Top 7 best cities in Turkey to visit

It's no secret that Turkey is a fantastic vacation destination. However, what's less known is the variety of attractions in its cities, many of which offer enough to keep you engaged for a weekend or even longer.

But in such a vast and culturally rich country, it can be challenging to decide where to begin. To assist with that, Yahoo has compiled a list of the top cities in Turkey to aid you in planning your next adventure, whether you're drawn to history, nightlife, or culture.

Istanbul

A city with a history spanning both Europe and Asia, Istanbul has been home to three different empires for nearly three millennia, retaining remnants of these diverse cultures to this day. Ottoman and Byzantine influences are prevalent, especially in the Sultanahmet district, which houses many of the city's prominent attractions.

Chief among them are the Blue Mosque with its towering minarets and Hagia Sophia, originally a church that was later converted into a mosque, reflecting the city's shifting influences over time. Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern are other major attractions in the area, while neighborhoods like Balat, originally inhabited by Greeks and Armenians, and Fener are also worth exploring.

Antalya

For many years, Antalya has vied with Istanbul for the title of the most visited Turkish city. Despite being slightly smaller in size, Antalya, the capital of the Turquoise Coast, surpasses in tourism thanks to its charming old town, picturesque harbor, and numerous beautiful beaches in the vicinity.

Some of the finest beaches nearby include Cirali, Konyaalti, and Patara.

Bodrum

Bodrum is renowned as an ideal destination for a Turkish summer getaway. Nestled amidst verdant hills, it boasts a coveted coastal setting, pristine beaches such as Yahsi and Aspat, a plethora of tourist sites, and vibrant nightlife for those inclined.

An array of resorts, ranging from lavish luxury to more budget-friendly and family-oriented, cater to all types of tourists, whether seeking revelry on the waterfront or delving into the region's history. Bodrum offers ample exploration opportunities; once known as Halicarnassus, it still preserves a mausoleum, ancient ruins, a Roman theater, and the 700-year-old Bodrum Castle.

Ankara

While Turkey's capital may be overshadowed by the world-famous Istanbul, Ankara offers visitors a glimpse of the country's distinct side, away from bustling cities and lively coastal resorts. It is a youthful, dynamic city blending the old with the new, fueled by its status as a major urban center, featuring vibrant modern neighborhoods like the student-friendly Kizilay and the upscale Kavaklidere.

Izmir

Though the city's history revolves around the activity surrounding the Gulf of Izmir, the city's prominent landmark in modern times is its 20th-century Clock Tower. Situated in the heart of Konak Square in the eponymous district, it serves as the entrance to the 17th-century labyrinthine Kemeralti market. This Turkish bazaar sprawls across the city to the Roman agora, while the ancient fortress of Kadifekale stands as another significant historical site.

Edirne

Situated on the borders with Greece and Bulgaria, Edirne exudes a more European ambiance compared to its Turkish counterparts. However, its architecture, mosques, bazaars, and palace serve as constant reminders of its past as the former capital of the Ottoman Empire.

Nestled along the Maritsa and Tunca rivers amidst verdant plains, Edirne boasts a landscape reminiscent of Antalya with its white-roofed buildings. The city's focal point is the 16th-century Selimiye Mosque, a striking UNESCO-listed structure and a symbol of Edirne. Other mosques like Muradiye, the Old Mosque, and the Sultan Beyezid II Complex punctuate the city skyline, while bridges across the Tunca River evoke the Ottoman era, providing summer recreational spots and opportunities for light swimming.

Marmaris

Marmaris is a sought-after coastal destination that attracts thousands of tourists annually despite its modest size. Situated on the Aegean Sea amidst dense forests and towering hills, it boasts a coastline adorned with golden sands caressed by azure waters along beaches like Urban or Long Beach.

As TravelWise reported earlier, the best places to visit in Turkey in March 2024 were named.