Best Places to Visit in Turkey 2026
Top destinations, hidden gems, costs, and tips for planning your trip
Where
Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus consistently top the list of best places to visit in Turkey. Each city offers a completely different side of Turkish culture and history. These three are the backbone of any unforgettable Turkey itinerary.
Best Places to Visit in Turkey: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
The best places to visit in Turkey include Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Antalya, all packed with historical sites, natural wonders, and authentic food. For Turkey travel in 2026, these top destinations promise a mix of ancient ruins, vibrant city life, and unique experiences you won't find anywhere else. If you're starting your planning, you can search flights on Travorio to compare routes and prices from the US, Canada, and Europe.
Turkey is a country where the call to prayer echoes off Roman amphitheaters, and you can sip tea in a café that's older than most countries. From wandering the 1,500-year-old halls of Hagia Sophia to floating above Cappadocia's fairy chimneys at sunrise, every region has its own surprises. I’ve included detailed tips from my own trips, exact train lines, specific restaurants, and quirky stops that most tourists miss. If you’re plotting your Turkey itinerary for 2026, use this guide to build a route that balances the classics with a few offbeat detours.
Top Cities and Destinations in Turkey
Istanbul is usually the first stop for most travelers. The city straddles Europe and Asia, divided by the Bosphorus, and the contrasts are everywhere. Spend a morning touring the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (they’re only 2 minutes apart on foot), then cross to the Asian side via the Marmaray metro line for lunch in Kadıköy. My favorite hotel here is the Vault Karaköy House, which runs about $120/night and sits in a building that was once a bank.
Cappadocia, about 1.5 hours by Turkish Airlines from Istanbul, feels like nowhere else. The rock-cut churches in Göreme Open Air Museum, underground cities like Derinkuyu, and sunrise balloon rides (starting at $180 per person with Butterfly Balloons) are the big draws. I stayed at Sultan Cave Suites, famous for its rooftop breakfast views. Most travelers spend 3 nights here, which is just enough to hike the Red and Rose Valleys and explore Avanos pottery studios.
Ephesus is the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, and you’ll find it near Selçuk, about 50 minutes by train from Izmir. Walking through the Library of Celsus and the 25,000-seat theater feels like stepping into a real-life documentary. Don’t miss the Temple of Artemis ruins (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the House of the Virgin Mary, which sits 5 miles up the hill. Local restaurants like Selçuk Pidecisi serve the best Turkish pizza for under $4.
Pamukkale is a 3-hour bus ride from Ephesus. The white travertine terraces look almost fake in photos, but they’re real, and you can walk barefoot through the warm pools for a $15 entrance fee. The Hierapolis ruins are right above the terraces, and the Antique Pool (where you can swim among submerged columns) costs another $10. Pamukkale is usually a half-day stop, but I stayed overnight at Venus Suite Hotel for $53/night, which let me see the terraces at sunrise before the tour buses arrive.
Antalya sits on the Mediterranean coast and is the spot for beaches, ancient ruins, and a lively old town (Kaleiçi). Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach are both easy to reach by city tram. The Antalya Museum holds treasures from all over the region, and nearby Perge and Aspendos amphitheater can be done as a day trip. I grabbed lunch at 7 Mehmet, a local institution, where the grilled sea bass costs about $15. Antalya is warm year-round, averaging 78°F (26°C) in July.
Hidden Gems in Turkey
Most travelers stick to the main route, but some of Turkey’s most memorable places are off the classic itinerary. Amasya, in the Black Sea region, is a city of half-timbered Ottoman houses set along a river gorge. The rock tombs carved into the cliffs above the city are lit up at night, and you’ll rarely see foreign tourists here. The train from Ankara to Amasya (via Samsun) takes around 5 hours and costs $13 in second class.
Mardin sits on a hilltop in southeastern Turkey, with honey-colored stone houses and a skyline dominated by minarets and domes. The old city feels like a maze of narrow alleys, and you’ll hear a mix of Turkish, Arabic, and Kurdish on the streets. Try the Syriac wine at Cercis Murat Konağı restaurant, and stay at the Mardin Zinciriye Hotel for $65/night. You can reach Mardin with a direct flight from Istanbul in 1 hour 55 minutes.
Kaş, on the Mediterranean, is a small harbor town known for scuba diving and quiet coves. Most people drive the winding D400 coastal road from Antalya (about 3 hours), but there are also daily buses for $10. The sunken city of Kekova is just a 30-minute boat ride from the harbor, and the Lycian rock tombs are carved right into the hills above town. I always stop for meze at Smiley’s Restaurant, where the grilled octopus is $9.
Safranbolu, a UNESCO-listed town in northern Turkey, is famous for its perfectly preserved Ottoman mansions and cobblestone streets. The trick here is to stay at one of the old konaks (mansions) like Gulevi Safranbolu Hotel for $80/night. The old bazaar sells saffron-flavored Turkish delight and handmade copperwork. You can reach Safranbolu by bus from Ankara in just under 3 hours.
Best Time to Visit Turkey
Turkey has a wide range of climates, so the best time to visit really depends on your route. April to June is prime for cities like Istanbul and the Aegean coast, with temperatures between 65°F-78°F (18-26°C) and fewer crowds. July and August are peak tourist months, especially in beach areas like Antalya, where the Mediterranean gets up to 82°F (28°C). It can get hot inland, with Cappadocia hitting 90°F (32°C) in August.
