Van Travel Guide

Van Travel Guide

You will be amazed as you visit Van , which has one of the important tourism potentials of Eastern Anatolia . When you make a trip to Van , one cannot help but worry and worry: “I wish this region would be remembered with weapons, war, blood, tourism rather than fear”. Because it deserves it very much. The historical beauties of Van and the unique surprises of the natural life constitute the places to visit in Van, but the warmth of the local people, the amazing Van nightlife , the beauty around Lake Van called the sea and the surrounding mountains as permitted by the surrounding mountains, the last few days in the region are and, in our opinion, will surprise every visitor to Van with its beauty. Will be considered a world heritage in itselfAkdamar Island and Ahdamar Church, Van Castle, Van Cat , breakfast, Lake, pasture, church, mountain, hill…. Frankly, we loved these places enough to regret that we made the Van trip so late.

Places to see in Van are lined on the dry lands in the arid Eastern Anatolian lands on the one hand, on the one hand around the lake called the Van Sea, and on the historical Silk Road line on the other.

Although there is no domestic tourist influx, anyone who knows Van's beauties knows, and there is a serious influx of tourists from its neighboring Iran. So much so that when our Van trip plan changed and we wanted to stay on Saturday night, we could not find places in reasonable hotels and teachers' houses within the economic travel budget. Fortunately, there were many options for accommodation in Van .

The places to see in Van are generally around the city center, so we recommend that those who have the opportunity to travel by car. Public transport is not satisfactory, but hitchhiking is common. Our journeys in Van have passed by taking a lot of hitchhiker friends, we can get short information about the surroundings and Van from them, and we also have the opportunity to talk about the region and life stories with those who coincide with the longer road.

Unfortunately, there are not much signage on the roads, but for the Van trip, navigation works. A local brother we got directions to Van Castle said, "Van is managed by navigation," we can say after four days, he was right! We will try to share the google maps information we have drawn in the Van route suggestions section below.

So Where Is Van? How To Get To Van?

Van Travel Guide

When we opened our map eastern Turkey in the middle installation blue lake immediately east of Van , Turkey - Iran border of our city in the most eastern. The population of Van, which has metropolitan status, is just over 1,100,000 along with the districts, and it is the largest city in the region in terms of both geographical area and population. Ferit Melen Airport in Van is a very old airport with frequent flights. There are always scheduled flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Antalya and Adana.

Van's also possible to reach by bus anywhere in Turkey. For important places to visit after Van ; It takes 2 hours by bus from Van to Tatvan and 5 hours from Van Mardin. 6 hours from Van Diyarbakır by bus. It takes 3 hours between Van Ağrı (it can take up to 5 hours depending on the transfer). It takes 18-19 hours between Van and Ankara.

Transportation from Van Ferit Melen Airport to the City Center

Van Travel Guide

As soon as you get off at Van Airport , shuttles (minibuses), commercial taxis and municipal buses appear before you. We chose Van city center transfer services with the motto of “let the tradesman win”. 5 TL per person. There are also services to other provinces and districts. The fee for the Erçiş - Airport minibus on our sample route is 13 TL. Do not get stuck with the logos of the airlines on the minibuses that provide Van Airport transfer service, there is no official relationship, they did it according to their heads.

Our suggestion to our readers who will ask When to Go to Van ; Of course, although we can say 4 seasons, the most attractive period is between mid-May and early July. Especially the period when the cold breaks and the melting snow fills the Muradiye waterfall and lakes is also a wonderful time to see the famous Van mullet floating in the opposite direction and flamingo herds at the time of migration. In addition, the summer heat has not yet turned the green on the floor. When we went at the beginning of May, we were very satisfied and we can prepare a good Van travel blog content.

Van Travel Notepad

Van Travel Guide

Take Time: The list of places to visit in Van is quite large, and the natural environment and nightlife of the city are also surprisingly beautiful. So try to keep your travel time long. 2 nights is enough, 3 nights will satisfy. It goes up to 5.

If Possible , Rent a Car: If you came to Van by car, it is okay, if you have traveled by plane, rent a car if possible. It will be especially useful for seeing many places outside the city center

Van Meals Mediocre: Places to eat in Van are 'good enough', but there is almost no such thing as a Van food. Of course there is the famous Van Breakfast (unnecessary in our opinion) but other than that, the things you will eat are classic menus. Keep your expectations short.

Go to Akdamar: We wrote a separate page for this, imagine we liked it that much. Ahdamar Island and Ahdamar Church will be your most special stop to see in Van.

Love Van Cat: You can meet our pure breed cat friends at the House of Van Cats. Do not forget to buy one year old food to love the Van cats, one of the most docile cat breeds in the world.

Dive into the Van Nightlife: We know that we are making mistakes by raising your expectations, but Van nightlife is colorful and vibrant in a way we never expected. Enjoy. 

