Choose from 196 Fun Things to Do in Turkey
ShowingFilter 161-180 of 196 listings.
Tlos
Sitting above a Lycian hilltop, Tlos is an ancient settlement now in ruins that is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the area. Its foundation is estimated to date back to 2000 BC. Today an entire citadel remains, including a fortress and acropolis, city walls, ancient baths, a Roman amphitheater, and the remains of an Ottoman castle. Set against the Akdağlar mountain range, sweeping views of the Xanthos Valley and the river Esen can be seen from atop the ruins.
Equally fascinating are the Lycian rock tombs carved into mountainsides. The Tomb of Bellerophon resembles a rock temple — with four columns, an unfinished facade, and a relief of the hero Bellerophon on a Pegasus horse. Historical evidence suggests that Tlos may have been the most powerful of six Lycian cities in the Roman era. Tlos was only recently discovered in 1838, and archeological discoveries are still being made there.
Practical Info
Tlos is just outside of Kalkan in Southern Turkey. To get there from Fethiye, head towards Antalya on the D400 road. The journey is around 45 minutes by car. The entrance fee is 5 Turkish Lira.
Address: Tlos, Fethiye, Turkey
Admission: 5 Turkish Lira
From $ 23
Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque)
Built in the 14th century, the impressive Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) is the largest mosque in Bursa. It’s located in the center of the Old City and is a prime example of early Ottoman architecture with elements of Seljuk architecture, including two minarets, 20 domes, fine wood carvings, and nearly 200 calligraphic inscriptions.
The Basics
Sultan Bayezid I commissioned architect Ali Neccar to construct the mosque, whose dim-lit interior lends it an intimate and contemplative air despite its large size. Inside the mosque is a traditional fountain beneath a skylight that lets in gentle, filtered light, and the walls are covered with striking calligraphy by myriad contemporaneous artists.
Some private and small-group tours visit the Grand Mosque and Bursa as a day trip from Istanbul. Independent travelers in Istanbul can reach Bursa by ferry or bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Grand Mosque is a must-visit for history, architecture, and religion enthusiasts.
- The mosque is an active prayer space and is closed to visitors during prayer times.
- To enter the mosque, women must cover their heads, and everyone needs to cover their shoulders and knees.
How to Get There
The Grand Mosque is centrally located in the Old City neighborhood of Bursa, not far from other attractions in the city center. You can take a ferry or long bus ride from Istanbul to Bursa, or make it simpler and book a day tour that includes round-trip transport to and from the city.
When to Get There
The Grand Mosque is open to the public daily, though is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which are usually listed in front of the mosque and posted online. Fridays as well as religious and Turkish holidays have longer prayer times and fewer hours open to non-Muslims.
Calligraphy in the Grand Mosque
Bursa’s Grand Mosque is most noted for its calligraphy. The 192 panels of calligraphy that grace the mosque walls comprise a renowned collection of 14th-century Islamic calligraphy styles. Pay attention to the many different presentations and techniques presented by the 41 calligraphy artists who created the displays.
Address: Turkey
From $ 120
Water Planet Aqua Park
The biggest water park on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast sits southeast of Antalya in between Manavgat and Alanya, overlooking the sparkling turquoise sea. With 24 rides from family slides to Kamikaze chutes, the park is a fun-filled day out for the whole family. There’s a splash pool full of interactive animated toys for toddlers to enjoy while all kids love floating around the Lazy Rivers and splashing in the wave pools. Several adrenaline-pumping slides are perfect for thrill-seeking teens, including the spiraling Black Hole and the Four Twisters. If that’s not enough, try the 70-meter (230-foot) bungee jump or rafting on the wave pool (both extra charge). Lifeguards are on duty at all the rides and facilities include sun loungers, showers, changing rooms and lockers, several restaurant and bar options – from fast food to à la carte – a henna tattoo parlor and a few souvenir stalls.
Practical Info
Okurcalar Mevkii Alanya, Antalya. Open May–Sept 10am–5pm; admission from 60 lira. A courtesy coach makes daily pick-ups at hotels in Antalya between 9:50am and 10:30am.
Address: Okurcalar Mevkii, Antalya 07415, Turkey
Hours: May–Sept 10am–5pm
Admission: 60 lira
From $ 25
Temple of Apollo
The ancient city of Side in present-day Turkey was most likely settled in the 7th century B.C. by Greeks. Today it is a popular resort town due to its location on the sea. Aside from the beach activities, visitors can explore ancient history through the many Greek and Roman ruins located in the area. One interesting historical site is the Temple of Apollo. It is located outside of Antalya and not too far from the modern town of Side.
