316 Best Sights in Turkey

The hilltop Acropolis measures about five square city blocks. Founded about 1000 BC by Aeolian Greeks, the city was successively ruled by Lydians, Persians, Pergamenes, Romans, and Byzantines, until Sultan Orhan Gazi (ruled 1324–62) took it over for the Ottomans in 1330. Aristotle is said to have spent time here in the 4th century BC, and St. Paul stopped en route to Miletus in about AD 55.

You're best off leaving your car on one of the wider streets and making your way on foot up the steep, cobbled lanes to the top, where you'll be rewarded with sensational views of the coastline and, in the distance, the Greek island of Lesbos, whose citizens were the original settlers of Assos. At the summit is the site of the Temple of Athena (circa 530 BC), which has splendid sea views but has been somewhat clumsily restored. A more modern addition, right before the entrance to the ruins, is the Murad Hüdavendigâr Camii, a mosque built in the late 14th century.

Adana’s archaeology museum, in a restored former textile factory, has a nicely presented collection of local finds, including Roman mosaics, statues, and carved sarcophagi.

On the shore of Lake Van, the remains of the small town of Ahlat are an impressive open-air museum of what was an important cultural destination. The remains of Seljuk and Ottoman mosques and fortresses, and the medieval cemetery with its impressive collection of monumental türbe (tombs), are the main attractions. A small museum on the sprawling site contains a collection of Uratian metalwork and pottery.

Located in Balat, the city's historically Jewish district, Istanbul's oldest synagogue is believed to date from the 1430s, when it was founded by Jews from the town of Ohrid in what is today Macedonia. The synagogue was extensively restored in 1992 to the Ottoman baroque style of its last major reconstruction in the 17th century. The most interesting feature of this Sephardic place of worship is the boat-shape wooden bimah (reading platform), whose form is thought to represent either Noah's Ark or the ships that brought the Jews from the Iberian Peninsula to the Ottoman Empire in 1492. To visit, you must apply by email (preferred) or fax at least four business days in advance to the Chief Rabbinate (follow the directions on the website).

Known for its windmills, trendy cafés, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants, this pretty village has become wildly popular of late. On summer evenings, the main strip of Alaçatı bustles with hip crowds; to avoid the hubbub come in the afternoon, when the crowd is mostly locals and store owners, although it can get very hot and many restaurants don't open until later in the day. Wander the backstreets to see picturesque Greek houses (many turned into boutique hotels) and the Greek church-turned-mosque (Pazaryeri Camii), where a curtain hides 19th-century Orthodox icons at prayer times. Tiny outdoor cafés selling tea, lemonade, plum juice (erik suyu), and mastic-infused Turkish coffee cluster under the windmills overlooking town, a popular spot for wedding photos.

It's worth dropping by the small Alanya Archaeological Museum just to see the petite but perfectly preserved Roman bronze statue of a gleaming, muscular Hercules from the 2nd century AD. There is also a lovely seafaring mosaic, artifacts from the area's ancient maritime culture, some interesting stone altars, a bronze Pegasus statue, and limestone ossuaries. Note the Ottoman Greek inscriptions by the entry in Karamanlı—Turkish written with the Greek alphabet.

With its majestic vaulted interior, Alara Han is one of the most romantic kervansarays (inns) in Turkey. Built on the banks of the icy Ulugüney Stream in the early 13th century and now beautifully restored, it has a fountain, prayer room, unusual lamp stands carved into stone, and lions' heads at the bases of the arches. In summer, the inland countryside location also provides welcome relief from the sweltering coast. If you’re feeling energetic, an unusual hand-carved tunnel leads up to the Seljuk fortress (Alara Kalesi) built on the crags above the inn. A flashlight is essential to make the climb.

Stretching inland from the breezy Kordon waterfront, the trendy, upscale neighborhood now known as Alsancak ("red banner," a reference to the Turkish flag) was called Punta in the Ottoman era, when many Christians and Jews lived here. Look closely, and you'll notice there are still a number of synagogues and churches in the area. Pedestrianized main street Kibris Şehitler Caddesi is like a smaller version of Istanbul's İstiklal Caddesi, with lively bars, cafés, and restaurants filling its side streets. Though Alsancak is mostly slick and modern, pretty two- and three-story Levantine houses with bay windows are tucked away along some of the backstreets, which perk up at night with an influx of young İzmirians.