For those who prefer cooler weather, September and October are ideal. The crowds thin out, prices drop by up to 30% on hotels, and it’s grape harvest season in places like Sirince and Cappadocia. Winter (November to March) is low season except for ski resorts like Uludağ near Bursa, where lift passes start at $24/day. Istanbul gets chilly, around 45°F (7°C) in January, but you’ll find discounts and almost empty museums.
Ramadan and religious holidays can affect opening hours and intercity bus schedules. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to start around February 17 and end around March 18. Many local restaurants are closed during the day in smaller towns, but tourist areas stay open. If you want to see the tulip festival in Istanbul, plan for late April. For swimming along the coast, late May to early October works best.
How to Get Around Turkey
Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover long distances. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and AnadoluJet connect Istanbul to nearly every major city, with fares as low as $32 one-way if you book a month in advance. For example, Istanbul to Izmir takes 1 hour 10 minutes by air. Most airports (like Sabiha Gökçen on the Asian side) have shuttle buses to the city center for under $5.
Trains are a good bet if you like slow travel. The high-speed YHT line connects Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir, and Konya. Istanbul to Ankara is 4.5 hours, with tickets around $18 in economy. The classic Dogu Express from Ankara to Kars takes 24 hours and is famous for snowy mountain views. Intercity buses fill the gaps between cities, with Metro Turizm and Pamukkale Turizm covering most routes for $8-$25 per trip. Buses have seat-back screens and free tea service.
Car rental is affordable (from $28/day with Avis or Enterprise) and makes sense if you want to explore remote sites or the Turquoise Coast. Driving is on the right, and highways are well maintained. Ferries cross the Bosphorus every 20 minutes, and you can use an Istanbulkart transit card for $1.50 per ride. In cities, trams, metros, and dolmuş (shared minibuses) cost $0.60-$1.20 per trip. Most locals use the BiTaksi app for taxis.
How to Book Your Turkey Trip
For Turkey travel in 2026, booking early is the key to getting the best prices and flight schedules. On Travorio, you can compare flights across Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, and 100+ global carriers. I usually set price alerts for Istanbul, then check Izmir, Antalya, and Kayseri for regional flights. Travorio lets you pay using Sezzle (pay in 4, 0% interest for US/CA), PayPal Pay Later, or over 100 cryptocurrencies, which is handy if you want to spread out your payments.
When it comes to hotels, look for flexible rates. You can book hotels with Pay Later options, making it easier to lock in rooms early without a big upfront charge. I’ve used crypto to book unique spots like the Argos in Cappadocia and the Hotel Sultania in Istanbul. Travorio’s filters let you sort by free breakfast, airport shuttle, or even rooftop pools. It’s also worth checking regional chains like Dedeman or Divan for loyalty perks.
For tours, I book day trips for Ephesus, Pamukkale, or Cappadocia balloon rides at least 2 weeks ahead, especially in spring and fall, when spots fill up fast. If you want to build your own Turkey itinerary, Travorio’s map view helps you see which cities are easiest to combine in one trip. Remember to check cancellation policies, as Turkish domestic flights and hotels often have flexible terms up to 48 hours before departure.
Top Destinations
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
Istanbul is usually the first choice for new visitors, with must-sees like the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and Bosphorus ferries. The city bridges two continents and offers everything from centuries-old mosques to modern rooftop bars. Most international flights land at Istanbul Airport (IST), making it the logical starting point for a Turkey itinerary.
For a classic route covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale, you'll want at least 9-12 days. If you add Antalya or the Black Sea, 14 days is ideal. Most travelers spend 3-4 nights in Istanbul, 2-3 in Cappadocia, and 1-2 each in Ephesus and Pamukkale.
The cheapest months are November through March, excluding Christmas and New Year's. Flights and hotels can be up to 40% less than during peak season. Istanbul and major sites remain open, but some coastal resorts shut down in winter.
US, Canadian, and most EU passport holders do not need a visa for tourism stays up to 90 days as of 2026. Check the Turkish e-visa portal for updates, especially if you're from Australia, India, or South Africa. You’ll need at least 6 months validity on your passport.
Most parts of Turkey are very safe for tourists, especially popular cities and coastal regions. Standard precautions apply: keep an eye on your belongings, use official taxis or apps like BiTaksi, and avoid border areas near Syria. Istanbul, Cappadocia, and the Aegean are all considered low-risk for travelers.
Turkish is the official language, but English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. In rural areas or smaller towns, fewer people speak English, so learning basic phrases or using Google Translate can be helpful. Istanbul’s metro and airport signage are all bilingual.
Backpackers can get by on $40/day covering hostel beds, street food, and buses. Midrange travelers usually spend $80-$120/day for boutique hotels, sit-down meals, and some tours. High-end trips, with luxury hotels and private guides, can run $250/day or more.
Start with 3 nights in Istanbul, then fly to Cappadocia for 2-3 nights. Next, go to Izmir and take the train or bus to Ephesus for a day, then on to Pamukkale for a night. Finish with 2-3 days on the Mediterranean coast in Antalya or Kaş if time allows.
Turkey is great for families, with lots of parks, beaches, and kid-friendly museums. Many hotels offer family rooms or connecting suites. In Istanbul, Miniaturk and the Rahmi M. Koç Museum are hits with kids, and most Turkish restaurants are happy to accommodate children.
Turkey is a popular solo destination, especially for women, thanks to a strong hostel scene and easy intercity travel. You'll find solo-friendly tours in Cappadocia and Ephesus, and it's common to meet other travelers in hostels or on bus rides. Istanbul and the coast are especially easy to navigate alone.
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