Top Things to Do in Turkey: A Blissful Vacation to the Middle Eastern Country

Turkey, a Middle Eastern country, tells the tales of the earliest human civilisation. Its beauty, grandeur, and exquisiteness cannot be defined in words. Natural landscapes, heritage sites, and spectacular mosques make it a prime destination for nature, history, and culture lovers. With numerous things to do in Turkey, you must plan your vacation well to feel the zest of the Middle Eastern lifestyle. Put on your walking shoes and traverse the busy streets of Turkey, try authentic cuisines, and meet the locals to have a well-rounded vacation. Here are some of the best things to do in Turkey that you shouldn’t miss:

Top things to do in Turkey

• Visit Hagia Sophia
• Go for a Sauna Experience at Pamukkale Thermal Pools
• Watch the Sacred Dance, Dervish
• Visit the Ruins of Ephesus
• Shopping in Kapali Carsisi
• Visit the Blue Mosque
• Go on an Adventurous Hike at Mount Nemrut
• The Majestic View of the Bosphorus Ferry Ride

Visit Hagia Sophia

One of the best things to do in Turkey is visit Hagia Sophia, a museum that carries the stories of the past. Located in Istanbul, this museum was built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal basilica. With huge historical and religious significance, this architectural marvel converted from a church to a mosque and then to a museum in subsequent centuries. The museum beautifully captures the essence of religious changes in its architecture. The towers and inscriptions of Islam and the grand mosaics of Christianity co-exist in the Hagia Sophia which speaks a lot about the transitional times of Istanbul. The museum showcases Byzantine architecture made with the finest marble. Some of the distinguishing features of this museum are the Deesis mosaic, the Saint John Chrysostom mosaic, and the 19th-century market of Enrico Dandolo's tomb.

Go for a Sauna Experience at Pamukkale Thermal Pools

A sauna experience at Pamukkale Thermal Pools is one of the top things to do in Turkey. The name Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish. It is a remarkable site known for its carbonated mineral deposit from the thermal spring water. A visit to this place is a part of the best Turkey tour packages. It is a heaven made of white calcareous landscape and turquoise water. The legend attached to the pool is it has healing properties. So, you can spot many locals and tourists bathing in the Travertine pool. At the site, you will have to walk barefoot to reach the natural pool. It is advised to take off shoes to protect the white mineral formation.

Watch the Sacred Dance, Dervish

Turkey is steeped in culture and tradition which gives this destination a unique identity. Travelling gives you a window to see the culture, lifestyle, and traditional roots of the place. If you are fond of the local art, you must see the sacred dance, Dervish in Turkey. The local dancers dedicate their dance performance to the almighty which will remind you of the “Khwaja mere Khwaja” song from the Jodha Akbar movie. It also reflects how art and cinema capture the essence of ancient culture. Visiting the homeland of the art form will surely give you Goosebumps. The rhythm, musical sound, and Sufi poetry will centre your thoughts and be one of your most memorable experiences of the trip.

Visit the Ruins of Ephesus

Visiting the Ruins of Ephesus is an iconic thing to do in Turkey. The ruins of the erstwhile Greek city Ephesus are a landmark place in the Middle Eastern country. Its origin goes back to the 10th century BC. The Ruins of Ephesus tells a story of a bygone era and is amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. You can see the remains of Artemis temple and city, which attract numerous tourists every year. The classic tale of the rise and fall of the umpire gives you a peek into the past. If you love to explore old settlements and cities, this will be an enriching experience for you. You will come back with immense knowledge about Greek culture, and their history.

Shopping in Kapali Carsisi

When in Turkey, you should not go back home without buying some artefacts. It is one of the top things to do in Turkey for shopaholics and art fanatics. The Kapali Carsis of Istanbul, also known as the Grand Bazaar is the gateway to all things art! The supreme craftsmanship by generations of artisans will mesmerise you with their talent. No price can justify their hard work and dedication to creating unique ornaments, antique pieces, and handcrafted artwork. The place is a treasure trove for those who have an eye for art.

Visit the Blue Mosque

Go to the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, to learn about Turkish culture. The mosque has a blue interior giving it a distinct look. Many locals visit here to worship and tourists visit to see the gorgeous architecture of the religious place. Built in the Ottoman era, this mosque has a calming atmosphere. It is located in a prime locality facing Hagia Sophia. It has numerous balconies, minarets, and a courtyard. It is one of the places that you must see in Turkey.

Go on an Adventurous Hike at Mount Nemrut

Let your adventure child come out and go for an exhilarating hike at Mount Nemrut. Popular for its hiking trails, Mount Nemrut’s top view makes the hike worth the effort. It is a great activity to do in Turkey. Mount Nemrut is the mausoleum of Antiochus, built in the 1st century.

The place has a huge man-made burial chamber of stone chips against a breathtaking landscape. The monument has east, west, and north-facing terraces. It is interesting to know that the north-facing terrace seems like it was never finished. The east side has gigantic statues of Greek and Iranian gods. Later on, the heads of the gods were either removed or fell off. Today, it is kept above the body of the statues. Lastly, the west side has limestone slabs that add to the beauty of the hiking trails.

The Majestic View of the Bosphorus Ferry Ride

A very fascinating stuff to do in Turkey is going for a Bosphorus ferry ride. This place has a special view as the Black Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea here. You cannot get enough of this beauty with the Rumeli fortress standing tall at one end and the view of the Galata Bridge at a far distance. A ferry ride is all you need to soak in this panoramic sight that will bring a smile to your face whenever you think about your Turkey trip. It is one of the must-see places in Turkey.

Turkey is the ideal Middle Eastern country that gives you a one-of-a-kind travel experience. Travelling the world and reaching a place with a very different pulse will give you a different lens to look at life. With numerous things to do and see in Turkey, your travel itinerary will keep you engaged and entertained. The best time to visit Turkey depends on what places you want to explore. No matter when you book a Turkey travel package, you are in for a great vacation.