What to do in Turkey

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The former Sainte-Sophie church

A jewel of Byzantine architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This church, transformed into a mosque and then a museum, is famous for its huge dome and gold mosaics. Visitors can admire Byzantine works of art, marble columns and fascinating frescoes. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the city from the balcony and the calm of the inner courtyard. You can also immerse yourself in the history of this emblematic place by visiting the library and discovering the history of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Istanbul‘s Blue Mosque

It’s one of the city’s most famous monuments. Also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, it was built in the early 17th century during the reign of Sultan Ahmet. This impressive mosque is famous for its six minarets, elegant architecture and interior decorated with over 20,000 blue tiles, hence the name Blue Mosque.

Topkapi Palace

If you’re looking for a place to transport you back in time, then be sure to visit Topkapi Palace.

Set on a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus, this palace is a true gem of Ottoman architecture. The palace was once the seat of power of the Ottoman Empire and today houses many historical treasures, including religious relics, Chinese porcelain, carpets and sumptuous jewelry.

The palace is also famous for its lush gardens and breathtaking views over Istanbul. On a tour of the palace, you can explore the different sections of the palace, such as the harem, audience halls and imperial pavilions.

The famous Basilica Cistern

If you’re visiting Istanbul, the Cistern Basilica is a must-see! This huge underground cistern, also known as Yerebatan Sarayi in Turkish, was built in the 6th century to store water for Topkapi Palace and the city. The cistern is famous for its impressive marble columns, some of which are decorated with jellyfish heads, and for its mysterious, calm atmosphere. With dimmed lights and water on the floor, you’ll feel transported to another world. The Basilica Cistern has been used in several films, including the James Bond movie “De Russe Met Liefde”. If you’re visiting Istanbul, the Cistern Basilica is a must-see!

Museum of Anatolian History and Culture

This museum is one of the largest in Turkey, offering an immersion in the fascinating history of the Anatolian region. In its rooms, you can discover an impressive collection of archaeological finds dating back over 50,000 years, from the Neolithic period to the Ottoman era.

The museum is organized into seven sections, each devoted to a specific period of Anatolian history, with exhibits covering topics such as Hittite, Phrygian and Lydian art and culture, as well as artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. You can also admire works of art such as ceramics, sculptures, carpets and jewelry, which bear witness to the rich history and culture of Anatolia.

The Grand Bazaar market

The historic heart of Istanbul! This covered market is one of the largest in the world, with over 4,000 stores offering a variety of products, from carpets and jewelry to spices and clothing. The Grand Bazaar was founded in 1461 and became an important trading center during the Ottoman period. It’s also an ideal place to sample Turkish culinary specialties such as baklava and simit.

The Cappadocia region

A region in central Turkey offering unique and spectacular landscapes. Göreme is the center of this region, famous for its unique rock formations, rock churches and fairy chimney valleys.

When you visit Göreme, you should take the time to hike through the Amur Valley, where you can see the famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. You can also visit Göreme’s open-air museum to see the region’s rock churches, frescoes and cave dwellings.

Cappadocia also offers a unique hot-air ballooning experience, for panoramic views of rock formations and fairy chimney valleys. You can also explore the region on horseback or mountain bike for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Bodrum‘s castle by the sea

Located in the Muğla region of Turkey, Sea Castle is one of the country’s best-preserved medieval fortresses. Surrounded by panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, this castle was built by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century to protect Bodrum from sea attacks.

The Château de la Mer now houses a fascinating archaeological museum displaying artefacts from Hellenistic and Roman times. Here you can discover remarkable objects such as ceramics, sculptures and coins. Don’t miss the room devoted to the famous Uluburun vessel, which was discovered in the waters around Bodrum.

Manavgat Falls

Located just a few kilometers from the town of Manavgat, these waterfalls offer a magnificent view of flowing water and a relaxing experience for visitors. You can take a boat trip along the Manavgat River to see the waterfalls up close. There’s also a market near the waterfalls where you can find local souvenirs and gifts. For a relaxing day in the open air, don’t miss the Manavgat waterfalls.

