Discover Turkey's Top 15 Cities to Visit in 2024

Are you ready for a journey through Turkey's most captivating cities? From Istanbul's vibrant streets to Cappadocia's mesmerizing landscapes, this country is full of experiences that will amaze you. Turkey's top 15 cities to visit promise to enchant your senses and give you memories to cherish forever.

Looking for historical wonders, breathtaking beauty, or a culinary adventure? Turkey's cities have it all. Get ready to be amazed by the mix of East and West. Ancient ruins and modern marvels stand side by side, and the people's warmth matches the sun's warmth¹.

As you visit these cities, you'll see a mix of cultures, traditions, and architectural wonders. From Istanbul's busy streets to Fethiye's peaceful shores, each city shows a unique side of Turkey's heritage. They invite you to dive into the sights, sounds, and tastes that make Turkey special¹.

Key Takeaways

• Turkey's cities offer a diverse range of experiences, from historical sites to stunning natural wonders.
• Istanbul, the country's most remarkable city, blends Eastern and Western influences.
• Destinations like Fethiye, Cesme, and Bursa showcase Turkey's breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage.
• Whether seeking relaxation or adventure, Turkey's cities promise unforgettable experiences for travelers.
• With so much to explore, visitors to Turkey will find it hard to fit everything into their itinerary.

15. Çeşme

Çeşme is a seaside town on Turkey's Aegean coast, just eight kilometers from the Greek island of Chios². It's one of the top 15 cities in Turkey you should visit in 2024². Çeşme mixes history, nature, and modern comforts beautifully².

Historical Highlights

The Genoese castle is Çeşme's main attraction, a 14th-century fortress turned museum³. It tells the story of the region's maritime past and its weapons. The old town is full of shops and restaurants, showing off Çeşme's history under different empires³.

Close by, the ancient city of Erythrai takes you back to the 7th century BC³. It was a key Ionian settlement. Çeşme's spot on the Aegean Sea made it a major port before Izmir took over, helping trade with Europe³.

Now, Çeşme is known for its lovely beaches, sailing, and thermal springs and mud baths of Sifne³. It has a Mediterranean climate, welcoming visitors all year³.

Çeşme has history, water sports, and sun for everyone. It's a perfect spot for a Turkish coastal adventure in 2024 and beyond².

14. Alanya

Alanya sits on Turkey's sunny southern coast, blending history, nature, and coastal life⁴. It gets 310 days of sun a year, with June and July being the brightest⁵. This makes Alanya Turkey's sunniest city, perfect for travelers⁴.

Historical Highlights

Alanya's story goes back to the Hellenistic times. Its famous Alanya Castle and Red Tower show its long history⁵. The Archaeology Museum of Alanya, opened in 1967, has many archaeological and ethnographic pieces⁵. It draws those who love history.

Alanya isn't just about museums. It has many historical sites that fascinate visitors⁵. Places like Alanya Castle, Red Tower, and Dwarfs Cave are must-sees⁵. Nearby ancient cities like Colybrassus and Hamaxxia add to the historical charm⁵.

The Alanya Cable Car gives a special view of the city and the sea⁵. Kleopatra Beach is famous for its soft, sandy shores and clear waters⁵.

Alanya has something for everyone, from history buffs to beach lovers⁴.

13. Nigde

Nestled in Turkey's Cappadocia region, Nigde is a hidden gem. It offers history, culture, and natural beauty⁶. With a tourism rating of 4.5, it's a top spot for those wanting a real Turkish experience⁶.

Nigde sits on ancient trade routes, giving it a rich culture. You can see the influence of the Hittites, Romans, Seljuk Turks, and Ottomans everywhere⁶. The city has many historical sites. The Aladdin Mosque and Nigde Citadel are two highlights, showing off Seljuk architecture and offering great views.

Historical Highlights

The Ihlara Valley is a must-see in Nigde. It's a deep canyon with rock-carved churches from the Byzantine era⁷. You can hike, see ancient sites, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. With a 4.46 review score, it's a favorite among tourists⁷.

Nigde is also famous for its culture. Its markets and food show off central Anatolia's traditions and tastes⁷. Tours here cost between $96 and $179, making it affordable⁷.

Nigde has ancient sites, stunning landscapes, and a rich culture. It's a gem in the Cappadocia region, perfect for those exploring Turkey⁶. It's set to become a top travel spot, offering a unique experience for travelers.

12. Safranbolu

Safranbolu is a hidden gem in northern Turkey, keeping its Ottoman charm alive⁸. It's one of the top 15 cities in Turkey you should visit in 2024⁸. Here, you can dive deep into Turkey's history and culture⁸.

