Best Places to Visit in Turkey aren’t just about ticking off places – this country feels like five destinations in one. Türkiye, yes, they changed the spelling officially, but we’re still calling it Turkey – is one of rare countries. One minute you are hiking through fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, the next you are sipping Turkish tea in 600-year-old hammam, and then suddenly you are petting street cat outside Hagia Sophia like you belong here.
It’s totally doable on an Indian budget.
Whether you’re planning post-wedding trip, family vacation, or solo soul-searching escape, Turkey delivers history, drama, flavor and Insta-worthiness. Plus, it’s safe, affordable and welcoming especially for Indian travelers.
So let’s get started. This is your guide to the best places to visit in Turkey, with insider tips, cultural gems, and even where to get that viral balloon shot.
Why to visit Turkey?
Let’s be real, most of us grew up thinking Turkey = Istanbul. But trust me, there’s so much more.
From ancient ruins older than the Taj Mahal to surreal landscapes that look like Mars, Turkey is UNESCO World Heritage hotspot with 19 sites and counting. And it’s cheaper than Europe. Easier to travel than Thailand or Bali and every corner looks like photo from Instagram.
You can apply for Turkey e-visa online in minutes (more on that later). No embassy runs, no stress – just click, pay and go.
And while you’re there? Eat everything. Hug every cat. Dance at rooftop bar. This country wants you to enjoy yourself.
Places to travel in Turkey
An Indian can discover the beauty of the Republic of Turkey by visiting the famous places in Istanbul or Antalya. These places are located in different cities of Turkey and are attracting tourists from all over the world to explore them.
Places to Visit in Istanbul
Istanbul isn’t just a city, it’s a vibe. Istanbul is split by a natural waterway called the Bosphorus Strait, and it literally spans both Europe and Asia.
- The historic center (Sultanahmet, Taksim, Grand Bazaar) is on the European side
- Areas like Uskudar and Kadikoy are on the Asian side.
You can take a ferry, drive across a bridge, or even walk from Europe to Asia in just 20–30 minutes! Here are the must-visit spots in Istanbul and they’re as magical as the photos suggest.
Hagia Sophia
This basilica is a 6th Century engineering feat. It has 600 gold tiles and flat wide dome. This mosque is now been turned to a museum. The entry fee is around 3000 rupees. You can spend 1–2 hours here, enjoying the scenic beauty and peace of the place.
Dress modestly (scarf for women), remove shoes and visit early to avoid crowds. Entry is free for worshippers, but tourists pay ~₺850 (~₹3000). Go during prayer time for an unexpectedly peaceful experience.
Blue Mosque
There are two stories behind, why this is mosque is called “Blue Mosque?” First, the mosque is built with Blue inznik tiles. The second story is that travellers saw the blue colour of the sea reflected in the mosque when they saw it from afar. This mosque has 6 minarets, and you can roam around and spend 1 hour to look around the place.
Insta Hack: Visit at golden hour. The reflection on the fountain + the soft light = instant viral post.
Topkapi Palace
This luxurious place was once the residence of the Ottoman Empire Family for almost 400 years. You can understand the royalty of Turkey here. It has over 400 rooms with courtyards, pavilions, gardens and graveyards of the royal family. You can also find the Harem here. You can enter the Palace by paying around 5000 rupees.
Grand Bazaar
You know how we Indians love good market. You will find lanterns, carpets, spices, evil eye bracelets, leather jackets, and someone trying to sell you “genuine” Rolex. With over 4,000 shops spread across 60+ streets, the Grand Bazaar is the oldest shopping mall in the world.
Bargaining Tip: Start at 30% of the asking price. Smile. Walk away. They’ll call you back. Classic desi move. Also bring water. It’s easy to get lost
Basilica Cistern
This place is also known as Suken Palace. It is a big underwater reservoir under the streets of Sultanahmet. It is the largest cistern since the Byzantine era. Furthermore, it has 336 marble and granite columns. We need to pay around 3000 rupees to enter the place.
Photo Tip: The Medusa columns are at the far end go early to avoid queues and blurry pics.
Places to Visit in Antalya
Antalya is the largest Turkish city. It is known for its awesome beaches and its beautiful scenery. You can enjoy a lot of water activities or just relax in the sand in this Mediterranean coast. Some places to explore in Antalya are:
Kaleici (Old Town)
This historic town has small shops, cobblestone streets with a lot of cultural landmarks. There are a lot of mosques lined in the streets. You can try the delicious food at dozens of bars and café off the street. You can then go to the harbour for its scenic view. It’s a good place to spend quality time with family for half a day.
