Things To Do
in Isparta
Isparta sits in the uplands of southwest Turkey, renowned as the City of Roses and a gateway to emerald lakes and pine-covered mountains. It blends a rich history with modern tea houses and markets, anchored by nearby Eğirdir Lake and the snowy slopes of Davraz. The old town features mosques and stone houses, while the surrounding countryside blooms with apricot orchards and fragrant roses.
Visitors can wander cultural sites, sample rose-flavored drinks, and use Isparta as a base to explore both mountains and lakes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Isparta's historic center. Visit the iconic Isparta Clock Tower and take in its stunning architecture while sipping a cup of traditional Turkish tea. Don't forget to stop by local boutiques to admire handcrafted goods and souvenirs.
Enjoy lunch at a cozy local restaurant, sampling traditional dishes like Isparta's famous kebabs and mezes. Afterward, visit the Isparta Archaeological Museum to delve into the rich history of the region through its fascinating artifacts. Spend some time wandering through the nearby parks, soaking in the serene atmosphere and beautiful landscapes.
As the sun sets, head to a rooftop café to enjoy panoramic views of the city while savoring a delicious dessert like baklava. Engage with the local community by attending an evening cultural performance or exhibition, showcasing local art and music. Finally, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive to Lake Eğirdir, one of Turkey's largest lakes, surrounded by stunning mountains. Once there, rent a bicycle and explore the lakeside paths, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the beautiful views of the water. Stop at a quaint lakeside café for a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring olives, cheese, and fresh bread.
After breakfast, spend your afternoon swimming or sunbathing on the shores of the lake, where the tranquil waters invite relaxation. Alternatively, try your hand at water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding for a more active experience. Enjoy a picnic lunch with local delicacies, taking advantage of the serene natural surroundings.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot along the lake to watch the sky transform into shades of orange and pink. Enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant, sampling fresh fish caught from the lake, paired with local wines. Conclude your day with a peaceful boat ride on the lake, reflecting on the beauty of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-9 |
| 🚎One-way local transit | $0.40-0.70 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $40-70 |
| 🩺Doctor visit | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful rose heritage and apricot-rich countryside
- Excellent base for lake and mountain day trips
- Generally affordable with warm hospitality
- Relatively safe with friendly locals
- Limited nightlife and may feel quiet for some travelers
- Language barrier in rural areas can be challenging
- Public transit outside the city center is less frequent
- Winter roads to Davraz can be icy and require care
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Nasılsınız?" - How are you?
- "Bu kaç para?" - How much is this?
- "Burası nerede?" - Where is this place?
Places to Visit in Isparta
Visit one of these nice places.
Long lake edge with boats, pine-fringed hills, and reflections at sunrise or sunset.
Panoramic highland vistas over valleys and forests; ideal for wide landscape shots.
Historic urban heart with colorful streets, stone buildings, and lively street life.
Fragrant beds and traditional tea houses provide atmospheric backdrops for photography.
Food in Isparta
Isparta Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rosewater-based sherbet, served cold and refreshing, often enjoyed alongside sweets or as a standalone drink.
Must-Try!
Fragrant jam made from Isparta's apricots, perfect on bread, yogurt, or desserts.
A delicate dessert made with a milk-based base, often topped with coconut and sweet syrup, highlighting rosewater notes.
Small Turkish dumplings typically served with yogurt, garlic oil, and a paprika-laden sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The city’s weekly market where you can buy dried apricots, fresh produce, rose products, and street snacks.
Market by the lake offering snacks, gözleme, simit, and seasonal fruit.
Cafés and stalls around the city center offering quick bites like börek, simit, and ayran.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake is common; when addressing elders or in formal settings, use polite titles and speak softly in public.
When visiting mosques, dress modestly; women may be asked to cover hair in some places. Ask permission before taking photos of people.
Accepting tea or sweets when offered is customary; removing shoes when entering homes is polite in many households.
Safety
Tipping in Isparta
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 5-10% is customary if service is not included. It’s common to round up taxi fares and leave a small tip to hotel staff.
Turkish lira is standard; credit/debit cards are widely accepted in towns and hotels, but smaller shops and rural markets may be cash-only. ATMs are common in city centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Blooming roses and apricot orchards; mild temperatures make city strolls and countryside walks very pleasant.
Warm days and cooler nights; low humidity; perfect for lake and mountain activities, but bring sun protection.
Pleasant temperatures with harvest colors in orchards and vineyards; great for scenic drives and photography.
Cold, with possible snow in the higher elevations like Davraz; layers and warm footwear are essential.
Isparta at Night
Hiking in Isparta
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High-altitude trail network with panoramic mountain and valley views; varying difficulty levels.
Scenic lakeside paths perfect for a relaxed hike or long photography sessions along the water.
Forested routes in the Gelendost district featuring streams, wildflowers, and quiet countryside scenery.
Airports
How to reach Isparta by plane.
A small domestic airport serving mainly domestic flights to Istanbul and Ankara; transfers to Isparta city center are straightforward by taxi or bus.
Major international hub on Turkey’s southern coast; 2–3 hours by road from Isparta, with many connections to Europe and domestic flights.
Another international gateway in the region; popular for travelers heading to the turquoise coast and interior routes; good for longer trips across southwestern Turkey.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizable student presence due to Süleyman Demirel University; a youthful energy in parts of the city.
A mix of urban families and farmers from surrounding villages; seasonal agricultural activity influences populations at different times of year.
A significant portion of long-term residents who maintain traditional customs and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Winter sports center offering skiing and snow activities with scenic alpine scenery nearby.
Popular amateur and school-level play; local teams and community games are common throughout the year.
Common in schools and local clubs; occasional community leagues in the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Isparta.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; look for mezes, lentil dishes, salads, and pide or börek without meat. Most places can customize dishes on request.
Ask for dishes without bulgur, bread, or flour; opt for grilled vegetables, yogurt-based sauces, and rice-based sides.