The waters of Lake Van (Van Gölü) and the rocky hilltops frame the city of Van in Eastern Anatolia of Türkiye. Once known as Tushba (Van), the Urartian capital and the junction point on trade routes connecting Anatolia and Iran, the city still thrives as a crossroads of travellers and traditions.
The top things to do in Van combine varied experiences: sailing across Lake Van, climbing the ancient fortress of Van Castle, visiting Akdamar Island, wandering through Van’s Old City, sampling the famous Van breakfast, and discovering nearby castles, mosques, Islamic tombs, and Christian monasteries. These landmarks make Van a centrepiece of Eastern Anatolian attractions.
Best Places to Visit in Van and at Lake Van
This 2025 guide for must-do activities in Van reveals the best places to visit around Türkiye’s largest lake.
Lake Van
Sail Across Lake Van
The largest saline soda lake in Türkiye, Lake Van (Van Gölü), is akin to an inland sea, stretching across the highlands of Eastern Anatolia. It shapes the region’s climate and lifestyle, offering travellers a refreshing escape in summer. The lake is surrounded by secluded coves and beaches, where swimming, canoeing, and other recreational activities in Van have become popular draws. Boat trips with music and dancing give visitors a festive way to glide over its vast waters, while lakeside cafés and water parks provide plenty of options for relaxation.
A natural spectacle unfolds each spring as the rare pearl mullet (İnci Kefali) swims upstream through feeding into the lake. This migration is a memorable event for locals and newcomers alike.
Van Castle
Relish Panoramic Vistas from the Ancient Fortress
Located 5 kilometres from the city centre on the shores of Lake Van, Van Castle (Van Kalesi) is among the oldest Van landmarks belonging to the Urartu Kingdom. Its history dates back 3,000 years. On its southern slopes is a Xerxes I Epigraph (Achaemenid King, who reigned from 486-465 BC) with inscriptions in Old Persian, Elamite, and Babylonian. It was added to the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2016.
The main entrance to the Van Fortress can be tricky to locate. It is best to approach with a local guide or join an organised tour.
Lake Van’s Akdamar Island & Holy Cross Church
Discover a Beautiful Medieval Cathedral
Akdamar Island (Akdamar Adası) is one of the four large islands on Lake Van and a must-visit attraction for those interested in history and faith tourism. It is home to the Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross (Armenian: Սուրբ Խաչ եկեղեցի), also known as the Akdamar Island Church (Akdamar Adası Kilisesi). It was constructed between 915 and 921. The church features fascinating stone reliefs, depicting Old Testament and New Testament stories as well as scenes from the lives of Armenian kings.
Historical City of Van
Embark on the Van City Tour Highlights
The top things to do in Van include exploring the old city. The Historical City of Van (Tarihi Van Şehri) is south of the castle, dotted with cute old houses. The site also boasts remarkable monuments. The Islamic landmarks are the 12th-century Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), Red Minaret Mosque (Kızıl Minareli Cami), dating to the 13th-14th centuries, Hüsrev Pasha Complex (Hüsrev Paşa Külliye) with a mosque, madrasa, and tomb, Horhor Mosque (Horhor Cami), Kaya Çelebi Mosque (Kaya Çelebi Cami), Beylerbeyi Haci Mustafa Pasha Mosque (Beylerbeyi Hacı Mustafa Paşa Cami), and Kethüda Ahmet Mosque (Kethüda Ahmet Cami).
Christian history is represented by the ruined Armenian churches such as the Saint Sephanes Church, Saint Vardan Monastery, and Saint Dsirvanarov Church (near the Kaya Çelebi Mosque).
Some structures are difficult to locate, as not all appear on Google maps – especially Christian monuments. However, restoration projects are underway, with plans to improve visitor access and infrastructure soon.
Van Museum
Learn About the Urartian History
The Van Museum (Van Müzesi) or the Urartu Museum is among the premier cultural experiences in Van and around Lake Van. It may rival many world-class institutions in the quality of exhibitions and presentations. Spread across 23 halls, the museum takes guestson a chronological journey beginning with the Palaeolithic era and culminating in the Urartian Kingdom.
The Urartu section is divided by themes such as steles, military artefacts, jewellery, agriculture, clothing, and household items. The museum is an engaging venue for people of all ages and interests.
While the museum is highly recommended, some suggest avoiding weekends, which can become crowded and noisy with local groups. It is preferable to plan your visit on a weekday.
