Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Turkey
ShowingFilter 121-140 of 196 listings.
Pergamon
Pergamon is an ancient city dating as far back as the 5th century BC. Credited with the invention of parchment, this once great seat of learning and culture had a library with over 20,000 volumes and a medical center - the remains of which can still be seen today.
Listed in the Bible as one of the Seven Churches of Asia, Pergamon flourished until the 14th century when, under Ottoman rule, it was abandoned and left to decay. Today, much of the remains of this once magnificent city lie underneath the modern-day city of Bergama but, thanks to Pergamon’s hilltop position, the remains of its most important buildings are still visible.
The Acropolis of Pergamon is clearly visible from anywhere in Bergama and closer inspection will reveal two partially reconstructed temples (Temple of Trajan and the Temple of Athena), ancient aqueducts and the incredible hillside theater, which is said to contain the steepest theater seating in the world.
Practical Info
Asclepion (the ancient medical center) was centuries ahead of its time in its use of therapies to cure ills. Here you’ll find a theater and several sacred pools whose purportedly radioactive waters were used to cure patients. Once accessed via the Sacred Way from the Acropolis, these days you’ll find the Asclepion across town, west of the Bergama Museum and city center.
Other important sites at Pergamon include the Red Basilica and the Zeus Altar.
Bergama (ancient Pergamon) is 100km (62mi) north of Izmir. Pergamon’s sites are spread over a large area and most people choose to see the ancient city on a guided tour.
Address: Bergama, Turkey
From $ 123
Miletus
The ancient Greek city of Miletus in modern-day Turkey was once an important port city. When the river’s location changed, the city was eventually abandoned.
The settlement at Miletus dates back to 1400 B.C.E., and the city grew to be one of Greece’s wealthiest cities - thanks in large part to its position at the mouth of the Maeander River. Over the centuries, the river changed course, leaving Miletus behind. The city was later destroyed by the Persians in 499 B.C.E. and then rebuilt on a new grid plan that was to become the model for Roman cities. Excavations at the site began in the late 1800s, and today you can see the remains of a theater, a stadium, a Temple to Apollo, a Byzantine-era castle and church, and Roman baths.
Practical Info
Miletus is a 36-mile drive from Kusadasi, located south of that city. The site is open daily from 8am-7pm, and admission is 10 Turkish Lira per person.
Address: Miletus, Turkey
Hours: Open daily from 8am-7pm
Admission: 10 Lira
From $ 115
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Commissioned in the 16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent for his daughter, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Edirnekapi was designed by the celebrated Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The mosque is dappled with windows that let sunlight into the space and is topped by a monumental dome. Unlike most imperial mosques, it only has one minaret.
The Basics
The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, with delicate touches of mother-of-pearl and abundant light, is located near the ancient Theodosian Walls, not far from the historic city center. The mosque was badly damaged in earthquakes in the 18th and 19th centuries, so much of what you see is reconstructed from the original design.
Private and small-group tours of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque often visit nearby historical sites, including the Chora Museum, the Byzantine Walls, and the remains of Jewish and Greek heritage in the Fener, Balat, and Edirnekapi neighborhoods.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is a must-visit for architecture buffs.
- The mosque is an active place of worship. Upon entrance, women are required to cover their heads and shoulders, and men to cover their knees.
- Prayer times can affect the opening hours of the mosque.
- Istanbul mosques usually provide scarves to cover yourself if you don’t have one.
How to Get There
Located in the Edirnekapi neighborhood, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is accessible by bus from Eminönü or Taksim Square. The mosque is also walking distance from other Edirnekapi sights, such as the Chora Museum.
When to Get There
The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is open all day, but it is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which are usually listed in front of the mosque. Friday prayer times are longer, so time your visit to avoid these if possible.
The Other Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Across the water in the Asian-side neighborhood of Üsküdar is another Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, built by the same architect, Mimar Sinan. Supposedly, the sun and moon line up with the two mosques during the spring solstice. Legend has it that Mimar Sinan was in love with the princess Mihrimah Sultan and built the second mosque to show his devotion.
Address: Turkey
From $ 120
Pasabag (Monk's Valley)
The area of Pasabag in Cappadocia is famous for its perfect fairy chimneys, sculpted from ancient lava, ash, and basalt. They jut up all over the place, even in the middle of a vineyard, hence its name which translates as Pacha’s Vineyard. Pasabag is famous for its opportunities to hike among the boulders and into the hills that ring the area. If you just want to relax, in the small village by the road there are stalls serving hot spiced wine in winter, and freshly-squeezed juices in summer. There are also a few cafes where you can grab a bite to eat, and stores selling Cappadocia textiles and artwork.
