Turkey is such an underrated country. The scenery is beautiful, the food is incredible, the hospitality is unlike anywhere else… I could go on and on. While on your first trip to Turkey, there are several experiences that you’ll want to make sure not to miss!
Experience the History
Turkey has a rich history dating back thousands of years. From mosques to palaces to ancient ruins, make sure to take in some of this unique history on your first trip to Turkey.
Some of my favorite places are listed below, but there really are endless ways to enjoy Turkey’s historical sights.
Aizanoi
Aizanoi was an ancient Greek city with many well-preserved remains, including the Temple of Zeus, a necropolis, Roman baths, and theatre and stadium. Many of the artifacts found in Aizanoi have been moved to the nearby Archaeological Museum of Kütahya, which is also worth seeing.
Basilica Cistern
The Basilica Cistern is located in the heart of Istanbul near the Hagia Sophia. Built in 532, it is an underground water storage comprised of an imposing 336 columns and two Medusa heads. This is one of the most unique and unexpected things to do in Istanbul.
Göreme
Göreme is located among the fairy chimney rock formations of the Cappadocia Region. Beneath the rock formations lie the ruins of ancient villages, small towns, and churches. History in this area dates back to prehistoric times.
Ephesus
Located about an hour from İzmir, Ephesus was an ancient Greek city with well-preserved ruins. Walking around Ephesus is like a step back in time. The temples, roads, houses, and baths are all still standing, so it’s easy to visualize what life might have been like at the city’s peak.
Hagia Sophia
With its vast dome, marble pillars, and ornate mosaics, the Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic buildings in Turkey. The Hagia Sophia was built by the Roman Empire in the 500s and has had a fascinating history. Since its construction, the building has been a Christian church, a Muslim mosque, and a museum.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Another notable landmark, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque, sits in Istanbul and operates as a functioning mosque. It’s known for its hand painted blue tiles, stained glass windows, towering minarets, and multiple domes.
Topkapı Palace
Topkapı Palace was once the home to the Ottoman sultans and is just as extravagant as you would expect. Today, the palace operates as a museum, displaying religious relics, weapons, armor, clothing, and manuscripts. The entire place is pure luxury, with tiled mosaics, paintings, and well-kept gardens.
Take a Walk Through a Bazaar
Nearly every Turkish city has its own bazaar where you can find local goods.
Turkey’s most famous bazaar is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. The Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and typically attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors each day! The Kemeraltı Market in İzmir is also one of my favorites.
Shop for colorful glass lamps, glass evil eyes, Turkish rugs, jewelry, Turkish coffee sets, and more!
Soak Up Some Sun
As a country on the Mediterranean, Turkey has some of the most beautiful coastal areas that I’ve seen! Even if you aren’t a beach bum, you can still enjoy the sun and sea.
Each beachside city has its own vibe and activities. Whether you’re looking for seclusion and nature, or nightlife and crowded beaches, Turkey has a seaside destination for you.
Antalya
Antalya is a charming resort town that mixes remnants of Turkey’s history with a modern yacht-filled harbor.
Bodrum
Bodrum has it all – gorgeous beaches, plenty of oceanside resorts, and the best nightlife during the summer.
Çeşme
Çeşme is a popular seaside destination for Turkish locals. Notable for its imposing castle and quaint old town, it also has a marina and white sandy beach to enjoy the sun.
Marmaris
Located on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Marmaris has crystal clear water, excellent local food and wine, and lively nightlife.
Ölüdeniz
Ölüdeniz is a small beachside town known for its strikingly blue lagoon and lush green foliage.
Eat All the Food
Turkey has a vibrant food scene and there so many traditional foods that you should try on your first trip to Turkey. While putting together this list, I had to limit it to a few favorites because I could seriously go on all day about Turkish food.
- Kofte: Kofte are a type of Turkish meatball. There are literally hundreds of variations of kofte.
- Kunefe: Kunefe is a popular dessert that consists of shredded, buttery dough filled with a sweet cream cheese, then covered in a sugary syrup. It’s sweet and rich. Definitely a must try!
- Lokum (also known as Turkish Delight): One of Turkey’s most well-known foods, Turkish Delight is a chewy, sugary candy.
- Manti: Manti is a type of dumpling that is stuffed with meat and often topped with yogurt.
- Simit: Simit is a circular bread product covered in sesame seeds. It’s sold all over – by street vendors, at bakeries and cafes, and at restaurants as part of a Turkish breakfast.
- Sucuk: Sucuk is a semi-dry Turkish sausage that is often served with eggs or on sandwiches.
Try the Traditional Drinks
Turkish Coffee
Turkish coffee is a must try on your first trip to Turkey! It’s unlike most coffee – the beans are finely ground and boiled without being filtered. Because of this, a lot of the coffee grounds either settle at the bottom of the cup or are mixed in with the coffee itself.
Once you’re finished with your coffee, some people read the coffee grounds. Since Turkish coffee is unfiltered, there is a thick sediment left at the bottom of the cup. The images and shapes left in the sediment can be interpreted to provide information on the drinker.
Rakı
Rakı is a licorice flavored alcoholic beverage similar to Greek ouzo. It’s clear in the bottle, but turns a milky white when mixed with water. Although licorice isn’t everyone’s favorite flavor, this is a drink that you should try at least once.
Enjoy a Turkish Breakfast
I know, I know. There’s already a section on Turkish food, but Turkish breakfast is so unique that it deserves a separate section. It’s an experience on its own!
A Turkish breakfast includes a variety of cheeses, breads, fruits, vegetables, olives, and jams, honey, and other spreads. On occasion, breakfasts will include eggs, sucuk, or other heavier items. There’s also plenty of hot tea. Turkish breakfasts combine a little bit of everything into one meal.
Are you planning your first trip to Turkey? If so, what are you most excited to do?
