10 Best Non-Touristy Cities to Visit in Turkey

Which places to visit in Turkey? Here’s an overview of the best 10 non-touristy cities to visit in Turkey and reasons why you should visit them, written by the Turkish travel blogger Doruk from toptiertraveler.

Thanks to its amazing diversity, Turkey is without a doubt one of the best countries in the world to visit for tourists.

It’s really difficult to make a list of cities to visit in Turkey since each city (and even regions inside cities) in this beautiful country is distinct from one another and they all offer unique experiences to their visitors.

Although you can come up with this conclusion pretty easily, the majority of people are unaware of it.

For the overwhelming majority of visitors, Istanbul and Ankara are the top destinations, though cities like Bursa and Trabzon are completely ignored. However, if you have the time and resources, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t visit some of Turkey’s lesser-known but equally beautiful cities.

“If you have the time,” is the main phrase here. Since Turkey is such a large country, some of the cities on this list would require you to drive (if you have a rental car) or take buses or trains for long distances.

However, once you arrive at each of your destinations, you will undoubtedly realize that the long trip was well worth it.

Before moving on to the list, there’s one more thing I’d like to note.

Turkey has a long and fascinating history, as you will learn while reading (or you might already know this if you have visited the country).

Millions of people have called Anatolia home, from prehistoric civilizations to the mighty empire of Rome and the Ottomans. This has resulted in a cultural and historical richness in modern-day Turkey, which is what distinguishes each of the cities on this list.

The east and west, the north and south, are all very different from one another, and many visitors feel as though they are entering a new country each time they visit a new region.

Reading Tip: 9 Beautiful Places to visit in Turkey

That being said, it is now time to move on to the overview of the 10 best non-touristic cities to visit in Turkey…

1. Bursa

Bursa was given the nickname “Yeşil Bursa” (Green Bursa) thanks to the numerous parks and beautiful mountains inside and around the city.

It was once the capital of the Ottoman state, and its importance as an industrial center is still felt today. In the winter, the ski resort of Mount Uludag, which overlooks it, is a popular destination for skiers.

In the summer, the mountain provides relief from the heat and breathtaking views. You can take the teleferik to the summit.

Another place to go to is Cumalkizik, a preserved Ottoman village just outside of the city center with quaint cobblestone streets, which offers a glimpse into the traditional Turkish way of life; come here for the huge village breakfast spreads.

2. Trabzon

Trabzon is a beautiful city for two reasons: it is located on the Black Sea in northern Turkey, and the Pontic Mountains pass through it, giving it a hill-station feel.

The region offers a unique viewpoint on Turkey, with plenty of quiet moments. A popular place to explore is the Sumela Monastery, established by the Greek Orthodox Church in 346 AD.

Here in Trabzon you can: spend the night near the Uzun Göl or Long Lake, watch the sunset over the Black Sea at Boztepe, and pay your respects to the nation’s founding father at the Trabzon Ataturk Kosku museum.

Trabzon also has its own Hagia Sophia, which is not to be confused with Istanbul’s!

3. Kusadasi (Aydin)

Kusadasi is a lively and pleasant city to visit, and it is a perfect holiday destination thanks to the various package-tour companies that operate here.

Tourists will enjoy a variety of hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs along the coast, with the party scene being particularly memorable. What’s more surprising is that, despite these amenities, Kusadasi (Aydin) is still less common than its neighbors Izmir and Mugla.

Kusadasi is well worth a visit due to its proximity to some interesting historical and natural sites, in addition to the stunning beaches and spectacular views of the sea.

The ancient site of Ephesus is interesting to visit, and the Dilek Peninsula National Park is perfect for getting back to nature.

4. Canakkale

The seaport of Canakkale is situated on Turkey’s Dardanelles strait’s Asian coast, in an area rich in ancient and modern history, as well as time-tested myths and legends. In fact, many of Canakkale’s sights and activities are connected to the city’s most popular stories.

The wonderful city of Canakkale, which was first inhabited about 6,000 years ago during the Copper Age, has seen numerous invading armies pass through the area and has been ruled by a number of different states.

The legendary Trojan Wars and the Gallipoli Campaign, the most well-known battle between the Allies and the Ottomans in World War I, both took place nearby, as did the Greek mythology epic love story Hero and Leander.

