Places You Must Visit in Turkey : The symbol where ancient meets the modern.
Istanbul
Istanbul is one of the greatest cities in Europe. It is one of the culturally and historically rich places to visit in the world.For More than 3000 years, Istanbul has been known as a place for
living and also was important to Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire.
When it was named Constantinople, it was the capital city of the Byzantine empire and served as the most important christian city in the world.It became one of the most important cities of Muslims as the capital of the Ottoman empire for 400 years. For historical significance you can visit the Istanbul archaeology museum in Sultanahmet.
Most attractive heritage sites are Topkapi palace and the Sacred Islamic relics in the museum, Hagia Sophia, the Suleymaniye mosque, the Galata Tower and the Grand bazaar. Must try a Turkish dessert, old good baklava.
Best hostels in Istanbul in my opinion:
Second Home Hostel
Cheers Hostel
Also, if you can afford the budget and looking for a bit more privacy, you can go for:
Alness Residence
Diamond Royal Hotel
Ethnica Suites
Cappadocia
The place which is most famous for hot air balloon rides is Cappadocia, one of the closest things to Mars on Earth.
Cappadocia offers an experience that is famous for mesmerizing hot air balloon rides and the extraordinary rock-cut cave architecture.Riders can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the landscape along with beautiful sunrise. It needs early reservation in peak season.
Additionally, at Sunrise Point in Göreme, one can explore horseback rides through the landscape.The ancient Ortahisar Castle, the imposing Uchisar Castle, the picturesque Pigeon Valley are also notable in Cappadocia
Here is a good hostel in Cappadocia:
Coco Cave Pension
And if you are not on a budget, here are a few hotel suggestions:
The Niche Cave Hotel, Narcissos Cave Hotel
Ephesus
Near the Aegean Sea, Ephesus is the symble of ancient architectural genius. This archaeological site was once a lighthouse of the Roman Empire. It provides glance of history that features iconic landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.Visitors are allowed to walk in the same streets that were once used by philosophers and emperors, exploring a city pivotal to ancient Greece, Rome, and early Christianity.
Here are two good hotels in Ephesus: Eliada Hotel, Ephesus Centrum.
Pamukkale
One of the most incredible places to visit in Turkey with most beautiful hot spring landscape.It posses ruins of an ancient Greek city, Hierapolis that refers the holy city in Greek.The city was eminent because of it’s proximity to the hot springs back to 700 BC. You should not miss the chance to visit white landscape of calcium-carbonate-deposited that created hot spring.It’s sticky and soft surface gives an interesting experience walking there on barefooted.Sunglasses are obvious to travel there.
Here are a few hotels I would recommend in Pamukkale:
- Venus Suite Hotel
- Aspawa Hotel
Antalya
The Mediterranean jewel of Turkey, Antalya is located on an idyllic stretch of coastline on the Turkish Riviera. It has been attracting visitors since the time of Roman emperor.It has become a holiday destination for well-preserved town,ancient ruins, golden beaches,Hadrian’s Gate, sunken city of kevoka. Düden Waterfalls offers serene view for nature lovers. It pleases tourists with With luxurious resorts, some of the region’s best golf courses, family-friendly attractions, an excellent food scene, welcoming Turkish hospitality.
Hostels I recommend in Antalya:
Be Bold Hostel, Gold Coast Hostel
However, if you can afford the budget, here are two hotel recommendations:
Castle in Boutique Hotel , Toprak Apart Otel
Troy
Troy is recognized as the city of fabled story of Trojan Horse and also for Homer’s ‘Iliad’ is known as a testament to the ancient world spreading tales of heroism, love, and war.its layers reveal the complexity of human civilization dating back over 4,000 years. One can enjoy the beautiful ruins, Kilitbahir Fortress and many more.
Best hotels to go for in Troy:
Troia Pension, Helen Troya Hotel
You can also go for this apartment if you’re travelling in a group: Boğazkent Evim 1
Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut is considered the symbole of ancient engineering and religious belief crowned by gigantic statues at its peak. These stone figures reflects the ancient rulers and their empire. With this statues, there visitors can enjoy an inspiring atmosphere specially at sunrise and sunset when the sky’s hues bring them to life.The mount is named after a ruler Nemrut (King Antiochus) who belived himself to be a god in 1st century.The views serves as his tomb-sanctuary, blending Greek, Armenian, and Persian cultures.
Best budget hotel in Mount Nemrut: Nemrut Dağı Işik Pansi̇on
If you’re travelling as a couple, I would recommend:
Nemrut Güneş Motel
Mardin
People who are excited about ancient history and civilization would love Mardin that is a Turkish city beside border of Syria. Very few tourists have visited Mardin as it is a hidden gem. it would be a good choice for those who enjoys places off beaten path. It is very important to prepare ownself as people don’t speak a lot of English either Turkish, Kurdish or Arabic.
For its historical enrichness, it is anounced as UNESCO world heritage site. Tourist can enjoy enjoy Zinciriye Medresesi or Kasımiye Madrasah by taking a bus. Also the Grand Mosque or people would like to lost in the side streets and interacting with the friendlies locals.
Best Hostel in Mardin:
Rosa Hostel
Recommended hotels:
Dara Konagı
MERDİN BOUTİQUE Hotel
Sanliurfa
Sanliurfa also known as Urfa in short is nearby Mardin that need a short bus ride to go.
Many people belive that it is the birthplace of Prophet Abraham.Besides this place has more places to see. Sanliurfa Necropolis is the place where the Greeks and Romans buried their dead and ancestors.In the Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum tourists can see archaeological sight.
