15 Unique Things to Do in Turkey: 2024 Updated List
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Offbeat Things to Do in Turkey

Ballooning over Cappadocia, Watch Men Oil Wrestle, Go Skiing, Go on Biblical Pilgrimage, Enjoy the Train Rides, Camp in the Kackar Mountains, Visit Silk Carpet Factory, Soak in Thermal Pools at Pamukkale, Take a boat trip on the Traditional Wooden Gullet, and many more.

From roaming on the white sand beaches to paying a visit to the cultural sites and from shopping in some local markets to taking cruises to many farther destinations,
Unique things to do in Turkey have a huge range. Whether it comes to hamman or watching oil wrestling, Turkey offers some of the best locations where you can have fun while enjoying these activities. Explore such best locations of Turkey with our Europe packages for getting seamless blend of diverse activities and exploration.

Being a hub of culture, Turkey is also famous for the Biblical Pilgrimage it provides to the sanity seekers. Turkey tours have always been unique with the activities they offer, be it skiing in the blue waters or taking train rides from the city into the wild; offbeat things to do in Turkey are not limited.

Not to mention, this place does not resist the scenic beauty and has a large number of places and locations like Kekova Island and Kackar mountains. There are many Unusual places to visit in Turkey like the hot water springs of Pamukkale and the Gamirasu Cave hotel, which offers a stay in caves within the natural surroundings.

Here is a list of most unique things to do in Turkey:

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01

Ballooning over Cappadocia

Enjoy the panoramic view of wide settled Turkey while soaring into the sky and enjoying a ride in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia. Generally, there are many types of flights which one might choose from. From the deluxe rides to the standard, they offer many options to choose from.

For those looking for solace, they can opt for the deluce one and enjoy the picturesque view of turkey alone from high above. Those who want to have this experience without hurting their pockets, they can go for the standard one, in which they will be accompanied by 16 to 24 people. The duration of flights also haries, you can book a 90 minute or  2 hours flight, depending on your choice.

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02

Visit the Underground Mosque in Istanbul

The unusual mosque has a storied history where it’s believed that back when the Galata neighborhood was a Genoese settlement, the site was a Byzantine fort. The basement of the fort supposedly helda huge chain that protected the Byzantine locals from Turkish attacks by blocking ships from entering into the city.

Thus if as a traveller, one wishes to indulge in a little bit of history and experience everything first hand and breathe in a little bit of the story this unique location should be a must visit on your trip. Since then, in 1757 the subterranean space was eventually converted into a mosque under the auspices of Grand Vizier Bahir Mustafa Pa?a.

Location:
Kemanke? Karamustafa Pa?a, Kemanke? Cd. No:23, 34425 Beyo?lu/?stanbul, Turkey.

Timing:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

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03

Stay at the Gairasu Cave Hotel

Image Credit : gamirasu.com

The hotel is located in a restored thousand-year-old Byzantine retreat which offers modern conveniences without distracting from the spiritual feeling of the area which has been known to be inhabited for more than five thousand years. Gamirasu cave Hotel is featured in major international travel guides as one of the best cave hotels of Turkey.

It is a perfect destination if you wish to have a quiet cozy honeymoon or just want to take a dip into the tranquility of a simpler life away from the hectic life of the city. If you are looking for some unique things to do in turkey then this place ensures a once in a lifetime experience for anyone who visits.

Location:
Ayval? Köyü ?ç Yolu, 50400 Ayval?/Ürgüp/Nev?ehir, Turkey.

Timing:
Open 24*7.

Price:
Varies for each booking.

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04

Explore the Kekova Island

Only accessible by boats, Kekova island is an absolute beauty to behold. Believed to be the home to the ruins of Simena, a partially sunken city of Lycians, this place holds a storybook charm. Having many stories related to it, it is believed that this place has some of its part within the water, reaching where is not possible.

