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Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

When it comes to breathtaking history, rich cultural heritage, and jaw-dropping landscapes, Turkey is hard to beat. If we look back into an experience of guiding visitors through this delightful territory, people’s astonishment over the range of UNESCO heritage sites is a common thing. Whether you are passionate about history, an activity seeker, or one who just wants to enjoy thriving beauty, Turkey has you covered. So, let’s descend into the top 10 places in the world which have been acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, that one needs to experience when in Turkey!

1. Göbeklitepe

This ancient temple site will absolutely blow your mind. Believed to have existed since 9600 B.C, it is even older than Stonhenge and the pyramids that can as of now be found in Egypt! If archaeology is your cup of tea, then this place is a must for you. You’ll be amazed/ awestruck at the colossal rectangular stone monoliths and know how this site redefined one’s knowledge regarding conquest of primitive human civilizations.

Why Visit? Go to take a tour of why visit. It is likely the oldest temple known to mankind and one can practically feel the aura of intrigue surrounding the place.
How to Get There? Göbekli Tepe is located southwest of Şanlıurfa in eastern Turkey. To reach here, fly into Şanlıurfa GAP Airport and take a taxi or you may rent a car.

2. Hagia Sophia

The architectural achievement that is grown in fame over the years is also located in Istanbul, and it is none other than Ayasofya. Constructed in the year 537 A.D. as a church, it was converted to a mosque in 1453, currently, it is a museum. The interior is as grand as its history, with stunning mosaics and a massive dome.

Why Visit? A symbol of Istanbul’s multicultural past, you can practically feel the history as you walk through its halls.
How to Get There? Located in the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul, Hagia Sophia is super easy to reach by tram or even on foot from most central hotels.

3. Cappadocia’s Rock Sites (Göreme National Park)

If there’s one place in Turkey that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale, it’s Cappadocia. The otherworldly rock formations, fairy chimneys, and underground cities are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Plus, a sunrise hot air balloon ride? Absolutely unmissable!

Why Visit? For a unique landscape you won’t find anywhere else in the world, plus a bit of adventure.
How to Get There? Fly into Nevşehir or Kayseri, then take a shuttle or rent a car to Göreme. Most hotels will arrange tours for you.

4. Ephesus

Walk on the same roads where even the ancient Romans walked. Ephesus is perhaps the most well-preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean area and it is hard to compete with the Library of Celsus and the enormous amphitheater, which fully take the breath away.

Why Visit? For all the history lovers, Ephesus impresses as one of the most complete ancient cities surviving to the present.
How To Get There? Ephesus is located next to Selçuk and you can fly to Izmir’s Airport and then have a short ride with a bus or a train.

5. -Hierapolis

While Pamukkale captivates with its beautiful snow-white travertine terraces, one must not forget the ancient Hierapolis located nearby. Tourists have been attracted to the warm mineral waters for centuries and now the scenery is breathtaking.

Why Visit? Enjoy thermal baths in an ancient site set in one of the most beautiful and unusual places on the planet.
How to Get There? The city of Denizli is close by. Denizli Çardak Airport is the most nearest and one can take a bus or a taxi.

6. Mount Nemrut

Imagine this: great stone heads on a hillside and facing valleys at magnificently beautiful sunrise. Mount Nemrut is a royal tomb built in 1rc century. It is located in a very remote area but is also extremely beautiful which makes a trip to it worthwhile.

Why Visit? The mystery of the stone heads and the beautiful sunrise attracts the tourists very much and is something photographers will enjoy.
How to Get There? Fly into Adıyaman and arrange a private car to take you up the mountain.

7. Troy

Yes, that Troy. The one from Homer’s Iliad. While the wooden horse you’ll see is a modern replica, the ancient ruins still transport you back to the days of Achilles and Hector. The layers of history here are fascinating.

Why Visit? It’s one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world!
How to Get There? Troy is near Çanakkale, and it’s best to take a bus or rent a car if you’re coming from Istanbul.

8. Pergamon

Pergamon was a major cultural and political center in ancient times. You’ll be amazed by its steep amphitheater, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Don’t miss the famous Altar of Zeus—well, what’s left of it.

Why Visit? For a lesser-known but equally impressive alternative to Ephesus, with fewer crowds.
How to Get There? Fly into Izmir and take a bus or rent a car to Bergama.

9. Xanthos-Letoon

This site includes Xanthos and Letoon which are both ancient cities of Lycia. The remains found here, they contain some of the Lycian inscriptions, are of a civilization for once held its ground in the Persian onslaught.

Why Visit? For a look at the interesting Lycian culture, and where less tourists means it is like a hidden treasure.

How to Get There? Pamphlet suggests flying into Dalaman and then either taking a bus or renting a car to Kınık.

10. Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex

This grand mosque located in Edirne, Turkey is one of the great Ottoman structures designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan. With long minares and splendid interior design, this is perhaps among the loveliest mosque in Turkey.

Why Visit? It’s a striking monument of Islamic architecture that also provides a glimpse of the might of the Ottoman Empire.

How to Get There? Edirne is a very short bus ride from Istanbul making it easy for a quick trip that can take a day.

It is indeed the most special when these UNESCO sites are visited in Turkey. Whether you are admiring ancient ruins, enjoying the landscapes, or simply appreciating the significance of these places, it is interesting nonetheless. So, come on, let’s go to that amazing land and have fun!