Denizli is the commercial and transportation hub of inland region of southeastern Aegean Turkey. It is nestled against the hillside at the southern side of the plains of Büyük Menderes River. It's a busy place partly because of nearby Pamukkale and its travertine pools but mainly because it's the main commercial hub for the agricultural produce coming from the region. It's also the place where you probably need to go if you're in need of cash.
Don't let its looks deceive you when you arrive at the otogar once you proceed beyond the main thorougfare and its dreary concrete façades which are repeated throughout the city, you find there's a lively market and all sorts of eateries. Since tourists don't really come here, you probably won't be harassed.
Because it is not a very popular tourist destination, Denizli does not have tons of stuff to offer.
- İncilipınar Parkı and Çamlık Parkı. Two very beautiful parks in the city that are worth a look—also for some fresh air.
- Museum. There is one very famous museum which was the house used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—the founder of the Turkish Republic—when he visited Denizli. This museum is located across the street from "Babadağlılar İşhanı" where you can shop for Turkish towels and other linens.
- Laodikeia. A bit closer to Denizli are the ruins of Laodicea. The main part of the ancient town is somewhat better preserved than that of Hierapolis, though it hasn't been reconstructed as much as the more famous sites like Ephesus. It is along the dolmuş route between Denizli and Pamukkale. The driver will stop and let you off on the side of the highway. Look for a large brown sign pointing to Laodikeia. Walk about 1 km (15 min) to reach the site. There is a small cafe, gift shop, and toilets. Laodicea is mentioned in the Bible as one of the 7 Churches of the Revelations. It is a great place to experience the Roman history without the crowds. The main road, called Syria Street, and the temple are the highlights. The temple has a glass floor so you can look down into the basement and see offerings that were uncovered there during excavations. (The temple is closed to visitors in May 2018) The theatre offers a great view of the surrounding area, including Pamukkale in the distance. 10 TL.
İncilipınar Parkı and Çamlık Parkı. Two very beautiful parks in the city that are worth a look—also for some fresh air.
Museum. There is one very famous museum which was the house used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk—the founder of the Turkish Republic—when he visited Denizli. This museum is located across the street from "Babadağlılar İşhanı" where you can shop for Turkish towels and other linens.
Laodikeia. A bit closer to Denizli are the ruins of Laodicea. The main part of the ancient town is somewhat better preserved than that of Hierapolis, though it hasn't been reconstructed as much as the more famous sites like [[Ephesus]]. It is along the dolmuş route between Denizli and Pamukkale. The driver will stop and let you off on the side of the highway. Look for a large brown sign pointing to Laodikeia. Walk about 1 km (15 min) to reach the site. There is a small cafe, gift shop, and toilets. Laodicea is mentioned in the Bible as one of the 7 Churches of the Revelations. It is a great place to experience the Roman history without the crowds. The main road, called Syria Street, and the temple are the highlights. The temple has a glass floor so you can look down into the basement and see offerings that were uncovered there during excavations. (The temple is closed to visitors in May 2018) The theatre offers a great view of the surrounding area, including Pamukkale in the distance. 10 TL.
Denizli is well known for its textile in Turkey. It may offer you a wide-variety of textile products. Also, one can find some hand-made clothes and so on. The biggest place for buying traditional handmade clothes is "Babadağlılar İşhanı" located in the heart of the city. Moreover, huge shopping malls such as "Teraspark" and "Forum Çamlık" are good options for worldwide-known stores.
You can find some local tastes in Denizli to eat. The very first one that is worth a mention of these is Denizli Kebabı. Fairly good Denizli kebabi can be had at Enver Kebabçı and Kebabci Halil both of which are located at Bayramyeri district. This local type of kebab is also known as Tandır in some other regions of Turkey. Denizli Kebabı is best eaten around noon.
Also, another option would be Kaşarlı Alabalık—a kind of meal made from fish covered with some grated cheese in a very special oven.
You should also try the toasts of the buffet "Karadam" which is located in the city centre "Çınar". The Dörtlü is also something that you should not miss.
There is a local company called "Hacı Şerif" that sells all kinds of sweets from Turkish Delight (lokum) to hard candies and chocolates. They have a large shop in downtown Denizli (Çinar) and smaller shops throughout the rest of the city. They are a family business, started in 1938, and well known locally. Besides their Turkish Delight, you should try their Dondurmalı İrmik Helvası . Irmik helvası is a dessert made with semolina and pine nuts. Hacı Şerif places a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a small cup and packs warm irmik helvası in around it. The resulting dessert is a delicious mixture of warm and cold.
- Visiting Pamukkale is possibly why you are in Denizli in the first place. It offers calcium-coated cliffs and hot spring pools, and the ancient site of Hierapolis, which has a well preserved ancient theater and necropolis. The Hierapolis Museum and historic site are well worth seeing.
- Nearby Aphrodisias is one of the best preserved Roman cities in Turkey, and without the usual crowds of better known sites such as Ephesus.
Visiting [[Pamukkale]] is possibly why you are in Denizli in the first place. It offers calcium-coated cliffs and hot spring pools, and the ancient site of Hierapolis, which has a well preserved ancient theater and necropolis. The Hierapolis Museum and historic site are well worth seeing.