The Temple of Apollo was built near the ancient harbor, which is is about 15 miles from the sea today. The temple has six Corinthian columns on its front and back, and 11 Corinthian columns on each side. Each column is about 29 feet tall. It was built in the 2nd century A.D. in honor of the god Apollo, who was the god of light and truth.
Practical Info
The Temple of Apollo is located 12 miles east of Antalya and 38 miles west of Side.
Address: Antalya, Turkey
From $ 46
Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis, or Artemision, was a Greek temple in present-day Turkey dedicated to the goddess Artemis. It was one of the original seven wonders of the ancient world. It was built not far from Ephesus just outside the present-day town of Selcuk. The temple was completely rebuilt several times throughout history after being destroyed on multiple occasions by both nature and human factors. Little remains of the temple in its original location today since archeologists brought much of the ruins to the British Museum.
The Temple of Artemis is only a couple of miles from Ephesus, making it an easy attraction to visit. Visitors can still see one tall column and a handful of marble pieces from the foundations of the structure, and the historical location is fascinating. From the site, you can also see the ruins of St. John's Basilica, located on a hill in Selcuk.
Practical Info
The Temple of Artemis is located half a mile from the center of Selcuk and about 51 miles from Izmir.
Address: Ephesus, Izmir, Turkey, Turkey
From $ 41
Vialand
Istanbul’s Vialand is a huge theme park complex which includes a luxury hotel, indoor and outdoor shopping malls home to over 250 stores, and dozens of restaurants as well as a cinema, games center, and open-air performance venue big enough to fit 10,000 people.
For older kids and adults looking for a thrill, Vialand is most famous for its Ride the Breath Taker roller coaster which can reach speeds of 68 miles an hour in 3 seconds. Water rides like Wild River are also popular. For little kids, there are more gentle rides including carousels and mini cars, and there are plenty of playgrounds scattered round this complex that's actually big enough to fit 100 football fields.
Characters for the kids to meet include Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer — both characters also have their own 4D shows. For adults, Vialand indoor shopping mall hosts brand names like The Gap and H&M, and outside you can visit Vialand’s shopping avenues which are modeled on streets from different European cities. Vialand is also home to a 100-acre park where walking paths lead around the main lake.
Practical Info
Vialand theme park is open from Tuesday to Sunday (10-8pm on weekends, 10-6pm on weekdays), and the mall is open every day from 10am-10pm. Winter prices are 65 TL per adult on weekdays, 70 TL on weekends. Family tickets and value cards are also available. 30 minutes from central Istanbul on Yesilpinar Mahallesi, free shuttle buses are put on for visitors staying in the Sultanahmet area.
Address: Yeşilpınar Mh., Yeşilpınar Bölge Park İçi Yolu, Istanbul, Turkey
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10-8pm on weekends, 10-6pm on weekdays), and the mall is open every day from 10am - 10pm.
Admission: Winter prices are 65 TL per adult on weekdays, 70 TL on weekends
From $ 47
Troy
It’s true, you need a fairly active imagination to people the ruins of Troy and bring this legendary site to life. But of the many names from history books and epic cinema, the legend of Troy is one that truly resonates.
Before being overcome by invasion and earthquake, the fabled city of Troy ruled from around 3,000 BC to 1,000 BC. Today, it is an area of archaeological excavations and ruins.
A stately model of the famous wooden horse of Troy guards the ruins, a replica of the vehicle that brought the invading Greeks inside the walls of Troy. You can climb inside the horse for elevated views of the ruins.
The Excavations House provides several models of Troy over the millennia, to give an idea of the city’s former glory and layout. A circular path leads amongst the ruins with signboards to help explain the various walls, fortifications, temples and remains of houses.
Before being overcome by invasion and earthquake, the fabled city of Troy ruled from around 3,000 BC to 1,000 BC. Today, it is an area of archaeological excavations and ruins.
A stately model of the famous wooden horse of Troy guards the ruins, a replica of the vehicle that brought the invading Greeks inside the walls of Troy. You can climb inside the horse for elevated views of the ruins.
The Excavations House provides several models of Troy over the millennia, to give an idea of the city’s former glory and layout. A circular path leads amongst the ruins with signboards to help explain the various walls, fortifications, temples and remains of houses.
