Amasya · 12 Places · Best April-June and September-October
Amasya is a historic city and province in north-central Turkey, set in a dramatic gorge on the Yeşilırmak river beneath the rocky heights of Mount Harşena. Known as the Şehzadeler Şehri, or City of Princes, where Ottoman heirs trained as provincial governors, Amasya is famous for its Pontic royal rock tombs carved into the cliffs, its riverside Ottoman timber mansions, and its sweet apples. The birthplace of the ancient geographer Strabo, it blends Hellenistic, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman heritage in one of Turkey's most scenic provincial towns.
Amasya sits in the central Black Sea region of north-central Turkey, where the Yeşilırmak river carves a steep canyon between Mount Harşena and the old town. The riverbanks are lined with restored Ottoman timber mansions, the Yalıboyu Evleri, while the cliffs above are pierced by the monumental rock-cut tombs of the Pontic kings, on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list. Crowning the heights is Harşena Castle, fought over by Persians, Romans, the Kingdom of Pontus, Byzantines, and Ottomans in turn. The town's Ottoman legacy as a training ground for crown princes left a rich endowment of mosques, madrasas, and tombs, including the 1486 Sultan Bayezid II complex. The Amasya Museum displays rare medieval mummies, and the surrounding province offers thermal springs at Hamamözü, Borabay Lake near Taşova, and the famous orchards that give Amasya its prized apples. Compact, walkable, and steeped in history, Amasya rewards travellers seeking authentic Anatolian heritage away from the busier tourist trail.
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The 12 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Monumental tombs of the kings of Pontus carved into the cliff face of Mount Harşena, dating from the 4th–1st century BC, on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list. The 21 chambers are illuminated dramatically at night.
A hilltop fortress above the Yeşilırmak gorge with Pontic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman layers, offering panoramic views over the city, river, and surrounding mountains.
A row of 18th- and 19th-century timber Ottoman mansions with overhanging bay windows lining the north bank of the Yeşilırmak, best viewed from the south bank after dark.
Amasya's grandest Ottoman complex, completed in 1486, comprising a mosque, madrasa, soup kitchen, and shaded riverside courtyard with giant plane trees.
Provincial archaeology and ethnography museum holding rare naturally preserved 14th-century Ilkhanid mummies, Hittite bronzes, Hellenistic coins, and Ottoman artefacts.
A beautifully restored 1865 Ottoman waterfront mansion now housing an ethnography museum. The river-facing reception rooms with their original furnishings and the view over the Yeşilırmak make this one of Amasya's most atmospheric interiors — entry under $2.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
A restored Ottoman mansion complex on the Yesilirmak waterfront in the Yaliboyu district, set across several historic konak buildings on Hazeranlar Sokak. Rooms blend carved-wood Ottoman detailing with modern comforts, and the in-house restaurant frames views of the Bayezid II Mosque and the rock-cut Pontic tombs across the river. Rates run roughly $39-69 per night, placing it among Amasya's best-known boutique stays.
Check rates on Booking.comAn Ottoman bay-window house set only metres from the Yesilirmak River and a short walk from the King Rock Tombs, in the heart of the Yaliboyu old town. Soundproofed rooms with modern fittings sit behind a traditional timber facade, and a river-view terrace looks across to the illuminated cliff tombs at night. Nightly rates of around $32-52 make it a well-priced boutique base for solo sightseeing on foot.
Check rates on Booking.comA restored konak on Hazeranlar Sokak opposite the historic Yildiz Hamami, a short stroll from the Hazeranlar Mansion and the riverfront promenade. Free breakfast, parking, and wifi are included, and several rooms look toward the Yesilirmak and the rock tombs beyond. With rates of roughly $28-48 per night, it is one of the better-value restored mansions in the Yaliboyu cluster.
Check rates on Booking.comA centuries-old Amasya mansion standing across from the Bayezid II Mosque complex, restored as a boutique guesthouse in the Yaliboyu waterfront quarter. Traditional rooms retain Ottoman character with modern bathrooms and air conditioning, and pets are welcomed at no extra charge. Nightly rates of about $30-50 cover a riverside location within easy walking distance of the rock tombs and old bazaar.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Book a food tour in Amasya We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Amasya is a compact provincial city set deep in the narrow Yeşilırmak river gorge of Turkey's central Black Sea region, and its main sights are concentrated within an easy walk along the riverbank. The nearest airport is Merzifon Amasya (MZH), about 40-47 km northwest, with flights to Istanbul. Amasya sits on the Samsun-Sivas railway, served by slow regional trains, but most travellers arrive and leave by intercity coach from the otogar, with frequent links to Samsun (about 1.5 hours), Ankara (about 5.5 hours), Tokat and Çorum. Within the city, municipal buses and dolmuş minibuses cover the suburbs, while metered taxis fill the gaps. A rental car is the most practical way to reach the province's thermal springs, Borabay Lake and the Hittite sites around Çorum.