Suleyman Han Mosque
Spot the Preserved Qibla Wall and Minaret
The diversity of historical sites in Van echoes the many empires that once ruled the region. The modest Suleyman Han Mosque (Süleyman Han Cami) is a poignant reminder of Ottoman influence. According to the Ottoman traveller and chronicler Evliya Çelebi, the mosque was renovated in 1534 at the order of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent.
Perched on the summit of Van Castle, the mosque suffered severe damage during the 1655 earthquake. Only the qibla wall and minaret remained visible until a restoration project in 2024 resuscitated the monument. Today, holidaymakers can eye the Suleyman Han Mosque integrated into the castle’s skyline.
Şeyh Abdurahman Gazi Tomb
See Octagonal Tombs and Ottoman Roots Beneath Van Castle
Northeast of Van Castle, below the Analı Kız Open-Air Temple, is the Sheikh Abdurrahman Gazi Tomb (Şeyh Abdurahman Gazi Türbesi) with its adjoining mosque. The structure, repaired in 1361 and later renovated in 1982, is notable for its octagonal body and pyramidal cone, typical of Seljuk and early Ottoman architecture. The Gali Pasha Tomb is next to it, forming a small sacred complex.
Since access to the interiors is usually restricted, plan to appreciate the tombs and mosque from the outside and combine your visit with the nearby Van Castle.
Seven Churches of Van (Yedi Kilise)
Visit Once the Most Revered Monastic Complex
Located in Bakraçlı, 9 kilometres from the city centre, Varagavank (Armenian: Վարագավանք) or Varak Holy Cross Monastery (Varak Surp Haç Monastery) was once a prominent monastic compound of Van-Vaspurakan, the eighth province of the ancient kingdom of Armenia.
The monastery contained multiple adjoining churches, surrounded by protective walls. The earliest church, the Partavor or Saint Sophia Church, was built in the 10th century. Although the site is fenced off and neglected today, it remains a powerful reminder of Van’s Christian history. It is still worth visiting for those looking for the top things to do in Van.
Ktuts Monastery by Lake Van
Witness A Monastic Ruin Now Linked to Lake Van’s Shifting Shores
There are many amazing historical places to visit in Van. Çarpanak Island (Çarpanak Adası) appeals to nature lovers, but the main landmark is the Ktuts Monastery (Gıduts Manastırı/Կտուց). The legend states it was founded in the 4th century by Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the head and founder of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Historical records, however, date it to the 15th century, when the monastery became renowned for its scriptorium. It was destroyed by the earthquake in the 17th century and reconstructed in the 18th century.
Due to climate change and receding water levels in Lake Van, the island may one day turn into a peninsula. That was the case in 2021 and 2022. An 800-metre road, once submerged, sometimes reappears, linking it to the mainland.
Hoşap Castle
Climb Hoşap Castle, Fortress of the Hoşap Valley
Rising above the Hoşap River Valley, about 50 kilometres from Van, the 17th-century Hoşap Castle (Hoşap Kalesi) is impossible to miss along the road. Beneath its foundations lie the remnants of an ancient Urartian fortress.
Visitors who make the climb will find the main tower and gate, alongside remains of the harem and hammam. Access to the interior is not always guaranteed, but with luck, you may encounter the caretaker who occasionally opens the gates.
Çavuştepe Castle
Visit the Urartian Citadel, Revealing the Secrets of Daily Life
If you drive 30 minutes from Hoşap Castle, you will come across another historical site in Van – the Çavuştepe Castle (Çavuştepe Kalesi), 25 kilometres from Van. Both Hoşap and Çavuştepe Castles are considered part of the top things to do in Van. The citadel belongs to the Kingdom of Urartu from the 8th century BC. Many stones have the Urartian cuneiform inscriptions. The best part is meeting a guard here, Mehmet Kuşman, one of the last people in the world able to read and write the Urartian language.
Archaeologists continue to bring interesting artefacts to light, from sling stones used in warfare to artefacts in the necropolis suggesting women held an elevated status within the Urartian society.
Halime Hatun Tomb and İzzeddin Şir Mosque
Medieval Islamic Landmarks in Gevaş
Lake Van sightseeing continues beyond the city and into the Gevaş district of Van Province. In the town of Gevaş, the 14th-century Halime Hatun Tomb (Halime Hatun Kümbeti) is the elegant Seljuk funerary monument of the era. Commissioned by the local governor, Melik İzzeddin, for his daughter, the tomb is adorned with floral and geometric patterns, along with carved inscriptions. Not far away rises another landmark, the İzzeddin Şir Mosque (İzzeddin Şir Camii), dating from the 14th-15th centuries.
