Van City Guide
Van is a major city in Eastern Anatolia, located near the Iranian border on the shores of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake.
As of 2024, its population is approximately 1.13 million.
Van was the capital of the Urartu Kingdom (Tushpa) in the 9th century BC, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Anatolia.
The city’s history, natural wonders, and unique cuisine make it a leading destination in Eastern Turkey.
Van’s culture is shaped by a blend of Kurdish, Turkish, and Armenian influences, visible in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Places to Visit in Van
Historical and Cultural Sites
- Van Castle: Built by the Urartians in the 9th century BC, overlooking Lake Van.
- Akdamar Island & Church: 10th-century Armenian Church of the Holy Cross, a UNESCO candidate site.
- Van Museum: Displays Urartian artifacts, cuneiform tablets, and sculptures.
- Hoşap Castle: Ottoman-era fortress with a scenic view.
- Old Van City: Ancient ruins of mosques and houses from the Ottoman and Seljuk eras.
- St. Bartholomew Church: Medieval Armenian monastery near Başkale.
- Çavuştepe Fortress: Ancient Urartian city remains.
Natural Attractions
- Lake Van: The largest lake in Turkey, famous for its turquoise waters.
- Akdamar Island: Known for almond blossoms and historical charm.
- Muradiye Waterfall: A natural wonder that freezes in winter.
- Erçek Lake: A paradise for birdwatchers.
- Nemrut Crater Lake: One of the world’s largest crater lakes.
- Artos Mountain: Offers hiking and mountaineering opportunities.
Festivals
Van hosts many cultural events such as the Akdamar Festival, Van Breakfast Days, and Urartu Culture Week, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Van Intercity Bus Terminal
Located 7 km from the city center, the Van Intercity Bus Terminal offers daily trips to Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Diyarbakır.
Facilities include restaurants, ticket offices, rest areas, and prayer rooms.
What to Eat in Van
- Van Breakfast: A famous feast featuring herbed cheese, honey, butter, kavut, and murtuğa.
- Herbed Cheese (Otlu Peynir): Made from 25 types of mountain herbs.
- Keledoş: Traditional dish with dried meat, yogurt, and chickpeas.
- Inci Kefali Fish: Endemic species unique to Lake Van.
- Kavut: Toasted flour dessert.
- Tandır Bread: Flatbread baked in traditional ovens.
How to Get to Van
- By Bus: Regular intercity routes from all major Turkish cities.
- By Air:Van Ferit Melen Airport (5 km) offers daily flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir.
- By Train:Van Lake Express connects Tatvan and Van.
- By Road: Bitlis–Van 170 km (~2 h), Hakkari–Van 200 km (~2.5 h).
Bus Companies Operating in Van
- Kamil Koç
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Van Gölü Turizm
- Best Van Turizm
- Özlem Van Turizm
- Has Diyarbakır
