33 Famous Turkey Landmarks To Visit In 2024

Turkey has some of the most beautiful landmarks in the world. You would easily spend 6 months touring around the country and exploring its sites. With its rich history and culture, breathtaking nature, and exciting stories, Turkish landmarks are something you should add to your travel bucket list.

I visited Turkey for 15 days, explored almost the entire country, and visited most of its landmarks. It was one of the best travel experiences I’ve had as a world traveler.

So, if you’re unsure where to start planning your Turkey itinerary or which part you should travel to, here are the top 33 landmarks in Turkey you must see once in a lifetime.

List Of The 33 Famous Turkey Landmarks To Visit

Without further facts and words, let’s jump into the list of the best Turkish landmarks. I’ve divided them into several categories, from historical landmarks to natural sites, man-made sights, landmarks around the beach paradise of Antalya, and attractions you must experience in Turkey.

This way, navigating the article and choosing the landmarks you add to your itinerary will be easier. So here is a list of 33 famous landmarks in Turkey with a map:

1. Hagia Sophia
2. Blue Mosque
3. Topkapi Palace
4. Galata Tower
5. Grand Bazaar
6. Suleymaniye Mosque
7. Hierapolis Of Pamukkale
8. Ephesus
9. Göbekli Tepe
10. Aphrodisias
11. Alanya Castle
12. ANZAC Cove
13. Travertines Of Pamukkale
14. Kaklik Cave
15. Salda Lake
16. Salt Lake
17. Göreme Open Air Museum
18. Cappadocia’s Valleys
19. Lake Van
20. Marmaris National Park
21. Ayder Plateau
22. Mount Nemrut
23. Uschisar Castle
24. Troy Horse
25. Derinkuyu Underground City
26. Myra Ruins
27. Bosphorus Cruise
28. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons
29. Jeep Safari Cappadocia
30. Land of Legends Theme Park Antalya
31. Antalya Museum
32. Side Old Town
33. Manavgat River

Map Of The Turkish Landmarks

Here is a map to help you visualize where all these landmarks are located. Save it on your phone and check it when planning your trip.

Landmarks In Istanbul & Buildings

Let’s explore the best landmarks and buildings in Istanbul. I’ve included the most famous and beautiful sites you must see during your city visit.

1. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia is one of the most beautiful landmarks I’ve seen. It also has an interesting story since it went back and forth between being a church and a mosque. It was built as a church in 325, and when Ottomans came to Constantinople, they converted it into a mosque.

Hagia Sophia translates to English as ‘Holy Wisdom.’ Nowadays, it’s a mosque, so go in and experience its prayers with the unique atmosphere this place has.

➡ Book this guided tour if you want to visit the 3 most important mosques in Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Süleymaniye mosque), and learn about their history and culture with a local.

2. Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque as Sultan Ahmed I commissioned it. He built 6 minarets on it, which was kind of banned because, at that time, Mecca was the only place with 6 minarets. So he financed the 7th minaret for Mecca to make a piece with locals.

Nowadays, you can admire the beautiful blue tiles inside the mosque. And visit the tomb of Sultan Ahmed.

➡ Book this guided tour if you want to visit the 3 most important mosques in Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Süleymaniye mosque), and learn about their history and culture with a local.

3. Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace is the world’s oldest and largest palace that still stands today. It was home to the sultans in the Ottoman Empire. All the decision-making processes were made inside this palace. It was also a cultural and educational center of the Ottoman Empire.

Today, it’s a museum that you can visit and learn about life in the Ottoman times and how sultans lived here.

➡ Book this guided tour of Topkapi Palace with a skip-the-line ticket and learn about the history of the most important center of the Ottoman Empire with a local.

4. Galata Tower

Galata Tower was built to prevent the city from fires. After the Great Fire Of Istanbul in the 1600s, locals were afraid it would happen again. So, they built the tower to watch the city and protect it from potential dangers.

You can climb up to the tower and enjoy stunning views of Istanbul. Before you come here, take the second oldest underground funicular (only after London’s tube), Karakoy.

