1. Istanbul
Today, Istanbul is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Turkey after serving as the capital of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. The only city in the world to span two continents, Istanbul extends from Asia to Europe across the narrow Strait of Bosphorus. An exotic atmosphere, impressive architecture, and historical sites make Istanbul one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace. And most of the city’s impressive historic sites can be found in the Old City. The New City district is another important one, with its skyscrapers and shopping malls. Nightlife and entertainment are popular in Beyoglu and Galata. While beautiful palaces, and waterfront mansions. And urban parks can be found along the Bosphorus.
Istanbul offers a wide range of exciting activities and sights to see. You won’t want to miss the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. You can also experience the local culture by visiting a Turkish bath. It is easy to find a restaurant, pub or nightclub to suit every taste and budget in Istanbul’s nightlife scene.
2. Cappadocia
A fairytale landscape of chimneys, cones, mushrooms, and pinnacles, Cappadocia is located in the Central Anatolia of Turkey. These odd formations have been sculpted by natural processes such as ancient volcanic eruptions and erosion. With some of them reaching 130 feet (40 metres) high. Humans carved out houses, churches, and underground cities from soft rock thousands of years ago, adding remarkable touches to the landscape.
In order to protect themselves from invading Persians and Greeks, Hittites and other residents chiselled out underground tunnel complexes. Cappadocia’s tunnels and caves became refugees for Christians fleeing religious persecution from Rome in the 4th century AD. Currently, the region is a popular travel destination because of its natural wonders and historic sites.
The region of Cappadocia lies within the province of Nevsehir with its main towns being Ürgüp, Göreme, Avanos, Ortahisar, and Mustafapasa. Hotels, restaurants, nightlife options, as well as museums, rock castles, fairy chimneys, underground tunnels, old Greek villages, monasteries, and handicraft markets are available in many of these towns. It is not uncommon for caves in this region to serve as hotels.
3. Ephesus
The ancient city of Ephesus is one of Europe’s most complete classical metropolises. Turkey’s Aegean region is home to this city. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, was located in Ephesus by the 1st century BC. Ephesus is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions due to its well-preserved ruins and large archaeological site.
It wasn’t until about 200 years after Ephesus became a Roman settlement that it reached its peak. Ephesus once housed more than 250,000 permanent residents when it was the capital of Roman Asia Minor. Among many other religions, St. Paul fostered Christianity in Ephesus. During the third century, Ephesus began to decline due to the decline of its harbor and the sacking by Germanic Goths.
Ephesus had been forgotten for roughly 1,500 years. It wasn’t until the 1860s that archeologists discovered the ruins of this incredible classical city. Turkey Ephesus remains one of the world’s largest archeological sites.
The Temple of Artemis is without a doubt Ephesus’ most famous structure. During its time, Ephesus was the most important city on earth, as evidenced by its temple.
Among Ephesus’ most popular attractions are the Terraced Houses, some of Ephesus’ most recently excavated sites. The homes were built in a modern Roman style in the first century for the wealthiest residents of Ephesus.
In some homes, there were hot and cold baths, marble floors, and even heating systems.
The famed Library of Celsus is a must-see while visiting Ephesus. After the libraries of Alexandria and Pergamum, the library was once the third largest in the ancient world, built in 123 AD. Due to restoration work, it is now easier to see the library’s two-story design, its columns, and its capitals.
Take a moment to admire the statues representing the four virtues. Turkey Despite being replicas, you can still see Sophia, who represents wisdom, Episteme, who represents knowledge, Ennoia, who represents thought, and Arete, who represents goodness.
Many visitors choose to spend time in Selçuk before or after exploring the ruins of Ephesus, just two miles from Ephesus. During your visit to Selçuk, you might want to admire the Roman aqueduct that once provided water for the city, or you might explore the collections at the Museum of Ephesus to learn more about the archaeology of the region. Among the most popular souvenirs from the region are double knot carpets.
Turkey Istanbul offers a wide range of exciting activities and sights to see. You won’t want to miss the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. You can also experience the local culture by visiting a Turkish bath. It is easy to find a restaurant, pub, or nightclub to suit every taste and budget in Istanbul’s nightlife scene.
