13 Essential Things To Do In Turkey: Istanbul, Antalya & Cappadocia

The Republic of Türkiye, better known as Turkey, is known and loved for a multitude of reasons. On top of the luscious landscapes and delicious cuisine, Turkey’s culture is colourful and inviting, and its people vibrant and warm— it truly is no wonder why Turkey as a tourist destination has increased in popularity over the years. 

With a history so rich and dense, travellers all over the world flock to the country just to see its historical sites dating back thousands of years. From ancient Greek and Roman ruins to Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, there truly is so much to see. It’s also a land of religious significance, with monumental sites for Islam and Christianity.

Istanbul is a dynamic city that straddles two continents and brings in millions of visitors every year. This city has proven time and time again that adaptability and reinvention don’t necessarily lead to destruction and neglect— the ancient and the contemporary can coexist in the same timeline. In fact, the blending of the two is what gives Istanbul its colours.

Descend into this ancient underground reservoir, where light and engineering intertwine to create a hauntingly beautiful space that transcends time. Basilica Cistern used to be a place to store water for the city of Constantinople, but its architecture and art has turned it into an attraction for the visitors of Istanbul. 

The reservoir has managed to maintain its structure due to the sheer number and strength of columns. You’ll also find statues scattered around the place; the Medusa heads are perhaps the most iconic symbols of the Basilica Cistern. To most, the statues may seem random and out of place, but they actually represent the common practice of reusing elements from past structures to reduce costs and save time.

Also known as Ayasofya in Turkish, Hagia Sophia was originally built as a cathedral. It was then converted into a mosque following the rise of the Ottoman Empire. Due to its religious significance during these eras, you’ll find that its interior to be adorned with intricate mosaics, marble columns, and calligraphic inscriptions, blending elements of Byzantine and Ottoman styles.

The Bosphorus Strait is a significant and iconic waterway that separates the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. At 31 km long, the strait is lined with historic landmarks, palaces, and waterfront mansions that reflect Istanbul's rich history and architectural heritage. We recommend taking a leisurely boat ride to fully capture Istanbul's beauty from the water! Sunset cruises and dinner cruises are particularly popular, providing unforgettable views of Istanbul's skyline illuminated against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Chora Church and Kariye Mosque are different names of the same historical site, representing two separate eras in its history. The exterior of the building is pretty unassuming, but the interior is adorned with some of the finest Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the world depicting biblical narratives and themes. After its conversion into a mosque, Islamic elements like prayer niches and pulpits were added. This church-turned-mosque is a true testament to Istanbul's diverse religious heritage, further proven by the fusion of Christianity and Islam that embellish every corner.

When in Turkey, don't miss out on experiencing a traditional Turkish bath! More commonly known as hammam, these Turkish bath houses are places relaxing and socialising. They're divided into separate sections for men and women, and traditionally contain a series of bathing chambers, including hot, warm, and cold rooms.

A full bath typically begins with relaxation in the warm room, followed by a session in the hot steam room to open the pores and cleanse the body. Visitors can then receive a vigorous scrubbing and massage from a bath attendant who uses a special exfoliating glove called a kese to remove dead skin cells and impurities.

Get lost in the labyrinthine lanes of one of the world's oldest and largest markets. At the Grand Bazaar, you can shop for souvenirs, spices, textiles, ceramics, and more, while soaking in the bustling atmosphere. The bazaar is a sprawling complex of covered streets, alleys, and courtyards, encompassing over 60 streets and more than 4,000 shops. Visitors can also drop one one of the many cafes or restaurants to sample some delicious Turkish cuisine and traditional snacks. Even if you're not planning on buying anything, Grand Bazaar offers a glimpse into Turkish culture and art.

Antalya is a stunning coastal city located on the southwestern coast of Turkey, known for its picturesque beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant atmosphere. It's also situated along the breathtaking Turquoise Coast, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and dramatic cliffs. Here, visitors have the opportunity to swim, sunbathe, and get lost in the beauty of it all.

A non-negotiable when in Antalya is a visit to Pamukkale and Hierapolis, which are two ancient sites located in close proximity to each other. Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural wonder renowned for its striking white terraces of travertine, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountainside over thousands of years, while Hierapolis was an ancient Greco-Roman city built near the hot springs of Pamukkale.

The thermal springs of Hierapolis were central to its identity and prosperity— the warm waters were believed to have therapeutic properties and were used for bathing and healing purposes. Today, visitors can still bathe in the thermal pools, which are a popular attraction in the area Hierapolis is also known for its necropolis (an ancient burial ground), an ancient theatre, the Plutonium (a cave believed by ancient inhabitants to be an entrance to the underworld), and many more.

Consider venturing outside the city to explore the ancient ruins of Perge and Aspendos. They offer unique insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region, making them must-visit destinations for history enthusiasts and cultural travellers alike. Marvel at well-preserved theatres, and temples that offer a glimpse into Turkey's fascinating past.

Perge and Aspendos were both ancient Greek cities that was later inhabited by the Romans. The former has an impressive catalogue of ancient art and architecture. Visitors can admire intricately carved reliefs, statues, and decorative elements that once adorned the city's public buildings and monuments. The latter's most popular attraction is The Aspendos Theater, a well-preserved Roman theatre that is still used today for cultural events and performances including concerts, operas, and ballets.

Another beautiful historic district you should explore is Kaleiçi. Characterised by its narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era houses, and colourful facades, the main highlight of this town is simply wandering through its atmospheric alleys and courtyards, where every corner reveals a hidden gem. On top of all that, it's surrounded by ancient city walls and features numerous monuments and landmarks like Hadrian's Gate, the Clock Tower, and the Broken Minaret. This is also where you'll find vibrant boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries.

Known by towering rock formations, expansive valleys dotted with cave dwellings and ancient settlements, Cappadocia is another city you have to visit in Turkey. The region's unique geological features were formed by volcanic eruptions and erosion over millions of years, resulting in an breathtaking and otherworldly environment.

Cappadocia is world-famous for its hot air balloon rides, offering birds-eye views of the region's surreal landscape. This is undoubtedly the best way to experience the full scope of Cappadocia's beauty, with its rock-cut churches and fairy chimneys. Just picture yourself watching the sunrise or sunset from a different perspective— this time up in the air, close to the clouds.

Göreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore the intricately decorated frescoes and learn about the Cappadocia's religious history and cultural heritage. It's essentially a complex of churches and chapels carved from rock! Some notable churches you can consider popping by include: Elmali Church (Apple Church), the Tokalı Church, the Karanlık Church (Dark Church), and the Yılanlı Church (Snake Church).

Cappadocia is dotted with underground cities that were carved from soft volcanic rock. Early Christians communities used these underground shelters as hiding places during times of persecution and invasion. Over time, they expanded and improved, eventually becoming complex networks of tunnels, chambers, and rooms capable of housing thousands of people. The most impressive part about these shelters is that they were carved entirely by hand using simple tools like as picks and chisels. Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu are two of the largest and most impressive underground cities open to visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into Turkey's subterranean history.

For the best views in whole city, we recommend climbing to the top of Uçhisar Castle, Cappadocia highest lookout point. The castle is perched on a hill overlooking the town of Uçhisar, granting you access to a panoramic view of its surrounding valleys. Uçhisar Castle itself is an architectural wonder with its tunnels, chambers, and staircases all carved into the rock. Watching the sunset from this vantage point is a magical experience and a perfect way to end a day of exploration in Cappadocia!