically akin to Saudi Arabia in terms of religious conservatism and so forth, I immediately think of Izmir. Izmir is a lively, student-filled, liberal city if there ever was one.
It’s not necessarily jam-packed with “tourist sites” in the classic sense, but I think it’s one of the best cites in Turkey to visit if only to experience the vibe. The nightlife is a blast in Izmir, largely because of that heavy student population, but there are also a ton of good restaurants. Speaking of that, if you’re looking to try to good gözleme (basically savoury Turkish flatbread), then go to Gözlemecim.
In general, the best thing to do in Izmir is walk around a get lost a bit. I personally like walking around Alsancak, which is essentially the boardwalk right by the water. The KEY Museum is cool as well if you’re into cars, and the Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower) is well worth a photo.
I found the people of Izmir to be incredibly friendly as well, so don’t be scared to share an Efes or Bomonti (or çay or kahve if you don’t drink) with a local and just see where the day or night takes you.
If you’re enjoying this article, you’ll also want to read about travelling from Istanbul to the beach in Kilyos and the new Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport
Edirne, Turkey
Edirne is a vibrant city located in the Thrace region of the country.
Located close to neighbouring Bulgaria and Greece, it’s a great stop for anyone looking to explore the Balkan region. With a rich history, Edirne was the second capital city of the Ottoman Empire.
The city is known for its unique architecture, and it is home to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of Selimiye Mosque. Other attractions in Edirne include the Old Mosque, the Beyazid II Health Museum, and the Ottoman Palace.
If you're visiting Edirne, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can explore the city's historic mosques and monuments and take a stroll through the cobblestone streets. There are also plenty of places to shop and eat, and the city's nightlife scene is vibrant.
Bodrum, Turkey
When I was living in Istanbul, I was a teacher, and whenever a school break came around, it always seemed like half the student body was heading to Bodrum. When I finally got there, I instantly understood why.
Bodrum is nice in that it’s the perfect place to get out on a sailboat or boat of some kind and experience the famous blues of Turkey’s water. It is, no doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey.
However, it’s more than just blue water, and that’s exemplified by a few things. For one, Bodrum has great restaurants almost everywhere, and they’re all packed during mid to high season which provides a palpable energy to the city. History lovers will also fawn over the Castle of St. Peter, which was built by the Knights of St. John in the early 15th century.
I loved being around the Milta Bodrum Marina, and just seeing all the boats. It all felt so quintessentially Mediterranean. The Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology is also kind of neat for lovers of ships and shipwrecks, and that’s located in St. Peter’s Castle.
Mostly though, just go there to chill, get some sun, and eat some good food. The only real prerequisite here is to make sure that someway, somehow, you get out on a boat, but that’s not a very tall order when it comes to visiting Bodrum.
It’s one of the top destinations in Turkey for a reason, my friends.
Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye is a city and district in the Muğla Province, which is located in the country’s southwest, right on the Aegean Sea. Fethiye is located in what is known as “the Mediterranean Region of Turkey.”
Fethiye was once known by the Greek name “Makri,” which itself was located on the ancient city of Telmessos (and you can still see some of those ruins today).
Spend some time simply taking in the sights and sounds of Downtown Fethiye, as it’s a pleasant experience. You’ll also want to spend some time walking through The Old Town, which is filled with bars, restaurants and cafes of all kinds.
Many people base themselves in Fethiye, then travel along the coast to places like Saklikent National Park (Saklikent Milli Parki), Ölûdeniz, and one of my absolute favourite towns in Turkey, Kas.
Having rented a car is important in a place like Fethiye because of how close you are as well to places like the Tlos Ruins, and Amyntas Rock Tombs.
In Fethiye proper, if you want to get to know the city a little better, consider visiting the Fethiye Market or the Fethiye Museum.
Bursa, Turkey
Bursa, in my humble opinion, does not get the love it deserves. I rarely, if ever, see it mentioned on lists or articles talking about where to go in Turkey.
When my parents visited Bri and I in Istanbul, we decided to use that as an excuse to take the ferry from Istanbul to Bursa and go and see what the city was all about. When I arrived, I was stuck by the city’s location geographically, as it’s right near the Sea of Marmara, but also sitting nearly under the shadow of towering Mount Uludağ.
