Van is a historic city in eastern Turkey set on the southeastern shore of Lake Van — the largest lake in Turkey and one of the world's largest soda lakes at 3,713 km². The city sits at 1,750 metres above sea level, surrounded by dramatic volcanic mountains. Van is famous for its extraordinary breakfast tradition (Van kahvaltısı), its legendary white Van cats with heterochromia, and the nearby Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island. The ancient Urartian fortress of Van Castle looms over the old city ruins, recalling a civilisation that flourished here from the 9th to 7th centuries BC. Van today is a vibrant Kurdish-majority city with a warm, hospitable culture and access to some of eastern Turkey's most rewarding landscapes.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Merit Doğu Ekspres Hotel
Edremit Lakeview Resort
Gevaş Pension (Private Lakeside)
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Halil İbrahim Sofrası — Private Room Dinner
Book the private dining room for a group dinner with personalised meze spread and a full service experience in Van's best traditional restaurant. Give 24 hours notice.
Merit Doğu Ekspres Hotel Restaurant
The hotel restaurant offers the most refined dining experience in Van. Request a window table with lake views for dinner.
Tandır Evi — Private Tandır Dinner
Pre-order a whole kuzu tandır (slow-roasted lamb) for the table — requires 24h advance notice. One of eastern Turkey's finest dining experiences.