Also known as Monk’s Valley, Pasabag was once home to hermetic monks who sheltered in the smaller cones atop the upper sections of the fairy chimneys. There was once a Simeon monks’ hermitage here too, and today you can still see the chapel dedicated to Saint Simeon who, fed up with all the attention he was getting in 5th century Aleppo when word got around that he could perform miracles, hightailed it to the top of the highest fairy chimney he could find, and only descended in order to receive food and drink from his disciples.
Practical Info
On the road to Zelve from Goreme, parking and entrance at Pasabag (Monks’ Valley) is free.
Address: Pasabag, Göreme, Turkey
From $ 30
Mt Olympos
The ancient city of Olympos lies in ruins in a picturesque valley southwest of Antalya.
Founded in Hellenistic times and becoming part of the Roman empire in 78 BC, the city is believed to have taken its name from nearby Mount Olympos, one of many mountains across Turkey and Greece named after the heavenly abode of the Gods.
The city ruins lie scattered near the village of Olimpos, in an area known for its rich plant life – wild grapevines, oleander, bay trees, wild figs and pines – and are a short walk from pretty Olimpos beach.
Visitors making the trip to the ruins of Olympos also include a visit to the nearby Chimaera (Yanartas). Sitting on a rocky mountainside above the village of Cirali, these seemingly eternal flames (fuelled by natural methane leaking from the earth) have been burning non-stop for thousands of years.
Practical Info
Olympos is 90km (56mi) southwest of Antalya near the town of Kumluca.
Address: Olimpos (between Adrasan and Kemer), Turkey
From $ 52
Museum of Innocence
Created by the Turkish Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk and opened in 2012, Istanbul’s Museum of Innocence is the world’s first museum to be based on a novel. Centered around Pamuk’s 2008 book of the same name, this is the tale of upper-class Istanbulite Kamal who falls in love with his distant, poorer cousin Füsun in the 1970s. Though they make love he can’t be with her, and, growing increasingly infatuated, over a period of eight years Kamal collects a museum’s worth of objects dedicated to Füsun and his love for her.
Set in a 19th-century house in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district, the museum has over 1,000 artifacts collected by Pamuk over a period of more than a decade. As you walk in, you’ll see a huge glass case containing 4,213 cigarette butts, each said to have been smoked by love interest Füsun. Everything from the collection of salt shakers to the old lamps evokes a past era, and over the museum's four floors you’ll see what bourgeois Istanbul society "used, wore, heard, saw, collected and dreamed of, all meticulously arranged in boxes and display cabinets." 83 display cabinets, to be exact, each one corresponding to the novel’s 83 chapters. According to reviews, and Pamuk, just as you don’t need to visit the museum to enjoy the novel, you don’t need to have read the novel to check out the museum.
Practical Info
Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 - 6pm, (10-9pm on Thursdays), if you bring the book you can visit the Museum of Innocence for free, though you can also buy the book at the museum shop for the same price as adult admission (25 TL) and get in free that way. Audio guides (available in Turkish and English) cost 5 TL, and tours are available for groups of 15 or more people (reservations necessary).
Address: Firuzağa Mh., Dalgıç Sokak No:2, Beyoğlu, Turkey
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10-6pm, (10-9pm on Thursdays)
Admission: Adult Admission 25 TL
From $ 57
Priene
The ancient Greek city of Priene is in modern-day Turkey, but its Greek roots are clearly visible in the excavations you can visit. The remains of the city of Priene we can see today date back to the 4th century B.C.E., but it’s widely known among archaeologists that the original Priene settlement is much older. How much older, they can’t say - those remains are likely still buried - but it’s possible the original city was established before 1000 B.C.E.
One of the main attractions at Priene is the Temple to Athena, situated at the highest point of the old city. Other sights in the excavations include a theater, the agora, a city council building called a “bouleuterion,” a gymnasium with Roman baths, and a Temple of Demeter.
Practical Info
Priene is south of Kusadasi, although the drive is slightly more circuitous than the crow flies. It’s a 23-mile drive, best done by rental car or as part of a guided tour. The site is open daily from 8am-6:30pm (it closes at 5:30pm during the winter), and admission is 2 Turkish Lira per person.
