Best Tours of the Turkey Landmarks
1. 5-Day Tour of Turkey
(incl. Ephesus, Pamukkale Cappadocia)
2. Best of Istanbul Tour
3. Bosphorus River Sunset Cruise
4. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon
5. Pamukkale from Antalya
Having visited Turkey on five occasions, including a recent two-month backpacking trip around the country, I discovered many of the famous landmarks in Turkey. In this guide, I’ll tell you about the best Turkey landmarks and how you can visit them.
These landmarks in Turkey include famous places in Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, ancient Roman ruins at Troy and Ephesus, castles, and natural wonders like Lake Van and Mount Ararat.
Turkey is a huge country with a varied landscape and a long history and playing host to many empires from the Byzantine to the Ottoman period and beyond. As such the country is packed with some of the most interesting historical places in the world.
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20 Best Turkey Landmarks
In this list you’ll find some of the most famous Turkey landmarks as well as some hidden gems that are a little off the tourist trail (I backpacked the East of the country which sees a lot fewer visitors than Istanbul or the coastal resorts on the Mediterranean.
This five-day tour takes in some of the most famous places of Turkey including Pamukkale, Hieropolis, Ephesus and Cappadocia (with a hot air balloon ride included). Click here to find out more.
1. Hagia Sophia (One of the Most Famous Turkey Landmarks)
Hagia Sophia is one of the most iconic landmarks of Turkey and stands as a captivating testament to the architectural brilliance of the Byzantine Empire. The awe-inspiring structure is located in old town Sultanahmet and boasts a magnificent dome adorned with intricate mosaics and soaring arches.
The building was originally constructed as a cathedral in the 6th century and later transformed into a mosque. In 1934 Hagia Sophia became a museum but in July 2020 it was reclassified as a mosque again, a decision which received mixed feelings worldwide.
Hagia Sophia’s marble parapets were found to contain at least two runic inscriptions etched into their surface. These enigmatic carvings are believed to have been skillfully carved by members of the Varangian Guard during the Viking Age, while they served in Constantinople.
This full-day tour of Istanbul includes entry to Hagia Sophia. Click here to find out more.
Address: Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Hagia Sophia is located in the old town area of Istanbul and can be reached on foot, by tram, bus and ferry from across the city. You can also take a tour.
Opening Hours: 24/7 (though tourists can’t visit during prayer times)
Ticket Cost: Free
Website: ayasofyacamii.gov.tr
2. The Bosphorus Strait
The Bosphorus Strait is a large waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and is undoubtedly one of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks. It is an emblem of Istanbul’s unique position as a bridge between continents as it separates Europe from Asia.
Lined with historic palaces, elegant mansions, and vibrant neighborhoods, the Bosphorus is not just a picturesque sight but a vibrant hub of activity.
From taking a leisurely cruise along its shimmering waters to marveling at the majestic Bosphorus Bridge, the strait offers visitors a captivating blend of natural beauty, architectural splendor, and cultural richness.
Below you’ll find some excellent Bosphorus River cruises, or you can cross on one of the many ferries across the strait.
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise. Click here to learn more.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. Click here to find out more.
3. Ephesus
Ephesus is an ancient Greek city in present-day Turkey that was once a thriving metropolis and a prominent center of trade, culture, and learning.
Its well-preserved ruins reveal a city that was home to magnificent structures like the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the Great Theater.
Ephesus continues to captivate visitors from around the globe, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the ancient world and its rich legacy. For history lovers, this is one of the top Landmarks in Turkey.
There are lots of excellent tours to Ephesus which is the best way to visit as you’ll get to learn all about the city’s fascinating history from a local guide. Click the links below to find out more information.
Address: Acarlar, Efes Harabeleri, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Ephesus is in western Turkey close to the coastal city of Izmir. The best way to get there is to drive, or take a tour from Istanbul.