The Old Town is a UNESCO site, famous for its traditional Turkish houses and cobblestone streets⁹. Walking here, you'll see historic spots like the Cinci Han. It's a beautiful caravanserai that shows off the area's unique architecture⁹.

But there's more to Safranbolu than just its Old Town⁸. It's known for its tasty Turkish delights and dishes with saffron, giving you a real taste of Turkish food⁹.

Safranbolu sits on old trade paths, blending cultures from the Byzantines, Seljuk Turks, and Ottomans⁸. It's a place where history and tradition come alive. This makes it a key spot for those wanting a true Turkish experience⁸.

If you like history, food, or nature, Safranbolu has something for you⁸. It's a top pick for anyone visiting Turkey in 2024⁸.

11. Izmir

Izmir sits on the beautiful Aegean Sea coast, making it Turkey's third-largest city. It's a mix of old and new, with a lively culture and a deep history¹⁰.

Historical Highlights

Izmir has a history dating back to the 11th century BC. The Clock Tower at Konak Square is a famous landmark, built in 1901¹⁰. You can also see the Agora, an ancient market from the 4th century BC, open from 8:30 AM to 7 PM in summer and 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM in winter¹¹.

The Kadifekale castle ruins and the Ephesus archaeological site are must-sees in Izmir¹¹. These places show Turkey's rich history and culture.

Izmir is more than just history. It's a modern city with a lively culture, great food, and a fun nightlife. The Kordon promenade is a favorite spot for people to enjoy the city's vibe¹⁰.

For food lovers, Izmir has a lot to offer. Try the borek pastries at Aysa Bosnak Borekcisi or seafood at Deniz Restaurant¹⁰. At night, the city shines with bars like Sirena and Tato rocker bar¹⁰.

Izmir is perfect for those who love history, culture, or city life. It's known for its beauty, heritage, and friendly people¹². That's why it's a top choice for visitors to Turkey.

10. Fethiye

The city of fethiye turkey lies along the beautiful fethiye mediterranean coast¹². It's a hidden treasure on the turkey turquoise coast¹². Families love it for its outdoor fun, like hiking the Lycian Way and seeing ancient ruins. The city also boasts stunning fethiye beaches¹².

Fethiye has bounced back after an earthquake in 1958, keeping much of its history alive. Visitors must see the fethiye old town and the Amintas Rock Tombs. There's more to explore, like the Kadyanda Ancient City and the ghost town of Kayakoy¹².

Fethiye is a top spot for outdoor lovers¹². It offers everything from thermal pools to hot air balloon rides¹². Tours like the 7-Day Istanbul and Cappadocia Tour show Turkey's variety¹².

Historical Highlights

The city's history goes back to the ancient Lycian civilization. The Amintas Rock Tombs and Kadyanda Ancient City show its rich past¹².

"Fethiye is a must-visit destination for those seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and outdoor adventure on the stunning Turkish Riviera."

Accommodation in Fethiye	Rating
Çirağan Palace Kempinski	8.9 stars13
Hotel Saint Sophia	9.1 stars13
Hostel Le Banc	9.5 stars13

From the fethiye marina to the beautiful beaches and fethiye old town, fethiye is full of experiences. It's a city on the turkey turquoise coast that offers a memorable trip¹²¹³¹⁴.

9. Bursa

In the northwest of Turkey, Bursa is a city that mixes history with modern life. It's the fourth-largest city and was once the Ottoman Empire's capital. Bursa has many cultural and historical spots that draw in visitors¹⁵.

Historical Highlights

Bursa is full of history, with many mosques, mausoleums, and museums. The Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) is a key spot, with its 20 domes and 12 columns. The Yeşil Türbe (Green Mausoleum) shows early Ottoman style¹⁵.

For those into art and history, the Bursa Archaeology Museum and the Bursa City Museum are great. They have lots of artifacts, paintings, and interactive exhibits¹⁵.

Bursa is also famous for its markets and food. You can check out the Koza Han (Silk Bazaar) and the İpek Yolu Hanı (Silk Road Caravanserai) for traditional crafts and foods¹⁵.

For outdoor fun, Mount Uludag is close by. It's great for skiing and hiking, offering beautiful views¹⁵.

Bursa is known for its friendly people, rich culture, and many attractions. It's a city that touches the heart and leaves a strong impression¹⁵.

