Discover the most beautiful places in Turkey you must visit! Turkey is rich in historical sites and architectural landmarks that are truly remarkable and magical.
May this list help you have an unforgettable journey to the fairytale paradise on Earth!
I traveled to Turkey solo, but not entirely alone since I booked my trip with a tour company. I will share the most beautiful places in Turkey during my 13-day solo travel.
This post is all about the most beautiful places in Turkey to experience fairytale scenery in real life!
Turkey is one of the most beautiful places I visited. It’s a mind-blowing experience to explore these picturesque natural and cultural attractions while traveling solo in Turkey. Its fairytale-like charm and impressive ancient cities are a must-see.
I hope my travel photos with tips will spark bucket list ideas for your next dream travel destination!
In this post, I will also share the unique places to visit in Turkey that you cannot miss and the best spots in Turkey with plenty of photo opportunities!
Most Beautiful Places In Turkey
B O O K Y O U R U L T I M A T E “E X P E R I E N C E”:
Are you interested in a private Instagram tour in Istanbul for $157 with a local tour guide? The tour includes Istanbul’s best photo spots, including a rooftop view. Please message me on CONTACT or Pinterest for pricing and availability.
Most Beautiful Places In Turkey – The Best Photo Spots
1. Hagia Sophia
- Photo Spot Address: Cankurtaran, Tevkifhane Sk. No:8 Kat:3, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Why Visit: Hagia Sophia is an impressively beautiful mosque with unique architecture. I was surprised when I went inside to see unique mosaics of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, angels, and saints. So, it’s interesting to visit as it feels more like entering a Catholic Church yet surrounded by uniquely beautiful architecture. This picturesque mosque is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey every traveler should photograph!
- Tip: Come early before the restaurant opens to avoid the crowd and take pictures without people at the rooftop restaurant. I visited in the afternoon around 4:00 pm. There were few lines to take photos when I went. However, please note, that I didn’t get a good shot of the Blue Mosque because it was against the light around that time.
- Must Know: The restaurant is only 5 mins or less walking distance from the actual Hagia Sophia site. You can get a spectacular view of the famous Sophia Mosque and the Blue Mosque from the restaurant rooftop.
- Book your experience: Istanbul: Mosques Tour with Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Entry
2. Suleymaniye Mosque
- Photo Spot Address: Süleymaniye, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Why Visit: This mosque is a place of worship with artistic architectural significance that symbolizes its Ottoman era. It is one of the most famous and grandest mosques in Istanbul. I was so impressed observing the symmetry of its design when I first entered and walked around the mosque.
- Tip: As soon as you enter the mosque, try walking while focused on looking up towards the mosque. Then, notice your peripheral vision on the side as you walk – that feeling and experience turns into an imaginary scene, only what you see in the movies! However, it feels surreal to experience it in real life. You will know what I mean when you try it yourself! My first impression and experience of seeing the mosque’s unique proportions and harmony is still unforgettable!
- Must Know: For me, the best way to appreciate the mosque’s architectural and aesthetic beauty is as soon as you enter, look up, and notice the perfectly structured and aligned designs on top and around the mosque — all in perfect position and formation – see that? Truly amazing! Experience it yourself, and you know what I am talking about.
- Book your experience: Istanbul: Mosques Tour with Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Entry
3. Galata Tower
- Photo Spot Address: Bereketzade Mahallesi Büyük Hendek Caddesi, Numara: 2, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Why Visit: See the stunning panoramic views of the city! If you’re a fan of Turkish movies, the surrounding area is a great place to walk around! I remember seeing the scenery with the tower on Turkish Netflix movies/shows. It’s such a pretty view seeing it in person. I remember feeling delighted just staring at the tower from afar. Then, seeing it up close, I realized it’s actually big and old, but it’s such a beautiful tower. It’s one of the oldest, but prettiest towers I’ve ever seen.
- Tip: The alley where you see the tower typically photographed is a great photo spot, but it gets crowded. So, it’s best to come early in the morning if you want the shot without people. If you plan to visit the top of the tower, visit during a weekday, early morning, or late afternoon to catch the sunset views!
- Must Know: Although there is an elevator, you would still need to climb up some stairs on the way up.