Duden Waterfalls
You can take boat tours in these Waterfalls. It is a spectacular sight when Duden river falls to the sea from Antalya City. Duden Park is situated at the top of the Waterfalls. You can sit and enjoy the whole view of the falls along with a quick bite at the park.
Perge Ancient City
This historical town is famous for its Roman culture heritage dating back to the Bronze Age. It was once a prominent Roman city. This archaeological area has well reserved Roman structures, Roman Gate, an amphitheatre. You can see various Roman artefacts here in the museum.
Antalya Museum
This museum has 13 halls that showcase artefacts from Pa eolithic Age to Ottoman times. You can bring your children here since there is a special children’s corner. It has activities to distract kids.
Konyaalti Beach
This single, vast, stretching beach lies in Western Antalya. It is ideal for sunbathing, swimming and other beach activities. You can see the Taurus Mountains at the back of the sea. The scenery is breathtaking.
Places to visit in Cappadocia
Cappadocia is known for its natural rock-formations, Gerome Valley, and gorgeous landscape. It is a natural wonder. Some of the most famous sites to visit in Cappadocia are:
Göreme Open-Air Museum
This structure has many historic monasteries and a church inside it. It is a UNESCO heritage site built in 1984. The entrance fee is 25 Turkish Lira. The museum is open between 8 am to 7pm.
Uçhisar Castle
Uchisar Castle is a natural fortress in Cappadocia, Turkey. It’s a massive volcanic rock formation with tunnels, caves, and rooms carved into it. The castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and fairy chimneys. It’s a popular spot for watching sunrise and sunset.
Fairy Chimneys (Peri Bacaları)
It is the most distinctive feature of Cappadocia. These tall rock formations change colour with each sunset. They were formed as a result of volcanic eruptions. This is a one-of-a-kind surreal landscape formed over thousands of years.
Love Valley
Love Valley also offers you unique rock formations. You can enjoy hiking along with its mind-blowing scenery. It is located in the middle of Cappadocia. It is a great place to watch sunrise and sunset.
Derinkuyu and Kaymakli Underground Cities
Kaymakli is an underground refugee camp with several tunnels, lanes and living spaces inside it. It is a well-designed and preserved ancient city that dates back to 8th Century. People used to take refuge in this unique settlement during natural disasters and invasions. Derinkuyu is also an underground ancient city used during invasions. It is a good place for adventure lovers.
Hidden Gems & Local Experiences
Pet the Turkish Street Cats
In Turkey, cats are royalty. You’ll see them napping in mosques, cafes, and bazaars. They’re fed, vaccinated, and adored. Bring a treat. Say “Pisi pisi.” Become best friends.
Play Backgammon (Tabla) in a Local Cafe
Turks call it “tabla”, and it’s everywhere parks, tea gardens, ferry boats. Join a game. Lose gracefully. Laugh. That’s the spirit.
Eat Turkish Breakfast – The Meal That Replaces Lunch
This isn’t breakfast — it’s a feast: cheeses, olives, tomatoes, honey, kaymak (clotted cream), eggs, sucuk (spicy sausage), and fresh bread. At Nazar Café in Cappadocia or Van Kahvaltı Evi in Istanbul, it’s ~₹1,000 — and worth every bite.
Get your Turkey visa with Itzeazy
Yes, Indians need visa but it’s super simple. Itzeazy is here to help you. Itzeazy is India’s no.1 visa service provider. WE at Itzeazy helps you to get guaranteed Turkey visa from India in quick time.
Itzeazy provides visa consultancy and end-to-end assistance in documentation support to the clients in all scenarios to ensure a hassle-free experience for visa in India.
No embassy visit. No stress.
Tips for Indian Travelers
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Carry cash, cards aren’t accepted everywhere.
- ATMs: Available everywhere. Withdraw in larger amounts to avoid fees.
- Language: English is common in tourist areas. Learn “Teşekkürler” (Thank you).
- Connectivity: Buy a Türk Telekom SIM at the airport (~₹1,000 for data).
- Tipping: 5–10% in restaurants. Not expected in cafes.
Final Thought
Turkey isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling. Of wonder, warmth, and welcome.
From the balloons of Cappadocia to the bazaars of Istanbul, from Roman ruins to street cats with attitude, this country grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. So pack your bags, apply for your e-visa, and go. Your Turkish adventure is waiting.
Turkey Visa Charges for Indians
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