Amasya Travel Guide
City City in Amasya known for its historical sites
Clinging to the Yeşilırmak, Amasya draws travelers with cliffside rock tombs of the Pontic kings, Ottoman timber houses, riverfront cafés and local apples that feature in town markets and recipes.
Why Visit Amasya? #
Carved tombs of ancient Pontic kings on the cliffs above the river create Amasya’s unforgettable skyline, while narrow streets of restored Ottoman wooden houses and riverside tea gardens reveal old‑world charm. The Yeşilırmak River threads the city, lined with cafés and historic bridges, and Amasya apples-famous across Turkey-feature in markets and local sweets. Archaeological layers, seasonal fruit markets and calm riverside life make the city appealing for culture-minded travelers.
Who's Amasya For?
Amasya’s Ottoman riverside mansions and the stone-carved royal tombs above the citycreate a striking setting for couples. Riverside cafés and boutique guesthouses in the old quarter offer intimate stays with scenic views over the Yeşilırmak valley.
Surrounded by steep hills and the Yeşilırmak River, Amasya provides scenic walks, easy canyon routes and viewpoints on Harşena Mountain. Short drives reach tranquil lakes and rural trails for birdwatching and light hiking in diverse terrain.
Regional Black Sea and Anatolian dishes are well represented: try local gözleme, lamb dishes and river fish in the old town. Small family restaurants serve generous portions at modest prices; local bakers and tea gardens are highlights for casual tasting.
A compact old town and accessible archaeological sites make Amasya family-friendly. The riverside promenade and easy museum visits keep days short and manageable for kids, while nearby lakes offer gentle outdoor activities for all ages.
Top Things to Do in Amasya
All Attractions ›
- Pontic Kings' Rock Tombs (Kral Mezarları) - Hewn high into the cliffs above the Yeşilırmak, ancient royal tombs overlooking the city.
- Harşena Castle (Amasya Castle) - Fortress atop Mount Harşena with panoramic views and layers of historic fortifications.
- Yalıboyu Houses - Picturesque row of Ottoman wooden mansions lining the Yeşilırmak riverfront, great photo spot.
- Hazeranlar Konağı - Restored 18th-century mansion showcasing period interiors and Amasya's urban domestic life.
- Amasya Atatürk House Museum - Museum preserving Atatürk's 1919 study and exhibits about the Amasya Circular.
- Taşhan (Stone Caravanserai) - Quiet historic caravanserai turned marketplace with artisan shops and cosy cafés.
- Ferhat Water Channel (Ferhat Su Kanalı) - Legendary water channel carved into the rock, entwined with the Ferhat and Şirin tale.
- Yalıboyu Tea Gardens - Riverside tea gardens where locals linger over çay and watch boats drift by.
- Amasya Archaeological and Ethnography Museum - Compact collection revealing Hittite, Roman and Ottoman artefacts in an easily explored space.
- Borabay Lake (Borabay Gölü) - Forest-ringed lake with walking trails, picnic spots, and calm waters about one hour away.
- Tokat - Historic provincial city with Tokat Castle, old bazaars, and traditional houses roughly one hour's drive.
- Samsun - Black Sea port featuring Amisos Hill tumulus, archaeology museum, and lively waterfront about two hours.
- Niksar - Ancient Byzantine and Seljuk town with a hilltop castle, traditional streets and cafés nearby.
Where to Go in Amasya #
Yalıboyu (Riverside Old Town)
The picture-postcard strip of Ottoman houses by the river; it’s where you’ll find the best views and most atmospheric cafés. Walk slowly, sip tea and watch local life along the water. Perfect for photographers and relaxed sightseeing.
Top Spots
- Yalıboyu Houses - Ottoman timber houses lining the riverfront.
- Yeşilırmak River Promenade - Riverside cafés and photo stops.
- Traditional Tea Gardens - Relaxed spots by the water.
Harşena & Rock Tombs
Dramatic and instantly memorable: the ancient rock tombs above the city are visible from much of Amasya. Expect steep paths and rewarding views over the valley. Best for morning visits and those who like a bit of light hiking.
Top Spots
- Royal Rock Tombs (Kral Kaya Mezarları) - Impressive carved tombs above the city.
- Harşena Mountain trails - Short hikes and panoramic lookouts.
- Amasya Castle ruins - Remnants with broad city views.
City Centre & Market
The compact town centre contains markets, mosques and useful services. It’s the practical area for accommodation and quick food stops between more scenic sights. Good for short stays and mixing shopping with sightseeing.