Address: Priene, Turkey
Hours: Daily 8am-6:30pm (5:30pm in winter)
Admission: Two Lira
From $ 115
Pamukkale Thermal Pools
Known for their therapeutic properties since Roman times, the thermal waters at Pamukkale flow into white travertine formations that rise out of the surrounding plains. Nearby are the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient city that grew up around the springs. The thermal pools and petrified waterfalls create an otherworldly landscape at Pamukkale, which means Cotton Palace.
The Basics
Most visitors come to soak in the Pamukkale pools and then head uphill to the extensive Hierapolis ruins, which include an amphitheater, a basilica, and a large Roman bath. These two sites, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are often combined on full-day tours from Bodrum, Antalya, Izmir, and even Istanbul.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Pamukkale pools and Hierapolis are a must-visit for history buffs.
- Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you will have to remove them when you enter the site.
- Bring a bathing suit if you want to swim in the pools.
- Some of the pools are knee-deep, so make sure to wear pants or skirts that can be rolled up so they won’t get wet.
How to Get There
The pools at Pamukkale are walking distance from the town of Pamukkale, but most visitors will likely be coming from another city. From nearby Denizli or other regional centers, buses travel to Pamukkale, and taxis are also available. Most day tours include transportation to and from the site.
When to Get There
Pamukkale is open year-round, 24 hours a day. Summer is the most popular time to visit, despite the thermal waters and the heat from the sun reflecting off the white limestone. During the Turkish holidays, Pamukkale can be crowded with locals. Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds during these times.
The Ruins at Hierapolis
The sprawling ancient city that overlooks the pools retains many recognizable structures. The Hellenistic-era settlement includes a large amphitheater, a monumental arch, thermal baths, a necropolis, and examples of early Christian structures. The theater is still used for performances. Though the site is protected, most structures are open to exploration.
Address: 170 km (105 mi) from Selcuk on Rte. E87, Pamukkale, Turkey
From $ 64
Pierre Loti Hill
Known for its views across Istanbul's natural harbor — the Golden Horn — Pierre Loti Hill is named after the famous French novelist and traveler. A popular spot for snapping a selfie (or three), atop the hill there are six historic mansions that have been turned into a boutique hotel. There’s also a restaurant, and the famous Pierre Loti Coffee Shop where you can enjoy the views with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee in hand. Loti used to sit here and write his novels when the cafe was known as Rabia Kadın Café. For the best views of all, test the telescope on the observation deck at Piyerloti funicular station.
The Golden Horn was once the center of the Byzantine and Ottoman navies, and it's fun to see the boats come in while enjoying the views of the parks and promenades that line the harbor’s shores.
In the Eyüp district, to get to Pierre Loti Hill there are two options: you can either take the 3-minute Eyüp-Piyerloti cable car ride, or alternatively, see that grand mosque at the bottom of the hill? It's the most important one in the district, and you can walk up to the top of this 53-meter-high hill from there by winding your way up through the graveyard.
Practical Info
To get to Pierre Loti Hill, take the Eyüp Gondola which will drop you off in front of the Pierre Loti Cafe, and which costs TL 4 per ride.
Address: Pierre Loti Street, Istanbul, Turkey
Hours: Daily
From $ 29
Pergamon (Bergama)
A visit to Pergamon (Pergamum) means stepping back in time to one of the most well-preserved ancient Greek city-states. The city rose to prominence under the rule of Alexander the Great’s successor Lysimachus, who with his fortune built many of the structures that stand as ruins today. There are two main areas to explore: the Upper Acropolis and the Lower City.
The path up the hill to the Acropolis leads to the square base of the Altar of Zeus (the reliefs were taken by German explorers and are now on display at the Pergamon Museum in Berlin). From here wander to temples dedicated to various Greek gods, aqueducts, city walls, a gymnasium and the site of the famous Library of Pergamum, the second largest in antiquity. Stroll through the former royal palaces, and don’t miss the hillside Hellenistic theater with seating for 10,000 that is the steepest of the ancient world.
Practical Info
Pergamon lies about a 15-minute walk northeast of the city of Bergama. The entrance to the Akropol (Acropolis) is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission costs 20 Turkish Lira. There is also a cable car up the hill for a round-trip fee of 8 Turkish Lira. Many visitors choose to take the cable car up and walk down.
