Things to Do in Van
From Urartian fortresses to the islands of Lake Van, from the famous Van breakfast to waterfalls: a short guide to exploring the city.
With three thousand years of Urartian heritage, Turkey's largest lake and a legendary breakfast culture, Van has more than a few days' worth to see. Every place below is an easy day trip from central Van.
- History
Van Fortress
Van Fortress was the citadel of Tushpa, capital of the Kingdom of Urartu, built in the 9th century BC under King Sarduri I. Along the rock you can see royal rock-cut tombs and the trilingual inscription of the Persian king Xerxes. Go in the late afternoon for the sunset light over the lake.
Wear comfortable shoes; the path to the top is rocky and steep.
- History
Akdamar Island
On an island off Gevaş in the south of Lake Van stands the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, built by King Gagik I of Vaspurakan. The stone reliefs on its outer walls are among the finest in Anatolia. Boats to the island leave from the pier in Gevaş.
In April the island's almond trees are in bloom.
- Food
Breakfast Street
A street in central Van lined with breakfast houses one after another. Try the famous Van breakfast here: herbed cheese, murtuğa, kavut, cacık, honey and clotted cream.
It gets busy early on weekend mornings, so go early.
- Nature
Lake Van
Turkey's largest lake, known for its soda water and the pearl mullet found only in this basin. In late spring and early summer you can watch the pearl mullet swim upstream, or enjoy the sunset from the Edremit shore.
The water is alkaline, so rinse off with fresh water after swimming.
- History
Hoşap Castle
On the Van–Hakkari road in the Gürpınar district. Built in the 17th century by Sarı Süleyman Bey of the Mahmudi, the castle rises from a rocky hill. See it together with the historic stone bridge at its foot.
You can combine it with Çavuştepe Fortress, on the same road, in a single day.
- History
Çavuştepe Fortress
Ruins of Sardurihinili, the city founded by the Urartian King Sarduri II in the 8th century BC. Temple foundations, cuneiform inscriptions and traces of Urartian water systems can still be seen.
Stop here on your way to Hoşap Castle.
- Nature
Muradiye Waterfall
In the Muradiye district on the Bendimahi River. Watch the falls tumble over basalt rocks from the suspension bridge across the river. In winter the falls partly freeze and look completely different.
Leave time for lunch at the trout restaurants around the falls.
- Nature
Van Cat House
At the Van Cat House on the campus of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University you can see Van cats, famous for their odd-coloured eyes, up close. A fun stop for families with children.
Check visiting hours before you go.
Explore Van, stay with us
After a day of sightseeing, enjoy your own kitchen, a clean bed and a hot shower. Let's plan your stay in Van together.