On the occasion of its 20th anniversary, Google Maps has unveiled insights from its search data, highlighting the most sought-after tourist locations, parks, and museums worldwide. Notably, the findings include significant highlights from Turkey, showcasing its rich historical sites and natural beauty.
According to reports from Turkish media, the list identified 60 prominent attractions across Turkey, with many situated in popular cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, Ankara, and Antalya. Topping the list of must-see tourist destinations was Istanbul’s stunning Galata Tower, followed closely by Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk, situated in Ankara. Other notable locations included the Basilica Cistern, Pamukkale’s terraces, and the buzzing Taksim Square.
Here is the complete list of the most searched tourist places in Turkey by Google Maps:
- Galata Tower – Istanbul
- Anıtkabir, the tomb of Atatürk – Ankara
- Basilica Cistern – Istanbul
- Pamukkale – Denizli
- Taksim Square – Istanbul
- Manavgat Waterfall – Antalya
- Side Ruins – Antalya
- Temple of Apollo – Side, Antalya
- Koza Han (Silk Market) – Bursa
- Düden Waterfall – Antalya
- Pierre Loti Hill – Istanbul
- Ephesus Ruins – Izmir
- Martyrs’ Monument – Canakkale
- Kemeraltı Bazaar – Izmir
- Historic Lift – Izmir
- The 600 year old tree of İnkaya – Bursa
- Beyazit Square – Istanbul
- Old Foça Beach – Izmir
- Damlataş Caves – Antalya
- Tophane Clock Tower – Bursa
Among the parks featured, the most searched was Istanbul’s Gülhane Park, followed by Emirhan and Güvenpark located in Ankara. Here are the top parks according to Google Maps:
- Gülhane Park – Istanbul
- Emirgan – Istanbul
- Güvenpark – Ankara
- Saklıkent – Antalya
- Yıldız Park – Istanbul
- Meydan Park – Trabzon
- Lower Düden Waterfall – Antalya
- Gençlik Park – Ankara
- Kordon Park – Izmir
- Butterfly Park – Konya
- Uludağ National Park – Bursa
- Kuğulu Park – Ankara
- Bahçeşehir Lake – Istanbul
- Caddebostan Beach – Istanbul
- Kültürpark – Izmir
- Karaalioğlu Park – Antalya
- Kültür Park – Bursa
- Maltepe Coastal Parks – Istanbul
- Kyoto Japanese Park – Konya
- Beylikdüzü Valley – Istanbul
The museum sector also saw significant interest, with Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace leading the way, followed by the Mevlana Museum and the Miniaturtürk model park. The top museums are listed below:
- Topkapı Palace – Istanbul
- Mevlana Museum – Konya
- Miniaturtürk – Istanbul
- Rahmi Koç Museum – Istanbul
- Göbeklitepe Museum – Şanlıurfa
- Zeugma Mosaic Museum – Gaziantep
- Göreme Open Air Museum – Nevşehir
- Istanbul Archaeological Museum – Istanbul
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum – Izmir
- Beylerbeyi Palace – Istanbul
- Harbiye Waterfall – Hatay
- Kaymakli Underground City – Nevşehir
- Ulucanlar Prison – Ankara
- Atatürk House – Trabzon
- 1453 Panoramic History Museum – Istanbul
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations – Ankara
- Antalya Archaeological Museum – Antalya
- Altınköy Open Air Museum – Ankara
- Hierapolis Ruins (Pamukkale) – Denizli
- SS Bandırma Ship Museum – Samsun
To add to the excitement, Google Maps is also enhancing the virtual experience with its Google Street View Coverage Project. This initiative is set to revolutionize visual accessibility for travelers to the Bahamas. It aims to capture over 2 million 360-degree images of the country’s picturesque locations over 3,729 miles of key tourist areas.
Chester Cooper, the Bahamas Tourism Minister, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, noting, “We are excited to collaborate with World Travel in 360 and smooth a path for Google Street View to immortalize our islands with 360-degree imagery on Google Maps.” He emphasized the importance of accessibility and engagement for tourism success, saying this project will make it easy for travelers to experience the beauty of The Bahamas from anywhere.
Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, added, “This Google Street View initiative is a game-changer for Bahamian tourism. By bringing our islands to life on Google Maps, we’re not just showcasing our beauty; we’re making The Bahamas more accessible than ever before.”
With its innovative tools and rich insights, Google Maps continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global tourism, inviting exploration and adventure from the comfort of one’s home.