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Best things to do in Turkey (Turkiye)
Check out our round-up of the top things to do on a Turkish trip.
Boat rides along the Turkish Riviera, daytrips to the ancient city of Ephesus and shopping at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar are some of the top picks for things to do on a Turkish holiday. A swim in the Blue Lagoon and a walk along the Lycian Way need to be on your holiday agenda if you’re staying along the southwest coast, too. Ready to find out more? Here’s our round-up of the top things to do in Turkey (Turkiye).
Once you’ve had a read, take a look at all the best things to do in Turkey (Turkiye).
Once you’ve had a read, take a look at all the best things to do in Turkey (Turkiye).
Explore the ancient city of Ephesus
The country is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Europe and the lion’s share of them can be found in one place – the ancient city of Ephesus. The two-storey Library of Celsus is probably the most iconic – it was built almost two thousand years ago to honour a Roman senator (called Celsus in case you hadn’t already guessed). There’s also The Great Theatre, which backs up its name with a 20,000-strong seating capacity, and The Terrace Houses which were once home to the city’s wealthiest residents. Once you’ve explored the city, stop in Selcuk – a 15-minute drive away – before you head back to your hotel. It’s home to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where you can check out artefacts from the ancient city, including inscriptions that tell the story of everyday life in Ephesus.
Shop for souvenirs at Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
Taking off to Turkey (Turkiye) for a city break? You need to visit the Grand Bazaar – one of the largest covered markets in the world. It’s home to around 4,000 shops spread around 60 streets. You can pick up everything you can imagine here – we’re talking hammam products, ceramics and glassware, handmade jewellery and all kinds of leather and silk goods. Our top tip? Brush up on your haggling skills before you arrive to bag yourself a bargain. Oh, and if you can, avoid heading here on the weekend when the market is at its busiest. You can also pair your visit with a trip to another of the city’s most iconic buildings – Hagia Sophia, less than a 10-minute walk away. It was built way back in the year 537, starting life as a church before it converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period. It’s easy to tell once you’re inside, where frescoes and marble columns showcase a blend of Christian and Islamic art.
Find out more about city breaks to Istanbul.
Find out more about city breaks to Istanbul.
Go snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon
If you’ve been searching on your socials for things to do in Turkey (Turkiye), we can pretty much guarantee Olu Deniz’s Blue Lagoon has made an appearance. Its clear, calm waters make it perfect for snorkelling and there’s plenty to see – including sea turtles if you’re lucky. Prefer to top up your tan? Head to Blue Lagoon Beach where there are loungers and parasols to rent for a few Liras. There are a handful of beach clubs dotted along the shoreline for cocktails and snacks, too.
Set sail on a traditional Turkish boat
If you ask us, no beach break is complete without a boat trip. And we reckon the best way to sail the Turkish sea is on a traditional wooden boat, AKA a gullet. You can take off from lots of different points along the coastline, including Fethiye, Bodrum and Marmaris. Trips usually include swim stops where you can cool down with a dip or don snorkels to check out the marine life below the water. Go for a trip with lunch included and you can tuck in to tasty plates of meze while taking in the sights of the Turkish Riviera.
Get a taste of traditional Turkey (Turkiye) in Kas
Fancy a traditional taste of Turkish life? Head to Kas. This town – in the Antalya region – hasn’t strayed from the path of tradition, with cobblestone streets lined by stone houses and cute boutiques selling handicrafts. It’s also home to a small port where you can catch a boat to the sunken city of Kekova. An earthquake caused it to sink hundreds of years ago, and you can see the city’s ruins just below sea level. Once you’re back in Kas, head to the Hellenistic Theatre – an ancient Greek amphitheatre built in the first century. It’s a great spot for sunset, where you can watch the sun sink into the Mediterranean Sea beyond the city.
Take a hike along Lycian Way
Lycian Way is the headline hiking trail here. It spans more than 300 miles along the country’s southwest coast from Fethiye to Antalya, and it takes the average hiker around a month to complete it. Don’t worry, though – the main trail is split into smaller sections, so you can still tick off a trip without spending a month in the mountains. Our top pick? The route from Fethiye to Olu Deniz is around seven miles long, and it finishes up at Olu Deniz Beach, the home of the Blue Lagoon (scroll up in case you missed it). There’s also the trail from Gey to Kayakoy which is around half the length. It takes you through olive groves and pine forests and once you’ve reached the finish line you’ll be greeted by an Anatolian Greek village. Kayakoy was abandoned more than 100 years ago, and it’s been frozen in time ever since.
Ready to go?
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Plus, check out the best places to stay in Turkey, what the food is like in Turkey and the best beaches in Turkey.
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Author: Karl Taylor
Last updated: 04.06.2025