You can have a look at our Van Travel Route: We recorded the google maps information that we previously worked on and relatively applied for van tour route suggestions. You can find it in our van travel notes.

Get a Museum Card: This is a rule for every trip, but the Museum Card will also give you an advantage in Van. It is valid in 3 points.

Places to Visit in Van

Van Travel Guide

Although we will write separately (mixed) for geographic and route suggestions, let's want to get information for those who draw their own plan. There is not much to see in the city center of Van. The classic Anatolian city streets and annoyingly very, very busy traffic jam await you. The Van Museum , which is in the city center, was moved to the Castle because our painful memory was damaged in the October 2011 Ercis Van earthquake (The museum building was finished but was not opened yet, if it coincides with you, please write a comment)

Places to Visit in Van City Center

Van Travel Guide

Van Castle: We think that Van Castle in the city among the most beautiful castles in Turkey, Van hill overlooking a very large part. It is possible to watch the city from both sides and Lake Van from both sides of the castle, which can be climbed by a very steep road. We enjoyed both walking, looking from afar and the views at the summit, we strongly recommend. Entrance is 5 TL and museum card is valid for museum service under state control.

Two historical mosques that can be easily seen when looking down from the castle and to be visited after descending if desired: Hüsrev Paşa Mosque, Kaya Çelebi Mosque

Van Pier: Here you can take the trains coming from Iran to the ferry towards Batman, and watch the sunset towards Lake Van after seeing them off, we loved it very much. We drank tea, but there are also monopoly dealers for those who want it, two beers go well in this landscape.

Famous Van Breakfast Restaurants: Sir, along with the breakfasts of the Bosphorus, the most famous breakfast culture in the country is in Van and Diyarbakır as you know. Of course, Turkey's unique culture to live anywhere in separate zevkliyk breakfast, Vans breakfast is also quite stands out in terms of flavor and richness of the table. But disappointing in our opinion. For Van Breakfast Chefs, read our Van eating and drinking notes below.

Edremit Pier for Aktamar Island: The most important stop that attracts the holidaymakers in Van is Akdamar, the second largest island of Lake Van and the historical Akdamar Church. 

Places To See In Van Outside The City Center Of Van

Van Travel Guide

This point has a list that will make the Van trip unforgettable. Lake Erçek, other shores of Lake Van, Aktamar Island and the historical Akdamar Church, Vanadokya absurdity, Yanal Church, Travertines, Seven Churches, Hoşap Castle, Çavuştepe Castle (Ruins), Muradiye Waterfall, Şeytan Bridge, Zernek Bridge, Erciş District and Erciş beach, Van Cat House, Başkale Albayrak St. The Bartholomeus Church is the places to see on our Van tour route. Let's try to explain some of it.

Muradiye Waterfall: We saw the Muradiye Waterfall, which is close to Van Erçiş district, in its most beautiful season, which we say we are glad we went. There is an elegant suspension bridge where we go by passing the historical Devil's Bridge. It was also enjoyable to sit and drink tea in the small facility. The winter photos of Muradiye waterfall are also very beautiful, which shows that it is a nice place from here, except when the water has low flow for a few months.

Hoşap Castle: It is a majestic spot that suddenly appears on the road while moving in the direction of Muradiye Waterfall. On the Van - Başkale road, 60 km from the center of Van. Hoşap Castle, which is at a distance, is a military base built on a very steep slope, which is historically thought to date back to the Urartu period. Today Iran - Turkey's historic importance castle located in a prime position on the route can be understood. According to the known history, its final form was shaped during the reconstruction period in 1643.

Vanadokya: We have not been disappointed in our travels for a long time, it was good to see this. A few tuff formations like Cappadocia waiting for their guests (!) In Başkale are referred to as Vanadokya, almost as if some tour companies' idiot programs and photoshop beautiful tourist photos are telling how painful it is. Local people also know as "Başkale fairy chimneys". We say, don't you, don't go that long, but the decision is yours, it's our job to write. If you go and come across people in that village, say hi, at least you will have a conversation with them, it will be nice.

Çavuştepe Castle (Remains): If we were going to see this, we would shout an extra cursing at the sources suggesting it, but fortunately, this is a place on the Başkale route, just 400-500 meters from the road. Now it should be called not the Van Çavuştepe Castle, but the remains of Çavuştepe Castle, as there is nothing but the region that reveals the place where the castle walls are located. Again on the road, located in a relatively high place, we are sure that this place is of high historical importance, but today's tourism value is extremely low. For those who say how to get to Hoşap Castle, we will have our route below, which can be your stopover point on that road, let your feet rest. The scenery is not bad either.