Karmvarank and Saint Thomas Monasteries
Journey to Hidden Gems in Van
Travelling further afield in Gevaş, about 33 kilometres (a 35-minute drive) along the Bitlis-Van Yolu/d300 road, you will reach the abandoned Van landmark – the 10th-century Karmvarank Monastery. Its name is derived from Armenian as the “Red Monastery” (Կարմրավանք). A short 11-minute drive along the southern shore of Lake Van brings adventurers to the Saint Thomas Church (Saint Thomas Kilisesi) in Altınsaç, which dates from the 11th to 14th centuries. Overlooking the lake, they can admire the depth of history and scenic beauty – the top things to do in Van’s vicinity.
Both monasteries are secluded, with access only on foot for the final stretch.
Ayanis Castle by Lake Van
Enjoy History and a Magnificent Scenery
Built in the 7th century BC by King Rusa II, the Ayanis Castle (Ayanis Kalesi) in the Tuşba district overlooks the lake. Excavations at this Urartian stronghold unveiled massive earthquake-resistant walls, an impressive arrangement of stones, bronze shields, and ornate gates that showcase the Urartians’ reputation as “lords of stone.” Restoration efforts continue, making Ayanis an active archaeological site and a great stop in Van for history enthusiasts.
Vanadoky Fairy Chimneys
Check out Eastern Turkey’s Cappadocia
When it comes to the must-see places in Van, the Vanadoky Fairy Chimneys (Vanadokya Peri Bacalari) in the Kurdish village of Yavuzlar near the Iranian border are certainly in that list. This natural wonder, about 35 kilometres from Van, spotlights striking rock formations, often compared to those in Cappadocia.
On the way to Vanadokya, sightseers pass through the Aybarak neighbourhood of Başkale town, home to the medieval St. Bartholomew Church (Armenian: Սուրբ Բարդուղիմեոսի Վանք). These Eastern Anatolian attractions are worth a short detour from the main road, rewarding tourists with natural beauty and cultural heritage over the Great Zab Valley.
Lake Erçek
Go on an Easy Day Trip from Van to Watch Flamingos
If you are spending a few days in the region, Lake Erçek (Erçek Gölü) deserves a spot among the best places to visit in Van. Locals and travellers come here to unwind at its serene waters and watch the migratory birds that gather along its shores. The flamingos are the favourites, which arrive in spring and stay through the summer.
For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the best time to observe them is at sunrise or sundown, when the golden light and the sight of flamingos create a special moment.
Muradiye Waterfall
Marvel at the Spectacular Natural Wonders of Van
Those looking for the most impressive nature attractions in Van should head to the Muradiye Waterfall (Muradiye Şelalesi). Located about 80 kilometres from the city centre, the waterfall is a refreshing retreat in summer and an awe-inspiring sight in winter. During the coldest months, the water partially or even fully freezes, turning the falls into a natural ice sculpture and affording sightseers a glimpse of the unique activities in Turkey.
Just three kilometres away, before reaching the waterfall, you will pass Devil’s Bridge (Şeytan Köprüsü), believed to have been constructed in the 19th century. While it adds character to the journey, visitors should be cautious – climbing down is not recommended because of safety concerns.
Edremit
Historic Charm and Lakeside Leisure on Van’s Shoreline
The district of Edremit has become a highlight for Van travel, enticing tourists by the lakeside setting, summer holiday atmosphere, water sports centre, and lively café culture. Strolling along the shores of Lake Van and enjoying the district’s social amenities are the top things to do in Van. But Edremit’s deep history adds further appeal. The 3,000-year-old Edremit Maiden’s Castle (Kız Kalesi) was once a sacred Urartian site where kings were crowned. Now it serves as a terrace for spectacular panoramas over the lake.
Seljuk Tombstones of Ahlat
Don’t Miss This Unique Cultural Experience by Lake Van
No Van Lake tour is complete without a stop in Ahlat, a historic town on the shores of the lake in the Bitlis region. This destination is celebrated for its Seljuk Cemetery (Selçuklu Mezarlığı), dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Chiselled from single blocks and adorned with intricate patterns, these monuments are masterpieces of stone carving and artistry. The Emir Bayındır Tomb (Emir Bayındır Kümbeti) is considered a city symbol, admired for its grandeur.