So we would definitely suggest this gem if you not only wish to add to your unique things to do in Turkey list but also to board over the journey of introspection. The tranquility of the waters and the history of the place will definitely give you an experience of stepping into a book but the lazy airs and the welcoming locals make the place rather perfect for a nice little picnic to be enjoyed with your loved ones.

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05

Don’t miss the Traditional Turkish Bath

Once you are done enjoying what all Turkey has to offer or just want to head towards a break from it we would say head towards the nearest Hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. It would definitely wash off all your stress, worries, germs and exhaustion and what would remain would be the rejuvenated & beautiful you.

People from all over the world visit Turkey to try this once in a lifetime experience and enjoy a fun filled day with their families and friends. Your first hammam experience might be a daunting experience when it comes to the smell, heat etc but try giving it  an honest chance and it might be a delightful experience to remember.

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06

Watch Men Oil Wrestle

Oil wrestling is one of the oldest sports in Turkey, included in a historic festival that has been held annually since 1346. Also known as “grease wrestling”, this is the national sport of turkey. The wrestlers are coated in oil followed by an intense session of wrestling in the ring.

This roman tradition of wrestling is still being followed and practised in many corners of Turkey. The coating of oil has a strategic and not just prurient use as it makes the wrestlers slick and tough to get a hold of. Wouldn’t that be interesting to slip through your way trying to beat the opponent.

Location:
The best place to experience this spectacular activity would be Karamulser, Samsun, Anatalya and Thrace region.

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07

Go Skiing

From lazing around a hammock to spinning your favourite drink and from skiing in its pristine beaches to watching the sun setting above the horizon, Turkey offers a huge list of activities that can be done around its beaches. Skiing however remains the most adrenaline rushing activity one can experience here.

Enhance your skills while traversing these low as well as high waves and spend a day having fun in the blue waters of many places like Kartepe, Kartalkaya and many more. This water skiing experience will also let you admire the lush marine life as you traverse the waters along the shore.

Location: 
The country offers an array of destinations like Kartepe, Karatlkaya, Erciyes just to name a few.

Timing:
7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

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08

Go on Biblical Pilgrimage

Being home to many holy christian sites, a trip to Turkey is often referred to as the biblical pilgrimage. The country is a home to many holy Christian sites like St.Nicholas' Birthplace, Antalya, St.Nicholas Church, Early Christian Settlement, Seven Churches of the Revelation (Ephesus, Pergamon, Smyrna, Laodicea, Sardis, Philadelphia, Thyatira) and Assyrian Orthodox Church of Virgin Mary.

Those who plan a holy visit to Turkey never miss any of these spiritual places. Apart from being a holy place, these locations are also known for their ancient architecture and psychic vibes.

Location: Most of the sites are in Istanbul, Konya, Usak and Antakya.

Timing:
10 AM to 6:00 PM(may vary for each location)

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09

Enjoy the Train Rides

The Turkey train rides are exactly what you would require for a social media account waiting to boom with followers. Even if you are not a keen connoisseur of the train travel experience, a trip to the must visit locations in Turkey will not be completed without hopping on one. covering the legendary Paris Istanbul the comfort and convenience in these trains is a must opt for.

The best routes which are highly recommended would be Eastern Express, a train departing from the capital city Ankara with a 24 hours’ journey taking you across the diverse culture and many scenic locations. The list does not end here turkey also has Karabuk-Zonguldak, a train to the wild, which will take you through the lush forests, and if lucky enough, you can get a chance to see many rare wild animals.
10

Camp in the Kackar Mountains

Having an elevation of 3972 metres, a trip to the top of this mountain will be filled with many thrilling experiences. The best way to admire the beauty of this peaceful place is to plan a camping night here and enjoy it in serene surroundings for a while. Filled with numerous seasonal flora and fauna, this peak will let you enjoy the best of what nature has to offer.

