10 Awesome Things To Do In Turkey In 2024

Turkey is a gorgeous country, with so much to see! Here are the most (literally!) awesome things to do there

By Bec Gregory

Turkey is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. On the border of Europe and Asia, Turkey has a multi-layered and multicultural history that will mesmerise you.

It’s popular for its beautiful beaches and bustling bazaars, but Turkey has some of the world’s most fascinating historical and cultural sites. In fact, there are a whopping 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit in Turkey!

Turkey has something for everyone to fall in love with. Whether you’re a history buff, book lover, beach bum or shopping aficionado, Turkey truly has it all. Plus, you’ll never forget the friendly people and fantastic food!

In addition, there are excellent places to stay everywhere and for all occasions! There’s everything from famous international chains, beautiful boutique hotels and impressive beach front villas and houses in Turkey, to cosy family run places and Airbnb houses.

Prepare for your love affair with Turkey by reading our guide to the top 10 things to do in Turkey in 2024.

The Best Things To Do In Turkey This Year

1. Eat

Turkish food is rated as one of the world’s greatest cuisines. And rightly so! Eating is definitely one of the best things to do in Turkey, any day!

Turkish cuisine is a delightful and incomparable combination of Eastern and Western flavours. From kebabs and pide (wood fired Turkish pizza) to meze boards and the iconic baklava, you’ll find an exciting array of mouth-watering dishes for all dietary tastes. Finish (or start!) by eating Turkish ice cream (kesme dondurma) with a knife and fork.

Turkey is also world famous for its street food offerings – and the options to eat are endless! The coffee here is top tier, too! Fun fact: did you know that Turkey introduced coffee to Europe?

Travel tip: If you get overwhelmed when ordering or you’re a bona fide foodie, join a food tour to discover the best spots for local cuisine and get tips on what to try!

2. Feed Cats

It has been said that Istanbul is the most cat friendly city in the world! Over a hundred thousand cats live on the streets of Turkey’s largest city. That might sound sad to some. But since most of the locals offer kindness, food and compassion to these furry friends, it’s actually quite a happy life for the felines! In fact, you’ll find food stations and shelters for the cats all over the city provided by a giant community of cat carers. Join in and show the cats some love!

3. Swim

Turkey is renowed for its breath-taking coastline that spans along the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Seas with hundreds of beautiful beaches. So, one of the best things to do in Turkey is…swimming! But only in summer – it’s too chilly for most in winter.

Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of busy beaches or the calmness of hidden coves, Turkey offers an extensive range of swimming experiences, ensuring that every dip is a delight.

Travel tip: Love turtles? Then take a trip to Iztuzu Beach which is a protected area for loggerhead sea turtles.

4. Visit Ottoman history

Thanks to its ancient heritage, which spanned great civilisations such as the Hittites, the Achaemenid Persian Empire, and the Armenian Orontid dynasty, Turkey boasts some of the world’s greatest ruins, art and architecture. But perhaps the best known legacy of Turkey is the Ottoman Empire.

Turkey’s magnificent Ottoman heritage is best explored by visiting iconic landmarks and historical monuments such as Topkapi Palace Museum, the Süleymaniye Mosque and the Spice Bazaar.

5. Shop the souks

Shopping the souks, a.k.a. bazaars, is one of the most enthralling things to do in Turkey! Alluring alleyways with one-of-a-kind finds, hidden boutiques, and bustling street markets make for a memorable retail adventure. The best things to buy include: carpets, lamps, spices, rose oil and water, and frankincense.

Get your haggling hat on and get ready for some lively negotiations!

Travel tip: Literary lovers should head straight to the Old Book Bazaar, or Sahaflar Carsisi in Istanbul as a priority destination.

6. See Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia of Istanbul is one of the most magnificent monuments on the planet! This ancient superstructure is an engineering marvel that was built more than 1,500 years ago. It started as a basilica, then it became a mosque, and later it was turned into a museum. In 2020, it became a mosque again.

The Hagia Sophia is world renowned for its architectural genius, including a massive 6^{th c}entury dome that soars over 55 metres. Don’t miss it!

7. Get scrubbed in a hamam

A trip to Turkey is never fully complete without a visit to a hamam! Hamam is a term for both the place and the specialised spa tradition and it’s a major part of Turkish culture.

A typical hamam treatment will include washing; body scrubbing (with an exfoliating mitt known as a kese); a foam wash; and a massage. The unique Turkish bath experience will leave you physically and spiritually purified, with silky smooth skin.

8. Watch the Whirling Dervishes

The Whirling Dervishes, also known as the Mevlevi Order or Mevlevi Sufis are devoted followers of Islamic Sufism renowned for their mystical dance of meditation.

You can watch the Whirling Dervishes perform the mesmerising Sufi dancing ceremony, or sema that seems to defy gravity in Konya where the Mevlevi Order originated and in other parts of Turkey such as Istanbul.

9, Check out Gobekli Tepe

Considered to be the world’s first temple, Gobekli Tepe is Turkey’s oldest known historical site. On the stunning hilltop site, you’ll find massive standing stones arranged in circles that are about 11,000 years old, offering early evidence of prehistoric worship. These megaliths predate Stonehenge by 6,000 years! And some of the stones are elaborately carved with images of animals such as foxes and lions.

If you love visiting ancient sacred sites, get Gobekli Tepe at the top of your list of things to do in Turkey!

10. Bathe in Pamukkale hot springs

Feeling like your health needs a bit of a boost? Experience the healing magic of mineral rich water by bathing in the thermal pools of Pamukkale. The water here can do wonders for the skin!

Pumukkale, which means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish perfectly describes what this mesmerising world famous site looks like. The naturally formed terraces of white travertine and beautiful turquoise pools look like something straight out of a fairy tale!

You can follow in the footsteps of royalty at this otherworldly site, where Queen Cleopatra once took a dip in the crystal-clear waters.

Travel Tip: Plan your trip to Pamukkale hot springs a couple of hours before sunset to enjoy the experience with less crowds and watch one of the most memorable sunsets of your life whilst bathing in the thermal pools. Divine!

What are your favourite things to do in Turkey? Please comment below, we’d love to know!

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Bec Gregory

Based in Cheshire, Bec has over 20 years’ experience in the beauty and wellness industry. She holds a degree in Cosmetic Science from the world-renowned London College of Fashion. She is currently studying a master’s in journalism at the University of Derby.

Her recent projects explore spiritual life in Britain and the effects of female-centred spirituality on women's wellness.

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