Going on a historical tour of Gallipoli, visiting the many museums inside the city, admiring the massive castles, and paying your respects to the martyrs of the deadly First World War are the best activities to do here.

5. Sanliurfa

Many people visit Sanliurfa, also known as Urfa and “the Prophet’s City,” for pilgrimages or to renew their spirits. It’s intoxicating to walk around the nearby bazaar, trying to take in all that’s going on. It has a distinct Middle Eastern flavor.

Though the city is increasingly evolving as a result of urban development projects, the beautiful Dergah Park and Mosque Complex serves as a reminder of the city’s ancient past. Anyone visiting Urfa should make a point of visiting the ancient Gobekli Tepe temple.

6. Konya

Konya is a romantic city that would appeal to poets and dreamers alike. It’s no wonder that in the 13th century, Mevlana Rumi, the famous Sufi poet and whirling dervish, wrote his famous, heartfelt verses here.

Your first stop should definitely be the Mevlana Museum, which is adorned with beautiful roses and houses the tomb of the renowned poet.

Its Semahane contains a museum of historical religious objects. Visit the Alaeddin Tepe park in the evening for a stroll and a cup of Turkish tea. Other fine arts are represented in Konya by the Tile Museum and the Museum of Wooden and Stone Carving, ensuring that all art lovers have a great time!

7. Adana

The rolling hills of the Cukurova area, immortalized in Yaşar Kemal’s classic novel Memed, My Hawk, surround Adana, Turkey’s sixth largest city, which sits alongside the Seyhan River.

It’s best known for making Turkey’s Adana kebab, and foodies will almost certainly make a point of trying it in one of the city’s restaurants when they visit. On the other side, this city has a lot more to offer tourists.

The hinterland of Adana is riddled with archaeological sites and historic tourist attractions, making it one of the best places to visit. It’s also a good place to start because you can travel to Turkey’s eastern Mediterranean region from here.

8. Gaziantep

Foodies are familiar with Turkey’s Baklava Center. Gaziantep’s sweet treats are well-known around the world. There’s a lot to see and do apart from the sugar rush, though.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep is a renowned tourist destination. The museum houses one of the world’s most significant collections of Roman period mosaic floor art, which was all rescued from the nearby Belkis-Zeugma archaeological site before it was flooded by the Birecik Dam’s waters.

Wandering through Gaziantep’s old town is one of the city’s true pleasures. Its numerous baklava shops and compact bazaar alleys are densely packed with traditional craftwork stores and historic coffee houses that could easily occupy an entire day.

9. Mardin

Mardin’s narrative reads like a “who’s who” of conquest. Assyrians, Arabs, Seljuk dynasties, Kurdish, Persian, Mongols, and Ottomans have all battled for control of the town.

Today, a maze of labyrinthine alleyways runs under a cliff ridge, offering plenty of old-world atmosphere and events.

Thanks to its abundance of ancient buildings, some of which have been converted into luxury hotels, Mardin’s timeless allure is attracting a new wave of visitors who want to soak up the cultural heritage.

10. Kars

Kars, in the east of Turkey, is known as the “Winter Wonderland” because of its high altitude and harsh weather conditions. This city  has snow for the majority of the year. As a result, Kars is home to Sarikamis, a fantastic ski resort nestled in the Allahuekber Mountain Range’s foothills.

Another feature of Kars worth noting is the city’s Armenian presence. Even today, a sizable proportion of the population has Armenian ancestors.

The ruins of the ancient Armenian city of Ani, which dates back to medieval times, is the most prominent landmark here. Aside from the beautiful churches that still stand tall and proud, the scenery in Ani is also breathtaking.

To summarize, Turkey is a nation that is rich in contrast and diversity. Each of the cities on this list is distinct in its own way; whether it’s natural beauty or historical significance, each city has a story to tell.

And one thing is certain: getting out of the tourist traps of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir is the perfect way to make your journey to Turkey truly unforgettable.

Reading Tip: 25 photos that will trigger your wanderlust for Turkey

About the Author

Hello everyone! I am Doruk Karadag, a full-time student in Ankara, Turkey, and also a travel blogger at toptiertraveler.com.

I have always had a passion for traveling and I hope you enjoy reading my posts. To find out more about me and my blog, you can check out my socials: Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.