Address: Bergama, Turkey
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Admission: 20 Turkish Lira
From $ 123
Myra Ruins
Myra was once the capital of the Lycian Union along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The remaining ruins are a mile from present-day Demre. It's also one of the towns along the Lycian Way, Turkey's famous long distance hiking trail between Fethiye and Antalya. The earliest recordings that mention Myra are from the 1st century BC, although an outer defensive wall has been dated from the 5th century BC.
The Greco-Roman amphitheater in Myra is the largest in the Lycia region. It has been well-preserved, and you can even see an inscription that notes where an ancient concessions stall once stood. It has 38 rows of seats and walls decorated with theater masks and other scenes.
Ancient tombs are cut into rock cliffs here. Most are from the 4th century and have reliefs on them depicting funeral scenes and scenes from daily life. Though the tombs appear plain today, as late as the mid-1800s they were covered in bright red, yellow and blue paint.
Myra was the home of Saint Nicholas, a bishop who was the inspiration for Santa Claus. His church is located here, and it has been rebuilt and renovated several times. You can also visit his tomb, although his remains were stolen and brought to Italy in 1087 AD.
Practical Info
The Myra ruins are best visited from Demre, which is 90 miles from both Antalya and Fethiye. Buses run along the coast from both Antalya and Fethiye, and the closest airports are Antalya and Dalaman.
Address: Alakent Mah., Demre, Turkey
From $ 70
Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik)
Pigeon Valley, just outside Göreme in Cappadocia, is one of Turkey’s most beautiful landscapes.
The unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys, or peri bacalar, which are made from wind and water erosion on soft volcanic rock, rise high from the valley floor like chimneys and are dotted in their tops with birdhouses. Some reach at tall as 130 ft (40m). Pigeons live in these dovecoats carved into the rocks and cliffs. Years ago the pigeons were used to carry messages from this remote region, and their droppings have long been used by local farmers for fertilizer. Today, however, there are fewer pigeons in the valley.
Pigeon Valley is a great place for hiking. The whole area around Göreme is made up of valleys with almost no fencing and there are well-marked trails. The mildly hilly trail through Pigeon Valley is free of charge and about 2.8 miles (4 km) long running between Göreme and Uçhisar.
The unique rock formations known as fairy chimneys, or peri bacalar, which are made from wind and water erosion on soft volcanic rock, rise high from the valley floor like chimneys and are dotted in their tops with birdhouses. Some reach at tall as 130 ft (40m). Pigeons live in these dovecoats carved into the rocks and cliffs. Years ago the pigeons were used to carry messages from this remote region, and their droppings have long been used by local farmers for fertilizer. Today, however, there are fewer pigeons in the valley.
Pigeon Valley is a great place for hiking. The whole area around Göreme is made up of valleys with almost no fencing and there are well-marked trails. The mildly hilly trail through Pigeon Valley is free of charge and about 2.8 miles (4 km) long running between Göreme and Uçhisar.
Address: Cappadocia, Turkey
From $ 35
New Mosque (Yeni Cami)
Despite its name, Istanbul’s New Mosque (Yeni Cami) is an Ottoman-era building dating to 1663. With its prominent location on the water—in Eminonu Square, at the end of the Galata Bridge and near the Egyptian Spice Bazaar— as well as its swooping domes and large courtyard, the New Mosque is a prime example of Ottoman architectural splendor.
The Basics
Commissioned by the mother of Sultan Mehmet III but not completed until after his death, the spectacular New Mosque has 66 exterior domes and semidomes, two minarets, and an ornate courtyard decorated with blue Iznik tiles. Green, white, and blue tiles adorn the interior walls of the mosque’s prayer space.
Some small-group and private tours combine a visit to the New Mosque with other Ottoman buildings nearby, including Suleymaniye Mosque, the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, Eminonu Square, and Dolmabahce Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The New Mosque is a must-visit for first-time visitors to Istanbul, especially architecture enthusiasts.
- This is an active mosque and is closed to visitors during prayer times.
- Bring a scarf or wrap to cover up appropriately before entering, and wear shoes that are easy to remove.
How to Get There
The New Mosque is located in Eminonu Square, which is a transit hub and easily reachable by many forms of transportation—take a taxi, bus, ferry, or tram to the Eminonu stop. It’s also walking distance from the historical neighborhood of Sultanahmet. Eminonu Pier is one of the city’s main ferry piers, making the square and mosque easily accessible from the Asian side of Istanbul.