- Book your experience: Buy your tickets early Istanbul: Galata Tower Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket
4. Ephesus
- Photo Spot Address: Acarlar, Meryem Ana Yolu No:15, 35920 Selçuk/İzmir, Türkiye
- Why Visit: Explore the ancient city and theatre on a tour of Ephesus. Appreciate the rich history and feel the ancient yet fascinating atmosphere! Visiting this place made me wonder what it looked like back then. Undoubtedly, the Library of Celsus is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey you can NOT miss to photograph!
- Tip: If you want the best view with fewer/no people, I recommend going here early to beat the tourists. So, it’s less crowded.
- Must Know: This place is big! Based on my experience, there are a lot of photo opportunities here. Few photographers may approach you who you can hire to take you to all the best photo spots. I hired one since the gentleman was kind. I also didn’t want to have to ask people to take my photos. I was thankful I had a photographer! I have his contact information if you’d like it.
- Book your experience: Consider a guided tour – Ephesus & Temple of Artemis Shore Excursion
5. Cappadocia fairy chimneys, cave hotels and cave restaurants
Traveling to Cappadocia is like being in a fairytale dream – the breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride with the scenery of the fairy chimneys, uniquely out-of-ordinary designed cave hotels, and cave restaurants – all make the experiences spectacular. Unquestionably, this is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey!
The distinctive landscape of valleys and extraordinary beauty of rock formations in Cappadocia feel like being in such an aberrant yet magical place at the same time.
I honestly felt like I was with invisible dwarfs as I explored the fairy chimneys.
I discovered this Instagrammable spot by accident when my tour guide made a stop at some place overlooking the view of fairytale-like chimneys from above. What a magnificent view! I got lucky to have stopped at this place on the way to Kaymakli.
Love Heart Swing in Capaddocia
I also saw stairs going down at the front on the other side and found a perfect photo spot of a heart swing with a fairy chimney and a tree decorated with evil eyes in the background. This is my picture below. Please note you’d have to pay to take a photo on the heartswing, but you’ll get a printed copy.
- Photo Spot Address: Tekelli, 50240 Uçhisar/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
- Why Visit: Experience the fairytale-like scenery of such unique natural attractions in Turkey! For me, it felt a bit strange yet magical at the same time to see fairy chimneys, stay at a cave hotel, and eat at a cave restaurant with a view of uniquely natural rock formations! All are worth experiencing!
- Tip: If you want the same spot as my picture above, go down the stairs to reach this site. It’s easy to find. You cannot miss it if you look down! Bring cash to pay to have your photo taken and printed with this view!
- Must Know: Based on my experience of how I got here, this is located with a sign, “Paradise Valley Hiking Trail”. It’s next to the walking road with a sign “Uchisar Valley Cafe Butic”
- Book your experience: Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia w/LUNCH
6. Pamukkale – Cotton Castle in Turkey
- Photo Spot Address: Merkez, 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye
- Why Visit: Discover and see the remarkable white calcium terraces or travertines. Did you know in ancient times, the mineral-rich warm water from these terraces was used for therapeutic powers by the Romans? The water flowing down the white travertines feels so warm and nice on the skin. Undoubtedly, this unique natural attraction is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey every traveler should see!
- Tip: If you want to see the view from above, consider paragliding in Pamukkale overlooking the white calcium terraces. I got to experience and see the unforgettable views during sunset. What a thrilling, but amazing experience! Paragliding here is so much fun! Seeing the scenery from above is worth experiencing!
- Must Know: Visit the nearby Cleopatra’s Pool and see the ancient columns underneath. Enjoy such a unique pool and immerse yourself in the thermal water.
- Book your experience: Pamukkale Hierapolis and Cleopatra’s Pool Tour with lunch from Antalya
- More Tips: There are photographers here who can take your photos for you and they even have angel wings white costume. I picked white, but there are also other colors to choose from.Caution: Be careful, it’s really slippery walking on the cotton castle
7. Ortaköy Mosque
- Photo Spot Address: Mecidiye, Mecidiye Köprüsü Sk. No:1 D:1, 34347 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Why Visit: OrtaköyMosque is the cutest mosque I have ever seen! It is a small, but beautiful mosque with a Martyrs Bridge and a waterway Bosphorus view. While walking around this area, you will see some little vendors selling different kinds of things and some food/snacks. The cultural atmosphere can be easily noticed and appreciated!
- Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best views. You may get lucky, or you can wait for some flying birds when taking photos at this spot. I still remember as soon as I was done taking solo photos, other girls asked me to take theirs. Then, out of nowhere, by chance, an army of flying birds came by. Their photos turned out better and looked so good!
- Must Know: Please dress appropriately when visiting the mosques in Istanbul. The mosque here is super cute inside! Consider getting on a boat ride and enjoying a sunset cruise or dinner cruise of Bosphorus tour at night. Relax and experience the scenery and atmosphere in the evening! It’s one of my favorite experiences in Istanbul! If you want to eat looking at this scenery, consider having breakfast at The House Café in the morning while enjoying this view.
- Book your experience:
8. Kuşadası Otel Derici
- Photo Spot Address: Türkmen, Atatürk Blv. 42/1, 09400 Kuşadası/Aydın, Türkiye
- Why Visit: This is one of the best breakfast rooftop views I have ever experienced! I thought it was underrated because it’s one of the most beautiful places in Turkey that I visited! Seeing the whole scenery highlights of resort-town Kusadasi by just being on the rooftop was such a peaceful experience!
- Book your experience: I stayed at this HOTEL with this scenic view.
- Morning Tip: If you want to see the sunrise, start your day early to catch this picturesque scenery and feel the fresh morning breeze before heading to the rooftop for breakfast!
- Travel Tip: Capture the view at sunset as well and appreciate its beauty! Do not miss enjoying the evening shopping and dining in the surrounding area!
- Is Kusadasi worth visiting? Yes, absolutely! I highly recommend visiting Kusadasi to stay at Kusadasi Otel Derici to see and have the picturesque rooftop view!
9. Kadikoy Umbrella Street – Asia side of Turkey
- Photo Spot Address: Osmanağa, Piri Çavuş Sk. No:22, 34714 Kadıköy/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Why Visit: Explore the colorful Asia side of Turkey! Discover various shops/stores and eateries! Enjoy walking around immersing yourself to the cultural atmosphere here!
- Tip: To get the exact photo spot, go to Café’ De Kadikoy. Visit early before the cafes and restaurants open as it’s still empty to get the best shot. Consider buying souvenirs or do a little shopping!
- Must Know: To get here, you must ride a boat/ferry to arrive on the Asia side of Turkey.
- Book your experience:
10. Taksim Square
- Photo Spot Address: Taksim Square, Gumussuyu, 34437 Beyoglu/Istanbul, Turkey.
- Why Visit: Explore the European and modern part of Istanbul Turkey, and explore various shops, restaurants, hotels, cultural centers, and local events. Walking around feels like being in New York City or any modern major city since there are many people walking everywhere and many pretty buildings to admire as they were designed with olden and contemporary European-style architecture.
- Tip: When walking around, place your bag in front of you! Be careful of pickpockets as it’s a touristy area.
- Must Know: I heard from college students I met who recommended this place to visit that the atmosphere in the evening is lively and has lovely scenery. If you’re traveling as a couple, group of friends, or family, consider visiting at night.
- Book your experience:
11. Grand Baazar – Lamp shop in Istanbul
- Photo Spot Address: Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Why Visit: See and photograph the brightly colorful and sparkling displays at one of the lamp shops at Grand Bazaar!
- Must-Know: Go with a tour guide if you can. This shop had a “No photo sign”, but my tour guide knows him. So, I got lucky that the owner allowed me to take photos without needing to buy anything. Just be aware that it might be hard to find lamp shops that may allow you to take photos. Maybe you’ll find something you like and want to bring home, so look around!
- Book your experience:
Travel Tips Grand Baazar
- Shop for souvenirs and ask for deals/discounts
- Always bargain. The price often gets reduced as long as you ask.
- Be careful of pickpockets
- Always have your bag in front of you at all times
- Don’t feel pressure when buying.