Niello Art
Purchase Silver Jewellery in Van
Sadık Binici, one of the few living masters of niello silverwork in Van, keeps this centuries-old tradition alive in his studio on the second floor of Yüzüncü Yıl Business Centre on Sıhke Street. His pieces, crafted with meticulous detail, reflect the artistry of the Urartians and the elegance of the Ottoman period, making them symbols of Van’s folk culture.
You can browse niello jewellery online at savatsanati.com or on Instagram @sadik_savat.sanati. For those looking to bring home authentic items, Van Gümüş Dünyası at Cumhuriyet Street 35 and Arubani Bedesteni Savat Çarşısı are other Van shopping destinations for Niello silver. Together, these spots turn shopping in Van, Turkey, into an authentic encounter with culture.
Bahçesaray and Çatak
Try Your Hand at Wood Carving
Visiting Bahçesaray and Çatak adds an authentic touch to any Van travel itinerary. These two suburban towns of Van are known for their tradition of walnut wood carving. Supported by local government initiatives, workshops teach residents how to turn walnut wood into finely shaped souvenirs such as cups, trays, chess sets, and other items. Travellers can join private workshops or purchase unique handmade goods as keepsakes.
Van Cat Villa
Meet the Famous Van Cats
The Van Cat Villa (Van Kedisi Villası) is perhaps the cutest Van attraction, where excursionists can see Türkiye’s white-furred, odd-eyed cats up close. The villa functions as a breeding and research centre, ensuring the preservation of this rare breed while welcoming guests to learn about its history and significance. Watching the cats play and sometimes spotting adorable newborn kittens makes the villa a lovely stop for families, animal lovers, and anyone seeking a unique cultural experience in Van.
Van Kahvaltıcılar Sokağı
Savour an Authentic Morning Meal
A trip to Van Lake is hard to imagine without indulging in a traditional Turkish breakfast, a cherished social tradition and a must-visit culinary experience. Yet Van takes this morning ritual to another level with its delicious Van breakfast, encompassing nearly two dozen ingredients unique to the region. On Van Breakfast Street (Van Kahvaltıcılar Sokağı), rows of welcoming breakfast salons invite visitors to sample specialities such as cheese, murtuğa, and honey with clotted cream. In fact, Van made history in 2014 by breaking the Guinness World Record for the “world’s most crowded breakfast table,” with 51,793 people dining together in front of the Van Fortress.
Van Shopping Fest
Join Concerts, Fashion, and Festivities
Launched in 2014, the Van Shopping Fest (Van Alışveriş Festivali) quickly became the city’s signature tourism event. It ran annually until 2019 before pausing for two years due to the pandemic and the earthquake. Revived in 2025 with its 8th edition from March 15 to April 5, the festival transforms the city into a lively stage for concerts, fashion, street parades, raffles, and traditional performances.
The celebration lasts 20 days, usually in March, and exact dates are announced as the season approaches. Coinciding your travel with the Van Shopping Fest ensures an awesome retail and culture experience. For the latest updates, check the festival’s official Instagram page: @shoppingfestvan.
Abalı Ski Resort
Ski the Slopes of Mount Artos with Lake Van at Your Feet
Abalı Ski Resort (Abalı Kayak Merkezi) in the Gevaş district at Mount Artos's base is a perfect place to spend Van’s long, snow-covered winters. The resort affords incredible panoramas of the lake unfolding beneath ski slopes. Designed to grow into a world-class winter sports destination, it attracts tourists who want to combine alpine activities with the historical and cultural riches of Van.
Top Things to Do in Van in 1 Day
Even if you only have one day in Van, Turkey, you can still tour the best places to visit in Van.
Morning: Traditional Van Breakfast & Akdamar Island
- Start with breakfast on Van Kahvaltıcılar Sokağı (Van Breakfast Street). Allow 1–1.5 hours to savour the meal.
- Drive to Akdamar Pier (Akdamar İskelesi) in Gevaş (45 minutes, 45 km). Alternatively, you can travel to the pier by public bus or dolmuş (minivan) from the Bus Station (Van Otogarı). A 20-minute boat ride from here takes you to Akdamar Island, home to the 10th-century Holy Cross Church. The island visit, including the ferry, takes about 2-2.5 hours.
Midday: Van Museum & Lunch
- Return to Van city centre (45 minutes by car or bus).
- Visit the Van Museum, one of the informative historical sites in Van.
