You cannot say you have lived in Turkey without seeing these places. We have compiled a list of must-see places in Turkey, inspired by the opinions of many of our writers. We have tried to inspire your travel pleasure by slightly modifying the first things that come to mind when it comes to places to visit. Hopefully, you will like our travel article titled 50 Different Must-See Places to Visit in Turkey.
1- Nemrut Mountain National Park in Adıyaman
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“Nemrut Mountain National Park” is a unique cultural heritage not only for our country but also for the whole world, with an elevation of 2,150 meters. That is precisely why UNESCO has not overlooked Nemrut Mountain and included it in the list of world cultural heritage sites. The main reason for adding the Nemrut statue to this list is that it is considered the eighth wonder of the world. There is also an inscription next to the statue, and along with it, there are monumental tombs.
This mountain is distinguished from other mountains by the Tomb and statues of the King of Commagene, which make this place unique. Commagene Kingdom, also known as a genetic community, was a powerful kingdom with a strong tradition and culture formed by the Persians and Greeks. The lands of Commagene have continued to be a homeland for people since ancient times, as evidenced by the remains uncovered through cave dwellings and archaeological excavations.
2- King Rock Tombs in Amasya
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“King Rock Tombs” is a city steeped in history with every street, hosting both the Ottoman and pre-Ottoman civilizations. One of the most well-known centers of its history, the King Rock Tombs, was carved into the limestone cliffs like a vertical wall at the foot of Amasya Castle.
To reach the tombs, one must pass through the narrow streets of Hatuniye Mahallesi. Among the tombs, there are carved paths and stairs on the rock. Although it is known that there were 21 tombs of various sizes along the Yeşilırmak Valley, only a few have survived to this day.
3- Düden Waterfall in Antalya
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“Düden Waterfall”: It’s a pleasure just to introduce this place, and I must say that having such a location within the borders of Turkey excites me a lot. Düden Waterfall is overflowing with tourists from all around the world who are curious and eager to visit. At the entrance of the waterfall, you can ride on camels and capture a beautiful souvenir photo. There are plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants within the waterfall area, and it also houses a Youth Park. The water of Düden Waterfall cascades into the sea with a tremendous roar from a height of 50 meters at Lara Beach, which is approximately 15 km away.
4- Atatürk Statue im Artvin
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The statue, named “Atatürk Heykeli,” is located on Ata Tepe at the foothills of Genya Mountain, which is the most prominent part of Artvin. It holds the distinction of being the largest Atatürk statue in Turkey and the world in terms of size. It stands at a height of 22 meters and weighs 60 tons. The statue was constructed on a 7.5-acre land, using 40 tons of steel, 10 tons of copper, and 10 tons of various materials. A total of 1,480 pieces were used to symbolize Atatürk’s posture at the Battle of the Great Offensive in Kocatepe, Afyon, before the victory. Additionally, next to the statue, there is a Turkish flag measuring 216 square meters, waving on a 60-meter-high pole.
5- Yedigöller National Park in Bolu
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“Yedigöller National Park” is one of the 50 Different Must-See Places in Turkey Yedigöller National Park: With its serene and tranquil nature, Yedigöller is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the tiring and suffocating effects of city life. It offers a variety of different landscapes and features. There are various terrains, waterfalls, and walking trails for those who enjoy trekking.
The surroundings of the lakes are covered with broad-leaved trees such as beech, oak, hornbeam, alder, black alder, lime, as well as coniferous trees like Scots pine, black pine, and fir. It is one of the most beautiful forest areas in Turkey. Especially during autumn days, the beech trees and other broad-leaved trees transform into a mesmerizing array of colors ranging from yellow to crimson, providing captivating sights that are particularly delightful for photography enthusiasts.
6- Gölcük Nature Park in Bolu
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Gölcük Nature Park: The park has an artificially created stunning lake view. This place, which showcases the beauties of nature in every season, is just one of the thousands of wonders waiting to be discovered in our country. The lake and its surroundings have been protected as a forest rest area by national parks. Since vehicle entry is prohibited around the lake, you can easily take a walk. This nature park, which attracts numerous visitors throughout the year for sightseeing, traveling, photography, and picnicking, is a must-visit destination for you as well.
It is possible to encounter many animals in the nature park during summer and winter. Rabbits and badgers are among these animals.
7- Salda Lake in Burdur / Yeşilova
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Salda Lake: Salda Lake, among Turkey’s most beautiful lakes, is one of the places that best exemplifies Turkey’s hidden geological magnificence. Salda has become increasingly famous in recent times, and we can say that the allure of Salda is steadily growing. This is due to the efforts of the Burdur – Yeşilova Municipality, to which Salda is connected. This includes not only promotional activities but also the satisfaction experienced by visitors to Salda Lake and the free services provided to those who come to visit. The recommendations of every visitor to Salda to others also contribute to the increasing popularity of the lake.
8- Gölyazı Village in Bursa
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Gölyazı Village is a small fishing village located on the shores of Lake Uluabat in the Nilüfer District of Bursa, Turkey. Its breathtaking scenery and unique surroundings make it a place that makes you wonder if such a place exists in Turkey. Despite its beauty, many people are unaware of its existence, and even certain parts of Bursa itself may not know that this place is located in Bursa. We wanted to introduce you to this village in more detail by exchanging ideas with our writers who are present in Bursa.
The local people, both young and old, particularly enjoy fishing, mostly on weekends. As mentioned earlier, it is indeed a small fishing village. Both men and women engage in fishing, and you may come across women sitting in the streets knitting fishing nets. It is worth noting that the villagers are friendly, warm-hearted, and hospitable.
9- Cumalıkızık Village in Bursa:
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Cumalıkızık Village is a testament to the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, with its narrow streets, cobblestone roads, ambiance steeped in history, and timeless houses. Despite its 700-year-old history, the village has preserved its historical texture intact and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.
Instead of opting for a long vacation, those who want to make the most of their weekends can choose to visit various places in Bursa, each offering a different atmosphere. Cumalıkızık Village, the oldest among them, can be reached with a short journey from the city center. Nestled at the foothills of Uludağ, you can immerse yourself in the mysterious village life within the city and savor your tea under the shade of ancient plane trees that have withstood the test of time. You can take a stroll through the narrow streets that lead to the village square, capturing the vibrant colors of the painted houses in your photographs to keep their essence alive.
10 – Great Mosque of Bursa
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Bursa Grand Mosque: The Grand Mosque, which is the most magnificent mosque in Bursa, was originally commissioned by I. Bayezid during the Ottoman period to be used as a zawiya (a small Islamic religious complex). Construction began in 1396 and was completed in 1399 after three years of work. Covering an area of 5000 square meters, the Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Turkish history in terms of the enclosed prayer area. It deviates slightly from the known architectural style of the Ottoman Empire. Instead of a main dome, it features 20 smaller domes, and the central dome is covered with glass for illumination purposes.