UNESCO Heritage of Turkey: Top 5 Sites
map viewTurkey's UNESCO sites on this page are in Istanbul and on the Aegean coast. The Historic Areas of Istanbul include Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine church that later became a mosque, the Blue Mosque with its six minarets, and Topkapı Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Dolmabahçe Palace on the Bosphorus shows the lavish style of the empire's last century. Near Kuşadası, Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Mediterranean, with the Library of Celsus and a great theatre. Hagia Sophia (€25) and Ephesus (€40) are priced in euros, the palaces in Turkish lira, and the Blue Mosque is free. May and October are the most pleasant months.
Aya Sofia, Istanbul, Turkey
The main cathedral of the former Byzantine Empire, one of the largest historic churches in the world.
City of Ephesus, Turkey
The ancient ancient city of Ephesus (Efes) is the largest archaeological complex in Turkey
Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
The symbol of Istanbul and the city's largest mosque, located in the historic Sultanahmet district.
Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul, Turkey
The Palace of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. Now it is a museum.
Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul, Turkey
The most beautiful of all palaces in Istanbul, located on the European shore of the Bosphorus Strait
UNESCO sites in Turkey on the map
Numbers match the ranking above. Click a pin to open the place.
Best time to visit UNESCO sites in Turkey
When sightseeing is most pleasant: comfortable 18–26 °C daytime temperatures and more dry days. Averaged over 5 places.
ERA5 climate data 2015–2024 (Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), averaged for 5 places on this page.
Tickets: what it costs to visit UNESCO sites in Turkey
Adult entrance prices, cheapest first. What the ticket includes and what you can see for free.
| Place | Region | Adult ticket | Ticket includes | Free without a ticket | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aya Sofia | Istanbul | €25 | Hagia Sophia | — | |
| City of Ephesus | Kushadasi | €40 | Ancient city | — | |
| Dolmabahce Palace | Istanbul | TRY 1800–2400 | Palace | — | |
| Topkapi Palace Museum | Istanbul | TRY 2400 | Palace museum | — | |
| Blue Mosque | Istanbul | Free | — | Mosque |
Prices checked: 09.2026. Always check the official website before you go.
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