When to Get There
The New Mosque is a popular Istanbul sight, so beat the crowds by arriving early in the day. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which change daily and are longer on Fridays; check times online. Muslim and Turkish holidays can affect opening hours as well.
What to Wear in a Mosque
To enter a mosque in Istanbul, it is necessary to dress appropriately. All visitors must remove their shoes and cover shoulders and knees; women need to cover their heads as well. The mosques provide scarves for covering. Plan ahead and bring your own scarf—or wear long pants or a long skirt and something on your shoulders—to visit the mosque more easily and efficiently.
Address: Turkey
From $ 41
Mevlana Museum
Konya’s Mevlana Museum is in a former monastery constructed around the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, the peace-loving Persian Sufi poet and mystic who founded the bizarre sect known as the ‘whirling dervishes’ and lived between 1207 and 1273. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Turkey, with more than 1.5 million people visiting each year. The highly ornate monastery was built in the 16th century around the 13th-century tomb of Rumi and has slender minarets, several domes and a bright-turquoise tiled tower, which is one of the landmarks of the city. The complex includes prayer rooms, a library stocked with thousands of rare ecclesiastical books and Koran manuscripts, the monks’ cells and kitchens, all situated in manicured gardens full of shrubs, roses and a blue-and-white marble fountain. At the heart of the monastery lies the sarcophagus of Rumi, accompanied by the tombs of his wife, children and several of his followers; it stands in the marble mausoleum built to a design by architect Behrettin Tebrizli in 1274. A small museum is found in the semihane, the hall where the dervishes performed their wild, whirling dances; highlights include a collection of ancient musical instruments, priceless prayer rugs and robes worn by Rumi.
Practical Info
Aziziye Mahallesi, Mevlana Caddesi 1, Konya. Open daily
9am–5.30-pm; admission is free. Women must cover their heads and shoulders; shorts are forbidden. Konya is 262 km (162 miles) south of Ankara and is best accessed by the roads D750 and D715.
Address: Mevlana Caddesi 1, Konya, Konya Province, Central Anatolia 42030, Turkey
Hours: Daily 9am–5:30-pm
From $ 64
Pera Museum
A private arts museum based in the historic 19th-century building that was once home to the Hotel Bristol, the Pera Museum opened in Istanbul’s Beyoğlu district in 2005. On the outside, it's all Victorian flourishes and pillars. Inside it's a hyper modern space with three acclaimed permanent collections: Orientalist Paintings, Anatolian Weights and Measures, and Kütahya Tiles and Ceramic.
The Orientalist Collection features work by artists including Suna and Kıraç who were inspired by the 17th- to 19th-century Ottoman Empire. It's here on the second floor that you'll see Osman Hamdi Bey's most famous artwork, The Tortoise Trainer, painted in 1906, which satirizes the Ottoman Empire’s slow attempts at social reformation. In the Anatolian Weights and Measures Collection on the first floor, discover over 10,000 pieces, both prehistoric and modern. And the Kütahya Tiles and Ceramic Collection displays over 800 pieces with a particular focus on Kütahya crafts from the 18th-20th century. The Pera Museum also hosts rolling exhibitions on its fifth floor, and artists whose collections have been on show here include Goya, Rembrandt, and Diego Rivera.
Practical Info
On Meşrutiyet Caddesi 65, adult tickets to the Pera Museum cost TL15, while children under 12 enter for free. The museum is closed Mondays, but is open 10am-7pm from Tuesday through Saturday and from noon to 6pm on Sunday.
Address: Mesrutiyet Cad. No.65, Istanbul, Turkey
Hours: Tues-Sat 10am-7pm; Sun noon-6pm
Admission: Adults TL15, children under 12 are free.
From $ 45
Patara Beach
Just outside the ancient Lycian city of Patara, Patara Beach is known as one of the most beautiful on the coast of the Turkish Riviera. At 11 miles long, it is one of the longest beaches in the area. Its soft, white sand and calm blue waters make it a particularly welcoming Mediterranean beach, in an area known for beaches of pebbles and stones.
As it is part of a national park, seasonal wildlife is protected by the Turkish government and can be spotted seasonally. There are many native birds and sea turtles, who come to nest in the sands. At the beach’s easternmost point, there is a scenic rocky cove worth seeking out.