- Decline politely and if they still insist, let them know you’re over baggage (this is what I usually say and it works sometimes)
- If they still insist on shipping it to you for free, let them know you’re traveling on a budget.
- If they lower the price to meet your budget, do your best to continue declining politely that you don’t “need” / “won’t use” it or it’s not exactly your style or what you’re looking for.
12. Pamukkale Belediyesi Restorant-Cafe
- Photo Spot Address: Traverten Sk. No:15, 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye
- Why Visit: Enjoy a relaxing travertine view by the water while watching an army of ducks float that will complete the picture-perfect backdrop
- Tip: If you come early in the morning, you might see hot air balloons taking off or up in the air! It’s a great place to take photos!
- My experience: I got lucky to witness a hot air balloon so close as soon as it took off from the other side. Visiting this place gave me a bit of Switzerland and Canada vibes – love it!
- Book your experience: Cappadocia: 1 hour Hot Air Balloon Ride Flight Over the Fairy Chimneys at Sunrise with Champagne
13. Sultanhani Caravanserai
- Photo Spot Address: Sultanhani Selçuk, 68000 Sultanhanı/Aksaray Merkez/Aksaray, Türkiye
- Why Visit: Photograph and walk the halls of this well-preserved historic site and appreciate its purpose and significance in the past. It was built to provide safe shelter for travelers, merchants, and traders as it served as a rest stop along the trade routes of the Silk Road. Step back in time and imagine the bustling activity of travelers, camels and goods in its courtyards.
- Tip: Explore and photograph the high and vaulted ceiling and appreciate the Seljuk architecture! The spacious hall with stone arches makes it aesthetically beautiful!
- Must Know: There is a small entrance fee when I was on the tour. It’s a must visit as the Caravanserai is considered the largest well-preserved Seljuk caravanserais in Turkey.
- Book your experience: Explore Seljuk architecture
14. Pergamum
- Photo Spot Address: Bergama, İzmir Province, Turkey
- Why Visit: Explore the mighty Acropolis of Pergamum (Pergamon) and see biblical places from the biblical book of Revelation. Appreciate the history of the ancient city and explore some impressive remains from the past!
- Tip: Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking on uneven ancient paths. Take your photos with the magnificent marble temples and library in the background
- Must Know: It’s a UNESCO site, known for its historical and cultural importance. Consider a guided tour to learn more about the significance of the ruins.
15. Salt lake
- Photo Spot Address: E-90 Karayolu, Tuz Gölü Yanı, Şereflikoçhisar Merkez, Şereflikoçhisar, Ankara, Türkiye
- Why Visit: It’s one of the largest lakes in Turkey and one of the biggest hypersaline lakes in the world.
- Tip: Consider trying and buying various Turkish tea and lake salt products for the skin and face at the shops.
- Must Know: Notice the pink water background in this picture. The lake is beautiful. Please note you would have towalk quite far from the main parking to see the pink lake.
- Book your experience: Private Tour From Cappadocia to Salt Lake
16. Troy – Ancient City
- Photo Spot Address: Truva Antik Kenti, Tevfikiye Köyü, İntepe, 17100 Çanakkale, Turkey
- Why Visit: Explore the ancient city of Troy and capture a photo with the historic wooden Trojan horse
- Tip: Take a guided tour and learn the history of the ancient city and the Trojan War while visiting this attraction.
- Must Know: There’s an entrance fee. It’s an interesting place to visit if you are into history. I heard before they allow people to get inside the wooden trojan horse, but when I visited, it’s not accessible.
- Book your experience: Istanbul to Truva Troy Guided Day Tour with Lunch and Transfers
17. Best Rooftop View in Istanbul
This is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey – Most Instagrammable spot in Istanbul
- Photo Spot Address: Look for Teras Cafe and go to the top – Demirtaş, Fetva Ykş. No:34, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Why Visit: Photograph a picturesque rooftop view in Istanbul! A must-see scenery to capture and experience in person that you cannot miss!
- Tip: Consider renting a Turkish dress for a complete Turkish travel experience. You can have your pictures professionally taken by staff at an additional cost.