Top Spots
- Amasya Museum - Regional archaeology and ethnography collections.
- Old bazaars - Small stalls selling local snacks and textiles.
- Sultan Bayezid Mosque - Historic mosque set among old streets.
Plan Your Visit to Amasya #
Best Time to Visit Amasya #
The best times to visit Amasya are spring and autumn when temperatures are mild, orchards bloom, and the riverside scenery is at its best. Winters can be cold and snowy; summers are hot and dry, with pleasant evenings.
Best Time to Visit Amasya #
Amasya's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 57 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Amasya
Amasya is easiest reached by flying into nearby Merzifon Airport (MZH) or by regional flights to Samsun (SZF) followed by a road transfer. The city is also well connected by intercity buses; the local train exists but services are limited - most visitors arrive by bus or car and then explore Amasya on foot or by local minibus.
Merzifon Airport (MZH): Merzifon (often called Amasya Merzifon) is the closest airport to Amasya and handles domestic flights (most commonly from Istanbul). From Merzifon Airport you can take a shared shuttle/minibus or a taxi to Amasya city centre - journey time is roughly 30-45 minutes. Expect taxi fares roughly in the 300-450 TRY range and shared shuttle/minibus or scheduled airport transfer services in the 60-120 TRY range (prices vary; check operators and book in advance.
Samsun Çarşamba Airport (SZF): Samsun-Çarşamba is a larger regional airport north of Amasya with more frequent connections. By road it is about 120-140 km from Amasya; travel time by car or shuttle is typically 1.5-2 hours. Options are intercity shuttle buses or taxis - shared shuttles/coach transfers commonly cost around 150-300 TRY and taxis or private transfers are substantially more (prices vary by operator and season).
Train: Amasya is served by a local railway stop (Amasya station / Amasya Gar) on regional routes; services are infrequent and timetables change, so check TCDD (Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Devlet Demiryolları) for current schedules before planning. When running, regional trains connect Amasya with nearby cities such as Samsun and Sivas; journey times are typically a couple of hours to Samsun and longer to Sivas, with fares generally lower than intercity buses (exact fares depend on service and class).
Bus: Amasya Otogarı (the central intercity bus terminal) is the main hub for long-distance coach services. Frequent buses connect Amasya with Ankara (around 4-5 hours), Istanbul (overnight, ~10-12 hours) and Samsun (about 1.5-2 hours). Ticket prices vary by operator and season - as a guide, expect Samsun trips roughly 100-250 TRY, Ankara trips roughly 200-400 TRY and Istanbul overnight coaches roughly 350-650 TRY; book through major Turkish bus companies (Kamil Koç, Metro, Pamukkale, etc.) or at the otogar.
How to Get Around Amasya
Amasya is compact and most visitors get around on foot, by dolmuş (shared minibus) or by short taxi rides. For day trips outside the city a rental car or intercity bus is the most practical choice; the local train exists but services are limited, so don't rely on it without checking current TCDD schedules.
- Dolmuş / Shared minibuses (6-25 TRY) - Shared minibuses (dolmuş) are the most practical and inexpensive way to move around Amasya and to nearby towns. They run on set routes from the otogar and main stops, hopping on/off is straightforward. Expect frequent departures during the day; tell the driver your stop and pay when boarding. Dolmuş are often faster than the city bus for short cross-town trips but can be crowded at peak times.
- City buses (3-8 TRY) - Amasya's municipal buses cover the main districts and attractions; they're cheap and useful for reaching suburbs and the university area. Services are regular but not as frequent as in larger Turkish cities; check local timetables at major stops or the municipality website. Good for budget travellers but can be slower than dolmuş if you're on a tight schedule.
- Taxi (60-200 TRY) - Taxis are widely available and convenient for short hops, night travel, or when you have luggage. Metered fares start at a base charge with a per-kilometre rate - a typical inner-city short trip will usually cost in the range shown below; agree on a price for longer intercity transfers. Use official taxis from ranks or request one through your hotel rather than hailing from the street at odd hours when possible.
- Car rental (1,500-3,500 TRY/day) - Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding Black Sea and Cappadocian-plateau attractions at your own pace - road quality around Amasya is generally good and driving is straightforward. Book in advance in peak season; parking in the city centre can be limited near the historic neighbourhoods. A car is recommended if you plan day trips to places like Taşova, Havza or the Borabay Lake area.
