Van

Turkey's largest city on the shores of Lake Van, serving as the gateway to Eastern Anatolia's most spectacular region. Home to the stunning Van Castle and the nearby Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island, it's an essential stop for history and natural beauty.

Things to do

• Van Castle — Explore the restored hilltop fortress overlooking the city with panoramic views of Lake Van and the surrounding mountains, featuring medieval walls and Ottoman-era structures.
• Akdamar Island Church — Visit the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross on this island in Lake Van, famous for its intricate stone carvings and Byzantine frescoes accessible by boat.
• Lake Van boat tour — Take a scenic boat excursion across Turkey's largest lake to spot local wildlife and visit multiple historical islands including Çarpanak Island with its Armenian monastery.
• Van Museum — Browse extensive collections of Urartian artifacts, Islamic metalwork, and ethnographic displays that chronicle the region's ancient kingdoms and cultural heritage.
• Old Van City ruins — Walk through the archaeological remains of the historic city destroyed in 1915, including Ottoman mansions and mosques partially preserved near the castle.
• Çadir Köy hot springs — Relax in natural thermal pools and springs located outside the city, believed to have therapeutic properties by locals.

Food to try

• Van kahvaltısı — Experience the famous Van breakfast, an elaborate spread featuring local cheeses, honey, fresh bread, olives, eggs, and regional herbs served communally.
• Stuffed mussels (Midye dolma) — Try lake mussels from Van filled with spiced rice and herbs, a specialty unique to this region's freshwater cuisine.
• Civan börek — Savor the local pastry filled with cheese and mint, characteristic of Van's Kurdish and Turkish culinary traditions.
• Van fish (Inci balığı) — Sample the endemic Van fish grilled or prepared fresh from Lake Van, available at waterfront restaurants.
• Tandir kebab — Enjoy slow-cooked meat wrapped in dough and cooked in an underground clay oven, a regional specialty served in traditional family-run establishments.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly near religious sites — When visiting mosques and historical religious monuments, women should wear headscarves and both men and women should avoid sleeveless clothing out of respect.
• Learn basic Kurdish and Turkish phrases — Van has a significant Kurdish population; locals appreciate visitors who attempt greetings in both Kurdish and Turkish, reflecting the region's cultural diversity.
• Expect strong hospitality traditions — Turkish and Kurdish hosts will typically offer tea and pastries; refusing multiple times is considered impolite, so graciously accept at least one serving.
• Plan visits around daylight hours — The city and surrounding historical sites are best visited during daylight; most attractions close by sunset and evening exploration is limited for safety reasons.