Whether you are an eco, leisure, adventurous, history-loving, religious, or any other type of tourist, Turkey has something for you.
It’s a country rich in social and cultural influence, stunning history, and marvelous humanmade and natural wonders.
Serving as the portal that links Europe and Asia for many centuries, the influence from various cultures that ruled, lived, and traded in this region will definitely fascinate you!
Read on to find the top-rated tourist attractions in Turkey that must be added into your itinerary and all the essential information for the required documents for smooth border crossing with this country!
Key Documents for Entering Turkey
You need to prepare the following key documents before departing for Turkey:
- Turkey Entrance Form – introduced due to the ongoing Covid pandemic. Works just like all other health declaration forms implemented by many countries now.
- Approved Turkey e-Visa – is an electronic visa that allows its holders to visit Turkey for tourism, business, or transit reasons.
- A valid passport with more than 6 months to expiry
You can get both the Turkey e-Visa and the entrance form online, without visiting an Embassy. Simply make sure to submit your application for the electronic visa at least 3 business days ahead of the planned trip and apply for the entrance form within 72 hours prior to departure.
Turkey e-Visa can be obtained online on https://visa-for-turkey.com/ after following a quick and intuitive application process. Apply using your phone, laptop, or any other device within minutes from home!
Lastly, make sure your passport will not expire for at least 6 months ahead of the planned trip, print the received via email documents (e-Visa and entrance form), and you’re good to go!
Top Tourist Attractions to Try in Turkey
Applying for the necessary documents is already behind you? It’s now time to craft your itinerary!
Make sure to consider visiting the following attractions while in Turkey!
Istanbul
Once the Byzantine Empire capital, Istanbul is the best place to visit in Turkey because of its wide range of attractions.
Rich with culture, traditions, history, and natural attractions, it’s a perfect place to experience the region’s secret treasures. It’s a place that combines the modern-day with historical and cultural heritage.
From ancient ruins to astonishing modern architecture, there is more to see and experience. Since it’s Turkey’s largest city, it will take more than a day to complete what it has in store for you.
While in this capital, make sure to visit the Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, and Bosphorus area, among others.
Ankara
While you may think Istanbul is the capital due to its majestic size, Ankara scooped the title almost a century ago. It’s a city sprawling with modern architecture, amenities, and government buildings.
It serves as the center for commercial businesses, foreign embassies, universities, and the running of the country.
Also, it’s a central transportation hub that links tourists and nationals to other significant regions in Turkey. However, Ankara is more than a center for governing the region and doing business.
It has historical significance up its sleeves. This includes art and cultural significance. It has ancient structures that reflect Ottoman, Byzantine, Roman, Greek, and Hittite empires that had once dominated the region.
Cappadocia
Found in Central Anatolia, Cappadocia is a site with stunning fairy tale landscape formations. It’s an open museum with amazing views from the ground and above through hot air balloon trips. Some of the rock formations resemble pinnacles, mushrooms, cones, and chimneys.
Its features are a result of years of wind erosion and volcanic eruptions. Also, there is a bit of human influence. On the ground, you will notice houses, underground cities, and churches carved out in the rocks.
With the first inhabitants dating back to 1800BC, the place has influences from the Hittites and Christians escaping religious persecution. If you can, book accommodation or dine in one of the underground hotels for an ultimate experience!
Pamukkale
Pamukkale is a must-visit place in Turkey, and any tourist will tell you so. It’s a city in Turkey and home to phenomenal calcium water pools that highlight the hillside.
Known as the cotton castle, this place is a natural attraction where tourists love to soak in the stunning views.
Once you’ve had enough of the pools, more spoils await you at the top. Hierapolis, an ancient Greek city, has a rich history to explore. Also, there is a museum nearby with artifacts discovered from the ruins nearby!
Ephesus
It’s an ancient city that closely rivals the significance of Rome as an archeological marvel. Founded in the 10TH Century, there have been excavations across the years that reveal the culture of the initial inhabitants.
Also, most of the Roman structures have been renovated by historians to showcase their initial designs. There is a Celsus library, agora, large theatre, and temples, among other Roman structures.
Bodrum
Bodrum is a city for a luxurious lifestyle and exploration of ancient ruins. There are amazing resorts for both luxurious vacations and budget holidays.
With fine dining and beautiful beaches, it’s a place full of fun and amazement. Also, it’s a place that attracts all types of people, from rich men with mega yachts to celebrities and ordinary people.
Mardin City
As a history-loving tourist, you will love Mardin City. It comprises old towns with historical importance to the region.
Dating back to the Artukid dynasty, the restoration and maintenance of some of the places retained their distinctive look. Also, you can book a stay in one of the ancient buildings for an authentic historical experience!
Antalya
It’s a resort-style city in Turkey. Antalya not only earns its fame from historical ruins but also great beaches and Mediterranean lifestyle. It has beautiful blue and turquoise waters that attract all kinds of tourists.
Also, it has mega-resorts, large hotels, and golf courses that attract visitors. If you are enchanted by it, they offer luxurious villas and other houses for sale to foreigners. So, you can choose to buy a holiday home or stay permanently in this beautiful region!
Marmaris
Exclusively for leisure and cultural tourists, it’s a resort town with all the exciting spoils you could think of. It’s a picturesque city with beautiful and historic architecture, turquoise waters, and white-sand beaches.
The water around Marmaris is great for multiple kinds of water sports. This includes diving, sailing, and kayaking, among others.
There are boating tours if you want to get a clear view of the bays and dazzling town from the sea. On land, you can venture through the historical town or go on a horse ride across the lush forest.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to traditional villages, orange groves, and explore the waterfalls while in this region!
Final thoughts
While the listing and description of the top attractions in Turkey might have given you a taste of what to expect, the actual experience is truly mind-blowing!
So, prepare your key documents for entering Turkey and get ready for your trip!