It’s known for its important mosques and illustrious history, but one thing I didn’t know was that it’s also known as "Yeşil Bursa,” and for those who don’t know, “yeşil” means green. It’s a nod to the city’s many parks and trees, and there is indeed a fair bit of green space, especially compared to Istanbul.
Despite its size, Bursa is really quite walkable, at least if your goal is just to see the major tourist sites. Before leaving, I think you need to make sure that you see the Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), the Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii), as well as the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), which is where Mehmed I, the fifth Ottoman Sultan, is laid to rest. It really won’t take you all that long - a trip to Bursa is very manageable.
I feel like Bursa is one of the best cities to visit in Turkey simply because it offers a great opportunity for travellers to get a more traditional, conservative counterpoint to Istanbul, and also learn a bit more about Ottoman history.
Also, the east ferry from Bursa to Istanbul makes it an ideal day-trip if you happen to have a week in Istanbul or some time to spare.
Kuşadası, Turkey
Kusadasi is a city in the Izmir province of Turkey, located on the Aegean coast. It has a long history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. The city was an important port in the Roman period and was also home to a Jewish community in the Middle Ages. In the late 19th century, the city began to grow in popularity as a tourist destination.
The town is known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, vibrant nightlife, and an array of outdoor activities. While visiting Kusadasi, I’d encourage you to explore the remains of Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
Other options include hopping on a boat tour around the nearby islands, enjoying a leisurely stroll along the marina, sampling delicious local cuisine, shopping for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar, and relaxing on the beach.
You might also consider one of the many sightseeing tours around the area, a visit to the nearby archaeological museum, or a variety of water sports.
Çeşme, Turkey
However you want to quantify it, Çeşme is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey. For one, it’s really not terribly far from Izmir (about 85 kilometres away), and it’s also a short drive (just 15 minutes) from the gorgeous little town of Alaçatı.
Obviously though, if I’m including it on a list of the best cities it Turkey to visit, it’s not just about what’s around Çeşme, but rather what’s in Çeşme.
This is a quintessentially beautiful Turkish coastal community, and as such beaches are a sizeable draw for visitors. I’d spend some time on the famous Ilıca Beach (Ilıca Plajı), but also make some time to check out Altinkum Beach (Altinkum Plajı). A lot of people also like Pırlanta Beach (Pırlanta Plajı) as well.
Çeşme is more than just beaches though, and that’s best exemplified by Çeşme Castle, which I would classify as a “must see” if you’re in Çeşme. They actually hold festivals at Çeşme Castle, so do a little Googling before you arrive and see what, if anything, might be going on there while you’re in Çeşme.
When you’re in Çeşme, keep your eye out for fountains. Çeşme in Turkish actually translates to “fountain,” an ode to the Ottoman fountains scattered across the city. In my humble opinion, Çeşme is one of the best places to go in Turkey, and I feel quite strongly about that.
Trabzon, Turkey
I want to include Trabzon on this list of the best cities to visit in Turkey largely because I believe that Northeastern Turkey doesn’t get the love it deserves.
As a city unto itself, Trabzon isn’t spectacular, but it’s still quite pleasant to visit. They’ve got their own Hagia Sophia (albeit much smaller, but still impressive), the Atatürk Pavilion, which was the former residence of the famed leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and the Trabzon Museum (focusing on regional artifacts) is nothing to scoff at.
My recommendation, however, would be to visit Trabzon, then use it as a base to visit a few other places nearby. In particular, the Sumela Monastery is only about an hour outside of Trabzon, and it’s an impressive Greek Orthodox Monastery that’s carved into the mountainside. It was under extensive renovation when I visited in 2016, but I’m told it’s open to the public once again as of spring 2019.
Although it’s rather built up and commercialized, I did also enjoy my visit to Uzungöl, a lake situated not far south from Trabzon with cabins and restaurants nearby.
In essence, appreciate Trabzon for what it has to offer, but use it as a hub to explore what is an intriguing region of the county in its own right.
It’s not one of the top destinations in Turkey for tourists, but I think adding Trabzon to your Turkey itinerary will add a fair bit to your understanding of the country at large.