➡ Get this skip-the-line ticket with an audio guide for Galata Tower. It’ll save you so much time as you can go straight in without waiting in the crowd.

5. Grand Bazaar

Welcome to the Grand Bazaar, the world’s first shopping mall and the largest covered market. It was built in the 15th century and commissioned by Sultan Mehmed II.

This guy renamed Constantinople to Istanbul when it fell under the Ottoman Empire. As he wanted the empire to be the world’s trading center, he built Grand Bazaar.

Today, it’s the busiest shopping place in the city, where you can buy silk, gold, carpets, jewelry, handicrafts, and more.

➡ Book this guided tour of Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar to have the best experience + enjoy Turkish coffee tasting.

6.  Suleymaniye Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque is perhaps my favorite mosque in Istanbul. It’s unique in its way, usually less crowded than other mosques so you can enjoy the atmosphere even more. It was the largest mosque in Istanbul until the Great Fire Of Istanbul heavily destroyed it in the 1600s.

You can go inside and talk to the volunteers about religion, culture, and anything. I loved chatting with them; they were open-minded and answered all my questions.

➡ Book this guided tour if you want to visit the 3 most important mosques in Istanbul (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Süleymaniye mosque), and learn about their history and culture with a local.

👉 READ ALSO:
What Is Istanbul Known For? 21 Reasons To Visit
Is Istanbul Safe For Americans? Safety Tips For Travel

Historical Landmarks In Turkey

Turkey’s main attractions are its historical sites. Thousands of visitors come every year to explore the ruins and the underground cities and hear about the exciting stories from the past. I’ve made a list of Turkey’s most fascinating historical landmarks, so if you’re into history, you’ll love these.

7. Hierapolis Of Pamukkale

Hierapolis is an ancient city situated just above the Travertines of Pamukkale. You’ll get there once you walk through the stunning pools. This city was the main cultural and religious center of ancient civilizations living in southwestern Turkey.

Today, you can walk through its ruins, see many temples, enjoy the incredibly well-preserved theatre, and learn about its history in the Hierapolis Museum.

➡ Book this day tour to Pamukkale from Antalya if you want to visit Hierapolis and the travertines.

👉 READ ALSO: 19 Best Things To Do In Pamukkale

8. Ephesus

Ephesus is another incredible place in western Turkey, close to Selcuk. It was the second largest city of the Roman Empire and also hosted one of the largest aqueduct systems worldwide. Ephesus was an important place for Christianity and a trading center back in the day.

Today, you can visit it and see its structures. One that you can’t miss is the Temple of Artemis, which has been named one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

➡ Skip the lines at Ephesus and book this entrance ticket with an audio guide.

9. Göbekli Tepe

Göbekli Tepe, an ancient site that was discovered in Southeatern, Turkey, is claimed to be the world’s oldest temple. It’s also the oldest landmark in Turkey, located close to Urfa on the Syrian border.

It also used to be a huge ancient BBQ for hunters and gatherers. They had a brewery inside, too. And it’s also famous for a strange skull cult.

This site is older than some of the world’s popular sites like Stonehenge. Today, you can visit it and learn about its history.

➡ Explore Göbekli Tepe on this day tour from Istanbul, including flights.

10. Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias is a small ancient Greek city in southwestern Turkey and an archaeological site to explore. It has a close relationship with Rome in the past. This city got a tax-free status from the Roman Senate. All the sculptures you’ll see are made of marble.

Today, you can learn about the history of this site and the importance of the Cult of Aphrodite, which was practiced here in the past.

11. Alanya Castle

The Castle of Alayna is perhaps the most beautiful historical landmark alongside the Turkish Riviera. It has a diverse history as it hosted many civilizations, from the Roman to the Hellenistic, Byzantine, and Ottoman.

Nowadays, you can visit the castle and hear the stories from the past and how it protected the region.

➡ Enjoy the sights of Alanya on this guided tour with the castle and a local guide.

