Amasya — Travel Guide

The ideal time to visit Amasya is between April-June and September-October. In spring, the city's surroundings turn green, the weather remains mild, and walking along the Yeşilırmak River is very enjoyable. In autumn, the trees, adorned in yellow-orange tones, combine with historical structures to create a breathtaking view.

During the summer months (July-August), temperatures rise considerably; walks to the castle and royal tombs can be tiring. We recommend visiting in the early morning hours during this period. Winter months are cold and rainy; however, the city is quieter, and hotels offer more affordable prices. The waterfront houses covered in snow also possess a unique beauty.

The Amasya Apple Festival is held every year in October; during these dates, the city becomes more lively, offering a great opportunity to taste local products.

By Plane: Amasya's Merzifon Airport is approximately 45 km from the city center. Some airlines operate flights from Istanbul and Ankara to Merzifon. You can reach the city center from the airport by taxi or shuttle services.

By Train: Amasya has a train station. It is possible to reach Amasya from Samsun by train in approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes; this route is both economical and scenic. Direct train connections from Ankara and Istanbul are limited, so a connecting journey may be necessary.

By Bus: Regular bus services to Amasya are available from many major cities in Turkey. It takes approximately 4-5 hours from Ankara and 7-8 hours from Istanbul. The bus terminal is located close to the city center.

By Car: You can reach Amasya from Ankara by following the D785 highway in approximately 4 hours. Considering the narrow streets in the city center, it is much more practical to park your car in designated areas and explore on foot.

Amasya's historic center has a very compact structure, and most of it can be explored on foot. The route extending from the waterfront houses to the royal tombs and then to the Amasya Museum is highly suitable for walking.

Within the city, municipal buses and minibuses operate; fares are quite reasonable. Taxis are also readily available and are a practical option for short distances.

You can use the walking path to climb Amasya Castle; however, the ascent requires careful progress. To reach some points on the slopes of Harşena Mountain, a taxi or private car would be more comfortable. The general layout of the city offers travelers a pedestrian-friendly experience.

Pontus King Tombs: These monumental tombs carved into the cliffs of Harşena Mountain have become a symbol of Amasya. Dating back to the 4th-1st centuries BC, the tombs offer the city's most impressive view when illuminated at night. A magnificent panorama of the Yeşilırmak valley opens from the nearby platform.

Amasya Castle: Located at the summit of Harşena Mountain, the castle commands a view over the entire city. Although the climb is tiring, the panoramic view from the top makes you forget all fatigue. Tunnels and water cisterns from the Pontus period can also be explored inside the castle.

Yalıboyu Houses: These Ottoman-era houses, lined along the Yeşilırmak River, with their bay windows and wooden carvings, form Amasya's most iconic image. Some have been converted into guesthouses, offering accommodation in rooms with river views.

Amasya Museum: Established in 1925, the museum exhibits artifacts from 13 different civilizations. Especially the collection of mummies from the Ottoman period is a unique element that distinguishes the museum from others. Entry is possible with a Müzekart.

Sultan II. Bayezid Complex: Built in the 15th century, this complex consists of a mosque, madrasah, imaret, and darüşşifa (hospital). The darüşşifa section is considered one of the important structures in Ottoman medical history.

Hazeranlar Mansion: This 19th-century mansion is approximately 1 km from the city center and is open to visitors. It presents a beautiful example of Ottoman civil architecture.

Gümüşlü Mosque and other historical mosques: The city hosts valuable Ottoman-era structures such as Mehmet Paşa Mosque, Saraçhane Mosque, and Gümüşlü Mosque. Most are within walking distance and can be visited free of charge.

Accommodation options in Amasya cater to various budgets. The most enjoyable choice is the boutique hotels and guesthouses located among the Yalıboyu Houses. In these riverside accommodations, you can experience an overnight stay in a historical atmosphere; watching the illuminated royal tombs from your room at night is particularly impressive.

Mid-range hotels are also available in the city center; these are located within walking distance of the historical area. For those seeking more comfortable accommodation, there are also thermal facilities around the city. Early booking is recommended for weekends and special holiday periods, as small boutique hotels can fill up quickly.

Amasya cuisine has a unique structure where Black Sea and Central Anatolian flavors meet. The Amasya apple, synonymous with the city's name, is one of Turkey's most famous apples with its small and aromatic structure; it can be eaten fresh or found in the form of jam, fruit leather, and sucuk (dried sausage).

Bandırma (a local dish prepared with chicken or meat), keşkek, and toyga soup are among the local delicacies that must be tried. Fresh trout is also frequently served in restaurants along the Yeşilırmak River.

Small artisan restaurants around the historical bazaar are both budget-friendly and offer the most authentic flavors. For breakfast, you can choose tables prepared with local cheeses, homemade jams, and fresh bread. Shops selling products made from Amasya apples are also notable at various points in the city.

Amasya is a relatively affordable destination compared to Turkey's major tourist cities. While accommodation fees in boutique guesthouses in the Yalıboyu houses vary, it is possible to find options for every budget throughout the city.

Using a Müzekart for museum and archaeological site entrances provides significant savings; it is wise to purchase a card if you plan to visit multiple sites. A small fee is also charged for entry to the Amasya Museum. Entry to the royal tombs and a section of the castle also requires a fee; it is recommended to check the ticket offices for current tariffs.

In terms of transportation, city minibuses and buses are very economical. For food and drink, artisan restaurants offer budget-friendly options, while riverside restaurants are slightly more expensive. Overall, Amasya is a city where you can have a full experience without making large expenditures.