Lake Erçek and Bird Sanctuary: Can we see flamingos for the people of Van on the way, to whom we went with a lot of enthusiasm as there are stopovers on the migration route of flamingos in May and June. This is a small pond parallel to Lake Van, where we learned that it was not a flamingo but a “duck” in the region but unfortunately we could not come across. In fact, it is a large lake in itself, but in our opinion, it is not worth visiting.

Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Van Cat House: It is a type of cat that has an extra feature for me. (My first cat in the past more than 20 years ago. This is a nursing and production house established within the University in order to preserve the originality of the Van Cat, which is known for its blue eyes, green eyes or blue-yellow combination and white fur. There is a considerable number of cat population in the building and entrance is not charged, even though the so-called 1.50 TL is charged, as you can see the cats in their cages and their environment, you can buy 4 TL wet food - you can please and love the cats as the place says.

Of course, they will leave feathers on you like crazy, but it is great that he loves and is with animals. As I write these lines, my current cat Limoncello also says hi to you. If you want to buy a Van cat, this is the best point, pure breed kittens are owned between 350 - 450 TL. (Still ask our violent street you own a cat) notes to airlift cat if you Acquire located in: plane carrying pets

Akçalı Travertines: We have not gone, but there are also travertines in Van, which are the smaller ones in Bolu Akkaya, which are still being formed - and that our grandchildren will probably enjoy more like Pamukkale. Keep in mind.

Adır Island and Adır Church: We have included this other island, which is included in many sources, into our program. We did not like his photos, and when local friends said that they are not among the important places in Van, we could not go because we wanted to give priority to the other program. We can say keep it in mind.

Places to Visit Around Van

Van Travel Guide

Nemrut Crater Lake in the direction of Bitlis; Hasankeyf, in the Van - Batman direction; Van - Agri direction Dogu Beyazit Palace and the Houses of Mardin and Midyat Midyat, south-westward priceless located in Turkey's tourism treasures invaluable and all our routes so close to Van added to the trip. In this respect, it is possible to fly to Van airport and take a wide Eastern Anatolia trip by taking it as the center. We chose to go to Nemrut Crater Lake on our first trip, and the others will be the stops of our next trips.

Our Van Travel Route Suggestions

Van Travel Guide

We have kept the route information , which you can choose from the points detailed above, which are suitable for you, and which we use for the Van trip with the vehicle, as google maps record. Since there is no proper signage in Van, you will have to use navigation, our routes working in yandex, google maps and I phone maps are as follows:

Route 1: South to Vanadokya Direction: We recommend that you start from Van Ferit Melen Airport, go to Vanadokya by seeing many touristic spots and then return on the same road, frankly, after Hoşap Castle. (Go - come 4.5 hours)

Route 2: East: Starting from a nice hotel where we stayed overnight in Erciş (the same place as the Teacher's House) to save time in the morning, encompassing the Muradiye Waterfall and reaching the city center, the beautiful Erciş Van east line includes the city center and includes Bitlis Nemrut Crater Lake 1-day excursion route to: (You can return from Lake Van instead of Lake Erçek. 6.5 hours non-stop, full day with breaks and places to see. + Be sure to add Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery)

Van - Nemrut - Hasankeyf Route 3: After completing the Van trip, Nemrut - Hasankeyf route: (We had to cancel it and postpone it to a later date.

Amazing Van Nightlife

Van Travel Guide

When we talked to our local friend Mehmet before the Van trip , I asked the question “What to do at night in Van? Van nightlife is quite surprising, it has a colorful environment that offers pleasures above expectations.

Van provincial center is a place that makes it extremely modern and has numerous places for drinking. Most of the venues are classical "live music" venues. They came to the fore with their opposing identities. You know, there are places where we drink cheap beer and sing left-wing songs in the early years of university, we can say that they work in that way. In addition, many of them refused us at the door with the rule "no entry without dams".

Let us remind you that you will come across numerous Iranian tourists in Van nightlife. The city is a very touristic attraction especially for Iranians, it is a wonderful travel route.

Van's Most Beautiful Night Places

Van Travel Guide

Although the places to go at night in Van are mostly on the same a few streets (Kazım Karabekir Street) in the city center and parallel to this street, there are various places around Lake Van. Of course, there are alternative venues in the surrounding districts, and the number of monopoly dealers that sell alcohol in Van is quite sufficient for those who want to hang out in their rooms.

Argentina Cafe Bar: The venue, where we ended a few nights here, was also one of the first stops of live music entertainment in Van, as many other venues adopt the rule of “not be taken without a dams”. While rock, pop and original genres are broadcast in the venue, which has live music on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, different bands come out. Prices are good, service is good. The music, which ends around 12.30 at night, continues in Curcuna next door.

Club Curcuna: It was a disco that started to serve from 12.30 at night when we went. It is an extremely entertaining environment that combines colorful Van nights with modern entertainment culture.