Opening Hours: 8am to 6:30pm, Mon-Sun
Ticket Cost: 400 Lira (€19)
Website: ephesustravelguide.com
4. Famous Turkey Landmarks – Pamukkale
Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a natural landmark of Turkey that’s renowned for its mineral-rich cascading terraces formed over millennia by thermal waters flowing down the slope.
These terraces, resembling fluffy cotton or ice-covered cliffs, create a visually stunning landscape that captivates all who visit.
Pamukkale’s unique beauty, with its mineral-rich pools of turquoise water set against a backdrop of lush greenery, make it one of Turkey’s must-see destinations.
Adress: 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Pamukkale and Hieropolis are located close to the town of Denizli in southwestern Anatolia. There are daily buses from Antalya and Izmir, or you can take a tour from Antalya.
Opening Hours: 8am to 8pm, Mon-Sun
Ticket Cost: 400 Lira ($17) Ticket includes entry to Pammukale and Hieropolis
Website: muze.gov.tr
5. Hierapolis
Alongside the terraces, visitors can explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, an archaeological site where Greco-Roman ruins and historical artifacts paint a vivid picture of the city’s past. This city in western Anatolia was once part of Phrygia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The site was once a temple for the Phrygian goddess Cybele, and later a Greek city. The ancient Greeks used the nearby hot springs at Pammukale as early as the 2nd Century BC.
See the ancient amphitheatre and classical columned arches, and visit the famous necropolis where Marcus Aurelius Ammianos, a local miller whose sarcophagus features a relief of one an early version of the water mill.
This full-day tour includes a visit to both Pamukkale and Hierpolis and includes lunch. Click here for more info.
Adress: 20280 Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Pamukkale and Hieropolis are located close to the town of Denizli in southwestern Anatolia. There are daily buses from Antalya and Izmir, or you can take a tour from Antalya.
Opening Hours: 8am to 8pm, Mon-Sun
Ticket Cost: 400 Lira ($17) Ticket includes entry to Pammukale and Hieropolis
Website: muze.gov.tr
6. The Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia
Cappadocia is undoubtedly one of the most famous Turkish landmarks. This desert-like landscape in central Turkey is famed for its cave dwellings and the famous cone-shaped rock formations known as the “fairy chimneys”.
Air balloon rides are a popular way to see the fairy chimneys (if you’re not afraid of heights like me). This is the perfect way for budding photographers to get the best shots of this incredible Turkish landmark as you float above this otherworldly landscape.
Below are a couple of excellent tour options for seeing this unique geographical marvel:
2-Day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul. Click here to book.
Hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys. Click here to find out more.
Address: Zelve Yolu, 50500 Çavuşin/Avanos/Nevşehir, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Cappadocia lies 186 miles (300 km) south of the capital Ankara. The nearest airport is Kayseri. The best way to get there is to take one of the many tours on offer. Click here to find out more.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Cost: Free
7. Bodrum Castle
On my most recent trip to Turkey, I arrived in Bodrum on the ferry from Kos in Greece. The first thing that stood out as we entered the harbour was the magnificent Bodrum Castle, one of the most impressive landmarks of Turkey.
Construction of the Castle of St Peter began in 1407 and was completed 30 years later. It was built by the Knights of St John (Knights Hospitaller) to protect against the Ottoman Empire. However, the Ottomans took the castle in 1523 and it remained under their control for 400 years.
Today the castle is a fascinating museum and I spent a day exploring this well-kept Turkish landmark. As well as fantastic views of Borum and the harbour, the castle is home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology.
Address: Çarşı, Kale Cd., 48400 Bodrum/Muğla, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The castle is located right on the harbourfront in the centre of Bodrum. Bodrum is reachable by air, ferry from Kos, and busses from around Turkey.
Opening Hours: 8:30am tp 6:30pm, Mon-Sun
Ticket Cost: 150 Lira ($6.40). The archaeology museum is an extra 20 Lira ($0.85)
Website: kulturporali.gov.tr
8. Historical Places in Turkey – Göbekli Tepe
An archaeologist friend of mine suggested I check out the neolithic site of Gobekli Tepe in Eastern Anatolia while I was in the region, but alas, I didn’t have the time.
