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Traveling Turkey: 5 Destinations That Aren’t Istanbul

Explore the hidden gems of Turkey!

Turkey is one of the most interesting countries to visit on the planet. It covers two continents and centuries of historical importance.

The capital of Istanbul is a brilliant place to visit, attracting millions of tourists each year. However, the country also boasts a host of other stunning places to visit. Whether planning the road trip of a lifetime or a tour by plane, here are some destinations to consider.

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Bodrum Turkey

Bodrum is blessed with beaches, beautiful weather, and cultural landmarks aplenty. From visiting the Castle of St. Peter to seeing the old ancient theater, the history is unmistakable. The port city also has some truly luxurious hotels to consider.

Away from the history of the city, the stunning surroundings are sure to stun your eyes. And there’s also plenty of fun activities ranging from scuba diving to helicopter tours to consider. Or if you just want to spend a relaxed day or two on the beach, this is the place to do it.

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Visit Antalya Turkey

Located along the coast but to the east of Bodrum, Antalya is another destination steeped in history. And it also boasts many stunning backdrops. It is an incredible destination for solo travelers, families, and friendship groups alike. It is also tourist-friendly.

The beauty of the city is supported further by a wonderful climate, great nightlife, and beautiful places to relax. Whatever you’re looking for from a stop-off on your tour Antalya will have it. Better still, it is a very affordable city to visit.

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Visit Cappadocia Turkey

If exploring the world by hot air balloon has been on your bucket list, Cappadocia is the place to do it. Visions of the iconic fairy chimneys will stay with you forever. The rock formations, Bronze Age homes, and stunning skylines are breathtaking. And provide perfect photo opportunities.

Cappadocia is also a great destination to explore on foot. Goreme National Park, Love Valley, and Uchisar Castle are all worth visiting. Meanwhile, Derinkuyu Underground City is a mind-blowing experience that you will cherish forever.

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Visit Ankara Turkey

Turkey’s cosmopolitan capital, Ankara, is found in the country’s central Anatolia region. History museums include Anitkabir, Rahmi M. Koc Muzesi, and Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi. They will help you learn a lot about Turkey. From a cultural and historical perspective.

Ankara also boasts lots of family-friendly attractions like Ters Ev Ankara, a fun house that distorts reality. Shopping at popular places like Bazaar of Coppersmiths will fill days with fun. This is before enjoying the city’s stunning restaurants and evening street foods.

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visit Bursa Turkey

Turkeys’ fourth-largest city, which is found in the northwest, is the place to go if you’re fascinated by the automotive industry. Meanwhile, the Bursa Metropolitan Stadium, home to local soccer team Bursaspor is a stunning arena. Tickets are easy to buy too.

Bursa also boasts some of the country’s most beautiful mosques. For followers of the Muslim faith, visits can provide life-changing experiences. For others, it remains a chance to embrace the architectural brilliance and local culture in style.

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That’s A Wrap!

While Istanbul is undeniably captivating, Turkey has so much more to offer. From the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, and the tranquil shores of Antalya, these lesser-explored destinations promise an enriching and diverse travel experience. Whether you’re drawn to history, natural beauty, or vibrant local culture, these five destinations showcase the incredible richness of Turkey’s tapestry. So, set your sights beyond the bustling metropolis of Istanbul and embark on a journey that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the multifaceted allure of this enchanting country.

Disclaimer: Links in this page are meant to help you find relevant information and book attractions easier by linking directly to specific pages on partner websites (i.e. TripAdvisor, Vegas.com). If you click a link, we may earn a small commission on transactions. This helps support the cost of running our website, and it adds absolutely no extra cost to you as the consumer. Thank you, we appreciate your support! You can read more on our disclosure policy.

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Author

I am a busy mama with 3 delicious babies and a serious itch for travel and writing (when I am not bartending, that is)! After graduating from Cal State San Marcos with a B.A. in Communications, I decided to start a family and pursue a career in freelance writing. I created HotMamaTravel as an outlet to do what I love while sharing useful travel tips and inspiration with others. Our mission is to show parents how to master travel with kids, while keeping your Saturday-night selves. We call it "Family travel...with a twist".

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