History lovers definitly know about Gobekli Tepe which is a Neolithic archaeological site from over 11,000 years ago where visitors can see world’s oldest discovered temple. Visitors can go by bus from Sanliurfa to Gobekli Tepe to understand the human history.
Best Hotels in Urfa:
Babil Antique Hotel, Grand Babil Otel, Astarte Hotel
Trabzon
A city located on Turkey’s Black Sea coast which has breathtaking view and rich history.
The city gives freek view to this day and a large greek population is hosted formerly.There are many places to see. Trabzon Meydan Parki, Ataturk Pavillion, Kostaki Mansion,Sumela Monastery,Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum,Forum Trabzon,Altindere Vadisi National Park and many more.
There is another beautiful place to go from Trabzon to Ayder Valley. It is often referred to as Anatolian Switzerland for its lush ugreenery, traditional wooden houses, and thermal springs. It is a good option for relaxing in hot springs, enjoying local dishes, and even going for hikes in the surrounding mountains.
Hotels I recommend in Trabzon:
Cebeci Grand Hotel, Sumela Park Hotel
Sumela Monastery
It is located in the Altindere National Park near Trabzon. It is said that its beginnings in the 4th century. It’s an old Greek Orthodox Monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary.Now it is a popular tourist destination.It is built into a mountain cave that’s why it is one of the most picturesque destinations in Turkey.There are extremely beautiful frescos that tells ancient story though most of them are heavily damaged and vandalized throughout the centuries. Some old traditional utensils are also seen there. It takes 50 minutes to go Sumela Monastery from Trabzon by minibus/dolmus.
Ruins of Ani
Ani, located near Kars on the Turkey-Armenia border, is a historic city now in ruins but once a thriving center on the Silk Road. It was the capital of the Bagratid Armenian kingdom from 961 to 1045, known for its cultural and commercial significance. Ani boasted impressive architecture, including the well-preserved Church of Saint Gregory, and was renowned as the “city of 1001 churches.” Its architectural style bridged Byzantine and Gothic influences.
Despite its former glory, Ani was largely abandoned by the 15th century, left to decay. Today, it remains a poignant symbol of Armenian cultural achievement, though its presentation has been politicized by the Turkish government in an attempt to obscure its Armenian history, especially after the Armenian Genocide. The Ruins of Ani, originally chronicled by Krikor Balakian in 1910, explores this historical and cultural legacy.
My hotel recommendations in Kars: Konak Hotel 2, Güngören Hotel, Hotel Kent Ani, Güngören Hotel, Hotel Kent Ani
Doğubayazıt
A city in Eastern Turkey right next to the Iranian border, not too far from Kars and near mount Ararat.Ishak Pasha Palace, an old Ottoman palace on top of a mountain is the main attraction in Doğubayazıt that has an amazing view at sunset.Travelers can feel a historic vibe beacause of unique combination of Ottoman and Persian influences in architecture.
Noah’s Ark National Park is another major attraction near Doğubayazıt. The park can be raomed with a taxi and make a day trip.The place is too beautiful to visit.
My recommended hotels in Doğubayazıt:
Butik Ertur Hotel, Dede Sebo Çay Bahçesi, Atlihan Plus Hotel
Alacati
Enriched with outstanding view of stone houses, narrow streets, windmills and structured houses. It is only 5 km from the nearest Greek Island and a large greek population is hosted. It looks like a cute small greek town. It’s narrow streets and structured beauty make the feel of romance like sentorini.
Its windsurfing conditions creates consistent winds that attract tourists around the world. The town also offers mind blowing cafes and boutique shops to explore.So, travelers can enjoy the windy environment with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Note that prices, whether for coffee, meals, or electronic music events, can be relatively high compared to other parts of Turkey.
Good hotels in Alacati: Çakir Bey Hotel, Alacati Lucky Angel Hotel, Oberj d’Azur Alaçatı
Lake Van
The largest lake in Turkey located in east part of Turkey. The underwater sulphur spring made it interesting becuase it doesn’t seem to have an outlet. Water is salty becuase of rain, melted snow, Bendimahi and Zilan rivers from the north,Karasu and Micinger rivers from the east. There are old churches and castle around the lake. There are also arrangement to take ferry to travel Akdamar Island where majestic 10th century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral is located. Along with beautiful landscapes and very hospitable locals the place is amazing to enjoy the travel.
Good hotels in Lake Van: Toprak Hotel, Dimet Park Hotel
Afyonkarahisar
The word ‘Afyonkarahisar’ is combined word of “Afyon” which was largest producer of Opium in the Ottoman empire.“Krahisar” means Black Castle. People can see huge, mountain-top castle, called Afyonkarahisar castle from anywhere in the city. Anyone can enjoy taking the stairs up for 20 minutes to witness panoramic views of the city that looks magical around sunset time. The 221m above from sea level castle has been protected for more than 3000 years by regional powers including the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Selcuks, and Ottomans during their rulling period.
Turkish delicacies like Hashas Kremasi or other Poppy seed incorporated sweets are also notable.
Hotels I can recommend in Afyon: Aforia Thermal Residences, Oreko Express
Şirince
A small village near Ephesus in Turkey where people mainly make wine and olive oil following the traditional methods using from centuries. Taking some home or trying is worth as these followed ancient methods. Travelers can see olive groves and vineyards walking through the area. It feels like step back in ancient period as the village is patterned with traditional Greek architecture. The areas have old-world charm and not so crowded. So, people can make a peaceful visit.
Best hotels in Sirince:
Mystic Konak, Deniss Pension, Nikbin Yamaç Pansiyon