Alanya, Turkey
Alanya is a coastal city in Turkey located in the Antalya Province.
Situated on a small peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea, the city has been inhabited for thousands of years and was a major port during the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires. During the 19th century, Alanya was a major trading centre. In modern times, Alanya has become a popular tourist destination and beach resort town.
For a taste of the culture and history of the city, I suggest a visit to the Alanya Archaeological Museum, the Ataturk House Museum, and the Alanya Kalesi (Alanya Castle). If you're looking for some outdoor activities, you can go on a boat trip to visit the pirate caves, or take a jeep safari tour to visit the infamous Dim Cave. Whatever activities you choose to do, Alanya is sure to be a great destination for your next getaway!
Ankara, Turkey
Okay, here’s the thing about Ankara - though it’s the capital, it’s not your conventional exciting capital, and it’s much more administrative in nature.
Sure, they’ve got plenty of performing arts, ballet, opera and so forth, but I never really heard my Turkish friends tell me that it would be a failure not to have visited during my time in Turkey. However, I’m including it on this list because of one site - Anıtkabir, which literally translates to “memorial tomb.” Anıtkabir is the mausoleum for the most famous (and arguably the most important) man in Turkish history, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Honestly, when I first moved to Turkey, it took me a moment to understand why Atatürk was so revered, but I quickly learned that he was an extraordinary human who essentially saved Turkey in the Turkish War of Independence, then proceeded to modernize the country during his reign as the first President of the Republic of Turkey. It’s hard to overstate just how important he is to Turkey, and how much he changed Turkish history. I’ve read about him extensively, and I respect how utterly resolute he was.
If you’re in Ankara anyhow, though, it was likely worth visiting Ankara Castle to get some panoramic views of the city, as well as taking a look at the enormous Kocatepe Mosque.
Those interested in history will also likely want to stop into the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Mersi, Turkey
Mersin, Turkey is a port city located on the Mediterranean Sea in the southern part of Turkey. Similar to other cities on this list, Mersin is well known for its stunning beaches and warm, sunny climate.
The economy of Mersin is mainly driven by its port, which is the largest in Turkey and serves as an important hub for trade and transportation. The area has been inhabited since Neolithic times and was once part of the ancient Hittite Empire. It was later part of the Roman Empire and was briefly occupied by the French during the 19th century. As a result, the city has a very rich culture.
While the city's stunning beaches are the main tourist draw, there are plenty of other things to do and see. Mersin Castle stands atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, and is an impressive sight to behold. Open to the public, visitors to the castle can explore the towers and walls, as well as the courtyard and keep.
If you enjoy architecture, a trip to the Mersin Grand Mosque is a must. The majestic building has four large minarets that reach the sky with an intricately decorated dome in the middle. The mosque is a beautiful example of Islamic architecture and a great place to visit and appreciate the beauty of Islamic art and culture.
The city also has a variety of bustling marketplaces, colourful bazaars as well as modern shopping malls. For those seeking a more cosmopolitan experience, the city has a vibrant nightlife. No matter what your preferences are, restaurants in the area cater to all tastes, ranging from traditional Turkish cuisine to more exotic fare.
Antalya, Turkey
Not unlike Çeşme and Trabzon, it’s not just Antalya proper that makes this one of the best cities in Turkey, but also the access you’ll have to the surrounding area. For example, the Düden Waterfalls aren’t far from Antalya, and just 20km away you’ve got the Kurşunlu Waterfall and Nature Park.
I don’t want discount the city of Antalya in the slightest though, as this is a bonafide Turkish resort town that has it all. A yacht filled harbour, an exquisite range of resorts and hotels, a solid array of restaurants, and, of course, ample opportunities for sun-tanning and swimming.
Not to mention, lovers of history, will swoon over Hadrian's Gate (built to honour Emperor Hadrian’s visit in the year 130), and while I haven’t personally been, I hear good things about the Antalya Museum.
Beyond that, Karaalioglu Park is a nice spot to be outdoors and soak in the day, and just for those who are curious, the beach that’s central in Antalya, and considered the main beach, is Konyaaltı Beach.
