Known for its generous portion of breakfast and its scenic location by the largest lake in Turkey, Van is one stunning hidden gem of a destination in Eastern Turkey that you shouldn't miss if you plan to travel east.
Located right by the bank of the vividly blue soda-salt lake, right by the ancient Silk Road, Van offers a ton of unique experiences and awesome places for you to explore, unlike any other place in Turkey.
The region is historically important as it used to be a capital city of the Urartu and Armenian Kingdoms before it was conquered by Byzantines, Seljuks, and the Ottomans later on, so you are sure to find some really cool ancient architecture around Van, Turkey.
From the scenic Akdamar Island and its 10th-century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral to the formidable Castle of Van below, you will find a complete travel guide with a list of awesome things to do and all the information you need to travel to Van, Turkey.
Without further ado, let's begin by taking a look at all the tourist attractions and points of interest laid out on a map below.
Things to Do in Van, Turkey Itinerary Map
Quick Summary
| โฅ๏ธ Must Visit: | Akdamar Island |
|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Best Museum: | Van Museum |
| ๐ฅ Place to Eat: | Matbah-ฤฑ Van, Van Kahvaltฤฑsฤฑ Restaurant |
| ๐ Place to Stay: | RรNESANS LฤฐFE HOTEL |
5 Best Things to Do in Van, Turkey
1. Visit Akdamar Island
- ๐ Location: Akdamar Island [Map Link]
- ๐ Opening Hours: 8 AM - 7:30 PM daily (ticket office closes at 7 PM)
- ๐ฐ Entry Fees: 12 EUR for foreign visitors
- โก Pete's Take: "Akdamar Island was easily the highlight of my time in Van. The blue lake, Mount Ararat, and that ancient church made the long trip east feel completely worth it."
Akdamar Island is the highlight of visiting Van in Eastern Turkey. It is the second-largest of the four main islands in Lake Van, and it is home to the 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, built between 915 and 921 by King Gagik I of Vaspurakan. The church is especially known for the remarkably detailed stone reliefs covering its exterior.
The island is surrounded by the vividly blue soda-salt water of Lake Van, with a breathtaking backdrop of the sacred mountain of Ararat looming behind. It is probably one of the most scenic churches I've seen in Eastern Turkey and one of the main reasons I traveled all the way east to visit Van.
To get to the island from Van city center, you are going to have to catch a minivan (dolmus) marked "Gevas/Akdamar" from the minivan station north of Van Beลyol Meydanฤฑ roundabout.
- Toprak Hotel (Budget)
- RรNESANS LฤฐFE HOTEL (Mid-Range) ๐ Top Pick
- Elite World Van Hotel (High-End)
- All-inclusive Private Guided 3-Day Tour of Van (3 days)
- All-inclusive 7-Day Private Trekking of Mount Ararat (7 days)
- Be Adventurous and Take a Tour Trekking in Mount Ararat (6 days)
The van leaves when it's full and will head towards Gevas, which is the closest town to the Akdamar Pier. When I traveled this route, the journey from Van city center took about 45 minutes and cost around 10 TRY one way. The route is still the same, but local minivan fares have increased since my trip, so expect to pay the current fare when you board.
Once you are at Akdamar Pier, you can take one of the shared boats across to the island. When I was there, the boat waited until there were enough passengers before leaving, and I paid just 10 TRY per person. In 2026, the shared roundtrip boat fare is around 300-350 TRY per person, and boats may still wait for enough passengers before departing, especially outside busy periods.
I was there in the summer, which is considered to be the peak season, and I waited around 30 minutes before Iranian tourists arrived to share the ferry with me. Once you arrive, you will need to pay the entrance fee for the Akdamar Monument Museum. As of 2026, admission for foreign visitors is 12 EUR.
You can spend around 30 minutes to one hour walking around the island and checking out the viewpoints before taking the boat back to the pier and catching a minivan to Van City Center. When I visited, the last vans back were around 5-6 PM, so I made sure to return to the pier early. As of 2026, the Akdamar Monument Museum itself is open daily from 8 AM to 7:30 PM, with the ticket office closing at 7 PM, but boat and minivan schedules can finish earlier.
Where to Stay in Van, Turkey?