For a break after all the history, continue another 5 km (3 miles) from Didyma south to Altınkum, popular for its pale-sand beach. The sand stretches for a bit less than 1 km (½ mile) and is bordered by a row of bars, restaurants, and hotels, all facing the water. At peak times, a lifeguard watches over the 500-yard, Blue Flag–designated public beach (halk plajı), which quickly gets crowded in summertime. There are some Jet Skis and pedal boats for rent at either end of the halk plajı. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.

The name is Turkish for "golden sand," and this beach has crystal-clear and calm water lapping the silky sand. The area has yet to undergo a huge development boom and there are many private and public beaches to choose from, most with shallow waters. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella at many points along the beach for a very reasonable price compared to trendier beach clubs. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

At the upper end of the Asian shore, Anadolu Kavağı is the final destination on the full Bosphorus cruises. A pretty little fishing village, it gets enough tourists to have a large number of seafood restaurants, waffle stands, and ice cream shops. The main attraction is the dramatically situated Byzantine Castle (aka Yoros Castle), a 15-minute walk uphill from the village. The hill was once the site of a temple to Zeus Ourios (god of the favoring winds), which dates back, legend has it, to the days when Jason passed by in search of the Golden Fleece. The castle, built by the Byzantines and expanded by their Genoese allies, is today in a fairly ruined state, but the climb up is still worth it for the spectacular views over the upper Bosphorus from the cafés and restaurants just below its walls.

A small museum in the waterfront district of İskele displays finds from Anemurium and other nearby sites. The most interesting are the tomb mosaics and a bronze head of Athena. As of late 2021, the museum was closed for renovations.

Andriake, the seaport of ancient Myra, was a major stopover on the Egypt-to-Rome route that supplied most of Rome's wheat. St. Paul changed ships here on his journey to Rome in AD 60, and Hadrian built a huge granary on the site. The largest and best-preserved structure at Andriake, the granary has been restored to house the Lycian Civilizations Museum, which offers an in-depth look at the history of the region, including its role in Mediterranean trade and as a production site for murex, a purple dye valued highly in the ancient world.

The partially excavated ruins of Andriake include remnants of an agora (with a cistern underneath), multiple churches and baths, and a synagogue, believed to be the oldest one in Mediterranean Anatolia. A pretty path winds among them alongside olive trees and the marshy Demre Kuş Cenneti, a bird sanctuary where you can spot flamingos and other species. Continue on the rustic road to Demre's yacht harbor for modest snack bars, an enlivening sea breeze, and a glorious view over the water.

The extensive ruins of ancient Anemurium—mostly dating from the late Roman/early Byzantine period—are built primarily of durable Roman concrete, which makes them better preserved but less picturesque than the average stone ruins. Their idyllic seaside setting, with overgrown paths leading between the structures and the waves crashing nearby, more than makes up for that, however. The marked turnoff to the site is 5 km (3 miles) west of Anamur.

Anemurium, whose ancient name refers to the winds that often blow through the site, has long inspired the curiosity of foreign visitors: English archaeologist Francis Beaufort excavated here in the 19th century. Beside the entrance is a bath building, once part of a gymnasium. Beyond this is a small well-preserved theater, or odeon, opposite which sit the scant remains of a large theater. A second Roman bath is easily the best preserved in the country, with even the great vaulted roof of the two-story building still standing. Behind it are the remains of an aqueduct, while one set of old city walls climbs up a steep slope to the unexcavated acropolis. Beside the road there are also numerous tombs, some with frescoes and mosaics. At the end of the road there's a pebbly beach, where you can take a dip when you've finished exploring, but no showers or other facilities.

Ankara's main historic sites are clustered around its ancient citadel (known as the Hisar or Kale in Turkish), high on a hill overlooking the city. Though the citadel's precise origins are not known, the inner and outer walls standing today are thought to have been built between the 7th and 9th century, during the Byzantine period. Although the modern city has grown up around the citadel, the area inside the walls has retained an almost villagelike atmosphere, an entire neighborhood with winding, cobblestoned streets and old houses built with timber and plaster. The municipality has recently cleaned up the entrance area, but some parts of the neighborhood inside the citadel remain fairly rundown. The easiest place to enter the citadel is from Parmak Kapısı (Finger Gate), also known as Saat Kapısı (Clock Gate), across from the Divan Çukurhan. Head toward the center, where you'll see the restored Şark Kulesi (Eastern Tower). Climb the stone steps to the tower's upper ramparts for excellent city panoramas.

