6 Best Sights in Turkey

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.

The Galata area was a thriving Italian settlement both before and after the fall of Constantinople, and the Genoese rebuilt this tower as part of their fortifications in 1348 (the original structure dates back to the Byzantium Emperor Justinian in AD 527), when they controlled the northern shore of the Golden Horn. The hillside location provided good defense, as well as a perch from which to monitor the comings and goings of vessels in the sea lanes below. The 220-foot tower later served at times as a jail and at other times as a fire tower and now houses a restaurant at the top. The viewing gallery, which offers fabulous panoramas of the city and across the Golden Horn and Sea of Marmara, is accessible by elevator and open during the day for a rather steep fee—it bears noting that similar views can be had at rooftop cafés and restaurants around the area.

Built in 1250 by a wealthy Seljuk official during the reign of Sultan Izzedin Keykavus II, this beautiful stone courtyard was once a medrese, or religious school. Follow a winding lane up from the old city's harbor, and enter through the towering carved archway into this peaceful haven. A simple café serves tea inside, sometimes with musical accompaniment from old men who've gathered to practice traditional instruments. If you've overloaded on Antalya's more touristy side, this is the perfect antidote.

Kuşadası's 300-year-old caravanserai (an Ottoman-era trading post) is a short stroll from the cruise ship dock; its central courtyard is open to the public during the day but there's not much to see. Previously a hotel, there are now plans to turn the building into a city museum.

Near the main street is the monumental stone Gate of Cleopatra, which—despite the name—was likely built in the Byzantine period. It has made an impression on many visitors to the city, including the famous Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi who penned the travelogue Seyahatnâme.

Near the Great Mosque stands a covered bazaar dubbed Kırkkaşık, or "40 Spoons," which dates from the 16th century. Small shops inside sell local souvenirs at reasonable prices.