With Urartian history, Turkey’s largest lake and a legendary breakfast, Van deserves a few days. Times below are approximate driving times from our city-centre hotel and vary with traffic.
In and around the city
Van Fortress (Tushpa) – about 11 minutes
The citadel of Tushpa, capital of the Urartian Kingdom, dates back to the 9th century BC. Its rock above the lakeshore offers unforgettable sunset views over Lake Van.
Van Museum – about 11 minutes
Urartian artefacts and the region’s archaeology – easy to combine with the fortress on the same day.
Breakfast Street – about 8 minutes on foot
The heart of Van’s breakfast culture, in addition to our own terrace breakfast.
The Van cat
See the famous Van cats – often with one blue and one amber eye – at the cat house of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University.
Day trips
Akdamar Island – about 43 minutes to the pier
Boats leave from the pier in Gevaş to the island and its 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross with remarkable stone reliefs. Almond blossoms make spring visits especially beautiful.
Hoşap Castle – about 1 hour 4 minutes
An impressive 17th-century castle in Gürpınar above the Hoşap stream; combine it with the Urartian fortress of Çavuştepe on the way.
Muradiye Waterfall – about 1 hour 18 minutes
On the Bendimahi river, best in spring and early summer when the water is at its strongest; a suspension bridge crosses in front of the falls.
Suggested itineraries
1 day: Van breakfast at the hotel → Van Museum → Van Fortress → sunset by the lake. 2 days: add a boat trip to Akdamar Island. 3 days: add Muradiye Waterfall, or Çavuştepe and Hoşap Castle.
Staying in the city centre keeps every route within easy reach. See our rooms and prices.