Even though Taksim has lost its status as Istanbul’s nightlife centre, other parts of the city continue to benefit from the late-night crowds. Here are several beautiful spots to visit in Istanbul at night, spanning from noisy meyhane nights to more quiet evenings with a glass of wine. So, apply for a turkey visa online and make a memorable trip to Istanbul for a sparkling evening.

Kumkapı

The Kumkapi district, located on the Marmara Sea’s coast, is famous for its numorous meyhane, where rak and meze are served alongside live fasl music performed by travelling musicians. A night in Kumkapi will allow you to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s historic meyhane culture, which is intrinsically tied to the city’s soul. Kör Agop, which was established in 1938, is one of the top restaurants in town. But be warned: Kumkapi is a noisy area with loud music, tables set out on the streets, and many people.

Arnavutköy

Following the demise of Taksim, the Arnavutköy district has become one of Istanbul’s most famous nightlife locations. The posh Bosphorus area, known for its Ottoman-era palaces and many seaside seafood restaurants, has seen a surge in bar openings, attracting the youthful people who pack every venue (and even the streets) on weekends. Alexandra, Luzia, and ANY are among the most significant spots to hang out in Arnavutköy, with DJs, tasty cocktails, and a lively crowd.

Bomontiada

Once the Bomonti beer factory, the massive rebuilt facility has become one of the most excellent hangouts in the Sişli area. Restaurants, pubs, and a live concert venue are all together in one location at Bomontiada. We recommend starting the evening with supper at Kilimanjaro, followed by a few beverages at the pub, maybe a few beers at The Populist with live DJ music, and finally an incredible live show at Babylon.

Kadife Sokak

Although few tourists visit the Asian side of Istanbul, the Kadköy area does contain one of the city’s most famous bar streets. On weekends, Kadife Sokak (Velvet Street) is always busy, with people walking to and from pubs and stopping for a late-night snack at one of the numerous büfe (Turkish fast food joints). Arkadia (with a small rear garden and some of the city’s most incredible live music) and Karga Bar are two of the most popular bars on this street (a more relaxed spot to have a few beers and listen to some music).

Nardis Jazz Club

A night at Nardis Jazz Club, definitely one of Istanbul’s top jazz clubs is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind Istanbul experience. You may buy tickets at the door and then select a seat near the stage or on the second floor, which always features the greatest of local and worldwide jazz musicians. Nardis is as romantic as it is unique, with its back bar, lighted setting, and a variety of talented singers and musicians.

Salon IKSV

Salon IKSV is another excellent place to see some of the city’s top live performances. It hosts some of the best local and worldwide performers. The salon is the foundation’s newest initiative, located in the elegant neoclassical IKSV building in işhane, and is run by IKSV (the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts), which also stages the city’s famous Film, Theater, Music, Jazz, and Design Festivals, as well as the Biennial.

Solera Winery

Solera Winery is a fantastic spot to stay for hours for people who want a calmer (more romantic) evening or who like to start their night with a few glasses of wine and an excellent discussion. Solera, a small and friendly wine bar in the Galatasaray neighbourhood, boasts a superb range of local and foreign wines hand-picked by the owner, who is pleased to point you on the correct path. Solera also has a few snacks to compliment your wine, such as a selection of local cheeses or excellent pizza from a nearby restaurant.

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Cappadocia’s underground cities, like the region’s unusual fairy chimneys, have become famous worldwide. Discover the intriguing history of Turkey’s Kaymakli and Derinkuyu cities.

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The Phrygians, who cut their living spaces into the region’s soft volcanic rock, are thought to have created the underground cities of Cappadocia around the eighth and seventh century BCE. Cappadocia comprises roughly 200 cities, with Derinkuyu and Kaymakli being the most popular.

The underground cities were built to protect residents from foreign attacks while allowing thousands of people to live in complete privacy. During the attacks on Timur in the 14th century, the caverns offered Christians a safe refuge from the Mongolian threat. They allowed individuals to escape persecution throughout the Ottoman Empire, even in the 20th century.