2. Stroll Around the Castle of Van
- ๐ Location: The Castle of Van [Map Link]
- ๐ Opening Hours: 8 AM - 7 PM (Apr 1 - Oct 1); 8 AM - 6 PM (Oct 2 - Apr 2); closed Mondays
- ๐ฐ Entry Fees: 3 EUR for foreign visitors
- โก Pete's Take: "I really liked the view from the top, with Lake Van and the city spread out below; it was absolutely stunning at sunset!"
The Castle of Van is another important landmark in Van that you should definitely visit. Located at the top of a 100-meter bluff near the shore of Lake Van, this formidably massive stone fortress is a remnant of the ancient kingdom of Urartu and was constructed between the 9th and 7th centuries BC.
It is the largest fortress of its kind, and it offers a great vista of Lake Van and the city center at the top. You can spend about an hour walking around the area in the evening and watch the sunset over Lake Van.
To get from Van City Center to the Castle of Van, you can simply flag down a minivan marked "Kalesi" or "Kale", which means castle, straight from the road. When I was there, the ride took about 15 minutes and cost me no more than 3 TRY. The route is still useful for independent travelers, although the fare will be higher today.
The entrance fee to Castle Van is 5 TRY per person, and the opening hours are between 8 AM and 5 PM every day. Near the castle, you will also find a museum that you can visit to learn more about the castle and this region as a whole.
3. Learn About the History of Van at Van Museum
Photos by University of Hawaii
- ๐ Location: Van Museum [Map Link]
- ๐ Opening Hours: Temporarily closed for renovation
- ๐ฐ Entry Fees: 3 EUR for foreign visitors when open
- โก Pete's Take: "This region is rich in history, thanks to the ancient Silk Road, and you can learn all about it here."
Van Museum, located just northeast of the Castle of Van, was one of the best places I found to learn more about the history of the castle, the city, and this region as a whole. Unfortunately, the museum is currently closed for renovation, so you won't be able to visit until the work is completed.
Due to its location right along the ancient Silk Road, Van has always found itself in the middle of major conflicts from competing Kingdoms ever since it was established by Urartu and Armenian Kingdoms. Since then, it has been conquered by Byzantines, Seljuks, and the Ottoman Empire before becoming part of modern-day Turkey.
As you can see, there is a ton of history to be learned here, and I really enjoyed having the museum next to the castle to put everything I had seen into context. For now, though, Van Museum is closed for renovation. The official foreign admission price is listed as 3 EUR for when it reopens, but check its current status before adding it to your itinerary.
Play with Cats at Van Cat House
- ๐ Location: Van Cat House [Map Link]
- ๐ Opening Hours: 9 AM - 6:30 PM daily
- โก Pete's Take: "It's a small university research facility that focuses on studying the famous Van Cats with their two-colored eyes, and you can see tons of them here."
Now, I am not the type of person who likes to visit cat and dog cafes, so when I heard about Van Cat House, I wasn't that interested until I learned about what Van Cats are and why they are so special.
I was curious to learn more, so I went to visit Van Cat House, which, as it turned out, is more of a small research facility run by Van University than a house. They are trying to breed the rare Van Cat species with two-colored eyes here.
Within the Van Cat House, you can spend some time and play around with these magnificent cats with 2-colored eyes, and you can learn a little bit more about the features of Van cats from the staff there.
Apparently, these cats are also fond of swimming! I guess my plan to escape to a remote island when cats eventually decide to rebel against us and take over the world is no longer viable. Goddammit!
You can get to the Van Cat House by flagging down a minivan labeled "Campus" from the road or at the minivan station, and you will be dropped off in front of Van University where you can then walk for about 20 minutes to get to the Van Cat House. The Van Cat Research Center is currently open from 9 AM to 6:30 PM, seven days a week. When I visited, admission was only 2 TRY, but that price is outdated, so check the current fee when you arrive.
Enjoy the Famous Van Breakfast
Photos by Tanyel
- ๐ Location: Matbah-ฤฑ Van, Van Kahvaltฤฑsฤฑ Restaurant [Map Link]
- ๐ Opening Hours: Around 8 AM - 5 PM daily
- ๐ฐ Price: Around 400 - 600 TRY per person
- โก Pete's Take: "I loved how much variety came with the Van breakfast, especially the local cheese and herbs."
