Istanbul is full of many of the most interesting historical and cultural sites in the country, but the city itself also has a lot to offer in terms of clubs, restaurants, galleries and stores. Istanbul is a busy, energetic city that is the cultural heart of Turkey. The Topkapi Palace is a must see sight for visitors to Istanbul. The palace itself is beautiful, but it is the interesting history of the many characters who have inhabited the palace over the years that make a trip to the site really worthwhile, so it is a good idea to pick up a good tour book or to join a guided tour.

The basilica of Aya Sofya is a beautiful building that has played a central role in the history of the city. It stands on the site of the acropolis of the ancient city of Byzantium. Today, its large dome and interesting architecture are well-known in the city, but the building has evolved a great deal over time, changing in use and suffering various kinds of damage and reconstruction.

The Blue Mosque was built with the intention of surpassing the beauty of the nearby Aya Sofya and it has certainly managed to rival that magnificent basilica, although it is still a matter of opinion, which is the greater. If you decide to visit the Blue Mosque or any other religious site while you are in Turkey then you should dress modestly and women should bring a scarf with which to cover their heads.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the most famous attractions in Istanbul. It is one of the world's oldest covered markets and it is always busy. Visitors should take their time to explore it since it is absolutely massive. A cruise on the Bosphorus is an excellent way to get to know the city, with nighttime cruises being particularly atmospheric. Walking across Galata Bridge between Europe and Asia is another magical experience in Istanbul.

Along the Aegean Coast, boat tours are a popular option, with many local tour operators offering to take travelers along the coast or around nearby islands. Fethiye is a good place to join a day boat tour, although tours are run all the way along the Turkish coast. Ephesus is one of the most visited and important historical sites in Turkey. Ephesus is the site of an ancient city that has been restored into a major tourist attraction. It is possible to explore the city and to learn what life was like when it was built in the seventh century BC. Although it has now been destroyed, Ephesus was once the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient world's Seven Wonders.

The Goreme Valley, Cappadocia is one of the most popular attractions in Turkey, due to its unique nature. The cave dwellings and churches here are truly spectacular, although it is the unusual landscape that is perhaps the most incredible aspect of the area. If you want to find out what it is like to live in a cave, then you may want to try one of the cave hotels in this region.

Nemrut Dagi is a National Park and one of the most interesting historical sites in Turkey, but it is one that many tourists never see for themselves since it is located in the eastern part of the country, while most tourists spend their time in western Turkey, along the coast. If you do decide to visit Nemrut Dagi, then you may want to join a guided tour from one of the main tourist cities since its remote location makes it difficult to reach on your own. If you make the trip, then you will be rewarded with a view of a monument that combines Persian and Greek influences in a burial monument that is believed to date back to the 1st century BC. The burial mound itself is surrounded by huge, spectacular statues.