Bursa Highlights	Details
Average meal cost	₺15 at Derebahce restaurant15
Ferry trip from Istanbul	₺30 for a two-hour journey15
Airlines serving Bursa	Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Delta, Air France, Emirates, United Airlines15
Most booked hotels	Holiday Inn Bursa - City Centre, Crowne Plaza Bursa, Mövenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa, Sheraton Bursa Hotel, Almira Hotel Thermal Spa & Convention Center, Hilton Bursa Convention Center & Spa15
Bursakart reusable ticket	₺5 cost15
Bursakart single ride tariff	₺2.815
Taxi starting tariff	₺3.5015
Car rental starting price	₺9515
Dozen eggs price	₺615

8. Pamukkale

In the heart of Turkey, Pamukkale amazes with its beauty. It's famous for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. This place shows off Turkey's amazing geology¹⁶.

The ancient city of Hierapolis sits on top of the pamukkale travertines. It's a chance to see history and nature together in a UNESCO site¹⁷. Visitors can walk on the pamukkale hot springs, enjoy the warm waters, and see the beautiful pamukkale geography made by nature¹⁶.

Pamukkale is a top spot for tourists. Tours often include it for its beauty and history. Pamukkale attractions like the pamukkale ancient ruins are perfect for all ages, from 1 to 99¹⁶. The pamukkale weather and easy pamukkale transportation make it great for cultural and historical tours of Turkey¹⁶.

Tour Name	Age Range (Years)	Price per Day (USD)	Discount (USD)
Timeless Cities in Modern Transportation: Turkey Unleashed 10 Day Tour	1-99	$173	$136
Magic Carpet Tour	2-99	$130	$556
Best of Turkey- 10 Days	8-99	$145	$383

Pamukkale turkey is a must-see for its beauty, history, and culture¹⁶. It has many attractions and tours for all ages and budgets. Pamukkale offers an unforgettable trip in Turkey¹⁶.

"Pamukkale, with its stunning white travertine terraces and thermal springs, is one of Turkey's most iconic and picturesque destinations."

7. Bodrum

Bodrum is a city on Turkey's Aegean coast that mixes history, culture, and modern life¹⁸. At its heart is Bodrum Castle, a 15th-century fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller¹⁸. Now, it's home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology¹⁸. Visitors should spend 2-3 hours here to fully enjoy the medieval architecture and exhibits¹⁸.

The Bodrum Amphitheater is another key spot, dating back to the 4th century BC and expanded by the Romans¹⁸. It can hold up to 13,000 people and hosts events all year, offering a view of the city¹⁸. The Bodrum Marina is perfect for those who love yachting or want to try Turkish food¹⁸.

Bodrum's beaches are famous, especially Bitez Beach for its clear waters and great windsurfing¹⁸. The beach has a quiet promenade with many places to eat¹⁸. Don't miss the Museum of Underwater Archaeology at Bodrum Castle, with treasures from ancient shipwrecks¹⁸.

Beyond its history and beaches, Bodrum has a lively nightlife and culture¹⁹. Gümüşlük is a peaceful spot with seafood restaurants and a calm vibe¹⁸. Rabbit Island is nearby, with ruins of a Byzantine monastery, perfect for swimming and picnics¹⁸.

Yalikavak Marina is a luxury spot with shops, fine dining, and activities¹⁸. With its history, beauty, and culture, Bodrum is a top choice on Turkey's coast¹⁹.

Destination	Reader Score	Rank
Bodrum, Turkey	86.74	15th
Florence, Italy	90.55	1st
Funchal, Portugal	89.82	2nd

"Bodrum is a fantastic city that has everything you could want in a holiday destination. With lovely beaches and a picturesque look, the city's Aegean character shines through in its traditional whitewashed houses and the delightful little cafes and cobbled alleys that you can find about town."

The 2024 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards survey ranked Bodrum 15th out of 15 cities, with a score of 86.74¹⁹. Over 186,000 people voted, making Bodrum the only Turkish city on the list¹⁹. Florence, Italy, was top with a score of 90.55, followed by Funchal, Portugal, with 89.82¹⁹. Six of the top 15 cities were from Spain, and 86.66% were in Southern Europe¹⁹¹⁸.

6. Konya

In Turkey's central Anatolia, Konya calls to travelers with its deep history, spiritual vibe, and lively culture²⁰. It's where the famous Sufi poet Rumi was born, making it a key spot for those seeking spiritual and intellectual journeys²⁰. People come from all over to see its famous sites and dive into its traditions.

Unveiling Konya's Historical Treasures

The Mevlâna Museum is Konya's gem, housing Rumi's mausoleum²⁰. Since 1927, it's been a museum, letting visitors into Rumi's world²⁰. Close by, the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, Turkey's biggest, shows Konya's past as a key trade spot in the Seljuk Empire²⁰.