It’s one of the most important Archaeological discoveries in Turkey and contains the world’s largest megaliths; a series of circular structures and pillars, that date to between 9500 and 8000 BC.
The pillars are decorated with inscriptions of animals and other iconography which helped archeologists learn more about the prehistoric period.
The site is also home to what is thought to be the oldest place of worship in the world dating back to 10,000 BC (so older than both Stonehenge and the Pyramids).
For those interested in history, archaeology and anthropology, Gobeekli Tepe is a must-visit and one of the top Turkish landmarks.
Address: Örencik, 63290 Haliliye/Şanlıurfa, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Gobekli Teep is located close to the city of Sanliurfa about halfway between Gaziantep and Diyarbakir and is easily reachable by bus from major cities.
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm, Mon-Sun
Ticket Cost: 200 Lira ($8.50)
Website: sanliurfa.bel.tr
9. Diyarbakir City Walls
Diyarbakir is a city in eastern Turkey with the largest Kurdish population in the country. I lived here for around a month before and after travelling to Erbil in Iraq and stayed with a wonderful Kurdish host who showed me many interesting places across this oft-neglected region.
The city is packed with interesting sites from a Silk Road caravanserai to bustling bazaars, interesting museums, and the incredible Roman city walls that are left largely standing and free to climb and wander around.
The fortress stretches for 3 miles (5 km) around the city date back to the 4th Century. The sections around the Sur district afford incredible views over Hevcel Gardens and the surrounding plains of Mesopotamia. Be careful if you climb up as there are no safety barriers.
Address: Hasırlı, Yeni Kapı 1. Sk., 21200 Sur/Diyarbakır, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The walls can be found around the city centre.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Cost: Free
10. On Gozlu – The Ten-Eyed Bridge
On Gozlu Bridge, also known as Dicle Bridge or more informally the Ten Eyed Bridge thanks to its ten arches, is a stone bridge crossing the River Tigris south of Diyarbakir. It was made using volcanic black stone and dates back almost 1,000 years to 1065.
The brig is a popular spot for locals to take wedding photographs and there are lots of tea shops and a small market next to the bridge and along the riverbank. It’s a very pleasant place for a stroll and visited with my Kurdish host.
Address: Dicle, 21200 Sur/Diyarbakır, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The bridge is about 2 miles (3km) from the city centre. It’s a pleasant walk that takes around 39 minutes, or you can jump in a dolmus (taxi van with a fixed route).
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Cost: Free
Check out my guides to these incredible cities in Turkey:
11. Zerzevan Castle
Zerzevan Castle (also known as Zerzevan Kalesi / Samachi Castle) is a historical landmark and former Temple of Mithras founded by the Romans in the 4th Century. The castle sits high on a hill overlooking the plains of southeastern Anatolia.
Address: Demirölçek, 21050 Çınar/Diyarbakır, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: It’s located 40km south of Diyarbakir on the main road to Mardin and is only accessible if you have your own vehicle.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Cost: Free
12. Zinciriye Madrasa
One of my favourite historical landmarks in Turkey is the Zinciriye Madrasa in the southeastern city of Mardin. It was built in 1385 as an Islamic school and affords the most incredible views out across the plains of Mesopotamia and nearby Syria.
Keep an eye out for the ornate inscriptions in the main doorway and porticoes. Inside the courtyard features a small pond and leads up to the roof overlooking the town.
The complex once housed a madrasa, mosque and burial tomb for its founder, Isa the Artuqid, though he wasn’t interred here.
Address: Şar, 47100 Artuklu/Mardin, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The madrasa is in the centre of Mardin.
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm, Mon-Sat
Ticket Cost: 4 Lira ($0.30)
13. Dara Ancient City
I’m a huge fan of Roman history, which probably has something to do with coming from the Roman capital of Britain. I’ve visited Roman archaeological sites all over Europe from the city of Bath in England to Baelo Claudia in Spain, Heraclea Lyncestis in Macedonia, and of course Rome itself.
