Top 3 Cities in Turkey
Fascination Turkey - Our top 3 Cities
Turkey is a fascinating holiday destination known for its diverse scenic beauty and rich history. With its vibrant metropolises, breathtaking coastal landscapes and historical sites, the country has a wide range of experiences to offer.
Along the coast you will find picturesque bays, turquoise waters and dreamy beaches. Popular seaside resorts entice visitors with first-class resorts, water sports facilities and a lively nightlife.
However, the Turkish Riviera is only one aspect of the country. Inland, there are impressive natural landscapes where adventure-seekers can enjoy hiking, rafting or hot air balloon rides. History and archaeology enthusiasts will be thrilled by the country's ancient cities and archaeological sites.
In this article, we present our TOP 3 of the most beautiful cities with the best sights in Turkey.
Turkey highlights at a glance
- The town of Pamukkale in south-west Turkey is famous for its impressive sinter terraces. These are calcareous thermal springs in the form of steps.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göbekli Tepe in south-east Anatolia is one of the oldest cultural sites in the world.
- Official language: Turkish
- Those who want to admire historical sites and impressive rock formations from above should not miss out on a hot air balloon ride over the Göreme National Park in the Cappadocia region.
- The Turkish Aegean is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to explore the remains of antiquity. The ruins of Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, with the Celsus Library and the ruins of Troy, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are located here.
- The capital of Turkey is Ankara.
- The Blue Lagoon near Ölüdeniz impresses with its particularly clear, turquoise-coloured water. It has been awarded the Blue Flag for its outstanding water quality.
- Ölüdeniz is also home to Butterfly Valley or Butterfly Bay. It is home to over 80 different species of butterflies.
Top 3 Cities in Turkey
Antalya
If you want to relax by the Mediterranean but don't want to miss out on city life, Antalya is the place to be. The city boasts endless sandy beaches and the infrastructure of a metropolis.
Culture and archaeology enthusiasts will also get their money's worth on the Turkish Riviera. Antalya can look back on over 2,000 years of history. Evidence of the city's historical origins can be seen above all in the old town centre, for example in the form of Hadrian's Gate or the Yivli Minare Mosque, whose minaret is considered the symbol of Antalya.
The Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in Turkey. There you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the city and the surrounding Mediterranean region.
Those who are drawn to the great outdoors should plan a trip to the Köprülü Kanyon National Park. The 366 km² national park is ideal for long hikes and adventurous white water tours. We also recommend exploring the Lycian Coast from Antalya. Spectacular rock formations and picturesque bays await you here.
Alternative tip: The Turkish Riviera is also the perfect place for holidaymakers who want to enjoy pure relaxation without the big city atmosphere. Relaxation away from the big city can be found in Alanya, Side or Bodrum, for example.
Summary: Antalya is a popular holiday destination on the Turkish Riviera. The city offers kilometres of sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and a picturesque old town.
Istanbul
With over 15 million inhabitants, Istanbul is the most populous city in Turkey. The city is known for its unique location. It is divided into a European and an Asian part by the Bosphorus, which connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Black Sea. The Bosphorus can be crossed at three points. The oldest and most famous Bosphorus bridge is the Bridge of the Martyrs of 15 July.
The European part of Istanbul is also divided into a northern and a southern section by the Golden Horn. The historical centre of Istanbul is located on the peninsula that forms the southern part. There are numerous historical buildings here, such as the Kapalı Çarşı (Grand Bazaar) and the Topkapı Palace. Istanbul's most famous building is also located on this peninsula: the Hagia Sophia.
The Hagia Sophia is a former Byzantine church that was completed in 537 AD. After serving as a museum from 1935 to 2020, it is now once again the main mosque in Istanbul. Other famous mosques in Istanbul's old city centre are the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its blue and white tiles, and the Suleymaniye Mosque.
There is also plenty to discover in Istanbul outside the peninsula, for example the Dolmabahçe Palace, which has served as the residence of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire since it was built in the 19th century. It is also home to the magnificent gateway to the Bosphorus. One of the top sights in Istanbul is also Taksim Square in the centre of the European part of the city.
Summary: Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. It is known for its unique location on the Bosphorus and its historical sights such as the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Ankara
Ankara is the capital and therefore the political and administrative centre of Turkey. The presidential palace, parliament and various ministries are located here. Ankara therefore plays an important role in the governance of the country.
The city can look back on a rich history dating back to the time of the Hittites in the 2nd millennium BC. Over the centuries, the city has been ruled by various peoples, including the Romans, the Byzantines and the Seljuks.
If you want to find out more about Ankara's past and culture, you should visit one of the city's many museums. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations (Hittite Museum), the Ethnographic Museum and the State Museum of Art and Sculpture are particularly relevant.
The Kocatepe Mosque is a landmark and a defining feature of Ankara's cityscape. It is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is therefore not surprising that the construction of this magnificent building took a full twenty years. In the basement of the mosque there are several teahouses and a modern department stores'.
Summary: Ankara is a modern city that offers a mixture of historical heritage and contemporary development. It is an important centre for politics, culture, education and business in Turkey.
Conclusion: Turkey - a fascinating country
Turkey enchants with a mixture of traditional beauty, modern flair and warm temperatures. Whether you are a sun worshipper, history enthusiast or adventure seeker - a holiday in Turkey promises unforgettable experiences and wonderful memories.
Have you been bitten by the travel bug and want to explore the cultural diversity of Turkey on your own?
► Find out more about the toll regulations in Turkey here to be optimally equipped for your trip.