Karabük is a small industrial city in northwestern Turkey's Western Black Sea region, best known as the gateway to Safranbolu — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 17th-century Ottoman merchant houses, ancient hans, and cobblestone lanes. Beyond Safranbolu, the province rewards visitors with deep river canyons, ancient Phrygian-era ruins at Eskipazar, dense Black Sea forests, and the dramatic Tokatlı Canyon.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Safranbolu lokumu (saffron Turkish delight) — most iconic souvenir; buy from Arasta Bazaar shops
Gerçek safran (real saffron threads) — expensive but authentic; verify packaging for certification
Handmade copper coffee sets (cezve and cups) — from Bakırcılar Sokak workshops
Nazar boncuğu (evil eye amulets) — widely available, 10–50 TRY (~$0.30–1.50)
Safranbolu pictorial ceramics — tiled souvenir plates with Ottoman house motifs
Local honey (süzme bal) — from Wednesday market, 80–200 TRY (~$2.40–6) per jar
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Safranbolu Arasta Bazaar
Lokum, saffron, copper goods
Where: Çarşı Mahallesi, Safranbolu
Hours: Daily 09:00–20:00
Karabük Wednesday Pazar
Fresh produce, local honey, cheese
Where: Pazar Yeri, Karabük
Hours: Wednesdays only 07:00–17:00