History exists here as the half-buried remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater partially covered by sand. Because of its nearby historic ruins and national park status, the beach area cannot be developed and sees very few tourists. Many archaeological sites can be viewed along the road to the beach.
Practical Info
Patara Beach is located 11 miles west of Kalkan on the Turkish Riviera. There is a small shuttle that runs from the village of Patara to Patara Beach. Open from dusk to dawn, the entrance to the beach area costs 5 Turkish Lira.
Address: Bahçelievler 34530 Patara, Patara, Turkey
Admission: 5 Turkish Lira
From $ 26
Ortakoy
Once a small village, Ortakoy is now a neighborhood in the Besiktas district on the European side of Istanbul. With a plethora of bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs, Ortakoy buzzes with locals and tourists alike and is a great place to spend a day – especially a Sunday, when the street market comes to life.
During the Ottoman area and in the early years of the Turkish Republic, the area was home to a mix of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. Though the population today is primarily Muslim, remnants of the neighborhood’s historic diversity are still visible in the form of Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox and other Christian structures.
On the waterfront, you’ll find the Ortakoy Mosque, built in the mid-19th century and featuring a blend of baroque and neoclassical influences. Behind the mosque looms the Bosphorus Bridge, which makes for a classic photo opportunity exemplifying the old-meets-new character of Istanbul. You might also check out the Ciragan Palace. Built in 1871 by Sultan Abdulaziz, it was also used as the Ottoman Parliament building until a fire damaged the building in 1910. Today, it has been completely restored and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
During the Ottoman area and in the early years of the Turkish Republic, the area was home to a mix of Turks, Greeks, Armenians and Jews. Though the population today is primarily Muslim, remnants of the neighborhood’s historic diversity are still visible in the form of Muslim, Jewish, Orthodox and other Christian structures.
On the waterfront, you’ll find the Ortakoy Mosque, built in the mid-19th century and featuring a blend of baroque and neoclassical influences. Behind the mosque looms the Bosphorus Bridge, which makes for a classic photo opportunity exemplifying the old-meets-new character of Istanbul. You might also check out the Ciragan Palace. Built in 1871 by Sultan Abdulaziz, it was also used as the Ottoman Parliament building until a fire damaged the building in 1910. Today, it has been completely restored and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
Practical Information
If you are staying in Sultanahmet, you can reach Ortakoy by taking the tram to Kabatas and then bus 22, 25E or 30D. From Taksim Square, take any of buses DT2, 40, 40T or 42T and get off at either the Ortakoy or Kabatas Lisesi bus stop.
Address: Turkey
From $ 15
Ortahisar
Famous for the castle-like rock formation looming 90 meters high above the town, Ortahisar, or Middle Castle, is, well, right in the middle of the Cappadocian towns of Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, and Neveshir.
Though it is becoming more popular with visitors, Ortahisar is still a quiet farming town that’s sleepier than many of the other Cappadocian hotspots that are today bursting with boutique hotels. Life in Ortahisar is based around the cobbled streets which extend from the central square, and wandering the streets lined with stone houses is a great way to get a taste of life in a traditional Cappadocian town.
The town is also known for the Culture Museum Restaurant, where a series of dioramas in the upstairs room displays traditional life in Cappadocia, while downstairs the restaurant isn’t a sideline next to the gift shop, it’s in the actual museum. Just a few kilometers is a museum of another kind, Goreme Open Air Museum. You can walk there from Ortahisar if you have good hiking legs! Also, 1km northeast of the town center, you can visit Hallacdere Monastery where intriguing animal heads are sculpted on the walls.
Practical Info
Located only a few kilometers southeast of Goreme, there’s an ATM at Orthahisar’s main square, and a number of good hiking trails lead out from town.
Address: Ortahisar/Nevşehir 50650, Turkey
From $ 404
Miniaturk
One of the largest miniature parks in the world, Miniaturk opened in 2003 on the northeastern shore of the Golden Horn in Istanbul. Covering 60,000 square meters, the park features 120 models of structures from throughout Turkey. It is divided into three sections: Istanbul, Anatolia and Ottoman territories that today lie outside of Turkey.
The Istanbul section includes models of 57 structures, including the Aya Sophia, Rumeli Fortress, Suleymaniye Mosque, Tomb of Sinan, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Galata Tower, each built to scale at 1/25th of the original size. The Anatolia section features 51 models, including the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, the Great Mosque in Diyarbakir, traditional stone houses in Mardin and the Mount Nemrut ruins.
