Turkey is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with spectacular architecture, rich history, culture, tradition and heritage. It is a perfect vacation destination in which you can dive and explore the country with a lot of things to do. We have curated a list of things for you to not miss while you are in Turkey so that you do not miss out on any fun.
- Ballooning over Cappadocia
Visiting Turkey undoubtedly includes the ethereal and much awaited hot air balloon ride over the beautiful golden sunset. One of the most best activities in the world which will take you along the ride over ancient valleys, monuments, mountains and various hills. Cappadocia provides one of the best rides to indulge in the romance filled in the air. You can have a ride from one to two hours, and the best time to visit Cappadocia is from November to Aril, that’s when the views are the best, away from chilly cold winds.
- Take a Turkish Bath
A culture that has been continued since the Ottoman rule and is loved by both locals and tourists. The Ottoman kings adopted the idea of lavish baths from the Romans and decided to include it in their own empires. It is one of the cultural experiences that you can have in Turkey, while taking Turkish bath, or Hammam. There are a lot of relaxing techniques which you can enjoy here, like scrubs, massages, steams, and you can select which style of bath you want to experience. There are several bathhouses all over Turkey from which you can choose but the most popular is Kilic Ali Pa Hamam.
- Collect souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar
A world-famous market located in Istanbul where you can find loads of cultural artefacts. It is the biggest and grandest bazaars with more than 4000 shops over 61 streets and is considered world’s oldest surviving bazaars. You can find it all here, from furniture, jewellery, shoes, antiques to clothes, spices, baked delicacies, and the famous Turkish lamps. It is the perfect place to grab as much souvenirs you want and explore how beautifully the streets are filled with lights and colour.
- Ferry ride at Bosphorus
Considered a romantic getaway by the locals or the best ferry ride you will have in your lifetime is going on a ferry ride over the blue Bosphorus river. This ride will give you a glance over Kabatas, Besiktas, Asia’s Eminou and the beautiful Turkish attractions. There are some activities you can do while you’re on the cruise apart from observing the cities, like watching the sunset and feeding the seagulls. You might be able to observe the architectural differences between Asia and Europe while you’re on this ride and sipping a cup of warm tea, or Cay. Winter mornings are the best time to get on a cruise and take that ferry ride over the blue Bosphorus.
- Visit the Blue Mosque
Constructed under the rule of Ahmed I between 1606 and 1616, Blue Mosque or the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the major attractions you will find in Istanbul, Turkey. It has huge majestic structures, and consists of five domes which enhance its beauty. You will also notice beautifully carved minarets, which will add to the architecture of the mosque. The reason it is called the Blue Mosque is because it is built with blue tiles, both inside and the outside. It is open all around the year, but the famous light show at night is a must.
- Explore the Topkapi Palace
Also known as the Seraglio, it is a palace built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, located in Istanbul. A palace cum museum has been one of the headquarters for the Ottoman kings, and went through the historical events since 15th to 16th century. The Topkapi Palace gives you the idea of how palaces are built and what they have, you can take a look and observe the fountains, minarets, pillars, balconies, and fountains. Its best to visit here on Monday mornings, to avoid crowd and the excess amount of time to enter.
- Watch a Dervish show
Announced as a heritage of Humanity as UNESCO, called the Mevlevi Sema is a traditional ceremony that whirling dervishes of Istanbul perform. It is a traditional unique dance performed by artists and is called Ayin. The performance symbolises te journey of a man beyond the bounds of life and love to achieve absolute perfection, or nirvana. It is spiritually connected but is fun to watch. It is definitely one of the most beautiful things to do while you’re in Turkey. Grab yourself a ticket whenever you get a chance to.
- Visit the Miniature Park
One of the most exciting places that will give you one of the most exotic experience in Istanbul. Feel like Giant and live the life of Gulliver for a while, There are more than hundred models installed in the park which can give you the Lilliput vibes. The park has some miniatures of the most famous places in Turkey, and you can walk among them. It is definitely the best place if you’re with children and want to have fun with your family.