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This article offers some of the best things to do in Turkey, which covers cities such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Izmir.
With a 2-week trip in Turkey, you can experience a lot, including volcanic landscapes, Ottoman architecture, beaches and activities like hot air balloon rides and pottery making.
Overview of Turkey
| Category | Details |
| Best time to visit Turkey | April to May and September to October |
| Round-Trip Flight Cost from India | Approx 65,000 INR (cost varies by season) |
| Flight Duration from India | 7 – 12 hours (depending on layovers and the departure city) |
| Direct Flights from India | New Delhi & Mumbai |
| Turkey Visa for Indians | An e-visa is available for Indians holding a US, UK, or Schengen visa. If not, take a sticker visa. |
| Visa Cost | Sticker visa: Approx 17,723 INR (Including application cost) E-visa: Approx 3,000 INR |
| Currency | 1 Turkish Lira = 2.09 INR (fluctuates) |
20 Top Things to Do in Turkey
Turkey is a blend of two continents, Europe and Asia. So, there is a mix of experiences from Roman ruins, beaches, volcanic landscapes, and hot air balloons.
This guide focuses on the four major cities in Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Izmir. With details on different cities and multiple activities, make use of this blog if you are planning a 10 to 14-day trip in Turkey.
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul is one of the cities in the world that is on two continents and is separated by the Bosphorus (waterway). Most travellers start their trips here, as it’s a major international flight hub.
1. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed to tourists during prayer times)
- Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, Fatih/İstanbul
- Cost: Approx 3,755 INR
- Tip: Women must wear a headscarf
Hagia Sophia was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537 CE as a Christian cathedral. In 1453, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest. In 1935, it became a museum, but in 2020, it was converted back into a mosque.
Highlights
- Eight circular calligraphy discs inside the main hall.
- The upper gallery has Byzantine mosaics.
- 31-metre central dome supported by 107 marble columns.
- Ottoman tombs of Sultans in the outer courtyard.
- Touch the “sweating column”, which people believe has healing powers.
2. Galata Tower
- Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Location: Bereketzade, Beyoğlu
- Cost: Approx 2,760 INR
- Tip: Arrive by 8:30 AM, as the balcony is only 1 metre and gets congested.
Genoese colonists built the Galata Tower, a 67-metre stone watchtower, in 1348 to spot fires and enemy ships. It has been a prison and a naval depot, but today, a landmark with an observation deck that gives beautiful city views.
Highlights
- Take the elevator to the 9th floor for a 360-degree view of the Golden Horn.
- Walk the exterior observation deck to see the Bosphorus bridges and the Asian side of the city.
- Watch the 3D simulation on the lower floors to see a digital version of Hezarfen’s historic flight.
3. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii)
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed during prayers)
- Location: Sultanahmet Square (Directly opposite Hagia Sophia)
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Avoid Friday mornings as it stays closed for prayers until 2:00 PM.
Architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha built the Blue Mosque between 1609 and 1616 for Sultan Ahmed I. It is known for the 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles from Iznik and six minarets.
Highlights
- Look at the intricate floral tile designs inside the main prayer hall.
- Check out the 200-plus stained-glass windows that let light into the central dome.
- Photograph the central domes in the main square at night, when they are lit.
- See the thick iron chain at the western gate, meant to make the Sultan bow his head when entering on horseback.
4. Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi)
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Location: On an island in the Bosphorus Strait off the coast of Üsküdar
- Cost: Approx 3,000 INR
- Tip: Visit at sunset when the tower lights up against the city skyline.
Maiden’s Tower is a lighthouse that sits on a small island. It has been a customs station and a defensive tower since 400 BCE, and today it is an artistic landmark.
This place has a famous legend that says a King built this tower to protect his daughter from a snake bite. The king took a fruit basket to his daughter on her birthday, and a snake hidden in it killed her.
Highlights
- Take the boat from Galataport or Uskudar pier to reach the island.
- Visit the museum inside the tower.
- Take photos of the tower from the Uskudar coast steps at sunset.
- Dine at the restaurant on the upper floors for some traditional Turkish cuisine.
5. Grand Bazaar
- Timings: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Location: Beyazıt, Fatih
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Bargain, as vendors charge more for tourists
To buy the best Turkish souvenirs, visit the Grand Bazaar. Sultan Mehmed II established this market in 1461 to promote trade, which makes it one of the world’s oldest covered markets. It has nearly 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops.
