Amasya Travel Guide: Explore Turkey’s Charming City of Princes

With a river that winds through its center, traditional wooden houses lining the banks, and gentle green mountains as a backdrop, Amasya feels like a town from a storybook. It frequently appears on lists of Turkey’s and Europe’s most picturesque small cities.

Often overlooked by travelers, Amasya is known for its crisp apples, distinctive waterfront houses (yalıboyu), and archaeological traces of the Pontic Kingdom.

Its relaxed pace echoes nearby Amasra, its historic homes resemble those in Safranbolu, and its fortress recalls Kastamonu’s preserved citadel. In short, Amasya offers a compact sample of authentic Turkey—ideal if you want memorable sights on a limited schedule.

This guide covers everything you need to plan a trip to Amasya: how to arrive, top attractions, regional food and handicrafts, recommended places to stay, and practical tips for getting around.

This article was fact-checked and updated in January 2026.

AMASYA: The Basics

Why visit Amasya? What is Amasya known for?

From riverside Ottoman houses to apple orchards, a history of princes and ancient kings, and scenic nature, Amasya has plenty to offer. Highlights include:

Yalıboyu Houses: These traditional wooden mansions, painted white and brown and built along the Yeşilırmak River, are an Amasya signature and a must-see.

City of Princes: Amasya historically hosted Ottoman princes during their training, and several period residences remain preserved.

Rock Tombs: High on the cliffs you’ll find Pontic-era tombs carved directly into the stone, offering a striking window into the city’s ancient past.

Apples: The region produces renowned apples and celebrates them with an annual festival. Apple products, from dried fruit to tea, are everywhere.

❗️ Travel tip: Don’t confuse Amasya with Amasra—two different Black Sea towns more than 400 km apart.

How many days do you need in Amasya?

One full day covers the main sights, but two days allow a more relaxed pace and time to enjoy museums, walks along the river, and local food.

Amasya regional specialties

Food

Apples: Amasya’s apple varieties appear in teas, desserts, and souvenirs—try a cup of warming apple tea.

Toyga Çorba: A tangy, comforting soup made with strained yogurt, cracked wheat, mint, and butter—perfect as a starter.

Amasya Çöreği: A flaky pastry filled with crushed poppy seeds and walnuts—sweet, aromatic, and a local classic.

Bakla Dolması: Stuffed broad beans often prepared with beans, lentils, and seasonal vegetables; a traditional festive dish in the area.

Recommended spots to taste local dishes include Amaseia Mutfagi (river views and regional menus) and Amasya Anadolu Mantı Evi (varied mantı and local specialties). For the famous çörek, look for Ahmet Doğla Meşhur Amasya Çörekçisi or Çörekçi Galip.

Handicrafts

Apple-themed souvenirs: Dried apple tea, apple coffee, and apple-scented kolonya are popular gifts.

Samovars: Tea culture in Amasya has produced skilled samovar makers—find traditional samovars in the old bazaar.

Metalwork: Copper and metal crafts are available around the Bedesten Kapalı Çarşı and other local markets.

How to Get to Amasya

By plane: Amasya Merzifon Airport (MZH) connects to Istanbul airports via direct services. The transfer to the city center takes roughly 40–60 minutes by shuttle or taxi.

By bus: Amasya is well linked by intercity buses from Black Sea cities like Samsun, Ordu, and Trabzon, as well as Ankara and Istanbul. The bus terminal is about 1.5 km from the historic center.

By car: Amasya makes a convenient stop on a Black Sea road trip. Driving gives flexibility for day trips to surrounding towns and countryside.

Getting Around Amasya

Amasya’s long, narrow layout makes it highly walkable. Most attractions lie within an easy stroll along the river. Amasya Castle sits about 3 km from the center; the hike takes around an hour, or you can take a taxi partway up and climb fewer steps.

Airport transfers are typically 40–60 minutes; local taxis and shuttles operate to coordinate with flights and bus arrivals.

What to Do in Amasya

Marvel at the Charming Antique Houses

Stroll the riverfront to admire yaliboyu—19th-century wooden mansions with carved details, bay windows, and small gardens. Several have been restored as boutique hotels or converted into museums, such as Hazeranlar Mansion (Ethnography Museum) and the Sehzadeler Museum.

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See the Amasya Clock Tower

The Clock Tower, once a watchtower, is an attractive landmark along a riverside walk. While you can’t enter, it makes for a pleasant photo stop and adds to the historic streetscape.

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Hike up to the King Rock Tombs

The Pontic Kings’ rock-cut tombs dominate the cliffs above the city. Carved into limestone around 300 BC, five of the original tombs remain accessible. The short but steep climb rewards you with history and panoramic views—wear good shoes and bring water.

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See the City from Amasya Castle

Climb or drive up to Amasya Castle for the best vantage point over the river, the clustered houses, and surrounding mountains. The castle has a layered history of Persian, Roman, Pontic, Byzantine, and Ottoman influence and sits built into Harşena Mountain across multiple levels.

Options to reach the castle include a 3 km hike, a taxi to the base, or driving; the ascent can be winding and steep in places.

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Sabuncuoğlu Medical and Surgical History Museum

Housed in a 14th-century building, this museum highlights the work of Şerafeddin Sabuncuoğlu, a pioneering Ottoman surgeon. Exhibits include detailed medical illustrations, surgical instruments, and an herb garden used for traditional remedies. It’s a unique and informative stop for history and medicine enthusiasts.

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Amasya Archaeology Museum

This well-organized museum presents over 24,000 artifacts, including mosaics, jewelry, and archaeological finds from the region. Exhibits feature bilingual labels and multimedia displays that make the collection accessible and engaging.

Where to Stay in Amasya

Ziyagil Konağı

A family-run yaliboyu guesthouse that retains original woodwork and carved details. Rooms are comfortable, breakfast is homemade, and the location is a short walk across the river to the town center.

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Bayezid Han Konak

A restored historic house turned boutique hotel with around 18 well-appointed rooms. The hotel offers hearty breakfasts and occasional live-dinner events, and it emphasizes a calm, adults-focused atmosphere.

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Sarıkonak Boutique & Spa Hotel Amasya

A more upscale option with spa facilities, an indoor pool, and river-view terraces. Rooms are comfortable and the property offers amenities for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.

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Melekli Konak

Set in a 200-year-old building, Melekli Konak offers boutique charm, included breakfast, occasional yoga classes, and a pet-friendly policy. The décor evokes the Ottoman era while providing modern comforts.

Planning a trip to Türkiye? Check out other regional guides for inspiration.

Photo Credits: Amasya Castle – Kültür Portalı | Hotel photos courtesy of each property