Dara Ancient City is definitely one of the most impressive as it stretches over a huge distance and includes cave dwellings, a necropolis, and a staggeringly impressive cistern that resembles an underground cathedral (and way less touristy than the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul).
This was once the easternmost outpost of the Roman empire and is located very close to the city of Mardin and the Syrian border. As a result, you’ll find far fewer tourists here than at more famous historical sites in Turkey like Gobekli Tepe.
Address: Dara, Dara Yolu, 47100 Artuklu/Mardin, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Dara is pretty far off the beaten track and not easy to get to without your own transport (I went on an unofficial tour with my Airbnb host), so you’ll want to rent a car to get there.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Cost: Free
14. Three Tombes of Yakutiye, Erzurum
The Three Tombs of Yakitiye, also known as the Three Kümbets, were built in the 14th century and are considered to be some of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture in Turkey.
The tombs were constructed for the three sons of a medieval Erzurum governor. Each tomb is unique in its design and decoration. The largest of which was dedicated to the eldest son and features intricate stonework and a domed roof.
The middle tomb is decorated with intricate geometric patterns, and the smallest tomb is adorned with various floral motifs. The tombs are one of the most impressive things to do in Erzurum and are framed by a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Address: Sultanmelik Mh, 25100 Yakutiye/Erzurum, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The three tombs are in the centre of Erzurum, Turkey’s skiing destination.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Price: Free
15. Natural Landmarks in Turkey – Lake Van
Out of all the places I visited in Turkey, the city of Van was one of my favourites. It sits on the shores of one of the most famous Turkey landmarks, Lake Van. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and across the water you can see the towering Mount Suphan volcano.
Akdamar Island is home to an ancient Armenian monastery, and Van Castle sits perched on a rocky outcrop above the lake with panoramic views of the city, mountains and lake. I spent a couple of happy weeks here working and exploring on my off days.
In summer you can swim in the lake, or take a trip to Akdamar Island. The castle is definitely worth a visit and it’s a relatively easy climb up to the top (but be careful as there are no railings and there are some steep cliffs).
Location: Lake Van is in Eastern Anatolia close to the border with Iran. Click here for directions.
How to get there: I took a bus from Diyarbakir to the city of Van, and then left by bus for Erzurum. The journeys are long, but the tickets are cheap, and the scenery is absolutely stunning.
16. Hevcel Gardens
The UNESCO-listed Hevsel Gardens cover an area of 700 hectares along the banks of the River Tigris in Eastern Turkey. This fertile piece of land has been cultivated since at least the 9th Century BC and was an important centre of food production in ancient Mesopotamia.
The gardens were created to provide food and water for the nearby city of Diyarbakir and have been doing so for centuries. One of the most famous crops to be grown at Hevcel is the watermelon. Other produce includes grapes, apricots and vegetables which are sold at local markets.
I visited Hevcel on a few occasions when I was staying in Diyarbakir recently. As well as an excellent place for walking, there are some wonderful tea shops overlooking the gardens and River Tigris.
Address: Dicle, 21200 Sur/Diyarbakır, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The gardens are located in the Sur district to the south of Diyarbakir city. You can walk there from the center in about 30 minutes or take one of the many dolmus that ply the route.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Cost: Free
17. Mount Ararat
Majestic Mount Ararat in the far east of Turkey is steeped in myth and legend. It is said that it’s where Noah’s ark came to rest after a biblical flood. This extinct volcano is formed of two distinct peaks, Ararat and Little Ararat.
The peak is at 5,137 metres (16,854 feet) and is Turkey’s second-highest mountain after Mount Büyükağrı.
It’s possible to climb Ararat but you’ll need a special permit and to book onto an authorised tour as the mountain is in a military-restricted area close to the border with Armenia. It’s a six to eight-day trip as you’ll need to acclimatise.