The Catholic Church maintains its presence with a small sanctuary run by Capuchin monks. It is set in a garden on Kutlu Sokak, several winding blocks in from the river. Enter its small courtyard from the side street. You might recognize the image of the church bell, with the minaret of the Sermaye Mosque behind—it's on tourist office brochures as a symbol of religious harmony. Mass is usually held here every Sunday evening at 5 or 6 depending on the time of year; it's a good idea to call ahead and confirm.

With an international collection of nearly 3,000 toys dating from 1870 through 1980, this cheery little museum near the yacht harbor is a favorite with young families.

The main road around Fethiye's central harbor square also runs past the stage of the theater of Telmessos, a chance rediscovery made in 1993 that gives a sense of history to the modern buildings all around. The rest of the ancient town remains in its urban tomb. The theater is undergoing renovations and is closed to visitors for the time being.

About 500 yards west of Kaş's main square, a small, well-preserved theater dating from the 4th century BC sits amid the olive trees; superb ocean views make it particularly lovely at sunset. There are other ancient ruins, from the time when the town was known as Antiphellos, including the foundations of a 1st century BC temple near the western end of the harbor (it's on your left as you follow Necipbey Sokak to the theater) and an underground cistern located between Smiley's restaurant and the Echo Bar.

West of Üçağız are two small, infrequently visited ruins, linked by a section of the Lycian Way. They make a good day trip or overnight excursion for those who want to get off the beaten track. Apollonia is a minor site on a small hill just southwest of the village of Sahilkılınçlı on the Kaş–Üçağız road 8 km (5 miles) south of the highway. You'll see a good range of ancient Lycian tombs scattered east and north of the walled acropolis hill. There's also a small theater and a well-preserved church with views west over the coast toward Kaş.

Back on the side road, look for the signed turnoff to the right, then walk two hours down the hill to the ruins of Aperlai on a pretty little inlet. The city walls here are impressively intact. Buildings inside them include a well-preserved church, houses, and a bath by the water, as well the sunken remains of the ancient port. Another three hours, first inland and then along the water, will take you to Üçağız, or you can hire a boat at Yoruk Ramazan Restaurant (about 15 minutes walk from Aperlai) to take you across. Some boats from Üçağız will drop you at the inlet and give you time to walk to Aperlai and back.

A magnificent portal marks the entrance to what was formerly the Sahip Ata complex, a group of structures dating from the late 13th century. A bit to the right is the small but interesting Arkeoloji Müzesi (Archaeology Museum), showcasing artifacts from a number of different periods. The most significant room has finds from the 7000 BC Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, including pottery, jewelry, weapons and tools, and the remains of an infant burial; these are accompanied by quite informative explanations. There are also artifacts from the Bronze Age and Greek and Roman periods; the 3rd-century AD marble sarcophagus depicting the Twelve Labors of Hercules is outstanding.

Around the left-hand corner from the Sahip Ata portal is the Sahip Ata Müzesi (Sahip Ata Museum), housed in the beautifully (but perhaps not that sensitively) restored dervish lodge of the mosque complex. Items on display include carved wooden doors from as early as the 13th century, ceramic fragments, calligraphic works and old Korans, and dervish accoutrements. It's free to visitors.

Though badly in need of refurbishing, İzmir's showplace for archaeology holds some notable treasures. Look over the railing in the lobby, down at what must have once been a spectacular classical mosaic of lions, peacocks, and other brightly colored creatures, then wander down haunting (but pitiably lit) halls of statuary, which include a front-row Hellenistic theater seat carved with griffins, and evocative Roman faces. Upstairs you'll find unusual painted ceramic sarcophagi (and the heartbreaking skeleton of a Byzantine newborn), and a Hellenistic bronze of a running athlete—and there's a neat view of the city. An English-language audio guide is included in the price of admission (though you'll need to present your passport or other ID to borrow the player and headset) and is highly recommended.

