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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Otlu peynir (herbed cheese)
Price: ₺60–120/200g (~$1.80–3.60)
Where: Bazaar cheese market, any supermarket
Van balı (Van highland honey)
Price: ₺150–400/500g (~$4.50–12)
Where: Dedicated honey shops on Maraş Caddesi, bazaar
Van kilim (handwoven rug)
Price: ₺500–5,000+ (~$15–152+)
Where: Kilim shops on Cumhuriyet Caddesi
Kavut flour
Price: ₺80–150/kg (~$2.40–4.50)
Where: Bazaar
Kurdish embroidery
Price: ₺200–2,000+ (~$6–61+)
Where: Cultural centre, bazaar
Van cat ceramics & gifts
Price: ₺50–200 (~$1.50–6.00)
Where: Gift shops near Van Museum and city centre
Urartian motif jewellery
Price: ₺150–1,500 (~$4.50–45)
Where: Jewellery shops on Cumhuriyet Caddesi
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Van Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
Where: Ordu Caddesi
Hours: 09:00–19:00 Mon–Sat
Look for: Food, cheese, honey, spices, fabrics, household goods
Weekly Pazar (Open Market)
Where: Various neighbourhoods (rotates)
Hours: Saturday or Sunday morning
Look for: Fresh produce, herbs, clothing, household items