Van, Turkey | A complete guide to hidden gems
|Small Treasure Land Super Complete Guide.
Guys👋, today I’m going to share with you a super niche but super beautiful travel destination in Turkey – Van City! There are ancient castles, clear lakes, unique cuisine, which can definitely bring you a different travel experience, without further ado, the guide is presented 👇
Must-visit attractions🎯
- Fort Van: In the 8th and 7th centuries BC it was once an important center of the Urartan kingdom, and there are rock inscriptions inscribed in ancient Persian on the castle hill. Standing on the castle, overlooking the entire city of Van and known as Turkey's "Eastern Pearl" Van Lake, sunset super beautiful 🌅 Tickets only 6 lira, about 6.6 yuan or so, from the back mountain path up can also be free, but climbing wild mountains in strong wind is very dangerous.
- Lake Van: Turkey's largest lake, covering an area of 3713 square kilometers, the lake is blue and borders Iran. Self-driving tour along the lake, the lake breeze blows gently, every ripple seems to tell the story of thousands of years.
- Van City Museum: The museum houses a large collection of unearthed Urartu inscriptions and pottery, as well as fine jewelery and sacrificial objects. Here you can learn more about the historical changes of Van and feel the city's heavy cultural undertones, in which ayanis cuneiform is so unique that only an old Turkish man and his daughter can read it.
Food recommendations 🍱
- Van Cities Breakfast: Considered the richest breakfast in Turkey, it is a ceremonial feast. There are geographically iconic vanilla cheese, traditional van çörek (a special pastry), as well as murtuğa (egg cooked in flour and butter) and kavut (a very ancient halva recipe), served with a cup of Turkish hot tea, super satisfying🥰
- Turkish barbecue: fresh chicken, lamb or beef marinated and charcoal grilled, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, served with french fries, salad, be sure to taste!
- Crock pot of lamb: A common delicacy in Cappadocia, it is able to be eaten in Van. The lamb is simmered in a crock pot until soft, fragrant and melts in your mouth.
Travel guide🚗
-Transportation: Van City has flights to and from cities like Ankara and Istanbul, if traveling from other cities in Turkey, flying is a more convenient way. After arriving in Van, you can choose to take a taxi or take a bus for transportation in the city, however the bus stop is further away from the entrances of some attractions, making it easier to take a taxi.
- Accommodation: Recommended to stay in Vancheng area, with more hotel and bed and breakfast options, it is very convenient to travel and find food. You can book in advance on major travel apps, the price varies according to different grades.
Travel tips📌
- Vantage winters are cold and can snow, summers are hot and dry, the rainy season is mainly concentrated in the spring and autumn, remember to carry the right clothing and rain gear according to the season.
- Respect the local culture and customs, dress appropriately when visiting religious places such as mosques, women need to wear hijabs, men and women should avoid wearing shorts, short skirts.
- Prepare some cash, although some places can swipe your card, but some small shops only accept cash.
- Download relevant translation software for easy communication with locals.
Guys, pack your bags and come to Van City to start a unique trip! 💕