Things to Buy at Grand Bazaar:
- Perfumes
- Turkish Carpets
- Ceramics
- Blue glass charm (evil eye)
- coffee pots (cezve)
- Gold & Silver Jewellery
- Turkish Delights (Lokum, Baklava, Helva, Pestil)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is known for “fairy chimney” rock formations and underground cities. The main town to stay in Cappadocia is Göreme, a 3-km-long village surrounded by cave hotels and fairy chimneys. You need to stay at least 2 days to try the major activities in Cappadocia.
6. Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Timings: Starts at sunrise (the flights operate based on weather conditions)
- Location: Göreme town
- Cost: Approx 20,000 INR (cost varies each season)
- Tip: Book the first morning you are in the city, so you have a backup day if the weather cancels the flight.
Cappadocia is one of the most active hot air balloon sites in the world, with more than 150 balloons launching on clear mornings at 1,000 feet into the air.
The balloons floating over the rock valleys at sunrise are one of the most beautiful things to see in Turkey, and you can fly for about 60 minutes.
Highlights
- Watch the balloons inflate with fire at the launch site before dawn.
- When you fly, look down into Love Valley to see the 100-foot-tall rock pillars.
- Take photos of the sunrise between the rock formations in Rose Valley.
- Join the landing ceremony after landing with champagne and snacks.
7. Hiking the Valleys
- Timings: Accessible 24 hours
- Location: Around Göreme
- Cost: Free
- Tip: The paths are slippery; wear shoes with a strong grip.
The area around Göreme has many trails with red and pink rock formations. The most popular trails for a quick walk are the Red Valley, Rose Valley, and Love Valley. These hikes are easy to medium, and you can finish most of them in under two hours.
Highlights
- Walk the three-kilometre Red Valley trail at 5 pm to see the sunset, which makes the rocks glow in different shades.
- Hike through Pigeon Valley to see hundreds of bird nests carved high into the cliff.
- Visit the church in Rose Valley to see the fresco paintings on the ceiling.
- There are small cafes hidden along the trail where you can drink fresh juice or tea.
8. Cappadocia Turkish Night Show
- Timings: 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Location: Cave restaurants in Avanos or Uçhisar
- Cost: Approx 4,600 INR (dinner, drinks, performances, and hotel transfer)
- Tip: Confirm if they have a vegetarian option when you book
A Turkish Night Show is a cultural performance that happens in underground restaurants, which are rock-caved. The show lasts 3 hours and includes dinner, the spiritual Whirling Dervish ceremony and traditional folk dances from different parts of Turkey. It comes with a multi-course dinner and unlimited drinks.
Highlights
- Watch the spiritual Whirling Dervish ritual in which dancers spin for 15 minutes.
- See fire and belly dance performances.
- Eat a traditional dinner with both meat and vegetarian options.
- Participate in a group folk dance with the performers at the end of the night.
- You will sit at long wooden tables with other tourists and engage with them.
9. Pottery Making in Avanos
- Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Location: Avanos town (8.5 km from Göreme)
- Cost: Free to watch; workshop is approx 1,500 INR
Avanos is a quiet town on the Red River, famous for its red clay pottery. The town has made pottery since 2000 BCE, and the river provides the red clay locals use. You can watch a traditional kick-wheel, try to shape the clay yourself, and also buy some of the items you like.
Highlights
- Watch a master potter use their feet to spin a traditional kick-wheel.
- Sit down and try to make a bowl yourself.
- Walk through the underground showrooms to see collections of finished vases.
- Shop for hand-painted plates with Ottoman Tulip designs.
- Visit the Guray Museum, an underground pottery museum carved into the rock.
10. Derinkuyu Underground City
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Closes earlier in winter; check before visiting.
- Location: Derinkuyu town (35 km from Göreme)
- Cost: Approx 1,500 INR
- Tip: Avoid this if you have claustrophobia; instead, visit Kaymaklı Underground City, where the tunnels are spacious.
Derinkuyu Underground City is the deepest of the other underground cities in Cappadocia, with a depth of 85 metres. It held 20,000 people who used this city as a shelter during the invasion.
Highlights
- Walk down eight levels of tunnels to see the underground missionary school.
- There are storage rooms where people keep their animals and food.
- Look at the heavy rolling stone doors used to block the entrance during attacks.
- Find the church on the lowest level on the 7th floor.
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Antalya, Turkey
Antalya is on the southern Mediterranean coast and has some of the best beaches in Turkey. From Istanbul, it is a quick 1-hour 20-minute flight. You can experience both the coastal and the historic setting here.
