What to Do in Turkey — 30 Unforgettable Experiences for Your Bucket List
Turkey is a destination that delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn. From soaring above fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon to haggling in ancient bazaars, swimming in thermal pools, and savoring the world’s best kebabs — here are 30 things you absolutely must do in Turkey.
Istanbul Experiences
1. Visit Hagia Sophia — This 1,500-year-old masterpiece has been a cathedral, mosque, museum, and mosque again. Its soaring dome is breathtaking. 2. Cruise the Bosphorus — Sail between two continents on a Bosphorus cruise past Ottoman palaces and waterfront mansions. 3. Get lost in the Grand Bazaar — With 4,000+ shops, the Grand Bazaar is the world’s oldest and largest covered market. 4. Watch the sunset from Galata Tower — Panoramic views over Istanbul’s skyline are unforgettable. 5. Experience a Turkish Bath — A hamam experience is a must-do Turkish cultural ritual.
See our complete Istanbul things to do guide for more.
Cappadocia Experiences
6. Hot air balloon ride at sunrise — Floating over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. See our balloon guide for prices and tips. 7. Explore underground cities — Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are ancient multi-level cities carved deep into volcanic rock. 8. Stay in a cave hotel — Sleep in a luxury cave carved into the fairy chimneys. 9. Hike the valleys — Rose Valley, Love Valley, and Ihlara Valley offer stunning hiking trails. 10. Watch sunset at Uçhisar Castle — The highest point in Cappadocia offers 360-degree views.
Beach and Nature
11. Paraglide over Ölüdeniz — Tandem paragliding from Babadağ Mountain over the Blue Lagoon is incredible. Read our Fethiye & Oludeniz guide. 12. Swim in Pamukkale’s travertine pools — Wade through warm mineral waters on Pamukkale’s white terraces. 13. Sail the Turquoise Coast — A traditional gulet cruise along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is pure bliss. 14. Visit Butterfly Valley — Accessible only by boat, this hidden valley is a nature paradise. 15. Explore Antalya’s waterfalls — Düden Waterfalls cascade directly into the sea.
History and Culture
16. Walk through Ephesus — One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. See our Ephesus guide. 17. Visit Troy — Stand where Homer’s legendary war took place. 18. Explore Gallipoli — A moving pilgrimage to the WWI battlefields. 19. See the Sumela Monastery — A monastery clinging to a cliff face in the Black Sea mountains. 20. Visit Mount Nemrut at sunrise — Giant stone heads atop a 2,000-year-old burial mound.
Food Experiences
21. Eat a full Turkish breakfast — The most elaborate breakfast spread you’ll ever see. 22. Try street food in Istanbul — Our Istanbul food guide covers the best spots. 23. Drink Turkish coffee — Learn about this UNESCO-listed tradition in our coffee & tea guide. 24. Sample fresh baklava in Gaziantep — The birthplace of this iconic dessert. 25. Eat fish sandwich on the Galata Bridge — Istanbul’s most famous street snack.
Unique Experiences
26. Watch whirling dervishes — A mesmerizing Sufi ceremony, best seen in Konya or Istanbul. 27. Shop for Turkish carpets — Learn about this ancient craft and bring one home. 28. Visit a Turkish village — Experience authentic hospitality in rural Anatolia. 29. Take a cooking class — Learn to make traditional dishes from local chefs. 30. Sip tea on the Bosphorus — The most Turkish way to end any day.
Ready to start checking off your bucket list? Explore our guided Turkey tours or plan your own adventure with our 7-day and 10-day itineraries.