- My experience: It was never on my itinerary to visit a rooftop in Istanbul. Instead, it was on my itinerary in Cappadocia with sunrise and a hot air balloon in the background. However, it did not happen due to timing. I had mentioned to the local tour guide I hired in Istanbul that I missed the rooftop experience in Cappadocia since the hot air balloon only happens once during sunrise. To my complete surprise, he took me to this rooftop. Unexpectedly, I was mesmerized by how beautiful the scenery was! I was also surprisingly shocked to realize how my rooftop experience turned out to be more than what I expected since I even got to wear such a fabulous dress to complete my Turkey fairytale travel experience!
- Book your experience:
18. Best Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia
This is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey – What you can NOT miss to experience the fairytale paradise!
- Photo Spot Address: Up in the air during a hot air balloon ride!
- Why it should be on your bucket list: See one of the most beautiful places in Turkey from a bird’s eye view! Enjoy the gentle and serene experience with an aerial view of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and scenic valleys while enjoying the orange-pink sunrise beauty of soft morning light!
- Tip: I am one of the last people to get on, so I got lucky to get a corner spot during the ride!
- Book your experience:Cappadocia: 1 hour Hot Air Balloon Ride Flight Over the Fairy Chimneys at Sunrise with Champagne
- Must Know: Keep in mind when you plan your trip that hot air balloon rides are only available at sunrise in Cappadocia. The ride was so smooth, and I did NOT even get scared. It’s one of the best experiences I had while traveling the world! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! So, it should be on everyone’s bucket list!
- My experience: I did NOT know hot air balloon rides happen daily only once at sunrise. So, I had to cancel the Cappadocia rooftop itinerary and ride a hot air balloon at sunrise instead. I had no regrets since riding the hot air balloon was one of my most memorable experiences in Turkey. Seeing the view above was incredibly AMAZING!
- More tip: Based on my experience, there’s a staff selling a recorded “video” to everyone after the ride. I bought it, but when I watched it I wasn’t seen on the video because I was at the corner! So, my advice is, if there’s a staff taking a video during your ride and you plan to buy it, get a spot near where the tour guide is taking it!
- Book your experience:Cappadocia: 1 hour Hot Air Balloon Ride Flight Over the Fairy Chimneys at Sunrise with Champagne
***Bonus***
Where to go for the best view of Istanbul?
19. Istanbul City and River Tour Along the Bosphorus
Make sure you go on a boat and city tour of Istanbul – lots of good photo opportunities!
If you prefer an evening with live music and a show, don’t miss the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise!
This photo was taken while walking around the busy city of Istanbul as you can see in the background – beautiful view of the city, river, Galata Tower, and many boat rides to explore the city by water!
Enjoy the best scenic views of Turkey
20. Yeni (New Mosque)
B O O K Y O U R U L T I M A T E “E X P E R I E N C E”:
Are you interested in a private Instagram tour in Istanbul for $157 with a local tour guide? The tour includes Istanbul’s best photo spots, including a rooftop view. Please message me on CONTACT or Pinterest for pricing and availability.
Summary / Key Take Aways
20 Best Photo Spots in Turkey – most Instagrammable spots in Turkey
- Hagia Sophia (Seven Hills Rooftop)
- Suleymaniye Mosque
- Galata Tower
- Ephesus (Library of Celsus)
- Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys, Cave Hotels and Cafe/Resto
- Pamukkale – Cotton Castle in Turkey
- Ortaköy Mosque
- Kuşadası Otel Derici
- Kadikoy Umbrella street – Asia side of Turkey
- Taksim Square
- Grand baazar – Lamp Shop
- Pamukkale Belediyesi Restorant-Café
- Sultanhani (Aksaray)
- Acropolis of Pergamum (Pergamon)
- Turkey’s Pink Lake – Tuz Golu – Salt Lake
- Trojan horse
- Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia
- Rooftop view overlooking Istanbul
Bonus
- Istanbul City and River Tour Along the Bosphorus
- Yeni (New Mosque)
B O O K Y O U R U L T I M A T E “E X P E R I E N C E”:
Are you interested in a private Instagram tour in Istanbul for $157 with a local tour guide? The tour includes Istanbul’s best photo spots, including a rooftop view. Please message me on CONTACT or Pinterest for pricing and availability.
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