The underground cities were abandoned in 1923, following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, and were not uncovered until 1963. According to legend, a resident discovered a weird room hidden behind a wall in his home, and the rest is history.

Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu, one of Cappadocia’s most famous underground cities, was built during the Byzantine Empire to defend its people from Muslim Arabs during the Arab-Byzantine wars between 780 and 1180 CE. The multi-level metropolis was made up of various passages and caverns that were 60 metres (197 feet) below the earth and could house 20,000 people and their animals and food. It is without a doubt Cappadocia’s deepest underground city (and in all of Turkey). In 1969, Derinkuyu was started to the public; however, only half of the city was visible.

The city featured two massive stone doors locked from the inside in case of a potential threat in its prime. Even though the residents were hidden, they lived underground lives as fully as they would have in an above-ground city: wine cellars, stables, and churches have all been discovered. A vast chamber with vaulted ceilings, which is said to have been a religious school with separate study rooms, is one of the most stunning locations in Derinkuyu. Derinkuyu was likewise linked to the other underground cities by a complicated system of tunnels.

Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli Underground City, formerly known as Enegup in ancient times, was also utilised as a haven for locals throughout the Arab-Byzantine wars for several centuries. It was greatly expanded during this period to the point that it finally became Turkey’s largest underground metropolis. Kaymakli’s population reached roughly 3,500 people, according to estimates.

In 1985 It was assigned as a World Heritage Site after it was first opened to the public in 1964. It drops eight floors down, although only the first four are accessible to guests, and they are roughly 20m (66ft) below ground. The wealthiest households, on average, resided closer to the surface. Stables, storage rooms (some are still used today), old homes, a church, and communal kitchens, where meals were formerly made en masse for the city’s population, may all be found when exploring Kaymakli.

You’ll see plenty of enormous, round stones as you stroll around this underground maze, which was formerly rolled in front of entrances as barriers to defend the locals from potential assaults. To prevent being disoriented, remember to pay attention to the red arrows that lead you down and the blue arrows that lead you up.

Kaymakli’s tunnels are notably narrower, lower, and steeply inclined than those of their neighbouring underground city, Derinkuyu — something to consider if you’re claustrophobic. A 9-kilometre (5.6-mile) tunnel connects the two; however, it is not public. However, you can drive between Kaymakli and Derinkuyu in just 10 minutes, so if you want to see both in one day, it’s possible.

How to Visit the Underground Cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli

Regular dolmuş (shared cab or minibus) services run from the nearby city of Nevşehir to Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. If you’re staying in Göreme, take a dolmuş to Nevşehir (around 15-20 minutes) or drive there straight if you have a hire vehicle. It takes about 20 minutes to go to Kaymakli and 30 minutes to get to Derinkuyu from Nevşehir over a single well-paved road.

The entry prices for each underground city vary significantly from year to year, but they usually cost roughly 60 Turkish lira (£5). Children under the age of 8 are stated free of charge.

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Istanbul has been at the hub of major political events for more than 2,000 years, working as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire. The historical island, surrounded by the Bosphorus, is home to several spectacular structures that bring honour to the city. Almost every visit begins with a stroll around the old area, designated as a Unesco World Heritage Site for its unique architectural masterpieces. Here are the historical places you can’t afford to miss in the Fatih neighbourhood and beyond. So, if your heart beats go down, apply for a turkey visa online.

Sultan Ahmet Mosque

Sultan Ahmet, I built this most spectacular and endlessly photographed of mosques between 1609 and 1616 to assert Ottoman power. It includes a waterfall of layered domes and is cornered by six minarets adorning the skyline. The Blue Mosque’s exterior courtyard, the largest of all Ottoman mosques, perfectly matches the size of the Blue-Iznik-tiles-covered interiors, which number in the tens of thousands. Despite its popularity, entry to the mosque is closely regulated because it is still used for religious purposes.