A magnificent portal marks the entrance to what was formerly the Sahip Ata complex, a group of structures dating from the late 13th century. A bit to the right is the small but interesting Arkeoloji Müzesi (Archaeology Museum), showcasing artifacts from a number of periods. The most significant room focuses on the 7000 BC Neolithic site of Çatalhöyük, with finds including pottery, jewelry, weapons and tools, and the remains of an infant burial; these are accompanied by quite informative explanations. There are also artifacts from the Bronze Age and Greek and Roman periods—the 3rd-century AD marble sarcophagus depicting the Twelve Labors of Hercules is outstanding. Around the left-hand corner from the Sahip Ata portal is the Sahip Ata Müzesi (Sahip Ata Museum), housed in the beautifully (but perhaps not that sensitively) restored dervish lodge of the mosque complex. Items on display include carved wooden doors from as early as the 13th century, ceramic fragments, calligraphic works and old Korans, and dervish accoutrements. It's free to visitors.

This small museum houses a substantial collection of statues, coins, jewelry, and other artifacts excavated from the ancient city and nearby sites. A relief from the Kızıl Avlu (Red Basilica) showing gladiators fighting bulls and bears and a Medusa mosaic from the Acropolis are particularly noteworthy. The well-preserved statue of Nymphe comes from the site of Allianoi, a Roman spa town that was submerged under the waters of a dam in 2010. The ethnography section includes examples of the antique handwoven carpets for which Bergama is known.

This picturesque European-side neighborhood just below Bebek is a pleasant place for a stroll. The waterfront is taken up by a row of beautiful 19th-century wooden yalıs, some of which now house fish restaurants. Up the hill from the water, narrow streets are lined with more old wooden houses, some with trailing vines.

The well-preserved walls and lovely location of Arykanda, high in a mountain valley above Finike, make this ancient Lycian town one of the most beautiful and least crowded archaeological sites on the Turquoise Coast. There's a parking area, and the easy-to-follow trail leading up to the acropolis first passes a church and the monumental Roman baths (perhaps Turkey's best-preserved), with intact mosaic floors, standing walls, and windows framing the valley. The tombs, farther east along the trail, are more properly Roman rather than Lycian—it's worth the hike to see the carved gateway on the last one.

Atop the hills sits a sunken agora, or market, with arcades on three sides and an intimate odeon, or small concert hall, topped by a Greek-style theater that offers a breathtaking view of the valley and mountains often capped with snow. Even higher up is the town's stadium, or running track. Farther north is a second, long thin agora, with a small temple above it. From here, the official trail scrambles down to some Roman villas, but you might find it easier to backtrack. Back toward the parking area is a temple of Trajan with an ancient Roman toilet underneath.

This large and fascinating museum boasts an extensive collection of swords, daggers, armor, and other weaponry, but it's not just for those interested in military history. Exhibits on the history of Turkic armies going back to the Huns, the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul, and more recent Turkish military engagements show the importance of military strength in shaping Ottoman history and modern Turkish society. Two gorgeously embroidered silk tents used by the Ottoman sultans on campaigns are particularly impressive. And don't miss the section of the great chain that the Byzantines stretched across the Golden Horn in 1453 during the Ottoman siege of the city. The highlight is the Mehter, or Janissary military band, which performs 17th- and 18th-century Ottoman military music in full period costume in a special auditorium at 3 pm when they're in town (most days when the museum is open). Watching this 55-member-strong ensemble, with their thunderous kettledrums and cymbals, will certainly give you an idea of why the Ottoman army was so feared in its day.

This is believed to have been one of the world's first full-service health clinics. The name is a reference to Asklepios, god of medicine and recovery, whose snake and staff are now the symbol of modern medicine. In the center's heyday in the 2nd century AD, patients were prescribed such treatments as fasting, colonic irrigation, and running barefoot in cold weather.

The entrance to the complex is at the column-lined Sacred Way, once the main street connecting the Asklepion to Pergamum's Acropolis. Follow it for about a city block into a small square and through what was once the main gate to the temple precinct. Immediately to the right is the library, a branch of the one at the Acropolis. Nearby are pools that were used for mud and sacred water baths, fed by several sacred springs. A subterranean passageway leads down to the cellar of the Temple of Telesphorus, where the devout would pray themselves into a trance and record their dreams upon waking; later, a resident priest would interpret the dreams to determine the nature of the treatment the patient required.