Address: Hisarlik, Turkey
From $ 227
Terrace Houses
The ruins of the ancient city of Ephasus are located in Selcuk, Turkey. The city was a major port city in its time, but the port has since silted over and the shoreline is quite a distance away. One of the important sections of the ruins are the Terrace Houses, which are on a hill across from the Hadrian Temple. There are six units on three terraces, the oldest dating back to the 1st century BC. It was used as a residence until the 7th century AD.
Two of the houses are now open as a museum, and they give visitors a glimpse at what family life might have been like during the Roman Period. The houses contained mosaics on the floors and frescoes on the walls, which are now protected. They had central interior courtyards, and although most of the houses were two stories tall, the second levels have collapsed over time.
Practical Info
The Terrace Houses and the Ephasus ruins are located about 5 minutes by bus from the main bus station in Selcuk. Opening hours are 8am to 7pm in the summer and 8am to 5pm in the winter. Admission is 30TL for Ephasus plus 15TL for the Terrace Houses.
Address: Efes Harabeleri, Selcuk, Izmir Province, Turkey 35920, Turkey
Hours: Open daily, summer 8am-7pm and winter 8am-5pm
Admission: 30TL for Ephasus plus 15TL for the Terrace Houses
From $ 13
Yedikule Fortress
Also known as the Fortress of Seven Towers, the Yedikule Fortress is located just over 3 miles southwest of Sultanahmet. It was first built as the Golden Gate during the reigns of Theodosius I and II in the 5th century. With enormous doors covered in gold, the gate had four towers and was the ceremonial entrance to the city for those arriving from Europe. After the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Mehmet the Conqueror added three towers to the structure to transform it into a fortress, treasury and prison. The towers today are known as the Armory Tower, the Flag Tower, the Sultan Ahmet III Tower, the Dungeon Tower (also known as the Tower of Inscriptions), the Top Tower, the Tower of the Treasury and the Young Osman Tower, where Sultan Osman II died while imprisoned.
The Yedikule Fortress also marks the end of the remaining land walls surrounding Istanbul. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s possible to walk all the way on or along the walls between the fortress and Ayvansaray, about 7 kilometers north on the Golden Horn.
The Yedikule Fortress also marks the end of the remaining land walls surrounding Istanbul. If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s possible to walk all the way on or along the walls between the fortress and Ayvansaray, about 7 kilometers north on the Golden Horn.
Practical Information
Outside of the city center, the best way to reach the Yedikule Fortress is to take a suburban train from Sirkeci Station toward Halkali, getting off at Yedikule. The fortress is open daily except Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. and admission is 5 Turkish lira. Another great option is to take a half or full day tour of Istanbul, many of which visit the fortress.
Address: Turkey
From $ 58
Temple of Domitian
One of the greatest ancient Roman cities was Ephasus, and its ruins are located in Selcuk, Turkey. It is one of the most popular sites to visit in Turkey. Near the ancient Agora, visitors can see the remains of the Temple of Domitian and Domitian Square. The temple was built in honor of Emperor Domitian, and it is the first structure here known to be dedicated to an emperor. Though not much remains of the temple today, archaeologists have learned much about its structure.
Visitors can see the remaining foundation of the temple and imagine what it might have once looked like. It was approximately 165 feet by 330 feet and sat on vaulted foundations. The northern end was two stories tall and was accessed by stairs, which can still be seen today. There were also several columns on each side of the temple. Reliefs from some of the columns can still be seen here as well.
Practical Info
The Temple of Domitian and the Ephasus ruins are located about 5 minutes by bus from the main bus station in Selcuk. Opening hours are 8am to 7pm in the summer and 8am to 5pm in the winter. Admission to Ephasus is 30TL.
Address: Efes Harabeleri, Selcuk, Izmir Province, Turkey 35920, Turkey
Hours: Open daily, summer 8am-7pm and winter 8am-5pm
Admission: 30TL
From $ 41
Sultanahmet District
Leave the present day behind and take a wander around Old Istanbul, the wonderful old Sultanahmet District. This World Heritage-listed district is crammed with historic buildings and enough magical atmosphere to keep you enthralled for days.
Drink in the majesty of Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia), a museum-church-mosque all in one, and admire the Blue Mosque that mirrors it. Spend days amid the riches of Topkapi Palace, and discover the underground world of the Basilica Cistern. Then shop for everything from curly-toed slippers to magic lanterns in the massive Grand Bazaar.