Rumelihisarı

Rumeli Hisar, popularly known as Rumeli Castle, is a stronghold with high walls, turrets, and lush environs covering around 6.5ha (16 acres). It was built over four months in 1452 on the European side of Istanbul, at the narrowest section of the Bosphorus Strait, by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II in preparation for the last attack on Constantinople and the eventual downfall of the Byzantine Empire. After devastating earthquakes struck the city, much of the interior structures were severely damaged. Today, the facility serves as an open-air museum and regularly hosts concerts and events in its theatre.

Topkapi Palace

The Topkapi Palace, built around four central courtyards and several smaller structures, was the primary house of the Ottoman sultans for about 400 years (1465–1856) and held various essential ceremonies. No other part of Istanbul attracts as many people as this neighbourhood, which features excellent architecture, collections of calligraphic manuscripts, robes, ceramics, and some of the Muslim world’s most important holy relics.

Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia has a large dome widely regarded as the pinnacle of Byzantine architectural achievement. It worked as a Greek Orthodox cathedral and the seat of the Patriarch of Constantinople until 1453, after being built by Emperor Justinian I in 537 CE. It turned into a mosque for the next 500 years until being renovated into a museum in 1935 under the guidance of Kemal Ataturk, the first President of the Republic. It is now Turkey’s second most visited museum, behind Topkapi Palace. It draws over 3 million people each year to the spectacular interior rooms adorned with golden mosaics, unveiled following several restorations and interested in a tour? You can apply for a turkey e visa online with us on this epic journey.

Basilica Cistern

This underground wonder, 150 metres (492 feet) west of the Hagia Sophia, is another antique commissioned during Emperor Justinian’s rule. It is the biggest of hundreds of cisterns under the city of Istanbul and continued to give water to Topkapi Palace even after the Ottoman conquest of 1453. It was created in the 6th century to offer filtration to the now-destroyed Great Palace of Constantinople. The Basilica Cistern is supported by a forest of towering columns ornamented with predominantly Ionic and Corinthian capitals and spans over 10 square kilometres (3.9 square miles). It’s a great spot to escape the summer heat because it’s moderately humid and dimly lighted.

Taksim Square

Although the Turkish presidential palace, national assembly, and cabinet buildings are all in Ankara, Istanbul, the country’s largest metropolis, is not immune to political activity. Taksim Square has been a central focus of this activity, hosting numerous demonstrations during Turkey’s independence.

The square recently became associated with the 2013 “Gezi Park protests.” These protests began as a protest against the demolition and redevelopment of Gezi Park, located next to the plaza. Still, they quickly grew into demonstrations against the government for several causes, including grievances from people of all political stripes.

Chora Church

The Church of the Holy Protector in Chora is a historic Byzantine church that might be considered the Hagia Sophia’s younger sister in more ways than one. It converted into an Ottoman mosque in the 16th century and then secularised as a museum, similar to the Hagia Sophia. Despite its smaller size, it is no less lovely. The interiors are adorned with exquisite mediaeval mosaics and frescoes dating back to 1312 and are located in the Erdinekapi area, just outside of the historic city walls.

Galata Tower

The cone-covered, cylindrical Galata Tower – or, as it was known at the time, the Christea Turris – towers high above the Karakoy quarter, built as part of the Genoese colony’s expansion in 1348. It was Istanbul’s tallest building for centuries, and it still dominates a big part of the city’s skyline. A 360-degree scenic view of the historic peninsula rewards standing in long lines and climbing an often-clogged elevator.

Grand Bazaar

The Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, is a must-see for anyone who likes bargaining. The bazaar was built in the mid-15th century, just after the Ottomans conquered the city, and it now has over 4,000 businesses.

The description of Istanbul as the “bridge between East and West” has become cliched. In this case, though, the cliché is correct. This Turkish city is a melting pot of many cultures and a location full of contradictions, having been ruled by a succession of rulers and spanning Asia and Europe.