11. Duden Waterfalls
- Timings: 24 hours (Park)
- Location: Kepez district (15 km from Antalya city centre)
- Cost: Approx 150 INR
Duden Waterfalls has two different waterfall sites on the same river: Lower and Upper Duden.
The Upper Duden Waterfalls are inside a forest park. Lower Duden Waterfalls are located in the public city park, where the river drops 40 metres from a cliff.
Highlights
- Take the cliff path in Duden Park to reach the observation deck.
- Visit the caves behind the waterfall at Upper Falls.
- Take a boat tour from the old harbour to see the Lower Falls from the ocean
- Have a picnic at one of the park benches.
- Watch the falls lit up by colourful lights after dark.
12. Kaleiçi Old Town
- Timings: 24 hours, but most local shops close by 11:00 PM
- Location: Antalya city centre
- Cost: Free
- Tip: The town’s cobblestones are very uneven; do not wear heels
Kaleiçi is the historic heart of Antalya, surrounded by Roman walls and Ottoman-era houses. The whole place is like a maze of narrow streets filled with hotels, garden restaurants, and souvenir shops.
Highlights
- Walk to the Roman Harbour, which is 600 metres down the street, filled with yachts and seafood cafes.
- See the 13th-century Fluted Minaret (Yivli Minare), which is the city’s symbol.
- Find the Hidirilik Tower, a 2nd-century Roman landmark.
- Go to Umbrella Street, where you will see umbrellas hanging above.
- Eat at seaside dining places such as Castle Cafe & Restaurant, Sauvignon Restaurant, and Old Town Terrace Restaurant.
13. Konyaaltı Beach
- Timings: 24 hours
- Location: Western part of Antalya city
- Cost: Beach access is free, but sunbed rental is approx 400 INR
Konyaaltı Beach is a 7-km-long pebble beach with very clear water and the Taurus Mountains in the background. Unlike other beaches, you will not find fine sand here. The stones keep the water crystal clear. Behind the beach, there is also a promenade with walking and jogging areas, bicycle paths, parks, and cafes.
Highlights
- Swim in the clear, sand-free water.
- Visit the Antalya Aquarium nearby.
- Watch the sunset over the Taurus Mountains from the shore.
- Eat dinner at one of the beach spots, like Sunshine Beach, Lucky 13 Beach Restaurant, Babil Bistro Cafe, or Big Chefs.
14. Hadrian’s Gate
- Timings: 24 hours (public street entrance)
- Location: Entrance to Kaleiçi (Old Town)
- Cost: Free
- Tip: This is the best place to find currency exchange offices with fair rates.
Hadrian’s Gate is a large marble archway. The Romans built it in the year 130 AD to honour the Roman Emperor Hadrian. It is eight metres tall and has three marble arches and serves as the city’s main entrance.
Highlights
- Walk through the three marble arches to enter the Old Town.
- Photograph the detailed floral ceiling carvings inside the arches.
- Visit the gate exactly at sunset to capture bright golden light hitting the city’s stone walls.
- Check out the Republic Square nearby to see the Ataturk Statue.
15. Perge Ancient City
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Location: Aksu district (19 km from Antalya centre)
- Cost: Approx 1,300 INR
- Tip: There is zero shade here, so carry an umbrella.
Perge was a major city in Roman times, founded after the Trojan War. It has some of the best-preserved ruins in Turkey. There is a 15,000-seat stadium, large public Roman bathhouses and a colonnaded street.
Highlights
- Walk the 300-metre-long colonnaded street that has a water channel in the middle.
- Stand in the middle of the ancient stadium that accommodates 15,000 people.
- Explore the Roman bath ruins to see the underfloor heating systems.
- Climb the stone seats of the Roman Theatre for a view of the whole site.
- There is an ancient Greek wrestling school (Gymnasium) near the entrance.
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do in Izmir, Turkey
Most people don’t include Izmir in their Turkey itinerary, but for an authentic, less touristy atmosphere, this is the place you need to visit.
Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city and is known for its relaxed lifestyle and calm atmosphere. It has an 8,500-year history and is a major commercial hub with Roman markets and seaside promenades.
16. Kemeraltı Bazaar
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
- Location: Between Konak Square and Mezarlıkbaşı
- Cost: Free
Kemeraltı Bazaar is a 400-year-old open-air market spreading across the Konak district with 5,000 active stalls. It is larger, older, and much cheaper than Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.
