Top 15 Bucket List Experiences in Turkey

Turkey is a transcontinental country falling both in Asia and Europe. Turkey is one is the most visited countries in the World, and it is full of fascinating sights and unforgettable experiences. There are many amazing things to see and do in Turkey, and it is also home to famous cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, Cappadocia, and Trabzon, which draw a large number of tourists.

Turkey is the place to go if you’re looking for a country that will blow your mind. Most travellers visit Turkey while transiting between Europe and Asia. However, this underestimated location with its untamed, volcanic landscapes, ancient, subterranean civilizations, and 4,000 years of rich history and traditions, deserves more than just a transit stopover.

You will not be short on options when it comes to seeing gorgeous spots in Turkey. The world’s 37th largest country is home to breathtaking scenery that everyone should visit at least once. From the Rolling Plateaus of the Kackar Mountains to the broad stretches of sandy Mediterranean beaches, and all in between, these locations are ideal for anyone looking for more beauty.

When you visit Turkey, make sure to tick off these Unique Experiences off your Turkey Bucket List ! 

Take a dip at the Pamukkale Calcium Pools

Pamukkale is a natural wonder in addition to being gorgeous. Small ponds occur when calcium-solidified water cascades down the slope, making it one of Turkey’s most popular tourist destinations. Thousands of tourists visit Pamukkale every month, and hot-air balloon rides and paragliding are two popular activities for seeing the scenery from a different perspective. Head to Cleopatra’s pool to swim in the natural bath water covering old submerged columns from Hierapolis ruins city after paddling in huge and tiny pools, which also provide a great panorama view of the surrounding countryside.

Fly in a Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia

Turkey’s Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination, primarily because of the beautiful vistas you get when flying in a Hot Air Balloon. Rocky mountains, underground towns, and caves can all be found in this region. There are many things to see and do there, including riding a hot air balloon. The Hot Air Ballon ride in Cappadocia will cost you between $150 and $200 per person on average. It’s a must-do activity on your Turkey bucket list.

Take a Water Taxi to Butterfly Valley

This is one of those places where one stone can kill two birds. Take a water taxi to Butterfly Valley from the Oludeniz beach. The boat journey is a fantastic chance to take in the scenery of the rough coastline, which includes beaches, hills, and settlements. As you round the bend to enter the Valley, a tall canyon presents itself as the ideal backdrop for an Instagram photo. Disembark and proceed down the trail to find hidden waterfalls. Although snorkelers claim the conditions are ideal, Butterfly Valley is more about admiring the view than doing activities.

Hike up Mount Nemrut

Mount Nemrut, also known as the Eighth Wonder of World,  is a 2,134-foot-tall peak with numerous huge statues. This area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The location is 40 kilometres from Adiyaman, which is the closest town to Mount Nemrut. It is possible to travel there by automobile or even by helicopter.

Go Chasing Waterfalls in Antalya

Continue your journey down the Turquoise Coast, chasing waterfalls in Antalya for amazing photo sessions to show your friends back home. Begin at the lower Duden Falls, which are located near Lara Beach. The greatest way to see them is from a boat, as they tumble 40 metres down a cliff into the Mediterranean Sea. The 20-metre upper Duden waterfalls are a short 20-minute drive inland, and locals and visitors alike like them during the summer months since they help to cool down.

Try the Turkish Wet burger (Islak Burger)

The Turkish wet burger is a must-try if you’re looking for legendary street food. Consider it a cross between a meatloaf and an American diner burger with a generous helping of garlicky, buttery tomato sauce. And, unlike Turkish kebabs or baklava, this street food classic has yet to gain traction outside of Turkey, so sampling a few is one of the best experiences that you can have in Turkey.

Have your Fortunes read, while enjoying a Turkish Coffee

Turkish coffee isn’t your average mug of java. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), it is one of the world’s most significant cultural heritages. Turkish literature, songs, and ceremonial ceremonies all honour this caffeinated gem, with extra attention paid to making each cup a special occasion. To make the perfect foam, locals combine cold water and sugar with finely ground beans and slowly brew the concoction on a stove.

Slowly sip your Turkish coffee to allow the grounds to settle at the fincan’s bottom. As a result, you’ll be able to partake in a centuries-old  local pastime: Turkish coffee fortune telling. Several cafes now have lefto interpreters on staff.