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12. ANZAC Cove

The Anzac Cove is one of the most important Turkish landmarks and sites associated with WWI. It’s located on the Gallipoli Peninsula and became famous when the ANZAC troops landed here on 25 April 1915. Interestingly, these troops were all volunteers (from New Zealand and Australia) and were initially sent to Egypt to protect the Suez Canal. But they landed on this ANZAC cove instead.

Nowadays, it’s a site that you can visit and commemorate the courage of these volunteer soldiers who fought in WWI.

The Kiwis even made and named them ANZAC biscuits to honor the event. I ate the biscuits in New Zealand; they’re delicious. But anyway, would you say New Zealand is so closely related to Turkey (or vice-versa)?

➡ Visit Gallipoli and its ANZAC Cove on this day tour from Istanbul.

Natural Landmarks In Turkey

Besides historical sites, Turkey also has stunning nature. This country has some breathtaking natural sites to add to your itinerary. Here are some of my favorite natural landmarks in Turkey that you won’t find anywhere else.

13. Travertines Of Pamukkale

Travertines of Pamukkale is a heaven on earth. Its stunning travertine pools attract thousands of visitors every year. These terraces were formed by the hot spring water falling down the cliff. The water contains calcium bicarbonate, is deposited on these terraces, and forms these white travertines.

You can walk through barefoot and enjoy the area as long as you can.

➡ Book this day tour to Pamukkale from Antalya if you want to visit Hierapolis and the travertines.

👉 READ ALSO: 19 Best Things To Do In Pamukkale

14. Kaklik Cave

Kaklik Cave, also known as Pamukkale Cave, is located just a 40-minute drive from Pamukkale. You can walk through a wooden walkway and enjoy the beautiful travertines inside the cave this time. When you walk out, there is a hot spring with mineral water.

So enjoy the spring for a while and bathe inside. It has many benefits for your body. And it’s way less busy than the Cleopatra hot springs of Pamukkale.

15. Salda Lake

Salda Lake, situated near Pamukkale, is the 5th cleanest lake in the world. Its sand beaches and turquoise waters remind you of Asia. That’s why this place is also referred to as the Maldives of Turkey.

Its scenery and the entire area is breathtaking. So make a day trip from Pamukkale and enjoy the Maldives in Turkey for a while.

➡ Explore Salda Lake with Pamukkale on this day trip from Antalya.

16. Salt Lake

You can drive just 1.5 hours from Göreme, Cappadocia, and see another unique lake in Turkey. You can walk through its thick layers of salt and enjoy the lake’s unique color. I’m sure it’ll leave you speechless.

Salt Lake is a great half-day trip from Cappadocia, but you must rent a car. Or join this organized tour to experience it.

➡ Join this tour from Cappadocia if you want to explore Salt Lake with underground cities with a local guide.

17. Göreme Open Air Museum

When you come to Cappadocia for the hot air balloon, you can’t skip the stunning Göreme Open Air Museum. Admire its stunning rock formations, fairy chimneys, and underground caves. It has many churches carved into the rocks, and you can admire beautiful fresco paintings inside.

This place is the one to be to learn about the history of Cappadocia with your local guide.

➡ Book this guided tour of Göreme Open Air Museum and learn about the history with a local.

18. Cappadocia’s Valleys

Cappadocia’s Valleys are some of the most unique places I’ve ever seen. Its fairy chimneys, rocks with unique shapes, and the color reflected in the area are simply amazing.

The most beautiful valleys are Love Valley, Red Valley, Rose Valley, and the Pigeon Valley.

➡ The best way to explore these valleys is on a hike or by joining activities such as horse riding, Camel Safari, or a Jeep Safari.

👉 READ ALSO: 27 Best Things To Do In Cappadocia

19. Lake Van

Lake Van is a hidden gem of Turkey. It’s the largest lake in the country and lies in the northeastern part, close to Armenia. Not many people visit this place, but it’s stunning for its natural beauty and views.

Many Kurdish people live here, so it’s an attraction on its own. Kurdish people are some of the friendliest people I’ve met, so it’s worth spending some time with them, listening to their stories, and experiencing their culture.

20. Marmaris National Park

Marmaris Natural Park is just 6km away from Marmaris City and has unique fauna and flora. Visitors come here to enjoy the beautiful nature and endless activities it offers.