Although geographically in Turkey, Ararat is one of the sacred symbols of Armenia which lies just a few miles east (and also the name of my favourite Armenian brandy). When I lived in Yerevan I could see the peak from my window.
Address: Karagüney, Iğdır Merkez/Iğdır, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The only way to visit Ararat is to take a tour. Click here to find out more.
18. Antikabir (Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Mausoleum)
The Antikabir Mausoleum complex is one of the most famous Turkey moments as it contains the tomb of the late founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The complex is located in the capital Ankara and was completed in 1953.
This famous building in Turkey is made of marble and includes a colonnaded tomb, turrets and a museum. Wander along the Road of Lions, see the ceremonial plaza and visit the gran Hall of Honour where Ataturk’s tomb is interred.
Address: Yücetepe, Akdeniz Cd. No:31, 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Antikabir is located in the centre of Ankara, which is easily reachable by plane, train and bus from cities across Turkey including Istanbul.
Opening Hours: 9am to 5pm, Mon-Sun
Ticket Cost: Free
19. Famous Landmarks in Turkey – Topkapi Palace
This popular tourist attraction is one of the top Istanbul landmarks and is located in the east of the city. The complex contains a large palace that dates back to the 15th Century and was established by the Sultan and Ottoman ruler Mehmed II.
Today you can explore the palace buildings and museum located inside which contains the Imperial Treasury with a fantastic collection of arms and armour, a library, a portrait gallery and many courtyards, chambers, a mosque and more.
Address: Cankurtaran, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: The palace is located in the Fatih suburb of Istanbul in the east of the city and a short walk from Hagia Sophia. The nearest metro station is Sirkeci.
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm, Wed-Mon (closed Tuesdays)
Ticket Cost: 500 Lira ($21)
20. Mount Nemrut
Mount Nemrut, also known as Nemrut Dag, is a mountain in southeastern Turkey that’s famous for its many stone statues that date back to the 1st Century BC. The summit sits at 2,134 metres (7,001 feet) and is one of the highest in th Tauras range.
The stone sculptures at this UNESCO-listed World Heritage site are thought to be tomb decorations for Antiochus I (69–34 B.C.) who ruled after the fall of Alexander the Great.
Address: 02402 Kayadibi/Kâhta/Adıyaman, Türkiye. Click here for directions.
How to get there: Nemrut is located in the Tauras Mountains 137 miles (221 km) northeast of Gaziantep.
Opening Hours: 24/7
Ticket Cost: Free
Getting around the Famous Places of Turkey
The best way to get around and see some of these landmarks in Turkey is to hire a car. which gives you the freedom to explore on your own. That being said, I travelled around Turkey by bus and it was fine, though not overly comfortable for some of the long distances.
You can also take a tour which is another great way of seeing the most famous Turkey landmarks. This 5-day Turkey highlights tour includes some of the top Turkey famous places including Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia. Click here to find out more.
Turkey Landmarks FAQs
There are many famous landmarks in Turkey including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the ancient Greek city of Ephesus and the hot springs at Pamukkale.
Three of the most famous landmarks in Turkey are the chimneys of Capadoccia, Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the ancient Greek city of Ephesus.
Antikabir and the tomb of Turkey’s founder Ataturk is arguably the most important monument n Turkey and is visited by millions each year.
Conclusion
Now you know all about some of Turkey’s most incredible landmarks from historical wonders like Ephesus, Hieropolis and Gobekli Tepe to natural landmarks such as Ararat and Mount Nemrut. Turkey is a fascinating country to visit with such diverse landscapes and so much history. I’ll be back there in a few weeks myself.
Check out my other Turkey travel guides:
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has travelled to over 60 countries, lived in China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of Europe and Asia by train, bus and boat.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲
Some of these places look absolutely fantastic. I definitely need to go to Turkey again as it has so much potential for backpacking adventures.
Absolutely Hamish! I’ve just come back form two months travelling around Turkey and have still barely scratched the surface. Hope you can get back there soon, and I’d highly recommend exploring the south east of the country. Best, Steve