Düden and its waterfalls

Düden is a coastal town in the Antalya region of Turkey. The Düden Falls are a must-see for visitors to this town. The falls are formed by the Düden river, which flows into the Mediterranean. Falls are divided into two parts: upper falls and lower falls.

The upper Düden Falls are located at the headwaters of the river and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Stroll along the footbridges and watch the crystal-clear waters fall into the river below. The lower Düden Falls, meanwhile, flow directly into the sea, creating a refreshing mist and a dazzling spectacle.

Visitors can also explore the caves behind the falls. These caves offer a unique experience and allow visitors to discover the local flora and fauna. It’s also possible to take a boat trip around the falls, to enjoy a different view of the whole.

Hey Yupers! Did you know that the Düden Falls have been used as a backdrop for numerous films and TV series?

The Temple of Artemis

The Temple of Artemis is located in Ephesus, Turkey, and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis, and was built in the 6th century BC. Although the temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it remains an impressive site to visit.

The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

This monument is famous for its remarkable architecture, which dates back over 2,000 years. The mausoleum was built in honor of King Mausole, who ruled this region for many years.

Unfortunately, the monument has suffered considerable damage over the centuries, notably from earthquakes and invasions. Despite this, it remains a symbol of the greatness of ancient Greek civilization.

Antalya Museum

The museum is housed in a historic building and boasts a rich collection of archaeological artifacts. The first room of the museum plunges you into the region’s ancient history, with objects dating from the Stone Age to Roman times. The next room focuses on the Byzantine era, with mosaics and coins. The third room takes you back to the Ottoman era, with traditional costumes and handicrafts. Finally, the museum’s last room is dedicated to the region’s natural history, with exhibits on local flora and fauna. Finally, the museum’s last room is dedicated to the region’s natural history, with exhibits on local flora and fauna.

Dolmabahçe Palace

This magnificent palace is a true gem of Ottoman architecture, built in the 19th century.

Located on the banks of the Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Palace is a perfect example of European style combined with oriental traditions. The palace is gigantic, with over 285 rooms and halls, all richly decorated with sumptuous furniture, carpets and works of art.

Dolmabahçe Palace is also famous for its history. It was the seat of the Turkish government for almost 80 years, before being converted into a museum in 1984. Visitors can admire the palace’s sumptuous interiors, including the throne room and imperial reception hall.

Egyptian bazaar, the spice market

If you visit Istanbul, don’t miss a trip to the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market. Located in the city’s historic district, this bazaar is a veritable explosion of colors, flavours and scents! You’ll find all sorts of spices, dried fruits, sweets and teas. The beauty of the setting is breathtaking, with its arcades and tiled walls.

Pamukkale‘s swimming pools

Pamukkale’s famous white limestone pools are a natural site unique in the world. The warm, mineral-rich waters that flow over the limestone terraces create impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. During your visit, you can take a stroll in the warm waters and enjoy the panoramic view. Afterwards, you can explore the ancient ruins of the Roman spa town of Hierapolis, just outside Pamukkale.

Léandre‘s Tower

This iconic 2,000-year-old tower is located on the island of Kızıl Adalar, near Istanbul. It was built to guide ships into the port of Byzantium. The tower has been rebuilt several times over the years, and is now a symbol of the city of Istanbul.

Temple of Zeus, Aizanoi

Located in Izmir, this ancient temple is an impressive testimony to the grandeur of Hellenistic civilization. The temple was dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus, and is considered one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Many remains are still visible today, such as the remains of the gigantic altar of Zeus and the magnificently sculpted marble columns.

The Temple of Apollo

This ancient religious site dating from the 6th century BC is dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of music, the arts, light and healing. The temple was one of the largest and most impressive in antiquity, standing over 20 meters high and almost 120 meters long.

Alanya Fortress

Situated on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, this medieval fortress offers a breathtaking view of the city. Built in the 13th century, it comprises two parts: the upper and lower citadels.

The upper citadel, also known as the castle, houses the remains of a mosque, a Turkish bath and numerous historic buildings. The lower citadel, meanwhile, is home to a historic port, as well as well-preserved towers and ramparts.