Last but not least, it would be a crime to visit Van without trying the famous Van breakfast, which is often served generously with more than 20 dishes filled with delicious and organic local ingredients, ranging from herbal cheese to herbs that are unique to the region.
One of the places I recommend trying a Van breakfast is Matbah-ฤฑ Van, Van Kahvaltฤฑsฤฑ Restaurant. They serve a tasty Van-style breakfast with a huge variety of local dishes, and I really enjoyed the experience here. When I visited, the whole breakfast for two cost only 100 TRY, but prices have risen considerably since then. Recent 2026 reports put a meal here at around 400-600 TRY per person, and the restaurant is currently listed as opening around 8 AM to 5 PM daily.
When to Visit Van, Turkey?
While June to August is considered the peak season, I do not think it is the best time to visit Van. While it is a popular time to visit, you will also be dealing with a large tourist crowd as well as the jacked-up prices at hotels, which is not ideal. Plus, it is probably one of the hottest months to visit, making it less enjoyable to explore the outdoors of Van.
What I would recommend instead is to visit during the shoulder seasons, either in May or September, where the tourist crowds are starting to wind down and the prices of hotels are starting to fall back to their normal level.
If your trip falls during Ramadan, keep in mind that the dates shift earlier each year because the Islamic calendar is lunar. Van is more conservative than heavily touristed places like Cappadocia, so during my trip I found daytime food options much more limited. I would plan ahead if you are visiting during Ramadan, especially if you expect to be out exploring all day.
How to Get to Van, Turkey?
To get to Van, which is located in Eastern Turkey, you will first have to get yourself to either Istanbul, a major tourist hub, or Ankara, the capital city.
Thankfully, Istanbul and Ankara are some of the largest hubs in the region, and you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to one of the two main airports in the city: Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul, or Ankara Esenboga Airport in Ankara.
From the US, there are several direct flights you can take to Turkey from major cities in the US, such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, etc. All these flights are operated by Turkish Airlines, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding a flight from the US to Turkey.
From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs such as London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Turkish Airlines or local carriers like British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa, which also offer direct flights to Istanbul or Ankara.
From Asia, you can fly directly with Turkish Airlines from several hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta, and Bangkok. You can also go with other Middle Eastern airlines like Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad if you are willing to transit to get a cheaper deal.
To find a cheap flight to Turkey, I would recommend using Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.
Getting From Istanbul to Van, Turkey
By Plane: The fastest and most convenient way to get from Istanbul to Van is to fly into Van Ferit Melen Airport. When I traveled this route, there were around six flights a day operated by Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines. There are still multiple direct flights today, but the exact schedule varies by date.
The flight takes around 2 hours. When I went, tickets were around 50-60 USD, while a taxi from the airport to Van city center was about 20 TRY and the roadside minivan was around 1 TRY. Those local transport prices are now outdated, but the airport is very close to the city, so getting into central Van remains straightforward.
You can book the flight from Istanbul to Van here.
By Bus: You can also take a bus from Istanbul to Van, but it is a very long journey, often taking around a full day. When I traveled, the bus cost around 40 USD, which was only about 10 USD cheaper than flying, so I recommended taking the plane instead. In 2026, buses are commonly listed at around 45-58 USD, depending on the operator and departure.
There are still plenty of buses running between Istanbul and Van throughout the day, so I wouldn't worry too much about the exact timetable I encountered on my trip. If you prefer traveling overland, check the current departures and choose the overnight service that works best for your itinerary.
You can book the bus with the link here: Book a bus from Istanbul to Van, Turkey.
Getting From Ankara to Van, Turkey
By Plane: The same goes for Ankara. You can easily catch a direct flight from Ankara Esenboga Airport to Van in about 1.5 hours. When I traveled, there were around four direct flights per day and tickets were about 50 USD. Schedules and fares vary today, so compare the current flights for your travel date.
You can book the flight from Ankara to Van here.