You can see foxes, bears, red squirrels, martens, or weasels. And its unique flora like the red pine, endemic sweetgum, sycamore, oak, olives, strawberry trees, and sumac.

It’s a paradise for all nature lovers. But it also has many historical sites you can explore. One of them is the ancient city of Physkos.

➡ Explore Marmaris National Park on this horse safari tour with a local guide. See interesting species and ride through its hidden gems.

21. Ayder Plateau

Ayder Plateau is a less popular destination, yet it’s 100% worth it. It’s located in Turkey’s northern Black Sea region, famous for its spa options and stunning nature. I love the views of the lost houses up on the mountain surrounded by green trees and beautiful plateaus.

Experience how people live here and their traditions. One thing you have to do is to try local Ayder Honey.

➡ Visit Ayder on this day trip from Rize with a local guide.

22. Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut is a mountain above 2,000 m in the southeastern part of Turkey that hosts numerous statues on the top. These are constructed around what’s known as the Royal Tomb from the 1st century.

The Nemrut Mountain is situated in the Taurus Mountain Range, close to Urfa city and the Syrian border. It’s definitely one of the mysterious landmarks of Turkey.

Man Made Landmarks In Turkey

Let’s follow up with some sites that humans have made. There are many more in Turkey, but I’ve selected my favorites. And they’re close to the must-see locations in Turkey that I’ve also included on this 10-day Turkey itinerary.

23. Uschisar Castle

Uschisar Castle is the most unique castle I’ve seen. It consists of many caves and labyrinths through which you can walk until you reach the top. It’s also one the best places to watch the hot air balloons ride at sunrise and to see beautiful Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys.

Uschisar Castle is situated in Uschisar town, and you can visit it by yourself or by joining the Red Tour or the Blue Tour.

➡ Join one of these tours to explore the highlights of Cappadocia, including Uschisar Castle, with a local guide.

👉 READ ALSO: Is Cappadocia Safe To Visit? Top Safety Tips For Travel

24. Troy Horse

The iconic Troy Horse is located at the entrance of the city of Troy, in the northwestern part of Turkey. It was constructed by the Greeks, who came to fight and entered the city in the horse during the Troy Wars. The Trojans thought the Greeks had sailed away and the victory was theirs until the Greeks appeared in the middle of the city and jumped from the wooden Troy Horse.

➡ You can explore it on this day trip from Istanbul and learn more about its fascinating story.

25. Derinkuyu Underground City

Turkey’s largest excavated underground city is in Derinkuyu, the magical Cappadocia. Locals built it to protect themselves from invasions and wars in the past.

Today, you can visit it as part of the Blue Tour and Green Tour of Cappadocia, see the rooms, hear local stories, and walk through its mysterious caves.

➡ Join one of these tours to explore the Derinkuyu and many other highlights of Cappadocia, with a local guide.

👉 READ ALSO: 9 Best Cappadocia Tours From Istanbul

26. Myra Ruins

The city of Myra was home to the largest theatre in Lycia. Overall, it was the most important religious and cultural site of the Ancient Lycia Union.

Nowadays, you can explore this unique ancient metropolis and its ruins. You’ll see the Roman theatre with the Roman baths and Lycian rock-cut tombs. One of the most iconic things is the Stone Faces of Myra that you can see inside this archaeological site.

Myra was also mentioned in the New Testament because St. Paul changed boats nearby, traveling from Caesarea to Rome for his trial.

Attractions In Turkey

Turkey is not just about historical and natural sites. I know it might be overwhelming only to see hundreds of sights and learn about their history. Then it starts to mix up in your head, and you don’t even remember what belonged to the Roman times and which site is from the prehistoric times.

So, I’ve also included some attractions to enhance your itinerary. These sites will bring you unique experiences, and you’ll have a lot of fun.

27. Bosphorus Cruise

You probably know that Istanbul is a city built on two continents: Europe and Asia. What you might not know is that it’s the Bosphorus Strait that divides these two continents and the city into halves. It’s 31 km (20 miles) long, and cruising through the strait is one of the city’s best attractions.

