Turkey for First Timers

Every place below is pinned on the interactive map with its exact location. You can browse it for free, and copy the whole map into your own Ikuzo account to adapt it to your trip.

Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

Byzantine cathedral turned mosque and the icon of Istanbul. Tourists now enter via a paid ticket to the upper gallery, expect queues at midday.

Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)

Famous for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles. Closed to visitors during the five daily prayers, dress modestly and remove your shoes.

Topkapi Palace

Home of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Allow half a day and add the Harem ticket, it is the best part.

Basilica Cistern

Atmospheric 6th century underground cistern with the famous Medusa head columns. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest covered markets in the world with over 4000 shops. Haggling is expected, closed on Sundays.

Spice Bazaar

Fragrant Ottoman era market for spices, Turkish delight and dried fruit. Smaller and easier to navigate than the Grand Bazaar.

Galata Tower

Medieval Genoese tower with a 360 degree view over the old town and the Bosphorus. Go early or book online to avoid the line.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Masterpiece of architect Sinan and far calmer than the Blue Mosque. The terrace has one of the best free views over the Golden Horn.

Bosphorus Cruise (Eminönü Pier)

Boats leave from Eminönü to cruise between Europe and Asia. The short 90 minute loop is enough for a first visit.

Balat Colorful Houses

Photogenic old Jewish and Greek quarter with steep streets and colorful facades. Come in the morning for coffee and quiet photos.

Dolmabahçe Palace

Lavish 19th century palace where the Ottoman court embraced European style. Closed on Mondays, buy the combined ticket for the Harem wing.

Ortaköy Mosque

Small waterfront mosque framed by the Bosphorus bridge, a classic Istanbul photo. Try the kumpir stuffed potatoes at the stalls nearby.

Cappadocia

Göreme Open Air Museum

Complex of rock cut churches with Byzantine frescoes, the essential Cappadocia sight. Arrive at opening to beat the tour groups.

Hot Air Balloon Sunrise Viewpoint

The classic spot to watch a hundred balloons rise at dawn, even if you do not fly. Be there about 30 minutes before sunrise.

Uçhisar Castle

Rock citadel and the highest point of Cappadocia. Climb to the top terrace for a sweeping view over all the valleys.

Love Valley

Valley famous for its tall mushroom shaped rock formations. Quick stop at the viewpoint, or hike through from Göreme in about 2 hours.

Red Valley

The best sunset spot in Cappadocia, the rocks glow orange and pink. Combine with a walk to the rock churches of Rose Valley.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Multi level underground city that once sheltered thousands of people. Not one for the claustrophobic, tunnels get low and narrow.

Pasabag Monks Valley

Fairy chimneys with multiple caps where hermit monks once carved their cells. A quick stop, 45 minutes is enough.

Aegean

Ephesus Ancient City

One of the best preserved Roman cities in the world. Enter from the upper gate and walk downhill, bring water and a hat.

Library of Celsus

The iconic two story facade at the heart of Ephesus. Morning light is best for photos, before the cruise groups arrive.

House of Virgin Mary

Small chapel where Mary is believed to have spent her last years. A short taxi ride uphill from Ephesus, modest dress appreciated.

Şirince Village

Hillside Greek village known for fruit wines and stone houses. An easy half day trip from Selçuk, only 8 km away.

Pamukkale Travertines

White terraces of warm mineral water, you walk barefoot on the marked path. Go late afternoon for softer light and fewer tour buses.

Hierapolis

Roman spa city on top of the travertines with a huge theatre and necropolis. Swim among ancient columns in the Antique Pool if you have time.

Konak Square

The heart of Izmir with its Ottoman clock tower. Good starting point for the Kemeraltı bazaar and the seafront promenade.

Mediterranean Coast

Antalya Kaleiçi Old Town

Ottoman old town inside Roman walls, with Hadrian's Gate and a pretty marina. Stay here rather than in the resort zones.

Düden Waterfalls

Waterfall dropping straight off a cliff into the Mediterranean. Free viewing park in Lara, best in the afternoon light.

Ölüdeniz Blue Lagoon

Turkey's most famous beach, a calm turquoise lagoon inside a protected park. Also the top paragliding spot, flights launch from Babadağ above.

Butterfly Valley

Dramatic canyon beach reachable by boat from Ölüdeniz. Day boats leave in the morning, bring cash and water.

Kaş Old Town

Relaxed whitewashed town with bougainvillea streets and great diving. A good base for Kaputaş and boat trips to Kekova.

Kaputaş Beach

Famous turquoise cove squeezed between cliffs on the Kaş Kalkan road. Steps lead down from the road, arrive early in summer.

Side Temple of Apollo

Roman temple columns right on the seafront, iconic at sunset. Free to visit while wandering the Side ancient city.

Aspendos Theatre

One of the best preserved Roman theatres in the world, still used for concerts. About 45 minutes east of Antalya.

East & Other

Mount Nemrut

Giant stone heads on a 2100 m summit tomb, a UNESCO site. Go at sunrise or sunset, the road is open roughly May to October.

Sümela Monastery

Greek Orthodox monastery clinging to a cliff face near Trabzon. Reached by park shuttle and a short uphill walk.

Anıtkabir

Monumental mausoleum of Atatürk and a crash course in the founding of modern Turkey. Free entry, catch the changing of the guard.

Bodrum Castle

Crusader castle housing the excellent Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Allow 2 hours, great views over both bays.