Van,
Van is a city located in eastern Turkey near the Lake Van. It is known for its historical sites, such as the Van Fortress and the Van Museum. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations throughout history.
Van is also famous for its delicious local cuisine, including traditional Kurdish dishes.
Key Phrases
Speak like a local
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
- "Lütfen" - Please
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Exploring Van Castle
morning:Start your day with a panoramic view of Lake Van from Van Castle. Then visit the Van Museum to learn about the region's rich history. Conclude the morning at Şanal Tarihi Van Kahvaltı Evi for a delightful Turkish breakfast.
afternoon:Enjoy the scenic beauty of Akdamar Island with a boat tour on Lake Van. Explore the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross and savor a traditional lunch at Akdamar Restaurant by the lakeside. Don't forget to capture the picturesque views with your camera.
evening:Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Van city center. Wandering along Yüzüncü Yıl Avenue and enjoying the local street food is an excellent way to savor the evening. For a night-out, head to the Nane Meyhanesi for some live music and great drinks.
Cultural Immersion and Local Delights
morning:Embark on a spiritual journey at the Abdurrahman Gazi Mosque. Then head to the Civar Mahalle for a unique experience of shopping and mingling with the locals. Relish a delightful Turkish breakfast at Ekspres Lokanta to start your day with flavor.
afternoon:Explore the historical site of Ayanis, famous for its ancient Urartian settlement. Pay a visit to the gorgeous Cavustepe Castle and immerse yourself in the intriguing local history. Stop for a delicious lunch at Harem Organik Macera to refuel for the afternoon.
evening:Wrap up your day by enjoying a serene sunset at Erçek Lake. Indulge in a traditional Turkish dinner at Akdamar Garden Restaurant, nestled amidst nature. For a night-out, head to Kedi Park for a relaxed evening of mingling and socializing.
Nature and Adventure Day
morning:Begin your day with a refreshing hike at Mount Süphan, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After the hike, visit the Gevas Bird Paradise to witness the diverse bird species in their natural habitat. Fuel up with a scrumptious breakfast at Erkul Kireç Restaurant to kick-start your exploration.
afternoon:Embark on an exciting ATV tour around the stunning landscapes of Van. Visit the Uran Crater Lake for a unique natural wonder experience. Grab a quick and tasty lunch at Bereket Lokantası on your way to the next adventure spot.
evening:Conclude your day by unwinding at the Caldiran Thermal Springs to relax and rejuvenate after a day full of adventure. Enjoy a tranquil dinner at Umut Restaurant with picturesque views of the springs. For a night-out, head to Club Sess for a fun-filled evening of music and dancing.
Van Culinary Delights and Relaxation
morning:Kick off your day with an authentic culinary experience at the Van Market. Explore the variety of fresh produce and local delicacies offered by the vendors. Indulge in flavorful street food to energize your morning. Don't forget to visit the charming Van Lake to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
afternoon:Immerse yourself in the traditional art of carpet weaving at the Van Carpet Museum. Afterward, treat yourself to a delightful Turkish lunch at Kaya Restaurant while appreciating the beautiful lake views. Take a leisurely walk along the lakeside promenade to unwind and digest your meal.
evening:For a relaxed evening, head to the Van Shopping Mall for some retail therapy and local crafts. Discover the authentic Van cuisine for dinner at Zencefil Restaurant, known for its delectable dishes. Conclude your day with a serene evening stroll by the lake to wind down.
Van Famous Food
Must-Try local dishes
Van Kavurma
Van Kavurma is a traditional dish made with lamb or beef that is slow-cooked and then pan-fried with garlic and local herbs. It is typically served with flatbread and fresh vegetables. Must-try at Zeytin Dali Döner & Kebap.
Must-Try!
Kuymak
Kuymak is a creamy and cheesy cornmeal dish, often flavored with local herbs. It's a popular comfort food in Van and is best enjoyed at Yüzüncü Yıl University Student Cafeteria.
Otlu Peynir
Otlu Peynir is a type of herb-infused cheese that is unique to the region. It's commonly served as a part of a traditional Turkish breakfast and pairs perfectly with freshly baked bread. Try it at Van Karsıkıyı Restaurant & Cafe.
Food Markets & Street Food
A food market and street food guide
Van Market
Van Market is a bustling hub of local culinary delights, offering an array of fresh produce, spices, and artisanal goods. Don't miss the opportunity to sample popular street foods like gözleme, a savory Turkish flatbread, and ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink.
Pet sitters in Van
Relax and unwind while your furry friend enjoys making a new companion!