Safranbolu

Turkey, Europe

Safranbolu is a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its stunning Ottoman architecture, charming cobbled streets, and preserved historic houses. The town is known for its vibrant marketplace, the captivating Cinci Han, and the scenic beauty of its surroundings, including the mesmerizing Bolu Mountains. Visitors can enjoy local specialties like saffron and traditional Turkish baths, making Safranbolu a perfect blend of culture, history, and culinary delight.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Town

Vibe

History

Airport

Esenboga

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

9 Best Things to Do in Safranbolu

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Old Town

Wander through Safranbolu's UNESCO-listed historic streets.

No booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Cinci Han

Discover this beautifully restored historic caravanserai.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Kaymakamlar Museum

Explore local history in a preserved Ottoman house.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy Traditional Turkish Cuisine

Savor local dishes at charming restaurants and cafes.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Safranbolu Soap Museum

Learn about soap making in this unique museum.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll through the Historic Streets

Admire the architecture and scenic views of Safranbolu.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Hidirlik Hill

Enjoy panoramic views of Safranbolu from this hill.

No booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

See the Kaymakamlar Mansion

Visit an impressive example of Ottoman architecture.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend a Local Festival

Experience Safranbolu's vibrant culture and traditions.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Low

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Turkish Lira

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Turkish

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Lamb

Tender meat from lamb, often grilled. (National dish)

Kebap

Grilled meat skewers, popular in Turkey.

Baklava

V

Sweet pastry filled with nuts and syrup.

Meze

VE

A variety of small dishes served as appetizers.

Turkish Delight (Lokum)

VE

Gel-like sweet made with starch and sugar.

Phrases to learn

English

Turkish

Hello

Merhaba

(Mehr-hah-bah)

Yes/No

Evet / Hayir

(Eh-vet / Hai-uhr)

Thank you

Teşekkür

(Teh-she-kyoor)

Excuse me

Affedersiniz

(Ah-feh-dehr-seen-ez)

How much?

Ne kadar?

(Neh kah-dar)