By Bus: When I traveled, there were around eight buses a day from Ankara Asti Bus Station to Van Bus Station, the journey took around 18 hours, and I paid about 34 USD. There are now many more departures listed, with 2026 fares generally around 25-41 USD and journeys taking roughly 19-22 hours depending on the service.
You can book the bus with the link here: Book a Bus from Ankara to Van, Turkey.
How to Get Around Van, Turkey?
By Walk: For the tourist attractions in Van city center, such as the Castle of Van or Van Museum, you can pretty much stick to walking. However, for places like Akdamar island, you are going to have to go by public transportation.
By Minivan (Dolmus): To get to places like Akdamar Island, you are going to have to take a minivan. It will be hard if you don't speak the language, but with the combination of information provided here, the help of your accommodation, and Google Maps, you should have no trouble getting around Van with public transportation.
By Car: For the most convenient way to get around Van, Turkey, you can also rent a car straight from Van Airport. When I checked during my trip, rentals were around 40 USD per day. Current prices vary by season, vehicle type, and how early you book, but having a car is useful if you want to explore farther around Lake Van at your own pace. To compare current rental prices in Van, click the link below.
How Many Days To Spend in Van, Turkey?
One full day (2 nights) should be enough to see all the tourist attractions I listed here. Below is a rough one-day itinerary for Van, Turkey.
Day 1: Travel to Akdamar Island in the morning and spend the afternoon and evening exploring the tourist attractions around the city, such as the Castle of Van and Van Cat House. I also visited Van Museum on this itinerary, but it is currently closed for renovation, so check whether it has reopened before adding it back into your day.
How Much Money Do I Need For Van, Turkey?
With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending in Van, as follows:
Accommodation: For 2 nights, it should cost around 40 - 80 USD for accommodation.
Food: For one full day of local meals plus a proper Van breakfast, I would budget around 20-30 USD.
Transportation: The biggest transport expense is Akdamar Island. The shared boat alone is around 300-350 TRY roundtrip in 2026. Add the dolmus between Van and the pier plus local minivans around the city, and I would set aside roughly 15-25 USD for local transportation.
Activities: Akdamar Monument Museum currently costs 12 EUR for foreign visitors and Van Castle costs 3 EUR. Van Museum is currently closed for renovation; its official foreign admission price is listed as 3 EUR for when it reopens. The Van Cat House also charges admission, but I couldn't verify a reliable current public price, so allow a little extra for it.
Total budget for one day in Van, Turkey: 100-160 USD
Is it Safe in Van, Turkey?
I personally felt safe traveling around Van and found the locals friendly and genuinely helpful. That said, Van is in Eastern Turkey, and the security situation in the wider region can change, so I would check your government's latest Turkey travel advice before traveling east rather than relying only on my experience.
While you are there, take the same precautions you would anywhere else: keep an eye on your belongings, stay aware of your surroundings, follow local authorities' advice, and avoid demonstrations or any areas subject to current travel warnings.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Turkey?
I personally used Turkcell when I traveled around Turkey, and the coverage worked well for me. Turkcell still offers its Tourist Welcome Pack today; as of 2026, the official package costs 1,800 TRY for 28 days and includes 20 GB of data and 200 local minutes. Packages and prices change regularly, so check Turkcell's current tourist offer before buying.
You can also compare prepaid tourist packages from Vodafone and Turk Telekom if you want more data or find a better deal when you arrive. If you are only visiting Turkey for a normal short trip, the country's device-registration rules for long-term use of foreign phones generally shouldn't be an issue.
Alternatively, if your phone supports eSIMs, you can set one up before arriving and have mobile data as soon as you land. You can browse through available eSIMs here.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy.
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3 Comments
Truely amazing! You convert otherwise ordinary landscape scenes into masterpieces of art, just by your little magic camera & Lightroom!
Thank you! :)
Hi, thank you. It is a useful guide. I just want to add couple of things.
The month of Ramadan changes every year so for example, it is in April in 2022. As a person from Van, I would recommend to visit Van in Spring because it is best time to see waterfalls. You mostly focused on the city centre, if someone has more time there are more things to do: such as visiting Muradiye ลelalesi (waterfalls), Hoลap (Hosaph) Castle, another waterfall in Catak -you can have great fish in that area-, Amik Castle etc and swimming in the lake.