Istanbul, home to a heady mix of remarkable history, nightlife, religion, food, culture, and – despite not being the country’s capital – politics, offers something to wonder at every turn for travellers of all influences. It is, however, definitely a location that any history fan should visit. So, go to turkeyvisaonline.com and apply for a turkey e visa.

When it comes to picking which historical places to see in Istanbul, one of the world’s largest cities, it might be not easy to know where to begin.

Sivas is known for its excellent examples of Seljuk period architecture and its historical significance. Learn about the Turkish city and its significant attractions. Before reading the entire article, let’s apply for a turkey e visa online first and read what we explore in Sivas.

History

Sivas is a city in central Turkey with a long history dating back to Topraktepe, a Hittite town dating to 2600 BC. Until the late Roman era, when Sivas was known as Sebastian and served as the capital of Armenia Minor under Emperor Diocletian, nothing was known about the city. By 1059, the town had been plundered by Turkish tribes and had changed hands numerous times, including acting as the Seljuk Empire’s capital alongside Konya.

Many of the critical structures from that period still exist today, making it an important commercial hub. By 1408, the Ottoman Empire had acquired control of the city. Another significant event in Sivas’ history is the Sivas Congress of 1919, which was influential in creating the Turkish Republic since it was at this meeting that Atatürk’s role as head of the national resistance’s executive committee during the Turkish War of Independence was confirmed.

What to See and Do

Sivas is a significant hub for Seljuk architecture from the 13th century, with numerous stunning sites, including three old theological schools: the Mavi Medrese from 1271 (with turquoise tiles), the Sifaiye Medrese from 1218, and the Cifte Minare Medrese from 1271. The massive gates of these structures, which are covered in intricate stone carvings, are one of the Seljuk style’s hallmark visual cues. The city’s oldest mosque, the Ulu Camii, finished in 1196 and is a beautiful example of stunning simplicity in architecture, is another important historical site.

The Kurşunlu Hamam, the city’s most enormous bath with classic elements instead of Ottoman aesthetic, was built in 1576 and is the city’s most enormous bath. The Behrampaşa Han (caravanserai), constructed in 1573 and featured exquisite lion designs surrounding its windows, is another important monument that displays Sivas’ Ottoman influence. While you’re in town, visit the Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum, which explores Sivas’ Ottoman legacy as well as the tale of the Sivas Congress. The beautiful Governor’s Mansion, located in the city’s heart, Hükümet Square, where you’ll also find Sivas’ most excellent restaurants and hotels, and Atatürk Avenue, where all the shops are, is well worth a visit.

The City Museum, which is housed in the historic Sivas Mayorship building, opened its doors to the public in 2021 and housed a massive collection of ethnographic objects from both the Ottoman and Republic periods, as well as daily life activities, documents, and photos that depict significant moments in the province’s recent history. In 2021, the Museum of the Industrial School (Sanayi Mektebi) was also refurbished and reopened. Sultan Abdulhamit II built it as a school in 1902, converted it to jail in 1961, and ultimately renovated it as a museum with historic prison quarters and Turkish handicrafts and carpets. It also serves as an art training facility for traditional Turkish arts. The Archaeological Museum is another museum where you can examine artefacts and discoveries from the area’s excavations. The War Horses Museum in the Hamidiye district is another interesting museum in Sivas. You may spend a peaceful day in its restaurant or cafeteria, bookshop, or equestrian centre, which features wax models and characteristics of all types of horses from over the world, notably those employed on battlefields.

The historic settlement of Divrigi, which was initially a Byzantine site, is located 165 kilometres (103 miles) southeast of Sivas. It was the capital of the Turkish Mengucek Emirs in the 12th and 13th centuries, and the remains of Ulu Mosque (1229) and a fortification from that time may still be seen. The majestic mosque’s Baroque style gateway is a true stonework masterpiece, and UNESCO has designated this enormous structure as one of the world’s outstanding cultural heritage.

