Van

Written by Sebastien Simon, Javier Garcia
08/08/2025
Stunning aerial view of Lake Van, with vibrant turquoise waters surrounded by green hills and distant mountains in Türkiye.
Leyla Helvaci, Pexels

Van, Turkey, offers a compelling mix of rich historical sites and captivating natural beauty. Visitors can explore ancient Urartian and Armenian heritage alongside the serene expanse of Lake Van, which is the country's largest. The city is also famed for its unique Van cats and the distinctive "Van breakfast".

The modern city center, particularly around Kazım Karabekir boulevard, provides a lively atmosphere with numerous shops and dining establishments. While not a typical party destination, there are venues offering live music, and the local population is noted for its welcoming and friendly demeanor.

Top 6 Things to do in Van

Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the region, engage with unique local culture, and enjoy traditional culinary experiences.

1. Akdamar Island and Church of the Holy Cross

Explore a remarkable 10th-century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral, renowned for its intricate stone carvings depicting biblical scenes and frescoes. The island itself is the second-largest in Lake Van and offers serene views of the surrounding vivid blue waters and the distant Mount Ararat. It is recommended to visit in spring when the almond trees on the island are in bloom. Allow approximately half a day for this excursion.

Cost: Ferry: Approximately 150 TRY per person for a round-trip (as of August 2024). Boats typically depart when a sufficient number of passengers are present. Island Entrance: Approximately €12 (or its Turkish Lira equivalent, around 390 TRY) for foreigners (as of August 2024). A Turkish Museum Card offers free entry.

Transport: Akdamar Island is located about 50 kilometers from Van city center. To reach Akdamar Pier (Akdamar İskelesi) in Gevaş, take a minibus (dolmuş) from Van city center; the journey takes approximately 45 minutes. From the pier, a 20- to 30-minute ferry ride transports visitors to the island. Alternatively, a taxi can be hired directly to the pier.

2. Van Castle and Van Museum

Ascend to Van Castle, an imposing fortress built by the ancient Urartian Kingdom in the 9th century BC, offering commanding panoramic views of Lake Van and the modern city. Explore the remnants of the old city, Eski Van, destroyed during World War I, located at the castle's base. Afterward, delve into the region's deep history at the modern Van Museum, situated adjacent to the castle. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from Urartian, Armenian, and Ottoman periods, with information available in English. Plan for 2-3 hours to explore both.

Cost: Van Castle: Approximately 20 TRY (as of 2025). Van Museum: Typically combined with the castle entrance or a separate low fee; a Turkish Museum Card may offer free entry.

Transport: Van Castle is approximately 4 kilometers west of the city center. Local minibuses, often marked 'Kale' (Castle), depart regularly from central Van, including İskele Caddesi, to the castle's northwestern entrance. Taxis are also readily available.

3. Experience Van Breakfast

Indulge in the world-renowned 'Van Breakfast' (Van Kahvaltısı), a lavish and abundant spread unique to the region. This feast typically includes a variety of local cheeses (like herbed cheese, 'otlu peynir'), clotted cream (kaymak), honey, olives, fresh vegetables, jams, and different types of bread. It is so substantial it can serve as a meal for any time of day. This experience offers a direct taste of Van's local gastronomy and hospitality.

Cost: Varies by establishment, as it is a meal served in local restaurants. Expect typical restaurant pricing for a substantial breakfast spread.

Transport: Van Breakfast is available at numerous cafes and restaurants throughout the modern city center, such as 'Arkadaş Kavalti'. These establishments are generally within walking distance if staying centrally.

4. Van Cat House (Kedi Evi)

Visit the Van Cat House, a dedicated center preserving and showcasing the famous Van Cats. These unique felines are known for their distinct white fur and often heterochromatic eyes (one blue, one amber). The cats are housed in a spacious and clean environment. This brief visit offers a charming insight into one of Van's living symbols.

Cost: Typically a minimal entrance fee or potentially free, as it is a dedicated center for the breed. Exact recent costs are not widely published but it is considered a short and accessible visit.

Transport: The Van Cat House is situated between the old city (near Van Castle) and the modern city center, making it accessible by a short taxi ride or local minibus depending on your starting point.

5. Muradiye Waterfall

Witness the natural grandeur of Muradiye Waterfall, an impressive cascade on the Bend-i Mahi Stream. Located about 80-90 kilometers from Van, the waterfall changes its appeal with the seasons, freezing into icy formations in winter and surrounded by lush greenery in spring and summer. A wooden suspension bridge offers picturesque views across the falls. Picnic areas are available nearby, making it ideal for a relaxing outing.

Cost: Entry to Muradiye Waterfall is free.

Transport: Muradiye Waterfall is roughly an hour's drive from Van city. Local minibuses (dolmuş) are available from the Akköprü neighborhood in Van's downtown, costing approximately 8 TRY (as of 2022). A taxi can also be arranged, with costs ranging from 2,200 to 2,700 TRY for the return journey (as of 2025), or consider a rental car for flexibility.

6. Hoşap Castle and Çavuştepe Castle

Embark on a historical day trip to two significant fortresses outside Van. Hoşap Castle, a dramatic 17th-century Kurdish stronghold, is built upon an ancient Urartian foundation and features impressive architecture with lion reliefs at its gate. Nearby, Çavuştepe Castle is an 8th-century BC Urartian fortress, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated civilization that once thrived here, with remains of temples and palaces. Both sites provide sweeping views of the rugged landscape and are valuable for those interested in ancient and medieval history.

Cost: Entry fees for both castles are not consistently published in recent sources, but access is often informal or involves a low fee if a custodian is present. Restoration work may temporarily affect access.

Transport: Both castles are located along the D975 highway, approximately 50-70 kilometers southeast of Van. Take a minibus (dolmuş) from Van city, typically from Cumhuriyet Caddesi or near Van Mall, heading towards Başkale or Yüksekova. A one-way journey to Hoşap Castle cost around 30 TRY (as of 2022). It is recommended to communicate your destination to the driver clearly and confirm return options. A private taxi for a day trip would offer more flexibility.

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