Practical Info
Sultanahmet is on the European side of Istanbul. Its main thoroughfare is Divan Yolu, which runs from the Grand Bazaar to Hagia Sophia. Strolling along this route on foot is the best way to get around Sultanahmet. You can also ride the tram which travels along Divan Yolu.
Address: Divan Yolu, Istanbul 34410, Turkey
Admission: Free
From $ 31
Walls of Constantinople
Marking the boundaries of Istanbul’s historical center, the Walls of Constantinople still stand on the Old City peninsula. Built in the fourth and fifth centuries, the defensive walls were breached in 1453 when the Ottomans conquered Constantinople. Today many sections have been restored and cut through bustling historical neighborhoods.
The Basics
Strolling along and atop the Walls of Constantinople takes you through many historical Golden Horn neighborhoods, including Edirnekapi, Topkapi, and Yedikule. Historically, the walls had two layers and nine entry gates. A project to restore the walls began in the 1980s with partial financial support from UNESCO, yet even despite this, the World Monument Fund considers the walls an endangered site.
Many private and small-group city tours of the Golden Horn and Byzantine Istanbul visit the Walls of Constantinople. Often these tours also stop at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, Eyup Sultan Mosque, the Chora Church (Kariye Museum), and Pierre Loti Hill.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Walls of Constantinople are a must-visit for all first-time visitors to Istanbul, especially history buffs. Kids enjoy climbing around on them, but be watchful as the walls’ steps and tops can be uneven.
- Wear comfortable shoes to explore the walls and tote drinking water.
- Most sections of the wall are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, but there is no ramp access to the top of the walls.
How to Get There
The Walls of Constantinople span much of the Old City peninsula. The easiest places to start walking along the walls are at Yedikule Fortress, which is accessible by local bus, and at Ayvansaray. There are metro stops at various points in the wall, as well.
When to Get There
The walls are pleasant to visit at all times during the day, when the vibrant surrounding neighborhoods are bustling with locals as well as visitors. Visit earlier or later in the day to avoid the hot midday sun, though note that the walls are less safe after dark.
The Gardens of the Walls
Around certain sections of the walls are historical gardens, called bostan, that historically provided fruits, vegetables, and greens to the adjacent neighborhoods. Though many of these gardens have been lost over time to development, a few are still maintained around Yedikule and other districts flanking the Walls of Constantinople.
Address: Turkey
From $ 31
Temple of Hadrian
The Temple of Hadrian is one of the highlights of the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey. It was built around 118 AD and is actually more of a monument to Hadrian, Artemis, and the people of Ephesus. The temple is small, but there is a beautiful arch on the outside, a porch, and a small main hall. The porch is supported by pillars and Corinthian columns. A statue of Hadrian once stood on a podium in the temple, but it has been lost. On the front of the porch are bases with the names of Galerius, Maximianus, Diocletianus, and Constantius Chlorus inscribed on them, indicating that the bases might have once held statues of these emperors.
Panel reliefs on the inside depict Medusa warding off the bad spirits, the mythological foundation of Ephesus, and various religious scenes. The reliefs seen today are plaster replicas, while the originals are protected in the Ephesus Museum.
Practical Info
The Temple of Hadrian and the rest of Ephesus are located just outside the town of Selcuk and 51 miles from Izmir.
Address: Ephesus, Izmir, Turkey, Turkey
From $ 41
Turunç
Turunç is a small coastal village about 12 miles south of Marmaris, Turkey. It was once primarily a fishing village, but today it is also a quiet resort town. The village is small enough that you can walk from one end to the other in about a half hour. It's relaxed, small town atmosphere give it a completely different feel from the larger resort cities in the area, making it a great place for a vacation away from the crowds. Turunç is located on the edge of a bay with sandy beaches and calm, sheltered waters. Tree-covered mountains provide a picturesque backdrop.
Despite its size, Turunç has several hotels and guesthouses, as well as restaurants and cafes serving traditional Turkish food. There is a market on Mondays where you will find fruit, vegetables, other local foods, and gifts. Visitors can also buy souvenirs at a variety of local shops in the village. Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, fishing, water sports, horseback riding and jeep rides into the countryside. You can also join a boat tour to see more of the coastline and some bays that are only accessible from the water. There are also day trips to nearby villages or to Dalyan to see the endangered loggerhead turtles on Turtle Beach.
Practical Info
The closest airport to Turunç is the Dalaman Airport, located about 75 miles away. You can reach Turunç by bus from the airport or from Maramis.