Asik Veysel, a late Turkish folk poet and minstrel, was born in the village of Sivrialan in the district of Sivas in 1894. Due to pox, he lost his vision early, yet he continued writing and singing until he died in 1973. In 1982, his home was renovated and opened as a museum.

Aside from its historical treasures, the city has more unique features, such as Balikli Kaplica, a fascinating Kangal spa. It’s a thermal spring with small fish thriving in the heated waters that offer a distinct kind of skin-care treatment. It is the world’s first and most well-known cure facility for “Sedef Hastaligi” (psoriasis). Another spa centre is Soguk Cermik. Picnicking, boating, and fishing are popular activities in Hafik, Todurge (Zara), and Gokpinar (Gurun) Lakes. Sugul Canyon, located in the Gurun district, is a famous destination for hikers and environment lovers.

Kangal Sheppard dogs of Sivas

Another rare feature of this town is the world-famous Kangal dogs, which can be found 68 kilometres (42 miles) south of Sivas in Kangal town. Even in most challenging conditions, such as those found in this province, these sheepdogs have proven their loyalty and success are confidently used in police and military operations.

Sivas is also known for its beautiful carpets, which come in various designs and colours. These locally made weavings provide multiple choices, unaffected by the inherent excellent quality.

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Travel to Istanbul’s Asian side by ferry over the Bosphorus. While exploring the Kadiköy market, finding antique bargains on Tellalzade Street, and indulging in steaming hot borek, you can escape the tourist crowds.

If you wish to visit the Bosphorus by ferry, apply for a Turkish visa online and book a hot-air balloon tour of historical sites, ruins, and landscapes.

Istanbul is a historic city on two continents, separated by the Bosphorus (also known as the Strait of Istanbul). Although the city began on the Asian side, the European side became the centre throughout the Ottoman and Roman periods and is the key historical and touristic hub today. Fewer visitors and more residents result in a more natural experience of this busy metropolis.

Things to do on Istanbul’s Asian side

Eating your way around Istanbul’s “other side” is a terrific way to get to know the Asian side of the city’s soul. A food-tasting tour led by a local will take you on a spectacular journey through the many delicacies available here. Black Turkish tea is served in small, nicely shaped cups, from the ubiquitous simit (round sesame bread) to classic borek (stuffed pastry) and Turkish-style ice creams.

You may tour the colourful district of Kuzguncuk in Üsküdar with a full stomach. This beautiful street packed with vividly coloured traditional houses were formerly populated by Jews, then Greek-Orthodox and Armenian Christians, and now Muslims. Before continuing your journey through the peaceful, beautiful streets, stop in one of the numerous cafés for a refreshing drink.

If you’re in town on a Tuesday, you won’t want to miss the Kadiköy Tuesday Market, which has everything you’ll need and more. This is where the villagers go for their weekly shopping, far from the ostentation of the Grand Bazaar.

Stop at the Fighting Bull statue on Altiyol Square to learn about the bronze bovine beast’s turbulent past before continuing to the ocean to enjoy views over the Sea of Marmara and a strong Turkish coffee at Moda Pier while exploring the east side.

Khedive Palace in the Cubuklu area is about a half-hour drive north of Kadiköy centre if you need a time out from the metropolis. It is not one of the city’s oldest palaces, having been built in 1907, but its lovely, wooded location provides a sense of tranquilly not often found in this 15m strong city.

What to dine on the Asian side of Istanbul?

One of the city’s main pleasures in Istanbul is eating and drinking. Visit Ciya Sofresi in Kadiköy to try their numerous traditional Turkish dishes. Thick, crispy lahmacun (Turkish pizza), warming soups, fluffy pilafs (rice dish), delectable stews, more varieties of kebab than you can eat, and something sweet to conclude. The baklava is not to be missed.

