Discover Turkey
Revel in the beauty of Turkey by exploring its charming cities and fantastic food!
Filled with culture, Turkey’s capital city Ankara is bursting with historical sites and religious monuments. To see the city in all its glory, take a trip up to Ankara Castle, which towers over the city. The castle is easy to spot as it dominates the Turkish skyline, and boasts fantastic views of Ankara from above.
For another site where panoramic views of the city are guaranteed, head to the Mausoleum of Atatürk. As well as seeing the incredible sights of Ankara, you’ll have the opportunity to brush up on your history as the mausoleum is packed full of Turkish memorabilia. Learn about the country’s past and admire its innovative architecture under the hot Turkish sun.
However, if you want to experience modern Ankara then the bustling markets in the city centre is the place to go. The Feriköy Antika Pazarı antique market held on the first Sunday of the month is particularly popular. These vendors are open from dusk to dawn so you will have plenty of time to peruse their unique goods.
A visit to Ankara is not complete unless you try their most popular dish, the iskender kebap. Stop at the Uluda Kebabçısı restaurant as its version of the kebab is truly mouth-watering.
Heading west, Istanbul is the most populated city in Turkey in terms of people and exquisite buildings. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque) is a staple of Turkish history.
Built during the 17th century, the mosque has now become one of the most famous sites in the city and is certainly worth a visit. It is even more breathtaking when the sunlight reflects off the mosque, turning it into a glistening masterpiece.
Another striking sight is the Topkapi Palace, which was once home to the Ottoman sultans. The palace is a feast for the eyes, filled with ornate tiles and lavish furnishings. The rich history of Istanbul is on full display here, but make
sure you get there early as queues can build quickly.
To wind down, why not cruise along the Bosphorus? This river forms the continental boundary between Europe and Asia and provides some remarkable views. Glide past the Dolmabahçe Palace, one of the most beautiful sights in Istanbul as well as sampling some delicious Turkish cuisine while on board.
It’s no wonder millions of us flock to Turkey every year: the list of places to visit is endless.