You can book a cruise with a private dinner table and enjoy it in the evening.

➡ Book this incredible Bosphorus Cruise with a private dinner table and enjoy unique experience in Istanbul.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Istanbul Itinerary: 3 Days With Tips

28. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons

Many people come to Turkey to experience the famous hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Before I visited, I thought it would be overrated and too touristy. I was initially skeptical, but let me tell you – it’s really a must-do activity in Turkey, not just Cappadocia.

The magic of so many hot air balloons rising to the sky just before sunrise and riding so close between the valleys with the fairy chimneys… well, it’s an experience of a lifetime. And if you’ve never ridden a hot air balloon, save it for Cappadocia.

➡ I recommend this hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia.

👉 READ ALSO: Where To Stay In Cappadocia: Best Areas & Hotels

29. Jeep Safari Cappadocia

Jeep Safari in Cappadocia is one of the best ways to explore the valleys and enjoy stunning sunsets. With its unique rock shapes, you’ll experience a thrill driving through the valleys. And the color of the area is especially beautiful at sunset.

So, if you need help deciding what to do in Cappadocia, this might be your activity.

➡ Book this Jeep Safari in Cappadocia and enjoy the valleys at the best time – at sunset, with a local guide.

30. Land Of Legends Theme Park Antalya

If you want to entertain yourself or your kids for a moment, visit the Land of Legends Theme Park in Antalya. It’s one of the best attractions in southern Turkey.

You’ll enjoy a huge water park, a fairy tale castle, water slides, pools, and swimming with dolphins. You can also sleep in the Land of Legends Kingdom Hotel for a full experience.

➡ Read more about Land of Legends Theme Park here and get tickets.

Turkish Landmarks In Antalya

Many of you might visit Turkey to relax in one of its luxury resorts around Antalya. It’s a very popular destination for beach lovers. No wonder it has some of the best beaches. Yet, if you feel like visiting some sites, these are the top landmarks you can explore around Antalya.

31. Antalya Museum

Antalya Archaeological Museum is one of Turkey’s most important and largest museums. You’ll explore different artifacts from the prehistoric times to the 19th century.

It has 13 exhibition halls and a gallery, where you can see elements from the ancient city of Lycia, Roman and Byzantine periods. This museum is special as it’s built around the region from which the first human traces came, Anatolia.

32. Side Old Town

Explore the Old Town of Side, which came under the rule of the Lydian Kingdom back in the 7th century BC. It was then attacked by Persia and Alexander the Great, and after, the Romans and Arabs conquered it. It became abandoned after the Crusades.

Today, you can explore its Agora Bath, Baptisery, Temple of Athena, and the Episcopal Palace. The most important landmark you can’t miss in Side is its Ancient Theatre. It’s an impressive area constructed based on Roman traditions.

You can visit Side and its old town from Antalya on a day trip.

➡ Enjoy Manavgat River and sights of Side on this day trip with a local guide.

33. Manavgat River

Manavgat River is the world’s longest underground river. It’s also an important source of water situated close to Antalya.

Today, it’s one of the best Turkish landmarks that attracts many visitors. You can make a boat trip from Antalya to explore the river and do many adventure activities such as rafting, tubing, and a safari around its waterfall.

It’s a perfect day trip if you stay in Antalya or any nearby vacation resort.

➡ Enjoy Manavgat River and sights of Side on this day trip with a local guide.

Turkey Landmarks: Facts

Turkey hosts some of the oldest and most unique landmarks in the world. There are so many that you could easily spend half a year driving around the entire country and exploring them.

