Things to Do in Turkey

A Trip to Turkey

Be it sailing along the Mediterranean sea or hot-air ballooning in Cappadocia, there is no shortage of things to do in Turkey. Turkey has always topped the list of history and architecture lovers. The country offers a very real essence of history, stunning natural attractions and exceptional architectural beauty.

What’s even better, Turkey isn't limited to old ruins and mediaeval landmarks, it also has beautiful beaches, mountain ranges, modern buildings, stunning rivers, lots of adventure sports opportunities, and more.

Turkey Travel Facts

*The conversion rate can change due to fluctuations; make sure to confirm the latest exchange rate before converting

Most Popular Things to Do in Turkey

It's not easy to decide and prepare a plan to visit a land like Turkey. The country offers its tourists a mix of both historical and modern architectural influences. That is why good planning or itinerary can make the trip well organised and fun. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Turkey:

1. Visit Konya - The Oldest City in Turkey

   • The city of Konya is known for one of the tallest towers in the world, the Seljuk towers
   • It's believed that Konya was the home for great Sufi mystics, there are many places dedicated to their legacy
   • Visit the hillsides and greenery for a picnic or outdoor activity. You can also find a lot of pagodas here

2. Go for a Beach Holiday in Kabak Bay

   • Kabak Bay is a must-visit for tourists who love to wander around beaches. This place is situated on the shore of Lycia village.
   • The fun part is watching the tent shelter around the shores. The beauty of the shore is overwhelming, and the tiny restaurants and shops add to the aura.

3. Visit the Historical Sandstone City of Mardin

   • Visit the incredible city of Mardin full of unique sandstone buildings and housing structures, stunning hillsides and the well-known plains of Mesopotamia
   • The whole structure of the place is a remarkable sight, especially for someone new to Turkey's distinct and intricate architectural approach
   • Small shops with a variety of products and accessories offer the tourist a good time on the hillside

4. Experience the Grandeur of Ottoman Empire

   • Topkapi Palace is a sheer reminder of the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman empire, don’t forget to visit this architectural beauty when you visit Turkey!
   • The palace was a part of the Ottoman Empire during the 15th and 16th centuries. Walking through the premises of the palace gives a vibe of the old tradition of the empire
   • The Museum also exhibits the clothing and the daily lifestyles of the empire during the era

5. Spend a Quiet Time in the Ruins of Bodrum

   • Bodrum is part of the South Aegean region of Turkey. The whole place is a reminder of the ancient Halicarnassus. The fortified city was known for its beautiful marble architecture, statues, and temples
   • The city collapsed with time and is now a fishing village. Bodum brings in a lot of tourists every year with the old ruins and the cliffs as prominent attractive sites
   • Peter castle is the landmark of Bodum, along with vast beaches

6. Experience the Magic of Mount Nemrut

   • A major tourist attraction, Mount Nemrut is located in the eastern part of Turkey.
   • Due to its high relevance to the past reign of King Antiochus, the place is believed to have a strange and mystic aura.
   • The statues and ruins have faces of ancient gods. In Turkey, it has the tag of being the 8th wonder of the world.
   • For those who wish to experience an extension to the architect and the history of Turkey, Mount Nemrut should be on the top list.

   Whatever you decide to do, make sure you have a sound international travel insurance before visiting Turkey.

Things to Do in Turkey for Foodies

Turkish foods simply rule! Who hasn't heard of Baklava, Kebabs, Kofta, Samosa and Turkish Delight? These are only the most popular foods from Turkey, but nothing can prepare you for what's in store once you reach Turkey!

In fact, food is one of the prominent tourist attractions in the country. Every locality and city in Turkey has its own culture and tradition. Here are some must-try things to do in Turkey if you're a foodie:

• Visit some Turkish culinary towns and cities like Hatay, Istanbul, Urla, Bozburun Peninsula, Alacati, Kadikoy, and Datca peninsula
• If you're a huge foodie, consider signing up for a Turkish cuisine cooking class where you can also learn about the historic origins of the food
• There are special tour companies that offer guided food tour in Istanbul and spend hours exploring some of the best eateries and restaurants in Istanbul
• Apart from these towns and cities, there are numerous street food options in Cappadocia and Ephesus

Turkey occupies parts of both Asia and the European continent. Thanks to so many influences, food in Turkey is a seriously versatile affair with many delicious cuisines for the tourists who come here.

Planning Your Turkey Itinerary

A few days, a week, or a month; planning your itinerary for Turkey will take considerable time as you’ll be swamped with things to do here! Follow these three easy steps to make your perfect Turkey itinerary:

Step 1: Plan Your Turkey Journey: How to Reach Turkey?

There are many ways to reach Turkey from India:

• By Air: By boarding a flight to the Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) from New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Ahmedabad
• By Road: Turkey is one of the best countries for an international road trip from India. You can drive 4,546 km (from Delhi to Istanbul if you’re up for it, the journey will take you across different countries including China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Step 2: Buy Turkey Travel Insurance

Since 2016, all travellers visiting Turkey must have travel insurance for Turkey. International travel insurance is mandatory to apply for a Turkey visa. You can easily browse plans on Policybazaar.com before applying for a suitable visa.

All the information is available on the Turkey embassy's official site. The travel insurance policy offers financial compensation for:

• Flight cancellation
• Personal accidents
• Theft/burglary of luggage/important documents
• Flight delay/flight cancellation
• Emergency medical assistance
• Personal liability
• Trip cancellation and trip curtailment

The trip insurance will cover necessary costs that may come with sudden demise, last-moment trip cancellation, and other untoward perils that can ruin any trip. If these general specs are cleared, the plan is a suitable one to go for.

Step 3: Pack for Turkey: Travel Trips

• Weather-wise, autumn (September-October) is the best time to visit Turkey, but you'll need to spend a lot as this is the peak season and all the good places will be overbooked.
• Avoid visiting areas near Akcakale, Hakkarim Siirt, Ceylanpinar, Sirnak and other provinces against whom a travel advisory has been issued.
• Wi-Fi is available but you will need a Turkish or European number to access it; make sure to use an international phone plan to avoid a lack of connectivity.
• Turkey is a beautiful mix of modern and tradition, so carry both conservative and hip dresses to suit the occasion. Just make sure to cover yourself properly while visiting a mosque.
• Learn a few Turkish words as English is not spoken a lot. Learn a few Turkish sentences especially if you have food allergies, health conditions or any disabilities that you need to communicate.
• The Istanbul Welcome Card is an efficient way to explore Istanbul and gives access to plenty of monuments including Hagia Sophia, Bosphorus Cruise, public transport tickets etc.