Few countries so close to home can tick off as many travel essentials as Turkey.
The country has warm weather in both summer and winter, while being home to beautiful coastal areas, renowned historic sights, buoyant party resorts and an eclectic range of cities.
That Turkey is a good holiday destination is no secret, but less-known is the variety on show within its cities.
Istanbul is many visitors’ first taste of the country, with its high-octane way of life and excellent range of things to do, giving many people an unforgettable taste of Turkey.
On the Turquoise Coast, cities such as Bodrum and Antalya combine distinct heritage with striking coastal beauty, while in the capital, a vibrant energy means Ankara keeps attracting Turkish and foreign visitors alike.
But in a country so large, and so blessed with captivating cities, it can be difficult to know where to go. We’ve rounded up the best cities in the country to help you plan your next Turkish adventure.
Istanbul
Istanbul is the most visited Turkish city by foreign tourists
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With a population of around 16 million people, Istanbul is a city that seemingly never sleeps. Bisected by the emerald waters of the Bosphorous Strait, this is the place where two continents meet, and this fusion of distinct cultures has created a vibrant city whose energetic way of life often borders on chaotic.
A city steeped in the history of both Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been the home of three different empires over almost three millennia, and today still preserves some remnants of these vastly different cultures. Ottoman and Byzantine influences dominate, particularly in the Sultanahmet district, home to many of the city’s must-see sights.
Prime among these are the Blue Mosque, with its towering minarets, and the Hagia Sophia, a mosque that was originally constructed as a church, reflecting the changing influences that the city has been subject to. Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern are the district’s other main attractions, though it pays to explore further afield in areas like Balat and Fener.
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Antalya
Antalya is the fifth most populous city in the country
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Most years, Antalya competes with Istanbul for the title of ‘most visited Turkish city’. Though just a fraction of the size, Antalya, the capital of the country’s…
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