So, I’ve picked the most interesting top 10 facts about Turkish landmarks so that you can learn more about these sites upfront:

💡 Turkey hosts the oldest temple (and landmark) in the world (Gobekli Tepe)

💡 It has the largest underground city worldwide (Derinkuyu)

💡 The country also has the 5th cleanest lake in the world (Lake Salda)

💡 It hosts one of the seven wonders of the ancient world (Ephesus & Temple of Artemis)

💡 Istanbul has the world’s largest and oldest shopping mall (Grand Bazaar)

💡 Cappadocia’s sky fill up with over 150 hot air balloon per day

💡 Turkey has some of the most beautiful beaches worldwide (Kaputas & Adrasan Beach)

💡 Noah’s Ark landed on Mt. Ararat, which is located in Turkey

💡 The first Christian church was constructed in Antioch, Turkey

💡 Turkey has over 80000 mosques

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Turkey Itinerary 10 Days

What Is The Most Famous Landmark In Turkey

If I were to choose based on popularity and times it’s mentioned anywhere on the internet, the most famous landmark in Turkey is the Hagia Sophia Mosque in Istanbul.

But, there are so many landmarks and sites in Turkey that it’s honestly hard to choose which is the most popular.

People from the southwest tell you it’s Ephesus, central Turkey says it’s Derinkuyu underground city. Then you come to the south, where it would be Side Old Town or the southeastern part, and Kurdish people tell you it’s Mount Nemrut. Istanbul alone has so many landmarks. So you can also choose your yourself after reading this article.

How To Get Around Turkey To Visit Turkish Landmarks?

The best way to get around Turkey and visit its landmarks is by car or fly.

The best and most convenient way is to rent a car in a major city such as Antalya, Istanbul, Mersin, or Nevsehir. Then, choose the Turkish landmarks you want to explore and drive around by car.

Public transportation is not developed everywhere in Turkey, and you might not get to many of the sites without a car.

If you want to explore sites far from each other, the best way is to fly to a major city and then rent a car to drive to a particular site.

Best Time To Visit Turkey

The best time to visit Turkey is during the shoulder months: April, May, the beginning of June, September, and October. These months are less crowded than the summertime, and temperatures are mild. You’ll have a great time and enjoy all the benefits of Turkey around the spring and autumn of the year.

👉 READ ALSO: Is Turkey Worth Visiting? 12 Best Things To Do

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about sites and landmarks in Turkey. So check them out below, as they’ll answer your doubts and help you plan your visit.

What Is The Oldest Landmark In Turkey?

Göbekli Tepe is the oldest Turkey landmark. It’s also the world’s oldest temple, and you can visit it in the southeastern part of the country, close to the border with Syria.

What Ancient City Is Buried In Turkey?

Derinkuyu is an underground ancient city buried in Turkey. It’s one of the most famous attractions in the country. You can visit it in Cappadocia, famous for its incredible hot air balloon rides.

Derinkuyu city was built to protect inhabitants from invaders and wars. It was able to host up to 20,000 people back then. Today, you can visit it as part of Cappadocia’s Blue and Green Tour.

What Are Three Famous Landmarks In Turkey?

The three famous Turkish landmarks are Hagia Sophia, Travertines of Pamukkale, and Ephesus ancient city. These are on almost every traveler’s bucket list, and most people include them in their Turkey itinerary.

What Is The Blue Landmark In Turkey?

The blue landmark in Turkey is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Sultan Ahmed I built it, and it was one of the biggest mosques at that time, with 6 minarets. Today, you can admire its stunning blue tiles and the tomb of Sultan Ahmed.

What Are 3 Interesting Facts About Turkey?

Here you have the 3 interesting facts about Turkey:

• Tulips come from Turkey (not from the Netherlands)
• Turkey hosts the largest and oldest shopping mall worldwide (Grand Bazaar)
• Turkey is the 6th most visited destination in the world

What Is The Most Famous Statue In Turkey?

The most famous statue in Turkey is the Troy Horse. It’s in the city of Troy that was built by the Greeks who hid inside the horse to attack Trojans during the Troy Wars.

WRAP-UP: 33 Famous Turkish Landmarks

These are the most interesting landmarks in Turkey. I highly recommend you visit them one day. They perfectly reflect the history of Turkey and the entire world. Some marked the beginnings of civilization, and some are even mentioned in the Bible. So whether you’re a history fan or want to explore the local natural beauties, find your perfect sight from this list.

If you have any questions, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I’ll gladly help you or design a customized travel itinerary for you.

Happy Travels!