Third-wave coffee businesses exist in the area, including Walter’s Coffee Roastery, which is strongly inspired by the Breaking Bad series. Get your fix of cold brew coffee and create your own using one of the many coffee-making kits available. Walter’s also sells their bright yellow mugs.

Meshur Dondurmac Ali Usta is owned by five brothers who serve the greatest dondurma (ice cream) with 40 flavours to choose from. Don’t forget to inquire about the available toppings. The traditional combination of chocolate and almonds is one of my favourites. Make your decision, then stroll down Moda Caddesi with the residents in the evening.

Join the youths on Kadife Sokak, popularly known as Bar Street for a good reason, for a taste of the local nightlife. This place is constantly packed and has a festive vibe, especially on warm summer evenings. Grab a beer from one of the street’s many pubs and shops and take in the lively Turkish vibe.

Shopping on Istanbul’s Asian side

The European side may have the ultra-cosmopolitan Istiklal Caddesi, but the Asian side has the Istanbulite Champs-Élysées, Badat Caddesi, to compete. It was used for trade and military purposes; now, it is home to fine shops, high-end fashion boutiques, enormous shopping malls, and luxury car showrooms.

In contrast, the array of shops selling old record players, lanterns, telescopes, and other assorted oddities on Kadiköy’s Tellalzade Street, also known as Antique Street, may keep you occupied for a few hours. The Kadiköy Antiques Bazaar is a little further on, with a better collection of antiques.

How to reach the Asian side of Istanbul

The best method to go to Asia is to travel by boat. Regular ferries sail between Eminönü Ferry Terminal and Kadiköy on the west bank of the Bosphorus. Alternatively, you may take a 20-30 minute cab ride from Sultanahmet and be dropped off at Kadiköy. The tram/bus combination requires taking the T1 tram from Sultanahmet to Kabatas, then the 129T bus from Istanbul Beyoglu Teknik Üniversite to Kadiköy, which takes 90 minutes.

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Istanbul offers a variety of vintage shops, which are renowned for their attention to detail, as a city with very much history hidden in every urban crevice. For the most excellent range of clothes and accessories in the Turkish town, visit TurkeyVisaOnline’s favourite vintage shops.

Vintage Istanbul

Ozge Tan Ozbek, the owner of Vintage Istanbul, has been collecting her items as a pastime for many years before starting to share them. Here you’ll discover a wide choice of accessories and jewellery, from high-end names like Vera Wang to equally stylish no-name brands.

Mock

Mock should be your one-stop shop if you’re looking for vintage furniture as well as clothing. Apart from swimsuits, corsets, and gowns, principally from the 1930s – 1990s, the store also has retro furniture and pieces designed by the owners.

Sentetik Sezar

Sentetik Sezar, considered one of the finest in the city, proudly displays its collection in a well-organized and high-quality way. Clothing, shoes, and accessories from the 1970s to the early 1990s are in excellent condition and dry cleaned individually. For the most up-to-date inventory, visit the store’s Facebook page.

Kulis Vintage

At Kulis Vintage, you won’t have to do much sifting because everything is carefully displayed in a clutter-free manner. You’ll find high-end secondhand apparel, as well as beautiful costume jewellery and silk scarves.

By Retro

This basement-floor hideout offers one of Istanbul’s most extensive collections of vintage treasures. You’ll be browsing leather jackets, wedding gowns, coats, sunglasses, and everything in between for a few hours (neatly organized into sections, thankfully). By Retro is well-known for providing outfits for Turkish television shows.

Grandma Vintage

Gizem Saluvan changed her life after working as a visual merchandiser for Mavi Jeans and decided to launch Grandma Vintage. Clothing, purses, accessories, shoes, home décor and furnishings are all available at her shop, which is the product of her frequent excursions to local markets and international trips. Gizem never buys anything she wouldn’t wear or use herself, so you’ll be sure to find something useful.