Try out Spices and Dry Fruits in a Turkish Bazaar

A Turkish market is the quintessential symbol of the country. As a result, visiting the different bazaars in Turkey, is one of the Best Things to do in Istanbul. Tourists come to these cultural hotspots for the bustling kiosks brimming with delectable local goodies such as Turkish Delights.

Dried fruit is available in a variety of sizes and shapes in Turkey. From a shaved piece of fruit paste wrapped in nuts to dried, pounded fruit leather, there’s something for everyone.

Visit the Mardin’s Historic Center

Old Mardin is the crown treasure of southeast Turkey, which makes it easy to forget the new Mardin, because it has average-looking terrain when it comes to cities. The beauty here comes from ancient structures and a nostalgic vibe in the air, rather than colours and Mother Nature. Enjoy a beautiful perspective of the Mesopotamian plains, thought to be the birthplace of civilisation, from atop a big hill. Locals are passionate about preserving their cultural legacy, which can be seen on every street corner.

Experience the Peace at Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque

Hagia Sophia

Visiting Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are not only some of the Best Things to do in Istanbul, but they are wonderful representations of what people can achieve with their hearts and souls, and are those quintessential attractions in Istanbul, that should definitely find a place on your Istanbul Travel Itinerary. Large Islamic calligraphy and Christian murals are linked together at the Hagia Sophia, which was once one of the world’s largest structures. While the Blue Mosque’s interior design and décor contribute to a tranquil, peaceful aura of being at one with God.

Go Off the Beaten Path in Camlihemsin

Exploring obscure, off-the-beaten-path locales is a hallmark of the Northeast. This excludes charming towns like Camlihemsin, which is noted for its historic stone Ottoman bridges. Large waterfalls, a diverse cultural landscape, wooden bridges, mosques, and small, lonely mountain settlements trapped in time are all to be expected. Autumn or spring are the best times to visit since the colours are brilliant in every direction. The Firtina Valley, the region’s highlight, is a fantastic area to stay for a true Black Sea experience. White water rafting is also an optional extra!

Admire the Nature in The Ayder Plateau 

Locals utilise natural resources where feasible as they ascend the Kackar mountain range. They used wood from the surrounding forests to construct many residences and hotels on the Ayder plateau, where visitors wake up to views of rolling green hills and cascading waterfalls. A one-night stay in Ayder is sufficient to view the highlights, including the natural bath waters, and if you are interested. As you climb further into the mountains, you’ll come across little towns that are cut off from the rest of the world.

Visit the Sumela Monastery in Turkey

The Sumela Monastery, perched on the edge of a rock face overlooking Macka National Park, defies belief. It is one of the highlights of the town of Trabzon, which is one of the Most Amazing Cities in Turkey, that you need to visit. This Greek orthodox monastery carved out of the rock, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was used until the early twentieth century, when monks abandoned it for safer grounds. Renovations are still occurring at the time of publication, but on a clear day, you can view the monastery from afar and appreciate Macka Park’s lush greenery.

Cross the Galata Bridge on foot

The Galata Bridge, which spans Istanbul’s Golden Horn, is a renowned tourist attraction. Visitors may enjoy a stunning sunset as well as a picture-perfect photo opportunity. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city by visiting Galata Tower, a neighbouring landmark.

Go Underground in the Underground city of Kaymakli

Do you want to have an unforgettable vacation? Kaymakli, Cappadocia’s underground city, is worth a visit. Kaymakli and Derinkuyu are prominent tourist destinations in the town, as Cappadocia is home to unique cave hotels, balloon rides, and rocky scenery. The hundreds of small and sloped passages in this underground settlement fascinate visitors. Kaymakli is unquestionably worth including on your turkey bucket list.

Turkey has a plethora of historical attractions to see in addition to its stunning scenery. This isn’t surprising given the number of empires that grew and fell in this region, including the Romans, Ottomans, Lycians, Persians, Seljuk Turks, and even Alexander the Great. While there are hundreds more attractions in Turkey that deserve to be included in this Turkey Bucket List, however we know that not everything can be visited in one go, hence we shortlisted the Top 15.

We hope that you found these 15 Experiences in Turkey to be worthy of finding a spot on your Turkey Bucket List.

And if you are wondering Where to Stay in Istanbul, check it out here ⬇︎