- Bicycle (80-300 TRY/day) - Amasya's compact centre and relatively quiet streets make cycling pleasant for short sightseeing trips, especially along the Yeşilırmak river. There is no widespread public bike-share, so bring or rent a bike from a local shop if available. Be cautious on hillier streets and during busy traffic times.
- Walking - The historic centre of Amasya is best experienced on foot - the main attractions (Ottoman houses, the riverside, museums and the rock tombs) are clustered and walkable. Narrow streets and viewpoints mean you'll often prefer walking to driving for short visits. Comfortable shoes are recommended: some routes are steep or cobbled.
Where to Stay in Amasya #
- Budget pensions and guesthouses (Booking) - Simple rooms near the old town
- Regional hostels (Hostelworld) - Basic and affordable options
- Midrange hotels (Booking) - Comfortable stays near attractions
- Local three-star hotels (Booking) - Good for sightseeing and day trips
- Boutique boutique higher-end stays (Booking) - Limited luxury, select boutique options
- Upscale boutique hotels (Booking) - Heritage-style rooms and suites
- Central guesthouses (Booking) - Close to ancient sites and museums
- Well-located midrange hotels - Ideal for short sightseeing visits
- Family-friendly pensions (Booking) - Larger rooms for families available
- Airbnb family apartments - Kitchens and extra bedrooms for families
- Hotels and apartments (Booking) - Some options list Wi‑Fi and workspaces
- Airbnb longer-stay apartments - Flexible stays with work-friendly spaces
Where to Eat in Amasya #
Amasya’s cuisine is quietly regional: the Yeşilırmak river and surrounding orchards shape a menu of river fish, gözleme and apple-forward desserts (Amasya apples are famous). The old town’s riverside lokantas serve comforting stews and local fish, and simple tea gardens are perfect for an afternoon snack with simit. Expect traditional Turkish home cooking rather than international experimentation: pide, kebab and lokanta dishes dominate. For vegetarians, local vegetable stews, gözleme with cheese or spinach and market fruit make for easy, delicious meals.
- Amasya riverside lokantas - Stuffed river fish and local stews by the Yeşilırmak.
- Traditional gözleme stalls - Hand-rolled flatbreads with cheese or spinach.
- Tea gardens near the castle - Simple snacks, simit and Turkish tea with views.
- Simple bistros in the old bazaar - Comfort food with light international touches.
- Kebab and pide spots - Local spins on classics found across Turkey.
- Cafés catering to visitors - Coffee, dessert and light lunch options near historical sites.
- Lokantas with vegetable stews - Home-style eggplant, beans and yogurt dishes.
- Gözleme stands - Cheese and spinach-filled options for vegetarians.
- Markets selling local apples and cheeses - Great for simple vegetarian picnics and snacks.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Amasya's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Amasya #
Amasya is an evening city for slow riverside strolls, tea gardens and small cafés rather than late-night clubs. The illuminated rock tombs above the city and the traditional Ottoman houses create a memorable nocturnal backdrop; locals gather at riverside çay (tea) spots and small restaurants. Practical tip: the vibe is conservative-dress modestly and expect most late-night options to be cafés and tea houses.
Best Bets
- Yeşilırmak Riverbanks - Tea gardens and cafés lining the river-best for evening walks.
- Amasya Rock Tombs (night view) - Illuminated tombs above the city make a striking night panorama.
- Old Town & Ottoman houses - Small restaurants and cafés in traditional houses by the river.
- Sultan Bayezid Bridge area - Riverside bridges with nearby tea gardens and late-evening cafés.
- Local parks & tea gardens - Calm evening hangouts frequented by locals and families.
- Historic city streets - Stroll these streets for quiet cafés and low-key evening stops.
Shopping in Amasya #
Amasya’s shopping is anchored in its historic riverside quarter: small shops in traditional Ottoman houses sell textiles, local sweets and souvenirs, while a compact bazaar and the caravanserai (Taşhan) offer handicrafts and regional products. Amasya is famous for its apples - bring cash for market stalls and expect friendly bargaining with independent sellers.
Best Bets
- Taşhan (historic caravanserai) - Cluster of handicraft shops and small local retailers.
- Yalıboyu (riverside souvenir shops) - Shops in restored houses selling ceramics and local sweets.
- Amasya central bazaar (çarşı) - Traditional market for textiles, food and everyday goods.
- King Tombs viewpoints - nearby craft stalls - Small stalls selling postcards, crafts and regional snacks.
- Local fruit & apple stalls - Amasya apples, dried fruit and seasonal produce to sample.
- Atatürk Caddesi boutiques - Everyday shops and modest clothing stores in the town centre.
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