Binbavul Vintage

With a name like “One Thousand Suitcases,” you can only imagine what Binbavul has in mind for you. An extensive collection of items from the 1920s through the 1990s is available for exploring, and the records, books, and cameras are all worth checking out.

Nahıl

Nahil is one of Istanbul’s lesser-known vintage clothes jewels, having started as a handicrafts business to help Turkey’s Foundation for the Support of Women’s Work. Nahil’s pricing is the closest to Goodwill’s or other large vintage chains that don’t exist in Turkey, with two rooms of gently used dresses, blouses, slacks, skirts, shoes, jewellery, and menswear area upstairs, all provided by contributions to the foundation. On your way, pick up some handcrafted soap, a notebook, or a doll, all of which benefit a great cause.

Eleni Vintage

Eleni Vintage, one of Istanbul’s newest additions to the vintage clothes industry, launched four months ago in Istanbul’s bohemian Cihangir neighbourhood. Even though it is just a few months old, owner Eleni zgür has amassed a good collection of women’s clothing, accessories, and small furniture. The ranges are slightly on the high side, but the quality merits them. The whimsical display is delightful.

myPERA

Anyone who has visited Cihangir before would remember myPERA, one of the town’s oldest vintage shops, for its gorgeous outdoor displays. This cosy small corner business, conveniently placed next door to a used shoe store, features some true jewels in its limited space. Türkan Rodoplu, the owner and fashion designer, is always willing to help and offer stylish advice. MyPERA is a must-visit for every vintage shopper in Istanbul since it is equal parts vintage shop and thrift shop.

Until recently, Istanbul’s vintage garment culture was limited to costume shops, small racks in antique shops, and “eskicis” – old men who pushed carts of used stuff around the city’s streets. On the other hand, Vintage clothing shops are on the rise in Istanbul. Several superb choices have opened in attractive central areas like Galata and Cihangir. Always check online to see whether the stores are still open before going.

Vintage clothing shops are better for both the environment and your wallet. There’s also a good chance you’ll come upon a one-of-a-kind item. What’s not to like about that? TurkeyVisaOnline has compiled a helpful list of Istanbul’s top 10 vintage clothes shops for those looking to skip the city’s flashy shops and enjoy an eco-friendlier shopping experience.

Turkey is a beautiful country to visit, with stunning natural beauty and a diverse range of well-preserved architecture. Hot air balloon trips in Göreme and scuba diving tours in Kaş are among the activities available to adventure junkies. Here are 10 of the country’s must-see cities and towns.

Do you want to visit Turkey’s busy bazaars and mountain valleys? Apply for a Turkey visa online today and arrange a day group trip to visit famous monuments and a hot-air balloon ride across the landscape.

Bozcaada

Bozcaada is a little treasure of an island in the Aegean Sea that has avoided modernization, retaining its ancient architecture and structures. The village has a well-preserved castle from the Middle Ages to the 15th century. The castle, built on the ruins of several former palaces, dominates the skyline and gives the little seaside town a grand feel. The island is rich in natural beauty, from the soft, sandy beaches to the gently rolling hills rising above the clear blue sea. Bozcaada is the ideal small Mediterranean island with lovely winding alleyways and classic coastal restaurants.

Amasya

The little city of Amasya, in northern Turkey, is set in a narrow valley on the banks of the Yeşilrmak river, with the Rocky Mountains in the background. Ferhat & Sirin, one of the most famous tales of Turkish folk, is said to have taken place in Amasya. According to myth, Ferhat was in love with Sirin, a lovely princess, and built tunnels below the mountains to deliver water to her father’s palace to gain his favour. Even today, the town’s breathtaking environment is ideal for a romantic story. Several graves have been carved into the face of the rock above the village, while the city itself is full of stunning Ottoman-style homes and historic bridges.

Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey’s largest and most well-known city, is home to stunning architecture and scenery. The town is situated on the strait that connects the Sea of Marmara with the Black Sea, creating a beautiful contrast between the tranquil blue seas and the busy metropolis. It is the geographical and cultural confluence between east and west. It is home to various stunning churches, mosques, and castles that respect the region’s rich and exciting past. The art and architecture have been carefully preserved, making it one of the most fabulous venues to see the Byzantine and Ottoman empires side by side.

Kaş

Kaş has grown in popularity as a lovely, unspoiled fishing village situated at the foot of lush hills right on the Mediterranean beach. This is because of the natural beauty, well-preserved ancient remains and streets, and numerous diving possibilities. Antiphellos’ ancient remains are mixed with modern-day lanes, traditional residences, and cafés, while the tranquil, pebbly beaches remain pure and unspoiled despite their popularity. Much of the local beauty, however, can be found beneath the surface, with an incredible variety of fish, turtles, and other marine animals to be discovered on scuba diving tours, as well as fascinating wreck sites on the seafloor.

Göreme

The town of Göreme is located in the Cappadocia region, which is known for its unbelievable rock formations. Hundreds of excellent rock fairy chimneys rise from the earth, scattered among the communities and homes. The fascinating uses that the inhabitants have put to the formations throughout the years make them unique. The region is filled with gorgeously decorated churches, homes, and underground towns, as well as the Göreme Open Air Museum, which is a collection of churches and monasteries. Göreme is also known for its fantastic hot air balloon rides, with hundreds of balloons filling the skies to provide a breathtaking view of the region.

Mardin

Mardin is a lovely city in southern Anatolia. The whole capital is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and it is famous for the numerous antique structures that cascade down the hillside. The citadel, located at the summit of the hill and inaccessible to tourists, is a historic fortress turned military zone that lends the city a majestic, unique aura. Beautiful mosques and churches may also be seen throughout the city. In the 12th century, the Great Mosque had a tall minaret that soars above the winding streets.

Sanliurfa

Sanliurfa, also known as Edessa in Mesopotamia, is located on the main trade routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has witnessed most of Turkey’s major historical events and Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Alexander the Great invasions. Sanliurfa is also believed to be the birthplace of Abraham. According to Jewish and Islamic history, he was nearly burned alive by King Nimrod, only for God to turn the fire into water. This legendary location is currently in the Halil-ur-Rahman mosque’s yard. Keep an eye out for the tranquil pool, which is surrounded by carved stone walls, as well as the minaret.

Safranbolu

Safranbolu was once one of the significant saffron trading centres. The town is today known for its outstanding historical features and well-preserved homes. It includes about 1,000 historical artefacts registered, including tombs, Turkish baths, and 17th-century mosques. Traditional Ottoman-style houses can also be seen in Safranbolu, easily recognizable by their walls, lovely shuttered windows, and tiled roofs.

Uzungöl

The little town of Uzungöl is located at the foot of a beautiful, green valley near Trabzon, on the edge of a gorgeous lake of the same name. The scenery is lovely and fairytale-like, a far away from the image of Turkey as a Mediterranean coastal country. Uzungöl is a great site to visit because of the unique, almost Swiss perspective that contrasts with the typical Turkish houses and the mosque’s tall minarets. When a soft mist descends on the surroundings early in the morning, producing an enchanting, dreamy scene, the village and valley are well worth visiting.

Side

Side is a must-see for history buffs, with several Roman and Hellenistic ruins. The town’s historic Roman amphitheatre still stands in contrast to the new residences, bars, and the hustle and bustle of daily life. Meanwhile, along the sea’s edge, the stunning remains of the Temple of Apollo stand out even more in the fire-red glow of sunset. Side is also known for its natural beauty; it is situated on a small peninsula that is just 1km (0.6mi) wide and is surrounded on both sides by stretches of golden beach and the Mediterranean’s crystal blue waves.

To visit these beautiful towns and cities, you must first apply for a turkey e visa at turkeyvisaonline.com.