Turkey is one of the best countries in the world you should never miss to visit and experience. It is a country with beautiful coastal areas. Turkey’s well-preserved historical sites and eclectic range of cities makes it an ideal place to feel excited and relaxed.
You might know that Turkey is a well-known holiday destination. However, a lesser-known fact is that Turkey has a variety of shows in its cities. Want to know about the best cities in turkey? Read below:
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List of Best Cities in Turkey
Following is the list of best cities in Turkey:
. Istanbul
For many when they talk about Turkey. Istanbul is the city that comes to their mind. It sits in the crossroads of Europe and Asia and home to three different empires making it the best cities in turkey. The city is widely known as the city that never sleeps.
The city still preserves its rich heritage and the influence of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. The most notable of these are the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. It is a mosque that reflects various cultures. You can find lots of restaurants, and nightlife to check out in Istanbul.
- Places to see: Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- When to visit: March to May and between September and November
- How to get there: Book your flights to Istanbul Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
2. Antalya
Antalya has an incredibly beautiful coastline with high cliffs. This offers breathtaking views of the distant mountains. In Antalya you should never miss the old center of Kaleici. It has exquisite Ottoman mansions lining the winding lanes and alleys.
The city has a Roman-era harbor which is a lovely place to stop off. You can find a couple of nice beaches to enjoy the sea breeze and relax on. Antalya, once seen as a gateway to the Turkish Riviera, is definitely one of the best cities in Turkey with lots of attractions.
- Places to see: Duden Waterfalls, Konyaaltı Beaches and Antalya Aquarium
- When to visit: June to August and September to October
- How to get there: Book flight to Dalaman Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
3. Ankara
The vibrant city of Ankara is often referred to as a modern city. It is known for its busy business and industries. But there are many places which are unique to the city, making it one of the best cities in turkey.
If you are a history enthusiast and want to explore how people lived throughout ages you can visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The museum holds a large collection of artefacts from Neolithic age to Iron age. Anıtkabir in Ankara is a major pilgrimage site, this hilltop also the place of the mausoleum of Atatürk (Founder of Modern Turkey).
- Places to see: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque and Anıtkabir
- When to visit: June-September
- How to get there: Book your flights to Ankara Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
4. Izmir
Izmir is a coastal city located along the Aegean Sea. If you are planning a trip to Pergamon then Izmir can be the best place to stay. You can spend your time on the streets and visit some of the Roman ruins.
The city is in the list of best cities in Turkey mainly because of Pamukkale, a breathtaking and unusual geographical location. It’s a miniature plateaux, formed by the hot spring water cascading down the mountainside, adding white limestone to the old plateaux. There are baths available for visitors, which are said to be therapeutic. The Izmir Clock Tower is also a must-see place in Izmir.
- Places to see: Alsancak, Agora Open Air Museum and Ephesus
- When to visit: May to September
- How to get there: Book your flight to Izmir Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
5. Adana
Adana is a vibrant city with a warm climate and fiery cuisine. The hospitality of its people makes the city one of the best cities in turkey. It is the city where the threats of modernity and tradition are tied together. This makes the city an interesting spot for digital nomads.
You can taste various culinary delights, but the kebab here will make your mouth watery. If you want to take a meal adventure then Adana kebab with aroma of spices is the best thing you should never miss. Apart from culinary delights you can also visit historical landmarks such as the ancient stone bridge, and grand mosques.
- Places to see: Stone Bridge, Sabancı Merkez Camii and Merkez Park
- When to visit: March to June and October and November
- How to get there: Take a flight to Adana Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
6. Bodrum
Bodrum is one of the best cities in Turkey, known for its summer holiday. Surrounded with undulating verdant hills, it offers a prime coastline experience, with beaches such as Yahsi and Aspat.
There are many resorts that appeal to different types of tourists. These range from the sparkling high-end to the more reasonably priced and family-friendly ones. There is much to learn about the history of Bodrum. It houses 700-year-old Bodrum Castle, a mausoleum, and ancient ruins.
- Places to see: Bodrum Amphitheater, Bodrum Castle and Bodrum Museum Of Underwater Archaeology
- When to visit: June and September
- How to get there: Book flight to Bodrum-Milas Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
7. Marmaris
Marmaris is renowned as one of the most beautiful destinations in Turkey. The city is surrounded by pine forests and mountains. The Turquoise waters made for swimming give an exciting experience.
A horse safari in Marmaris National Park is a great way to satisfy your desire for natural spots. The famous traditional bath makes it one of the best cities in Turkey to visit.
- Places to see: Marmaris Marina, Musical Fountain and Dalyan River
- When to visit: June and September
- How to get there: Book flight to Dalaman Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
8. Bursa
Bursa, the capital of the Ottoman Empire is one of the best cities in Turkey to get a glimpse of the Ottoman Empire. The center areas of the city are the focus of most visitors’ sightseeing. The most well-known structures from Bursa’s imperial era include the Grand Mosque, which has twenty domes. It also has vibrantly tiled Yeşil Mosque and tomb interior, and the Muradiye Complex’s colorfully painted mausoleums of the first Ottoman Sultans.
Bursa’s central area is the vast Covered Market, where several hans (caravanserais) and bedestens (warehouses) exhibit the city’s history as a Silk Route trade hub. Make sure not to miss the Koza Han, where hundreds of silk businesses are still preserving the heritage. Come have Iskender kebab in the city where it originated. Almost all restaurants in the city serve this as a specialty dish.
- Places to see: Bursa Teleferik, Green Mosque and Muradiye Complex
- When to visit: November to March and April to June
- How to get there: Book a flight to Bursa (YEI) Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
9. Edirne
Situated near the borders of Greece and Bulgaria, Edirne feels more like a European city than other Turkish cities, but you are never far from the reminders of your Ottoman past because of the city’s architecture, mosques, bazaars, and palace.
Set in lush plains and featuring a lot of the same russet-roofed, white-washed architectural styles as Antalya, Edirne is situated between the banks of the Maritza and Tunca rivers. The majestic 16th-century Selimiye Mosque, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and has come to represent Edirne, is the city’s most notable monument.
The Sultan Beyezid II Complex, Muradiye, Old Mosque, and other mosques make it one of the best cities in Turkey. The network of bridges across the Tunca dates back to the Ottoman era and serves as a platform for leisurely summertime swimming and relaxation.
- Places to see: Meriç Bridge, Karaağaç and Great Synagogue of Edirne
- When to visit: June to August
- How to get there: Book a flight to Alexandroupolis (AXD) Airport
- Google Maps: Tap to locate
A Complete Video on Best Cities in Turkey
Final thoughts
Turkish cities are among the world’s most appealing travel locations. Every experienced tourist has it on their list of must-see locations. And by reading this post, you can understand why! Turkey is home to various stunning cities that can provide you with a great vacation experience. So, plan a trip to the best cities in Turkey now!
FAQs
Which month would be the cheapest to visit Turkey?
The cheapest month to visit Turkey is November to March. But during those months the weather will be rainy and cold. April-May to October-November would be the best months to visit Turkey as prices are cheaper and the weather can be milder.
How do you spend money on Turkey?
In Turkey, it is safe to have cash and a card. In small shops and taxis, you can use cash. To pay in restaurants and hotels, you can use a card.
Is Turkey a romantic country?
Turkey is known as a romantic country. It is because the country has lots of natural and man-made sites. You can visit vibrant bazaars, azure waters, historical sites, and more.
