From exploring the scenic shores of Lake Van to gorging on the city’s famous breakfast, here are the best things to do in Van, Turkey.
Van is a little-visited city on the eastern edge of Turkey. Overlooking the scenic shores of Lake Van (the largest freshwater lake in Turkey), the city traces its origins back millennia to its role as the capital of an ancient Urartian kingdom at the crossroads of the eastern and western worlds.
Founded in the 9th century BCE, the ancient citadel of Van Castle still stands today as a testament to this bygone era. Following the Urartian period, the region came under the sway of the Armenian Kingdom, Persian Empire, and later the Byzantine and Seljuk Empires, each of which left their mark on Van’s history.
Modern Van blends its Urartian and Armenian roots with Persian, Kurdish and Turkish influences. Explore the stone carvings of the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island, dig into the traditional ‘Van Breakfast’ (beloved across the Turkish nation) and keep an eye out for the city’s famed, odd-eyed cats. This is a city that deserves more tourists than it currently receives, so get in quick, before the rest of the world discovers the best things to do in Van.
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Things to do in Van
When I first visited Van in 2016 as part of an overland journey across Turkey, I met few other travellers along the way. In fact, I’d never heard of Van until I started planning my journey east, and I was pleasantly to surprised to discover that the city had a burgeoning tourist scene amongst Turks and Iranians.
Now, it seems that Van has arrived at a crossroads. Thanks to its scenic location on the edge of Lake Van and a wealth of historic sites (not to mention its nationally famous breakfast and infamous cat population), Van is also becoming much better known on the international tourist circuit.
Turkish Railways are betting big on Van, and a new train link has opened up Lake Van to intrepid tourists. The Vangölü Express departs twice weekly from Ankara, connecting the Turkish capital with Tatvan, a city on the western shores of the lake, some 26 hours later. From here, you can hop on a bus along the lake’s scenic southern shores and arrive in Van less than 2 hours later.
1. Start your journey at Van Castle (Van Kalesi)
Van Castle is the imposing fortress perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city. Built by the Urartians in the 9th century BCE, the castle served as the capital of their kingdom, which they named ‘Tushpa’. The site offers not only stunning views of the lake and the surrounding landscape but also a fascinating glimpse into Van’s earliest origins.
Explore the ruins and you’ll see the remnants of walls, gates and rock-cut tombs, including the well-preserved Sardur Tower, which bears inscriptions detailing the achievements of Urartian kings. The climb to the top, while sweaty and often dusty, is well worth it for the panoramic vistas that stretch over Van, and out to the lake’s shores.
Read more: 15 Ancient Ruins You Can Visit in Turkey
2. Explore the scenic shores of Lake Van
Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey, and the city of Van sprawls right up to its eastern shores. Situated at an altitude of 1,640 meters, the lake covers an area of approximately 3,755 square kilometres and is surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. I was astounded by the lake’s intense blue colour, while in winter, the snow capped peaks are magnificent.
Visiting Lake Van from the city of Van is straightforward. You can literally hike down to the lake shore, you can hire a bicycle, hop in a taxi or take a local bus. Regular boat trips can connect you to Akdamar Island, where you’ll find the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross.
3. Take a boat to Akdamar Island
A visit to Akdamar Island, located on Lake Van, is a must for anyone in the region. The small island is home to the Church of the Holy Cross, a restored 10th-century Armenian cathedral adorned with intricate stone carvings and frescoes. These detailed artworks depict biblical scenes and offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval Armenian art and architecture.
To reach Akdamar Island, you can join boat trips from the Gevaş district, which is approximately 45 kilometres southwest of Van city. The boat ride itself is all part off the experience, offering panoramic views of Lake Van and the surrounding mountains. Once on the island, you can explore the church and its grounds before heading back to the mainland.
Read more: Akdamar Island And The Last Armenian Church Of Lake Van
4. Explore local history at Van Museum
If you’re looking to learn more about the region’s complex history, there’s no better place to start than Van Museum. Reopened in 2019 in a modern facility, the museum showcases artefacts from Van’s many historical periods, including the Urartian, Armenian and Ottoman eras.
One of the museum’s standout exhibits is the collection of cuneiform tablets and inscriptions, which offer valuable insights into the administrative and economic practices of the Urartians. Additionally, the museum houses significant relics from the Armenian and Ottoman periods, including religious artefacts, manuscripts, and traditional costumes, reflecting the diverse historical influences that have shaped the region.
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5. Dig into a hearty Van Breakfast
Van breakfast, or ‘Van Kahvaltısı’, is one of the best reasons to travel east and explore this distant part of Turkey. If you’ve gorged on traditional Turkish breakfasts before, you’ll have some idea of what’s coming your way, but be prepared for a feast!
Van Kahvaltısı is known for its abundant spread of breakfast items. This elaborate breakfast includes an impressive variety of local specialities that reflect the region’s gastronomic heritage. Key components of a typical Van breakfast include herbed cheese known as ‘otlu peynir‘, clotted cream called ‘kaymak’ which often served with honey, and ‘murtuğa’, a dish made with flour, butter, and eggs. Fresh cucumbers and yoghurt make up ‘cacık’, while ‘pekmez’, a type of molasses and kavut’, a mixture of roasted wheat flour, water and sugar, are also staples. Various homemade jams and local honey accompany fresh bread, such as lavaş or flatbread.
