Van
Introduction
You will find Van situated on the eastern shore of Lake Van in the eastern region of Turkey. As the capital of its namesake province, it serves as a central hub for the area.
Before you go
Prepare for the harsh continental climate shaped by the high mountains surrounding Lake Van, a soda-salt lake known locally as "the sea of Van." You should be aware that the region sits atop an active tectonic boundary where earthquakes are not uncommon, and the nearby Mount Nemrut volcano remains dormant rather than extinct.
While exploring the area, you can expect to hear both Turkish and Kurdish spoken by the local people, while younger residents may understand basic English. The history of your surroundings is deep, spanning from the Iron Age kingdom of Urartu to later rule by the Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans.
Getting there
You can reach Van by road via the D300 highway, which traverses Turkey from the Aegean coast through several cities to the Iranian border. If traveling from Ankara, you can take the O-21 south before joining the D300, or head east on the D200/E88 past Sivas and Erzincan. For those arriving by bus, services run daily from Istanbul and Ankara, with additional connections available from Adana via several regional hubs. From Tatvan, frequent dolmūşes travel along the south lake shore, while others depart from Doğubayazıt to bring you into town.
If you prefer to fly, Van Ferit Melen Airport is located in the southwestern suburbs and offers daily flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, and Izmir. From the airport, you can choose between taxis or a city bus to reach the main road for a dolmūş. Rail travel is an option as well; trains from Iran terminate at Van, while eastbound connections from Ankara connect through Tatvan. For those arriving by boat, ferries cross the lake from Tatvan, though these sail infrequently and irregularly.
Getting around
You can navigate the city using taxis or dolmuşes for any destinations beyond walking distance. When traveling to the castle and museum, board a dolmuş marked "Kale." After getting off at the castle fence before it enters the back streets, you will need to walk the final kilometer west to reach the entrance.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere and proximity to local landmarks. For those seeking a central location, the Grand Hotel offers clean rooms despite occasional noise, while Karaca Hotel provides a friendly and clean experience. If you prefer a more basic stay, Otel Şehrivan is located nearby.
For a modern experience, Elite World offers smart accommodations in the city, with an additional branch located near the airport. Alternatively, you can find comfort in established chain hotels: Double Tree by Hilton provides a pleasant stay near the airport, while Hotel Edens is situated conveniently nearby. If you prefer to stay along the lakeside in the Edremit area, both Ramada by Wyndham and Dedeman Van Resort offer clean and comfortable options.
Food & drink
You can start your day at a kahvaltı salonu, or breakfast hall, where you will be served an abundant spread of food accompanied by unlimited tea. These establishments are plentiful throughout the city centre.
For a drink, you can find a surprising number of pubs tucked away in the alleys located between Kazım Karabekir Blv and Cumhuriyet Cd.
What to see and do
Explore the historical layers of the city by visiting the Ulu Cami, a mosque built in retro Ottoman style, or the Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, which features extensive displays on Urartian history. You can also visit the Van Castle perched on a high bluff overlooking the lake, where a broad track leads to the summit. For those interested in ancient sites, the 8th-century BC acropolis of Çavuştepe features elaborate cuneiform inscriptions along a ridge, while the nearby village of Yavuzlar offers views of the Vanadokya Fairy Chimneys, where volcanic rocks have eroded into hoodoos.
Travel toward the lake to discover various religious sites and natural landmarks:
- Akdamar Island, home to the 10th-century Church of Surp Khach with its faded frescoes and rock-cut reliefs.
- The remote ruins of the 15th-century Ktuts Monastery on Çarpanak Island or the nearby Lim Monastery on Adır Island.
- The 19th-century Devil's Bridge, a single-arch bridge over a gorge, located near the Muradiye Waterfalls which can freeze into curtains of ice during harsh winters.
- The volcanic badlands of the Mount Tendürek lava field, where you can see layers of viscous lava.
- Various other monasteries including the 12th-century Saint Thomas Monastery, the 11th-century Varagavank, and the 13th-century Saint Bartholomew Monastery.
Three days in Van
Day one, you begin your journey in the historic heart of the city. You can explore the layers of history left behind by the Urartu, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans as you settle into the local atmosphere.
Day two, you travel toward Lake Van to experience the vast landscape of eastern Turkey. You can take in the views of the surrounding terrain while reflecting on the region's ancient heritage.
Day three, you explore the nearby surroundings before preparing for your departure from Van. You can enjoy the final sights of the area before heading toward your next destination.