With it’s turquoise blue port, and the fact that it’s one of the central hubs in Turkey’s Mediterranean region, it’s not hard to believe that this is considered one of the top destinations in Turkey.
kars, Turkey
Kars, Turkey is a beautiful city located in Eastern Anatolia known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and traditional culture. The city has a fascinating history that dates back to the early days of the Ottoman Empire. During the 19th century, the city was a bustling center of trade and commerce. In the early 20th century, the city was briefly part of the Russian Empire, before becoming part of the Republic of Turkey in 1923.
I highly recommend a visit to the Ruins of Ani, an ancient city that was once home to over 100,000 people. Ani is surrounded by a large wall, and the ruins feature many churches, mosques and caravanserais (A caravanserai was a roadside inn where travellers could rest and recover from the day's journey.) The most impressive sight is the stunning Cathedral of Ani, believed to have been built around the 11th century.
Other inner-city options include the city's many museums and galleries. If you prefer to spend your time outdoors, you can also take a hike in the nearby mountains, or go fishing in the nearby lakes.
If your visit happens to be in the winter and you're looking for a more adventurous experience, the nearby ski resorts offer both skiing and snowboarding experiences.
Konya, Turkey
What makes Konya worth adding to your Turkey itinerary is the city’s unique history centred around the Sufi religion and Whirling Dervishes. This is the city for followers of the Sufi religion to visit, largely because the tomb of the founder, known as Rumi, is located in the Mevlana Order.
Just a brief side-note, but if you haven’t read anything by Rumi, or haven’t read any of his quotes, I would really recommend that you do. I carried and read The Essential Rumi during my travels in Turkey, and it offered me considerable perspective.
It’s still possible to see a performance of Whirling Dervishes actually, and to see that it’s probably best to head to the Mevlana Cultural Center after you’ve arrived and figure out when you might be able to respectfully attend a performance. Whirling Dervishes practice “Sufi whirling” where they spin in circles in what can be best described as physically active meditation.
Located in central Anatolia, Konya has a reputation of being conservative, so this is not the place to come if you’re looking for an alcohol laden holiday, but you can get your rakı fix in Istanbul before you get there. For the most part in Turkey, it’s not like anyone will say anything, it’s just good practice as a tourist to be respectful.
Besides the Mevlana Museum, you’ll also want to set eyes on the Konya Aziziye Mosque, and find some time to walk around Alaaddin Hill Park, and if you’ve got a car, the Kyoto Japanese Park is also an unexpected and pleasant surprise.
That’s A Wrap on the Top Cities in Turkey
Before ending this post, I want to communicate one thing - there are so many other cities that could have made this list, but I’m trying to be respectful of people’s time here. If you’d like me to add more cities to this post, just say as much in the comments, or reach out to me on social media( IG, FB, Twitter) and I can easily add some worthy Turkish cities to the list.
Honestly, Turkey is enormous, and you wouldn’t believe how many incredible cities there are. Heck, when I used to play hockey in the Turkish Süper Lig, we used to head to cities like Erzurum, which is not terribly far from the Armenian and Georgian border, and they got full-fledged winter, let me tell you.
That city was a joy to visit in its own right, but I’m trying to be cognizant of the fact that it’s not really realistic for folks to visit a city like Erzurum if you’ve only got one or maybe two weeks to explore Turkey.
I mean, you could argue that Nevşehir could be on this list because it’s a gateway to seeing Cappadocia, or that Çanakkale should be on this list because of the archaeological site of Troy and WWII military significance.
My point is this - however you plan your trip (and I can only hope this was helpful in doing so), you’re never going to have a bad Turkey itinerary. The weather is too nice, the food is too delicious, the history is too important, and the people are too kind for your trip to Turkey not to work out. I’ve yet to meet a single person who has visited Turkey that didn’t fall in love with the place.
So, understand that, in my opinion, these are the best cities to visit in Turkey if you’ve got limited time, but you could spend a lifetime exploring Turkish cities and ultimately only scratch the surface.
Just writing this has brought such immeasurable joy to me - to reminisce on a country that changed me profoundly, with the goal of providing others with the tools to go and explore for themselves what makes this wondrous nation quite so magical.