- A 4-minute ride on a taxi will bring you to Urartu Han Van Kahvaltısı ve Yöresel Yemekler. Try a special dish keledoş (a soup made with white beet, chickpeas, green lentils, yoghurt, and meat)
Afternoon: Historical City of Van & Bazaar
- Ask your taxi driver to take you to the Historical City of Van, south of Van Castle. Here you will find several historical mosques. Some Armenian churches also remain, though not all appear on maps. Spend 1–1.5 hours scrutinising these Van landmarks.
- Continue 10-15 minutes on foot to the Grand Russian Bazaar (Büyük Rus Pazarı), where you can shop for spices, Van kilimi (carpets), dried fruits, and Van’s niello jewellery. This is also a great place to grab Turkish tea or coffee.
Late Afternoon: Van Castle
From the bazaar, it is a 15-minute drive to Van Castle (Van Kalesi). This ancient Urartian fortress requires a climb – expect 20-30 minutes of uphill walking and hiking to reach the top. The fortress was built by the Urartian King Saduri I between 840 and 825 BC. The landmarks here are the Analı-Kız Open-Air Temple, Madır Bastion, and the rock tombs of the kings Argišti I, Menua, and Sarduri II.
Once there, you will be amazed by the sweeping views of Lake Van at golden hour. Allow 1.5–2 hours for the visit, with the ascent and descent.
Evening: Dinner Across the Fortress
- After descending, walk to a restaurant across the fortress, Şehr-i Van Sofrası- Van Kahvaltısı ve Yöresel Yemekleri. The best way to end your one day around Lake Van is to let the chef guide you in your choice. Try whatever the chef recommends for an authentic dining experience.
Spending 2 Days in Van and Around Lake Van
Two days in Van will let you unveil the city and the surrounding countryside. This 2-day itinerary balances Van attractions, historical sights, and regional cuisine.
Day 1: Follow the One Day in Van Itinerary
For your first day, follow the one-day plan described above. It embraces the best tourist spots in Van, such as Van Breakfast Street, Akdamar Island, Van Museum, Old City of Van, local bazaar, and Van Castle.
Day 2: Fortresses, Cuisines, and Monasteries
Morning: Hoşap and Çavuştepe Castles
- Depart Van early and drive about 50 km (1 hour) to Hoşap Castle. Continue 30 minutes further to Çavuştepe Castle. Spend about 1-1.5 hours here.
- Head back towards Van and stop for lunch at Nodruz Sofrası. Their menu offers regional specialities:
- Norduz Soup – a rich staple prepared with yoghurt, broth, shredded meat, wild thyme, and mint.
- Chef’s Platter – a generous tasting of local favourites.
- Breakfast Spread – cheese, honey, olives, and Van delicacies.
- Cacık – a yoghurt and cucumber appetiser with herbs.
- Norduz Kavurma – pan-fried lamb.
Afternoon: Yedi Kilise (Seven Churches)
- After lunch, it takes only 30 minutes to drive to Yedi Kilise, the remains of the Varagavank Monastery in Bakraçlı village, 9 kilometres from Van city. Spend around 1 hour in the area.
Evening: Dinner in Van
Return to Van in the evening and dine at one of the city restaurants by the lakeside or downtown to close out your two-day journey around Lake Van.
Top Things to Do in Van in 3 Days
Travellers who can spend three days in Van will gain a fuller sense of the region’s rhyme. Begin by following the two-day itinerary in Van and around Lake Van.
Day 3 in Van: Muradiye Waterfall, Ahlat, & Van Cat Villa
Morning:
- On the third day, continue the journey with a route circling Lake Van day trips. Start at the Muradiye Waterfall, where the Bendimahi River thunders into a rocky gorge. The site is among the most beloved nature activities in Van. Pause for lunch at Muradiye Şelalesi Berçelan Restaurant ve Café to dine to the sound of rushing water.
Afternoon:
- Drive west to the Ahlat Seljuk Cemetery, a truly hidden gem in Van. While here, have a meal or tea at BETAV Yahya Eren Sosyal Tesisleri, where the terrace overlooks the wide blue expanse of Lake Van.
Late Afternoon and Evening:
- As the day draws to a close, return towards the city. Many travellers choose to stop at the Van Cat Villa. Alternatively, those interested in ecclesiastical ruins can go to Gevaş to see the lakeside remains of medieval Armenian churches.
This three-day route combines the top things to do in Van, covering excursions into the region’s natural and cultural landscape.