Istanbul or Alanya are the most popular tourist cities in Turkey. Those who want to relax by the sea, book their tours to Antalya and Side.
Not many people know the hidden side of Turkey—the areas inhabited by the indigenous population. They can be found in every city. Unfortunately, most people who want to immerse themselves in the reality of modern Turkey ignore the majority of the cities that deserve to be visited. If you want to learn about Turkish culture, take a look at our selection of the best regions to visit if you’re pursuing this aim.
We have already written about Underground Istanbul. Now, let’s move on and learn about the rest of the cities on our must-see list.
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Bodrum
Population: 181,541 (2020)
Location: Mugla province in the Aegean region of Turkey
Bodrum was home to one of the Ancient World’s seven wonders, the Mausoleum of Mausolus. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by earthquakes in 1494 BC. Bodrum is a port city with a strong tourism industry.
The castle of St.Peter is the most famous local tower remaining from the past. It is one of the World Heritage Sites in Turkey. The castle served as a mosque for the Islamic Ottoman Empire for almost 400 years.
Bodrum’s ancient theater, which was in high demand in the 4th century, reminds us of the famous Italian coliseum and can be a nice spot to take pictures.
If you would love to see more of Bodrum, go on a 1-day long tour. You will not only find out much about the history of Bodrum, but also visit some highlights of the area. Besides the Castle of St.Peter, mentioned above, the list of sights for those who go on this tour includes the famous Myndos Gate and Mouseleum of Halicarnassus.
When visiting Bodrum, take some time for shopping. Bodrum’s handymen are the best in terms of needlework and crafts. With their own hands, they’re making shoes, bags, carpets, and other things you can use at home or in daily life. These things are of high quality and have a unique character.
Bursa
Population: 3,101,833 (2021)
Location: Bursa province in the Marmara region of Anatolia
Bursa is well known for being the first major capital of the Ottoman state. At the moment, Bursa is one of the main industrial and automotive areas of the country. When visiting Bursa, remember about the souvenirs: local art, including pottery and textiles, is in huge demand.
Bursa is famous for its historical sites. Go to Miradiye Tombs, with the ancient tombs of Turkish sultans and artworks. Visit Bursa Grand Mosque, built around 1399, which includes 20 domes on the roof and is the biggest mosque in Bursa. It was initiated by Sultan Beyazit I. Make sure you don’t pass the Green Mosque & Tomb, created by Sultan Mehmed I in the Ottoman style.
There are a lot of other things to do in Bursa. If you love modern attractions, visit the Panorama 1326 Museum, the largest panorama in the world. This is a high-tech installation of the 14th century Bursa Conquest. One of the greatest features of the museum is a 3-D installation of the conquest, with a 360-degree angle.
One extreme thing to do is ride the Bursa Teleferik. This attraction is for those who are looking for extreme and new emotions. Watching the area from a height of 1,180 meters can be scary, but it will definitely take your breath away!
If you want to go for a cable car ride and see Bursa in all its beauty, book your place on the Bursa City Tour. In one day, you ascend Mountain Uludag and Tophane to look at Bursa from above. Another fun thing to do is taking a ferry ride!
Kaş
Population: 53,633 in the district and 7,258 in the city (2012)
Location: Antalya province of Turkey.
Kas is a small town, famous as a very progressive industry in diving, yachting, and fishing. Your shopping list, when you go for supplies in Kas, should include cheese, olives, and oil Kas is famous for. Most things can be found at the local market.
Kas is mainly known for its historical sites. You might be interested in the following historical relics:
In Kas, you can discover Telmessos, an ancient city of Lycia. Here, you will see tombs and an amphitheater, carved into rock.
Sunken areas of Kas, Kekova Island, still have remnants of ancient civilization: the city was damaged during the earthquake long ago. On your way to Kekova island, you can discover the Lycian coast and the beautiful sea.
Have a walk on the beach in Kas. Buying tickets in advance is worth spending time in this lovely place. Soft white sand, blue waters, and ancient Patara city, just a few steps away from the sea, are especially beautiful at dawn. Better watch it from the water.
To make your trip more diverse than an ordinary excursion, explore this area on sea kayaks. You will be able not only to ride them, but also to swim with them and even look at the ruins of an ancient city underwater. Paddling is not the only thing to do in Kas. You can also try famous delicacies in Simena Village and discover Crusader Castle.