More than just a market, you will find historic stone courtyards, ancient synagogues (worship places), public fountains, mosques, and many family-owned restaurants.
Highlights
- Eat an Izmir Kumru sandwich. It is made with cheese, sujuk (sausage), beef salami, and pickles.
- Try the local Boyoz pastry, which originated in Izmir.
- Visit the 18th-century Kızlaragası Hani inn for a cup of traditional Turkish coffee.
- Explore Synagogue Street to see the Jewish Quarter.
- Buy hand-loomed Turkish cotton clothes, raw honey, natural soaps, fresh cheese and souvenirs.
17. Konak Square & Clock Tower
- Timings: 24 hours
- Location: Konak Waterfront
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Visit at night when the clock tower is lit and looks beautiful against the dark sky.
Konak Square is the heart of Izmir and home to its most famous Ottoman-era landmark. The 25-metre-tall clock tower was built in 1901 for Sultan Abdul Hamid II. The square has four fountains and the tiny, tile-decorated Yalı Mosque.
Highlights
- Take photos of the Ottoman architecture of the 125-year-old clock tower.
- Feed the pigeons in the square.
- Visit the Yali Mosque; it is small and covered in colourful tiles.
- Walk to Konak Pier Mall for shopping.
- Take a short ferry ride from Konak Pier to reach the Karsiyaka waterfront.
18. Agora of Smyrna
- Timings: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
- Location: Namazgah neighbourhood
- Cost: Approx 650 INR
- Tip: If you have a Museum Pass, you can enter for free.
The Agora of Smyrna is an ancient Roman marketplace which was rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius in 178 AD after an earthquake. Greek settlers built the original market before an earthquake completely destroyed it.
Highlights
- Walk through the arched underground corridors of the ancient basilica.
- View the large statues of Poseidon and Demeter (siblings) found on the site.
- Explore the Roman bath ruins and see the ancient floor mosaics.
- See the Ottoman-era gravestones.
- Look for the ancient water channels that still have water flowing through them.
19. Asansor (Historical Elevator)
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Location: Karataş District
- Cost: Free
- Tip: Go for late-night coffee at the top terrace to see the city lights on the water.
Nesim Levi, a wealthy businessman, built the Asansor water-powered elevator in 1907 to connect two streets separated. He wanted to help pregnant women and elderly people from climbing the 155 steep stone steps. The elevator connects the lower coastal road to the cliffside street.
Highlights
- Take the 119-year-old elevator for the best sunset view over Izmir.
- Walk the Dario Moreno Street at the base of the elevator, which is famous for the colourful houses.
- Have dinner or coffee at the top restaurant floor while looking at the sea.
- Listen to live music performed at the base of the tower in the evenings.
20. Ephesus Ancient City
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Location: Selçuk town (80 km from the city)
- Cost: Approx 4,500 INR
- Tip: Arrive at 8:00 AM to avoid the local cruise passenger crowd and heat
Ephesus is an ancient Greek and Roman port city that once had nearly 250,000 people. Today, it stands as one of the largest archaeological sites in the entire world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Ancient City of Ephesus is 19 kilometres from Kuşadası, a resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast. If you want to extend your trip, you can stay in Kuşadası for a few days after Izmir. Compared to Izmir, Kuşadası offers a more touristy experience, with water sports and beaches.
Highlights
- The iconic Library of Celsus was built in the 2nd century.
- The theatre once held 25,000 spectators for acoustic testing.
- Terrace Houses have the colourful Roman floor mosaics.
- The marble-paved Curetes Street still has the ruins of old shops.
- Visit the ruins of the Temple of Hadrian with its detailed stone carvings.
Conclusion
Turkey is a country where every city has a different experience, from Istanbul’s historic mosques and bazaars to Cappadocia’s landscapes and Antalya’s coastline.
Save your time from planning where to go exactly and making an itinerary. Contact Dimaak Tours if you want a customised trip plan without stress.
FAQs on The Best Things to Do in Turkey
1. How many days are enough for Turkey?
A 14-day trip is ideal for comfortably visiting Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Izmir.
2. Is Turkey expensive for Indians?
With a well-planned budget for Turkey, it can be an affordable trip. The only major expenses are the flight tickets and the hot air balloon experience.
3. Which city in Turkey is good for first-time travellers?
Istanbul is the best place as it has famous landmarks, street food, markets, museums, and better connectivity.