Finally, the former Ottoman territories section includes 12 structures, including the Mehmet Ali Pasha Mosque in present-day Cairo, the Mostar Bridge in present-day Bosnia and several tombs that can be found today in Romania, Kosovo and Budapest.
Another highlight of the park is the Panorama Victory Museum, dedicated to the Turkish War for Independence. The park also includes a 400-seat amphitheater, a gift shop, playground, labyrinth and life-sized chessboard.
The Istanbul section includes models of 57 structures, including the Aya Sophia, Rumeli Fortress, Suleymaniye Mosque, Tomb of Sinan, Beylerbeyi Palace and the Galata Tower, each built to scale at 1/25th of the original size. The Anatolia section features 51 models, including the Sumela Monastery in Trabzon, the Great Mosque in Diyarbakir, traditional stone houses in Mardin and the Mount Nemrut ruins.
Finally, the former Ottoman territories section includes 12 structures, including the Mehmet Ali Pasha Mosque in present-day Cairo, the Mostar Bridge in present-day Bosnia and several tombs that can be found today in Romania, Kosovo and Budapest.
Another highlight of the park is the Panorama Victory Museum, dedicated to the Turkish War for Independence. The park also includes a 400-seat amphitheater, a gift shop, playground, labyrinth and life-sized chessboard.
Practical Information
Miniaturk is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission is 10 Turkish lira. To get to the park from Taksim, take bus 54 HT; from Eminonu, take bus 47, 47C or 47E; or from Topkapi, take bus 41 ST.
Address: Turkey
Hours: The Park is open for visits every day, the box office is open daily 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Admission: 10 TL
From $ 41
Oludeniz and the Blue Lagoon
Named the “dead sea” in Turkish due to its calmness, Ölüdeniz is one of Turkey’s most popular – and overwhelmingly most frequently photographed – beaches, thanks to its spectacular setting along a gorgeous blue lagoon.
Beachgoers flock to two separate areas here: a long, wide strip of open beach facing the Mediterranean, known as Belcekız; and the more sheltered shoreline of the Blue Lagoon, which is inside the boundaries of a protected natural park (entrance fee) and has a dramatic backdrop of mountain scenery behind it – Babadağ, one of Turkey’s top destinations for paragliding.
Since Ölüdeniz is extremely popular, be prepared for large crowds on the beaches, particularly on weekends in the height of summer – this isn’t a place for those seeking peace and quiet – and for the inevitable slew of generic restaurants and tacky souvenir shops along the waterfront.
As if the lagoon weren’t entrancing enough, there are also daylong boat trips that leave from here for scenic coves and beaches nearby, as well as to points of interest including Butterfly Valley. In addition, Ölüdeniz is the starting point for the Lycian Way, a 510-km (315-mile) hiking trail that runs from Fethiye to Antalya along the coast.
Beachgoers flock to two separate areas here: a long, wide strip of open beach facing the Mediterranean, known as Belcekız; and the more sheltered shoreline of the Blue Lagoon, which is inside the boundaries of a protected natural park (entrance fee) and has a dramatic backdrop of mountain scenery behind it – Babadağ, one of Turkey’s top destinations for paragliding.
Since Ölüdeniz is extremely popular, be prepared for large crowds on the beaches, particularly on weekends in the height of summer – this isn’t a place for those seeking peace and quiet – and for the inevitable slew of generic restaurants and tacky souvenir shops along the waterfront.
As if the lagoon weren’t entrancing enough, there are also daylong boat trips that leave from here for scenic coves and beaches nearby, as well as to points of interest including Butterfly Valley. In addition, Ölüdeniz is the starting point for the Lycian Way, a 510-km (315-mile) hiking trail that runs from Fethiye to Antalya along the coast.
Practical Info
Ölüdeniz is about 15km south of Fethiye and is served by frequent minibuses. If you’re coming from the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy, it’s a mostly downhill walk of about an hour and a half from there to Ölüdeniz.
The natural park is open from 8am to 8pm and admission is 4.5 TL.
The natural park is open from 8am to 8pm and admission is 4.5 TL.
Address: Ölüdeniz, Turkey
Hours: Daily 8am to 8pm
Admission: 4.50TL
From $ 35