Yeni Eski Cafe Bar: This place, which is obviously one of the important points of the alternative opposition culture, is a spot that we visited and liked very much with the recommendation of a friend from Van. We can say that it is a folk song playing Anatolian folk songs, like a bar. (On the way, you may lose your way and pass through streets where you might think not so safe, but that's okay, continue)

Niçe Kafe Bar: It looked like a very beautiful place, both with its name and the way we could see it through the door, because of the "no roofless " rule. One of the quality Van bars with an oppositional stance.

Zukka Cafe: It is a very crowded place where we only stayed for a few minutes, but it did not 'give us much confidence'. There are friends dressed as guards at the door and fruit is served at the tables inside, as far as we understand, it is a suitable place for the culture of “opening the bottle” and there is live music, we did not sit down, but we wrote to keep in mind.

Edremit Mir'o Mara Boutique Hotel and Lounge Bar: A really small boutique hotel concept, with a view of Lake Van, in Edremit district a little west of the center. We loved the place brought by a friend from Van, the guest group is very elite, in a quality that we would come across in Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya.

Famous Dishes, Places to Eat in Van

Van Travel Guide

Frankly, when we said Eastern Anatolia, or even a place to go from Istanbul, it was definitely a pleasure to eat, but Van became a place seriously in the classroom. Yes, of course the food is good, meats and something like animals grazing in the clean plains of Eastern Anatolia, but when we say what Van is famous for, there is not a single meal. What to eat in Van with friends from VanWhen we say, the answers they give are generally Van versions of the dishes specific to different regions. Of course, there is a famous Van breakfast from the Armenians, but frankly, it does not have much of a feature. We loved to have a Van breakfast in Istanbul and we would find it quite delicious and economical (especially around Samatya in mind) but it means that they urbanized it here, or they added a few things specific to Van to the city breakfast, which we liked. Frankly, the saddest moment in Van was our billing moment after eating Van breakfast.

Famous Van Breakfast; A breakfast created with the addition of standard breakfast foods (or even less) and three or four items unique to the region. Its historical significance was of course great and important for the human needs of that period, but today it is an unworthy cost - in our opinion. Of course, while you are traveling to Van, you will also taste Van Breakfast, although we cannot deter you, let's reduce your expectation, at least you will enjoy it, we were disappointed. Do not be sorry for 30 TL at the prices of May 2017, but breakfast is served overlooking the Bosphorus in the place that rents millions of liras in Istanbul, and the variety, content and taste are three times that.

We sat in the most famous place of Van Breakfast, “Sütçü Kenan Van Kahbaltı Saloon” on the street that we can describe as the breakfast street. . Right next to Sütçü Kenan there is another “Sütçü…. There are also venues named ”, we do not think there is much difference. In addition, Bak Hele Bak Yusuf Konak Van Breakfast House, one of Van's most famous breakfast restaurants, was also a very famous and recommended place. (We didn't go)

The Secret of Van Breakfast: Two special flavors from the Armenian culinary culture at the time, such as murtua (roasting flour with butter and eggs) and kavut (brown wheat, milk, flour mixture), which are extremely nutritious, energizing, filling but not like anything else. on the contrary, it is served with really delicious fig jam and Van herb cheese, special bread and Van buns and tzatziki. There is also roast egg, which is good, but it can be found everywhere.

Apart from breakfast, Van's famous dish is keledoş. There is definitely something to be done in homes, but it was keledoş that we could reach as a tourist. Apart from that, everywhere is kebab restaurant, pide restaurant, lahmacuncu, chicken doner.

Van İnci Mullet: It didn't happen to us, but we think Van's most famous dish is the pearl mullet unique to the region. As much as dinner, you can see this friend who swims against the reverse current in June and passes the tiny waterfalls upside down by jumping in the streams while traveling to Van. Martı Cafe Restaurant is one of the recommended places on the pier, which we love the view.

Doner in Tatvan: Enter a place that looks good on the way, meat dishes are generally very delicious and meat is of high quality. Also get a bonus; On the way from Van to Nemrut Crater Lake, we entered Sanayi in Tatvan upon a suggestion. One of the best doner kebabs we have eaten for a long time came with a delicious lahmacun at Tatvan Sanayi Restaurant. Also known as Remzi Usta's place, it is a very shabby place, which can be considered as a luxury for the industry, its mass is certain, but the döner was extraordinary, the prices were also very good. If you do the route, keep it in mind.

Van Lake Coasts by Sea Bike

Van Travel Guide

When we asked local friends "what to do in Van" , especially when the conversation intensified about water activities on Lake Van, we heard something from paragliding in the mountains to canoes from Lake Van by certain organizations and clubs on certain days a year, but the activity that the public and tourists can attend in person is very limited. . But pedaling the sea bike departing from the Van Pier. Let us point out that, frankly, in our opinion, it was a bit stupid, since it is also from the shore to a limited clearing.