How to use this list (so you don’t overpack your itinerary)

Turkey is tempting because the highlights are so different from each other. The trick is to group places by region and build a route that minimizes backtracking.

• First-timers: Istanbul + Cappadocia + one coastal base is a strong trio.
• History-focused: Istanbul + Ephesus area + a second ancient site in the south.
• Beach + scenery: one or two towns on the Turquoise Coast, with day trips.

Most travel stress in Turkey comes from trying to do too many long transfers. Fewer bases, better trip.

1) Istanbul: the essential starting point

Istanbul is not just a stopover. It’s one of the few cities where you can spend a full week and still feel like you only skimmed the surface—historic sites, ferry rides, neighborhoods with completely different personalities, and food that deserves its own itinerary.

Don’t miss

• Historic core: major landmarks, museums, and centuries of architecture in walking distance.
• Bosphorus ferry time: the simplest “tour” that doesn’t feel touristy.
• Markets and street food: go hungry, go curious.

2) Cappadocia: valleys, cave hotels, and sunrise skies

Cappadocia looks unreal in photos and still surprises in person. The region is built for early mornings, slow afternoons, and viewpoint-heavy days. If you’ve ever wanted a trip that feels slightly surreal (in the best way), this is it.

What to do

• Sunrise viewpoints: even if you skip ballooning, the sunrise is worth the alarm.
• Valley walks: plan a few hours, not “a quick loop.”
• Underground cities and cave sites: ideal when the weather is hot or windy.

One practical tip: Cappadocia is a “layers” destination. Mornings can be cold even when afternoons feel warm.

3) Antalya: a coastal city base with easy day trips

Antalya works well if you want a city with beaches and a launchpad for nearby ruins and natural sights. It’s also convenient for travelers who want a single base rather than hopping between smaller towns.

Best for

• Coastal downtime without giving up restaurants and amenities.
• Day trips to nearby historical sites and viewpoints.
• Shoulder-season travel when you want warmth without peak-summer intensity.

4) Fethiye & Ölüdeniz: classic Turquoise Coast scenery

If your mental image of Turkey includes bright-blue water, pine-covered hills, and boat days, this is the area people are usually talking about. Fethiye gives you a practical base. Ölüdeniz delivers the “wow” coastline.

What travelers love here

• Boat trips for coves and swim stops.
• Viewpoints that are worth the short climbs.
• Beach days with a backdrop that looks edited.

If you’re going in peak summer, start early and take long breaks midday. Heat management matters more than you think.

5) Bodrum: stylish seaside with history baked in

Bodrum is polished, social, and built for people who want beach time with good restaurants and nightlife nearby. It also has a strong historical layer, which keeps it from feeling like a resort-only destination.

Good fit for

• Short luxury-leaning trips with a beach focus.
• Food and marina evenings after daytime exploring.
• Island-hopping vibes without leaving the coast.

6) Ephesus (near Selçuk): one of Turkey’s must-see ancient sites

Ephesus is a headline-level archaeological site and it lives up to it. Even if you’re not a “ruins person,” this is the place that tends to convert people. Give it time, arrive early, and don’t rush through the details.

Planning tips

• Go early to avoid peak heat and crowds.
• Stay nearby if you want a calmer pace than a day-trip sprint.
• Bring water and comfortable shoes—this isn’t a casual stroll.

7) Pamukkale: travertine terraces and a different kind of day trip

Pamukkale is one of Turkey’s most distinctive natural sights. It’s visually striking and easy to pair with nearby historical stops, making it a good “one big day” in the middle of a longer route.

Plan for a strong sun and reflective white surfaces—this is not a “forget your hat” destination.

8) İzmir: a laid-back city with great access to the Aegean

İzmir is a good choice if you want a city that feels lived-in, with coastal air and easy links to Aegean towns and historical sites. It’s often used as a practical hub, but it can also be a destination in its own right.

Why it works

• Urban comfort without Istanbul’s intensity.
• Aegean access for day trips and coastal drives.
• Good pacing between heavier sightseeing stops.

9) Ankara: the capital for travelers who like museums and modern Turkey

Ankara doesn’t compete with Istanbul on romance, and it doesn’t need to. It’s a different lens on the country—more modern, more administrative, and surprisingly rewarding if you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys museums and context.

If you want to understand Turkey beyond the tourist circuit, Ankara is worth considering.

10) The Black Sea region: green landscapes and cooler air

Turkey’s Black Sea coast is a shift in color palette: greener, mistier, and often cooler. It’s a strong choice if you’ve done the classic route before, or if you want nature and local culture away from the busiest areas.

Best for

• Scenic drives and mountain viewpoints.
• Food-focused travel with regional specialties.
• Summer escapes when you prefer cooler air to peak heat.

When to visit Turkey (quick timing guidance)

Turkey spans multiple climates. In general, spring and autumn are the easiest seasons for city sightseeing and inland travel. Summer is best for the coast, but it can be intense inland. Winter can be excellent for cities if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind cooler days.

Travel tip that saves time: set up your connectivity before you land

Turkey trips often involve movement—airport transfers, intercity buses or flights, day tours, and constant navigation. Having data ready immediately makes everything smoother, especially if your itinerary changes on the fly.

ZetSIM setup in 3 steps

• Select country & plan: choose Turkey and the data plan that fits your trip.
• Check eSIM compatibility, checkout & pay: eSIM is delivered by email (and in-app when applicable).
• Scan QR & switch on roaming: scan the QR code and turn on data roaming to activate.

Payment methods listed by ZetSIM include major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

FAQ: Best places to visit in Turkey

Links

• ZetSIM official site
• How ZetSIM works
• Download the ZetSIM app