14 Best Things to Do in Istanbul & Turkey

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  • 27-11-2023
  • Food, Holiday, City, Seasons

14 Best Things to Do in Istanbul & Turkey

Turkey is a dazzling destination filled with historical sites, archaeological wonders, beaches and friendly people. The country is surrounded by ancient monuments, and it’s not long ago that the Turks enter into the tourism arena. Every landscape in Turkeys tells a story of events and history about the people of the country. Its scenery never failed to impress any visitors, be it the mighty mountains, sun-soaked Mediterranean right up to the arid steppe which also highlights the country’s beauty.

1. See and Explore Nature
Turkey is filled with beautiful coastal lines, beaches, valleys, and if you are looking for things to do in Turkey, visit the Turquoise Rivera, it’s a beautiful sight with natural beauty, warm climate, mountainous scenery and warm sea. Another place with white sand, breathtaking spot and turquoise water is Oludeniz. You can even step on a boat and tour the butterfly valley.

2. Try Turkey’s Wellness and Spa
If you are thinking of what to do in Turkey, try wellness and spa! Turkey thermal resource is well known in the world and it's on the number one list in Europe. Boasting healing mud, hot springs and therapeutic waters will give you rejuvenating holiday. Relax and with specialized spa treatments like hot stone therapy, Shiatsu massage and the Traditional Turkish Hammam. You will find it in places such as Aegean, Marmara and Central Anatoli.

3. Cheap Eats
If you are looking for good and cheap treats, try few local foods at Tarihi Eminonu Balik Ekmek for fish bread, fish fillet rolled in with some salad and onion slaw to it. If you craving for some really good meat, Street Food in Taksim Square is just about the place to get chicken, beef or lamb wraps.

4. Sports & Adventure
Looking for fun activities in Turkey? There’s a lot to do here in Turkey, you can go canoeing, trekking, and golfing or even try winter sports. Turkey is a perfect destination to take advantage of the sporting holiday and adventure activities. With such a landscape, the country can entertain you with almost any type of activity.

5. Visit all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey
Discover some of the most important and famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey such as Göbeklitepe (2018), Historic Areas of Istanbul (1985), Archaeological Site of Troy (1998), Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia (1985), Hattusha: the Hittite Capital (1986), Nemrut Dağ (1987), Ephesus (2015), Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği (1985), Xanthos-Letoon (1988), Hierapolis-Pamukkale (1988), City of Safranbolu (1994), Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex (2011) and a few more added to the list.

Top Things to Do in Istanbul
Ever wondered what to do in Istanbul? There are many things to do in Istanbul, the city spans two continents and it’s massively huge. Istanbul is one of the biggest city in Istanbul, and a city that wears off its culture and history well. It's an exciting place to be as it remains so true to its basilicas, mosques, cathedrals and ancient bazaars. The legendary Silk Road linking Europe and Asia is what’s drawn merchants to the country. They like it so much that they stayed, and that’s what gave the city its cultural diversity up to this day and it’s become one of turkey tourist spots. Let’s tell you what to do in Istanbul as its appealing to all the tourists, you can visit Hagias Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Archaeology Museum, the Bosphorus Cruise, visit Local Market and much more sights to see and do in Istanbul, Turkey.

1. Visit the Spice Market
The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest shopping centres in the world. But the Spice Market is second to the Grand Bazaar which sells out the best spices, dried fruits, nuts, tea and even the true Turkish delight. Along with a line of shops selling spices, you can find a number of stalls selling tourist trinkets which turn out to always be a good souvenir.

2. Visit the Hagia Sophia Museum (Aya Sofya)
Tourist is flocking here to see the glorious church turned museum for its stunning architecture and historical significance. It’s one of Istanbul sights to see and explore! The entrance has a mosaic of Christ as Pantocrator, and its main building is adorned with gold mosaics and huge nave. The focal point of beauty in the museum is the 9th-century mosaics of Virgin and Christ Child.

3. Understand Istanbul archaeology at Istanbul Archaeological Museum
The Istanbul Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in Istanbul, Turkey. The museums have three museums namely the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Orient Museum and the Tiled Kiosk Museum. There are about 1 million objects from civilizations from all over the world. It was firstly a Turkish museum and founded in 1891.

4. Dolmabache Palace
There no better word to describe the palace other than graceful, luxurious and exemptions piece of art. The palace has always been compared to the Palace of Versailles. It was built in the 19th century blending an architectural style of Ottoman along with Europe style such as Baroque, Neoclassical and Rococo. If you are still wondering what to do in Istanbul, do visit the Dolmabache Palace.

5. Take a Cruise
A trip to Istanbul is incomplete without a Bosphorus cruise. It is one of the best activities in Istanbul. The cruise provides a wide view of the city. You can either take the long one or the short one and in the summertime, the sunsets tours are also available. You can choose the basic, dinner entertainment, evening sunset or a private yacht.

Top Things to Do in Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey lying at an altitude of 850 m on the Anatolian Plateau. The capital city is known to be a modern centre, yet beyond modernity and skyscrapers, you will find the country’s best museum, domed mosque and buzzing street life with a touch of Ottoman charm. Though it is the second largest city in Turkey, yet Istanbul is still the largest. Being the capital city, there are many things to do in Ankara as well as attractions to see in Ankara such as Ankara Citadel, Anıtkabir, Kocatepe Mosque, Atakule Tower and many others. Here are a list of some of the attraction and things to do in Ankara:

1. Anıtkabir
Anıtkabir isn't just a significantly important site because of its status as the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, yet additionally because of it being a terrific accomplishment of design and an incredible case of a Turkish compositional style called the Second National Architectural Movement. Situated right in the heart of Ankara, it is a site worth to be visited if you are looking for things to do in Ankara.

2. Atakule Tower
Transcending the Ankara horizon, the Atakule Tower is a symbol. The high rise, at a height of 410 feet (125 meters), remains on a slope as an ever-present gatekeeper of the city. Ragip Buluç built the site during the 1980s and it was finished in 1989. You can appreciate the city's fabulous emblem, from its round vault at the top. There’s also a restaurant which you can dine in and see the whole view of the city and see it draw farther away.

3. Genclik Park
The Park is located right in the heart of the city, and it’s one of the best places to spend an afternoon especially for families. There’s greenery everywhere here and it’s fresh and cool with a nice tea garden. The park is Middle Eastern in style and you will find many water fountains across the park. There is also fun thrill amusement for children and terrifying looking rides for teenagers.

4. Ankara Castle
The castle takes up the entire part of the peak, which sits above the city and the red-tiled tops of old Ankara's notable houses. It’s one of the oldest sights, and there’s been different civilizations such as Persian, Hittite, Arab and many others who’s been staying here. It’s not just a popular destination among the tourist, but as well as the locals.

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