Amasya
Amasya

Amasya

Free admission

One of Turkey’s (officially the Republic of Türkiye) historical gems, the small city of Amasya sits in a narrow gorge on the River Yesil, just south of the Black Sea coast. With origins that date to 6500 BC, this charming spot boasts everything from ancient cliffside tombs and a mountaintop citadel to Ottoman-era houses, medieval mosques, and craggy mountain scenery.

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Amasya, 05200

The Basics

Visitors to Amasya can explore its plethora of historical sites in between simply enjoying the mellow pace and charms of this often overlooked destination.

Climb the cliffside above the city to see the facades of its ancient tombs, carved for Pontic kings during the fourth century BC; view the remaining walls of Amasya’s mountaintop citadel; visit the Amasya Archaeological Museum; and roam the cobbled Old Town to take in its half-timbered Ottoman houses, shops, and riverfront restaurants.

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Things to Know Before You Go

  • Amasya is ideal for history buffs and anyone wanting to experience old-school Turkey.

  • Bring hiking boots to climb the stairs to the rock tombs.

  • Come with an umbrella and wet-weather wear if you’re visiting in spring—March to May can be rainy.

  • The cobbled Old Town isn’t particularly wheelchair- or stroller-friendly.

  • Three or four days is ample time for you to explore the city in full.

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How to Get There

Amasya is a trek from Istanbul and Ankara, but worth the journey. The quickest way there is via one of the regular, 90-minute flights from Istanbul Ataturk Airport to Amasya Merzifon Airport. The airport lies about 30 miles (49 kilometers) from Amasya, and cabs and buses are available for the 40-minute onward journey. Alternatively, buses run to Amasya from Ankara in six hours, or you can drive from Turkey’s capital in about five hours.

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When to Get There

Most visitors arrive in Amasya in July and August, with the result that the city gets fairly busy. To avoid the most crowded times, plan to visit in spring, early summer, or fall, but be prepared for rain in April and May. It’s wise to avoid Ramadan, too, when food and drink options can be limited.

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Where to Find the Best Views in Amasya

Amasya is bisected by the River Yesil, with its pretty Old Town to the north and modern city to the south. For the best Old Town views, stroll the southern, tree-lined riverfront, where you’re treated to beautiful panoramas of the Old Town’s Ottoman houses crouched under the cliffside rock tombs. Be sure to go at night, when the tombs and houses are illuminated to magical effect.

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