Address: Turunç, Turkey
From $ 14
Taksim Square
Taksim Square, Istanbul’s main modern hub, is located at the end of the pedestrian thoroughfare Istiklal Avenue (Istiklal Caddesi). A popular meeting place, Taksim Square is anchored by the Monument of the Republic and buzzes with activity day and night. The area historically hosts public celebrations, parades, and demonstrations.
The Basics
As a cultural and transportation center of the city, Taksim Square is always vibrating with energy. Abutted by Gezi Park, one of the few remaining green spaces in the center of Istanbul, Taksim Square sits at the head of Istiklal Avenue and serves as a gateway to the shops, restaurants, and bars that dot the area.
Most small-group and private tours explore the food and culture of the area and combine a visit to Taksim Square with a broader exploration of nearby neighborhoods, including Galata and Karakoy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Taksim Square is a main meeting place and hub in Istanbul and can be crowded.
- The area is a must-visit for people-watching and shopping.
- Wear comfortable shoes, if you are planning on walking down Istiklal Avenue.
How to Get There
While Taksim Square itself is closed to vehicles, it is easily accessible by metro located right in the square. Taxis, buses, and shared cabs, called dolmus, all stop on the road that is adjacent to Taksim Square. There is a funicular from the seaside road that goes directly to Taksim Square.
When to Get There
Taksim Square is always open and active. The area gets very busy in the afternoon and into the evening, as people flock to the area for shopping, dining, and nightlife. In the morning, delivery cars are allowed on the otherwise pedestrian boulevard. Go early in the day to beat the crowds.
Street Food
As one of Istanbul’s main gathering places, Taksim Square has a wealth of street food. Sample simit, a circular bagel-like pastry covered in sesame seeds. In the evening, men selling mussels stuffed with rice and spritzed with lemon dot the square. Wet burgers soaked and steamed in spicy tomato sauce are popular among Taksim Square’s late-night crowd.
Address: Turkey
From $ 37
Yaliciftlik
Yaliciftlik is a small village located near the popular resort town of Bodrum, Turkey. It is just outside the Bodrum Peninsula along the Aegean Sea above a series of secluded coves, and it's at the entrance to the Gulf of Gokava. Accommodations here run from simple to luxury. The town's scenery includes pine forests, orchards of fig trees, and the sandy coastline. There is a market once a week where you'll find fruits, vegetables, and other local products. The beaches in Yaliciftlik are perfect for sunbathing or swimming, and you'll also find several restaurants and cafes serving fresh, local seafood and traditional Turkish food near the beach. You can also go hiking in the nearby forest and explore ruins in the hills from the ancient Legegian and Carian civilizations.
In Yaliciftlik and the surrounding areas, you can get a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life. There are stone farmhouses on the hillsides with orchards and beehives. These areas outside of the beach resorts are mostly untouched by tourism. Yaliciftlik is often included on tours on traditional Turkish sailing boats that visit several of the quiet villages along the coast of the Bodrum Peninsula.
Practical Info
Yaliciftlik can be reached by public bus from Bodrum. Another option is to join a tour from Bodrum.
Address: Yaliciftlik, Turkey
From $ 504
Taurus Mountains
A massive 350-mile mountain range standing tall over the plains of southeastern Turkey, the Taurus Mountains are full of craggy peaks and clear lakes worthy of exploration. The range once separated two major cultures of the ancient world: Anatolia and Syria.
Aladaglar National Park is home to Demirkazik, the range's tallest peak at 12,323 feet (3,756 meters). With Antalya as a base, visitors come to the Taurus Mountains for hiking, mountain climbing, and in the winter, skiing at two different resorts in the range. Old caravan routes run through the seemingly impenetrable mountains, leading to dramatic canyons, hidden pastures, isolated valleys and pristine mountain lakes.
Many of the peaks are formed of white limestone, though often heavily covered in pine and cedar forests. The mountains are named after the bull (Taurus) that once represented many of the ancient gods here. It is possible to come across one of the many small villages that have existed here for centuries.
Practical Info
The Taurus Mountains can be found just outside of Cappadocia. The best time to climb is in June or July.
Address: Turkey
From $ 17
Topkapi Palace
Synonymous with Ottoman style architecture, the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is one of the most historically relevant landmarks, and today sits as one of Turkey’s great gems. It is in itself a statement of Turkish progress from a once feudal society to a great empire, and possesses elements distinctly unique to its people from a once overbearing Islamic influence. As a measure of its empiric significance, the palace served for over 400 years the residence of Sultans, where social events and administrative policy alike took the helms over Turkish civilization and development.
