Turkey

Traveling to Turkey is an exciting and rewarding experience. With its rich culture, rich history and stunning landscapes, Turkey is a great place to explore. To make the most of your visit to Turkey, here are some travel tips to keep in mind:

Get familiar with the Turkish currency before you go. The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL).
Have a valid passport and visa. Make sure you have all of your documents and paperwork in order before you depart.
Pack light and make sure your luggage is not too bulky.
Always use common sense when traveling in Turkey. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
Make sure you have adequate medical insurance.
Learn at least some basic Turkish phrases before your trip.
Dress modestly and conservatively when traveling in Turkey, especially when visiting religious sites.
Respect the local customs and laws.
Be sure to sample the delicious Turkish cuisine.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Be aware of pickpockets and theft in crowded places like tourist sites and public transportation.
Be sure to bring a power adapter for your electronic devices.
Carry a map or a GPS device to help you navigate.
Learn about the history of Turkey before you go.
Consider booking a guided tour for some of the popular tourist sites.
Be aware of the local time zone.
Have a list of emergency numbers and contacts.
Make sure you have enough cash and valid credit cards.

Now that you’ve got the basics, here are some of the most popular sites and monuments to visit in Turkey:

Hagia Sophia: This 6th century Byzantine-style domed basilica is one of the most iconic sights in Turkey. It is located in Istanbul and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (http://www.hagiasophia.com/hagia-sophia-museum)
Ephesus: This ancient city is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. It is located in the Izmir Province and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (http://www.ephesus.us/ephesus/)
Pamukkale: This natural site is known for its thermal springs and its dramatic white travertine terraces. It is located in Denizli Province. (http://www.pamukkale.com/en/)
Cappadocia: This region is known for its distinctive rock formations and cave dwellings. It is located in the Central Anatolia Region. (http://www.cappadocia.com/en/)
Topkapi Palace: This magnificent palace was once the home of the Ottoman sultans. It is located in Istanbul and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (http://www.topkapisarayi.gov.tr/en)
Blue Mosque: This 17th century mosque is one of the most iconic sights in Istanbul. (http://www.bluemosque.org/)
Grand Bazaar: This is one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets and is a great place to shop for souvenirs. It is located in Istanbul. (http://en.grandbazaaristanbul.org/)
Troy: This is the legendary city of Homer’s Iliad, located in the Canakkale Province. (http://www.troy.org.tr/)
Basilica Cistern: This is a 6th century underground water storage facility located in Istanbul. (http://www.basilicacistern.com/)
Göreme National Park: This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its unique rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. (http://www.goreme.com/)
Galata Tower: This is a 14th century stone tower located in Istanbul, with great views over the city. (http://galatatower.net/)
Suleymaniye Mosque: This is a 16th century mosque located in Istanbul, and is the largest in the city. (http://suleymaniye.org/)
Nemrut: This is an ancient mountaintop site located in the Adiyaman Province. (http://www.nemrut.org/)
Bursa: This is an ancient city located in the Marmara Region, and is known for its Ottoman-style architecture. (http://www.bursa-tourism.com/)
Pergamon: This is an ancient city located in the Izmir Province, and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey. (http://www.pergamonmuseum.org/)
Mevlana Museum: This museum is dedicated to the 13th century Sufi poet and philosopher, Mevlana. It is located in Konya. (http://www.mevlana.net/)
Sumela Monastery: This is an ancient Greek Orthodox monastery located in the Trabzon Province. (http://www.sumelamonastery.com/)
Dara: This is an ancient city located in the Mardin Province. (https://www.ancient.eu/Dara/)
Bodrum Castle: This is a 15th century castle located in the Bodrum region. (http://www.bodrum-castle.com/)
Aspendos: This is an ancient Greco-Roman city located in the Antalya Province. (http://www.aspendos.org/)