Konya's not just about religion; its buildings tell stories of its culture. The ancient village of Sille, near the city, takes you back in time, showing off the area's history and customs.

Konya's food scene is a treat, with dishes like Etliekmek that are unique to the area²¹. It's a city of young people with a modern vibe, offering many places to eat, from cozy spots to trendy cafes²¹.

"Konya is a city that captivates the senses, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history, spiritual legacy, and vibrant cultural tapestry. From the magnificent Mevlâna Museum to the enchanting streets of Sille, Konya promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Anatolia."

Konya has something for everyone, from its stunning buildings to its spiritual and food scenes. It's set to be a top spot for travelers in 2024 and beyond²⁰²¹.

5. Ankara

Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is often skipped by tourists but it's a gem waiting to be discovered¹⁴. It's alive with energy, having turned into a modern city full of embassies, fine restaurants, and trendy cafes¹⁴. Despite its concrete feel, Ankara's culture and history make it a place you'll remember.

Don't miss the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations for a peek into Turkey's ancient past¹⁴. Also, the Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is a must-see¹⁴.

• Check out ankara turkey's architecture, like the ankara atatürk mausoleum
• Experience the ankara culture and food scene with its cool cafes and restaurants
• Learn about history at the famous ankara museums, like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
• See the ankara attractions and feel the mix of old and new in the city
• Discover the ankara history and its role as Turkey's capital

Ankara is full of life, history, and things to see, making it a special place to visit¹⁴.

"Ankara is a fascinating place, with a blend of modern and historic elements that make it a truly unique destination."

Ankara Highlights	Key Facts
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations	Showcases the rich history of Anatolia, with artifacts from Neolithic to Ottoman periods
Anitkabir	The massive mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey
Ankara Citadel	An ancient fortress dating back to the 13th century, offering panoramic views of the city
Kocatepe Mosque	One of the largest mosques in Ankara, featuring a mix of Ottoman and modern architectural styles
Ankara Ethnography Museum	Showcases the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Anatolian region

Whether you're into ankara history, ankara architecture, ankara culture, or just want to experience the city vibe, Ankara has something special for you¹⁴.

4. Kusadasi

Kusadasi sits on Turkey's stunning Aegean coast, drawing travelers with its vibrant life, great shopping, and historical and natural sights²². It's known for its lively vibe, excellent shopping, and a mix of historical and natural spots.

Close to the ancient city of Ephesus, Kusadasi is a gateway to history²². Ephesus, from the 10th century BC, is a must-see with its ruins like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater²³. Its historical and cultural importance brings tourists from around the world.

Kusadasi also has more to offer beyond Ephesus²². Pigeon Island, linked to the mainland, is a hit for history buffs and sightseers²³. Nature lovers will enjoy the Dilek Peninsula National Park, with its mountains and beaches²².

For a chill day, Kusadasi's beaches like Ladies Beach are perfect for sunbathing²². The city also has a buzzing nightlife, with places like Sean's Karaoke Bar for the young crowd²².

Don't miss the local markets for traditional crafts, textiles, and Turkish foods²². The Kusadasi Bazaar is a top spot for shopping²³.

Kusadasi impresses with its history, nature, and culture²². It's a city that leaves a mark, thanks to its location, accommodations, and activities²².

"Kusadasi is a lively and fun city to visit, with a plethora of package-tour companies operating here. Lying on the coast, there are a multitude of hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs for visitors to enjoy, with the party scene being particularly memorable."²³

Top Attractions in Kusadasi	Description
Hire a Private Boat	Enjoy an unforgettable experience with loved ones23.
Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus	Explore this significant historical site that attracts visitors globally23.
Explore Pigeon Island and Castle	Discover the historical and architectural importance of this 13th-century site23.
Experience a Turkish Bath	Indulge in traditional wellness practices and authentic cultural experiences23.
Shop at Kusadasi Bazaar	Explore local markets and find unique items and souvenirs23.
Embark on a Jeep Safari	Discover the Dilek Peninsula National Park and enjoy adventure tourism23.
Spend a Day at the Aqua Park	Enjoy entertainment and leisure activities, suitable for families and individuals23.
Take a Pamukkale Tour	Explore the nearby natural wonders and historical sites23.

Kusadasi is a unique mix of history, nature, and culture on Turkey's Aegean coast²². It offers something for everyone, from beach fun to ancient history, and the chance to experience Turkish life²².

3. Antalya