Enjoy the view of the sun settling in the snow clad peaks and the dramatic precipices. A camp night here will surely be filled with some scenic adventures while enjoying a comfy settlement. Having numerous campsites, some of them even along the gushing waterfalls, a trip here will surely be adrenaline rushing.
11

Visit Silk Carpet Factory

Any person visiting Turkey should not miss out on experiencing the creation of silk and the carpets live. The experience of visiting a silk carpet factory is as lovely as the art piece itself. The journey starts with the process of how silk cocoons are formed and how silk is reeled from the cocoons to make silk threads.

This is followed by the explanation of carpet weaving, including the difference between wool and silk carpet weaving. The trip is then followed by how it is finally woven by some most exquisite women. Do not forget to take back a piece of turkey, the local handicraft of silk carpet. Adding some extra stars to the rich culture of Turkey, the quality silk available here cannot be bought from anywhere else.

Location
: Istanbul.

Timing:
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

12

Soak in Thermal Pools at Pamukkale

Thermal pools are the natural formations made by minerals, which hold water and help it in staying warm. Those who are thinking of just having a relaxing experience and wish to ditch the hustle and bustle of all the unique things to do in turkey.

Head to the big white cotton castle. We assure you , the thermal pools at Pamukkale are an experience just like walking over a cotton castle with hot water gushing away all your stress. One of the best offbeat things to do in Turkey, a dip into these waters will surely let you enjoy a fun filled time while enjoying these natural springs.

Location:
Kale, 20190 Pamukkale, Denizli Merkez, Denizli, Turkey.

Timing:
8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Attractions Explore All (16)
Explore All (16)
13

Take a Boat Trip on the Traditional Wooden Gullet

Offering something for our patrons with nautical indulgence, unusual things to do in Turkey is vast. The traditional wooden gullet is surely an unforgettable experience which would make you travel back to the gentler ages where one could sail over the clear turquoise heavens.

Originally built for the sailors to travel across the mediterranean sea, now these gullets are used as hotels, shops, stays and what not. Offering a list of packages, you can enjoy having fun here from sone hours to many days. Found in almost every watery part of Istanbul, these boats are filled with every basic equipment and offer a comfortable stay to the guests.
14

Avanos Hair museum

Did you know that Turkey is unique enough to have a hair museum all donated by the female visitors? Well we really feel that this place can be listed as a star in the list of offbeat things to do in Turkey as you would never hear a story same as the origin tale of Avanos hair museum.

It is said that a local potter was giving farewell to a dear friend when he asked for a memento using which he could remember her. Thus, she cut off a piece of her hair and gave it to the potter. The story made many people do so, thus the display got filled with so many bunches that in 1979, a whole museum was made for this.

Location:
Yukar?, No: 24, 110. Sk., 50500 Avanos/Nev?ehir, Turkey.

Timing:
8:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

People Also Ask About Turkey

  1. What is Turkey best known for?

    The country is famous for its unique geographical location as it sits on an amalgamation point of Europe and Asia. Surrounded by a 8000 km coastline it is a hub of modern trade and commerce alongwith home to the largest number of traditional and biblical sites.
  2. When should I visit Turkey?

    April, May, September and October offer pleasantly warm surroundings and offer the best time to enjoy the beauty of Turkey. Around this time, the weather remains normal, which is neither too cool nor too hot, thus helping you in treavering every nook and corners and array of ancient sites.
  3. How many days do you need in Turkey?

    Those who are visiting Turkey for the first time need to plan a big vacation, as this place holds so many tourist destinations which cannot be covered in 2 to 5 days. At Least a week to 10 days are required to explore all the beautiful destinations and experiences Istanbul has to offer.
  4. Is Turkey expensive to visit?

    The country is a much cheaper option in comparison to any other european and eurasian states with many activities and unique things to do which other states might not offer. From the stay to the food, everything can be enjoyed without hurting the pocket if you plan accordingly.
  5. What are the various Turkey tour packages available from different cities in India?

    Here are the various Turkey tour packages available from different cities in India
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