Guests of Turkey interested in understanding the culture and pride of this country's people would benefit from a visit to the complex, where from the outset you experience the grandeur of the Imperial Gate, through the plush landscape of the First Courtyard, then into the overwhelming Gate of Salutation to the Second Courtyard, where Sultan Selim III once presided over the masses ceremonial assemblies and state functions.
The remainder of the palace premises contains a plethora of buildings and courtyards, including a treasury, apartments, bathhouses, harems, and an armory, not to mention imperial halls and royal chambers that make a visit into Topkapi’s inner walls one of the world’s great wonders.
Upon visiting Topkapi make sure to give yourself the day in order to explore the nooks and crannies of this important landmark. Audio-guides are available on site to ensure a depth of understanding of the palace. Entrance to the harem unfortunately requires a different fare altogether, and be prepared for an onslaught of long lines during the peak tour seasons, by booking your trip ahead of time.
Guests of Turkey interested in understanding the culture and pride of this country's people would benefit from a visit to the complex, where from the outset you experience the grandeur of the Imperial Gate, through the plush landscape of the First Courtyard, then into the overwhelming Gate of Salutation to the Second Courtyard, where Sultan Selim III once presided over the masses ceremonial assemblies and state functions.
The remainder of the palace premises contains a plethora of buildings and courtyards, including a treasury, apartments, bathhouses, harems, and an armory, not to mention imperial halls and royal chambers that make a visit into Topkapi’s inner walls one of the world’s great wonders.
Upon visiting Topkapi make sure to give yourself the day in order to explore the nooks and crannies of this important landmark. Audio-guides are available on site to ensure a depth of understanding of the palace. Entrance to the harem unfortunately requires a different fare altogether, and be prepared for an onslaught of long lines during the peak tour seasons, by booking your trip ahead of time.
Practical Info
Topkapi Palace is north-east of Aya Sofia, on the edge of Sultanahmet on Seraglio Point. The Gulhane Gardens surround the palace grounds.
To get here, take a stroll along Divan Yolu through Sultanahmet or ride the tram.
Address: Gulhane Park, Istanbul 34110, Turkey
Hours: 9am- 5pm, Closed Tuesdays
Admission: 15TL
From $ 13
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Located in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum has a wealth of Islamic art dating from the eighth to the 19th century. The collection ranges from calligraphy and paintings to a spectacular selection of antique rugs, with items from across the Middle East.
The Basics
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum contains a varied collection that captures the full range of Islamic art across the Middle East. Highlights include handwoven Anatolian carpets, Selçuk-era tiles, nomadic folk art, and whole ornate mosque doors.
Private and small-group tours often combine a visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum with stops at other sights in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is a must-visit for art and history buffs.
- The collection is large, so make sure to allow enough time to explore the museum.
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is centrally located in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood, close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It is minutes away from the Sultanahmet tram stop and is also easily accessible by taxi. Parking is limited in the Sultanahmet neighborhood, so a taxi or tram is the most convenient option.
When to Get There
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is open every day, with longer opening hours during the busy summer and shorter opening hours in the winter. The museum rarely feels crowded, so it’s a good bet when the neighborhood’s blockbuster sights are overly full.
Highlights of the Collection
As you stroll the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, be sure to look for an ornate door taken from the Great Mosque in Cizre that dates to the 12th century. Other highlights include Safavid-era Iranian book bindings, columns from Damascus, Caucasian carpets, and examples of Ottoman calligraphy.
Address: 46 Meydani Sok, Sultanahmet Mah, Istanbul 34122, Turkey
Admission: Varies
From $ 8
Uchisar Castle
Uchisar Castle is Cappadocia’s tallest fairy chimney, Mother Nature’s castle in the form of a volcanic rock outcrop visible from miles in any direction. While not a castle by the standard definition the outcrop was used during the late Byzantine and early Ottoman periods as a natural fortress for protection against armies on the surrounding plains. Erosion has revealed a honeycomb-like structure of cavities within the rock, many of which were used as natural dwellings until the makeshift village was evacuated during the 1960s.
A climb up 120 steps leads to the summit of Uchisar Castle — a perfect vantage point for watching a sunset over the stunning Cappadocian landscape.
Practical Info
Uchisar Castle is a popular stop for tour buses in Cappadocia, so plan your visit early or late to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Address: Uçhisar, Cappadocia, Turkey, Turkey
Hours: Open 8am-Sunset
Admission: 3TL
From $ 30