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₺680 (approx $15) | ₺1,800 (approx $40) | ₺5,400 (approx $120) |
| Food (per day) | ₺360 (approx $8) | ₺900 (approx $20) | ₺2,250 (approx $50) |
| Transportation | ₺180 (approx $4) | ₺360 (approx $8) | ₺680 (approx $15) |
| Activities | ₺130 (approx $3) | ₺340 (approx $7) | ₺680 (approx $15) |
| Daily total | ₺1,350 (approx $30) | ₺3,400 (approx $75) | ₺9,000+ (approx $200+) |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Amasya.
Spring (April-May) brings blossoming orchards and mild temperatures ideal for the castle and rock-tomb climbs; early autumn (September-October) offers warm golden days and the famous Amasya apple harvest with lighter crowds. Both windows give comfortable sightseeing without summer heat. Summer is hot in the sheltered valley (up to 33°C) but remains popular with domestic tourists drawn by long days and the June Atatürk Festival. Winter can be dramatic — snow covers the gorge and cliff tombs — but icy stairways limit some site access.
Amasya is a calm, conservative provincial city with very low crime; the main risks are ordinary ones such as traffic, uneven historic streets and steep stairways, and occasional petty theft in busy bazaar areas, rather than any threat specific to the city
Turkey's nationwide unified emergency number is 112, which connects to police, ambulance, and fire; operators in tourist contexts often speak some English, and the call is free from any phone, including one with no SIM
Turkey lies in a seismically active zone and earthquakes can occur; where possible choose accommodation in well-built modern or properly restored buildings, and note the nearest exits - this is standard awareness rather than a reason to avoid travel
The climb up to Amasya Castle on Harşena Mountain and the paths to the Pontus rock tombs involve steep steps, uneven rock, and exposed drops; wear sturdy shoes, take care in wet or icy conditions, and supervise children near edges
Winters are cold with snow and ice; pavements, bridges, and the rock-tomb steps can become slippery from December to February, so wear footwear with good grip
Standard Turkey travel advisories warn against travel to areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders in the southeast - these regions are far from Amasya in north-central Anatolia and do not affect a visit here
Tap water in Amasya is chlorinated and generally considered safe by local standards, but many visitors prefer cheap bottled water to avoid stomach upset from unfamiliar mineral content
Cross roads with care and use marked crossings; Turkish urban traffic can be assertive and drivers do not always yield, even at crossings
Entry requirements follow Turkey's national rules. Citizens of the USA, Canada, UK, EU member states, and many other countries enter Türkiye visa-free for tourism stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, while nationals of around 40 other countries must obtain an e-Visa online in advance at evisa.gov.tr. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest Turkish embassy or the official immigration website before traveling, and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport (MZH), about 41 km northwest of the city, with Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, and Pegasus flights to Istanbul and Ankara. Amasya is also reachable by intercity bus from Samsun, Ankara, Istanbul, and Tokat, and by TCDD conventional trains on lines toward Samsun, Sivas, and Ankara. The compact old town is best explored on foot once you arrive.
Amasya is famous as the Şehzadeler Şehri, or City of Princes, where Ottoman heirs trained as governors. Its landmarks include the monumental Pontic rock tombs carved into Mount Harşena, Harşena Castle, the riverside Yalıboyu Ottoman mansions, and the 1486 Sultan Bayezid II complex. It is also the birthplace of the ancient geographer Strabo, the setting of the Ferhat and Şirin love legend, and renowned for its sweet apples.
The top attractions in Amasya include the Pontic rock tombs, Harşena Castle, the Yalıboyu Ottoman timber mansions along the Yeşilırmak river, the Sultan Bayezid II Mosque and külliye, and the Amasya Museum with its rare medieval mummies. Beyond the city, the province offers Borabay Lake near Taşova and the thermal springs of Hamamözü.