Van’s breakfast has become a popular attraction for tourists, who love seeking out this unique gastronomic experience in specialised breakfast salons, or ‘kahvaltı salons’. This lavish meal has become a symbol of Van’s hospitality and culinary excellence, drawing food enthusiasts from across Turkey and beyond.
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6. Watch out for Van’s odd-eyed cats
Van cats are a unique breed. Native to the Van region, they’re adored for their striking appearance and distinctive odd-coloured eyes. Van’s cats exhibit heterochromatic eyes, where one eye can be blue and the other one amber.
You’ll encounter these colourful cats all over the city, but if you’re interested in learning more about Van’s obsessions with them, there are several key locations to visit. The Van Cat Research Centre at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University is dedicated to the conservation and breeding of these cats. The centre provides extensive information about the breed’s history, characteristics and current conservation efforts, allowing visitors to see the cats up close and learn about the research being conducted to preserve their lineage.
Another important place is the Van Cat House. This small facility focuses on breeding and showcasing Van cats to the public, offering educational resources about their care and characteristics.
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7. See the Urartian ruins of Çavuştepe
Çavuştepe is an ancient Urartian fortress located approximately 25 kilometres southeast of Van. Built by the Urartian King Sarduri II in the 8th century BCE, the fortress served as a significant administrative and military centre. The site includes well-preserved ruins of temples, palaces, and residential areas, providing valuable insights into Urartian architecture and urban planning.
One of the notable features of Çavuştepe is its sophisticated irrigation system, which highlights the advanced engineering skills of the Urartians. The fortress also contains inscriptions in the Urartian cuneiform script, detailing various aspects of the kingdom’s administration and culture. The site is accessible by road from Van, making it a convenient day trip for history enthusiasts and those interested in ancient civilisations.
Read more: Exploring Lake Van’s Insanely Creepy Abandoned Hospital
8. Enjoy the cascades of Muradiye Waterfall
Muradiye Waterfall, located approximately 80 kilometres north of Van, is formed by the Bendimahi River. Cascading down from a height of about 15 metres, the waterfall is a spectacular display, especially during the spring when the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt from the surrounding mountains.
Accessible by road, the waterfall is a popular day-trip destination for those staying in Van. Local facilities, including small cafes and picnic areas, cater to tourists, making it a convenient and enjoyable visit. Muradiye Waterfall’s natural beauty and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit spot for nature lovers exploring the Van region.
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9. Go bird watching on Erçek Lake
Erçek Lake is a popular natural attraction approximately 30 kilometres east of Van. This saline soda lake covers an area of about 95 square kilometres, and while it’s a fraction of the size of Lake Van, it’s an important habitat for the region’s bird species.
During the migration seasons, Erçek Lake becomes a haven for birdwatchers, offering sightings of flamingos, pelicans and waterfowl. The lake’s unique saline and alkaline environment supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to its ecological diversity.
Read more: Is Turkey in Europe or Asia? Everything You Need to Know.
10. Ride the Vangölü Express
Your journey begins in Ankara, Turkey’s capital, before the Vangölü Express weaves through the rolling plains of central Anatolia and into the rugged mountains of eastern Turkey. As the train chugs eastward, one of the highlights of the journey is crossing the Euphrates River, before you traverse the dramatic terrains near Elazığ and Muş.
The train terminates in Tatvan, where you’ll have glorious views of Lake Van. The Vangölü Express offers a memorable train journey from Ankara, taking approximately 26 hours. This scenic route covers around 1,245 kilometres and operates twice weekly, departing from Ankara at 11:20 AM every Tuesday and Sunday, and returning from Tatvan at 10:30 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Book tickets on the TCDD website.
Read more: Turkey: How to Travel From Istanbul to Ankara
11. Hike to the summit of Mount Artos
Hiking Mount Artos, which towers above the lake near the town of Gevaş, is an invigorating chance to explore Van’s mountainous terrain. Standing at approximately 3,515 metres, Mount Artos is one of the most prominent peak in the region, attracting hikers from all over Turkey.
The ascent is challenging, but considering you can drive large parts of the way up, it’s suitable for anyone with a good fitness level and some hiking experience. Trails lead through different landscapes, including alpine meadows, rocky outcrops, and patches of snow, depending on the season. The hike typically takes a full day, allowing ample time to soak in the vistas and enjoy the natural surroundings. Of course, this is a mountain that needs to be hiked in summer, when the peak isn’t snow capped.
Read more: The Eastern Express: How I Survived Turkey’s Epic 26-Hour Train Ride
12. Take to the ski slopes in winter
Skiing is big business in eastern Turkey, where the high altitude and soaring mountain peaks ensure plenty of fresh powder in winter. Van’s main skiing destination is the Abalı Ski Centre, which is located on the slopes of Mount Artos just a short drive from the city of Van. This resort is well-equipped with modern facilities, including ski lifts, rental shops, and training services for beginners.
The ski season typically runs from December to March, with excellent snow conditions suitable for both novice and experienced skiers. The centre features several pistes of varying difficulty, providing options for all skill levels. Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy snowboarding and other winter sports, making it a versatile winter destination.
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Map of the best things to do in Van
Here’s a map of the best things to do in Van:
There you are! The best things to do in Van. Will you be visiting this eastern Turkish city?
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