Best Things To Do in Safranbolu, Turkey

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THINGS TO DO AND SEE

Safranbolu is blessed with a rich cultural heritage. History lovers will have a gala time in Safranbolu. Right from the old museum to the wonderful Ottoman houses lining the streets, this city is full of architectural wonders that will stun even the most nonchalant person. These structures have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Safranbolu was once an important destination for the saffron trade. Saffron is grown in this region and has also contributed to naming Safranbolu. This was a popular place for ottoman royalty as well; a major factor that contributed to the architectural legacy of the city. Not just the royals, but the courtiers were patrons. The Clock Tower on the castle is one such example.

Walk around the streets of the old city of Safranbolu and your mind will take you back in the glory days of the city. Catch up with the locals to learn about the legends of the city at one of the splendid fountains. Even the marketplace close to the Izzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque has a sense of legacy attached to it.

There are several Turkish baths in the city where visitors often go for relaxing and enjoying massages. Shrines of religious leaders are also in plenty in Safranbolu. The Incekaya Su Kemeri aqueduct in Safranbolu is a marvellous example of Turkish architecture. Getting here is a bit of a hike, but completely worth thanks to the views.

For some unparalleled views of the Turkish landscape, visit the Crystal Glass Terrace in the Tokatli Canyon. The skywalk-like structure has given plenty of previous visitors an adrenaline rush. Explore the caves around Safranbolu for a bit of native history and adventure.

Below we have a list of things to do in Safranbolu and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Safranbolu getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Safranbolu with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Safranbolu

Here is the list of things to do in Safranbolu and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Bulak Cave

    Cave

    Bulak Cave is the fourth largest cave in Turkey and is just a few kilometres away from the main city of Safranbolu. A short hike via stairs brings you to the entrance of the cave from where you are transported into wonderland. It is not tough and can be managed by people of all age groups. There are unique formations of stalactites and stalagmites lined along the inside of the cave. All in all,...Read more
  2. Kristal Teras

    4.1 (69 Votes)
    Kristal Teras

    Canyon, Observation Deck

    One of the best ways to view the Tokatli Canyon is by visiting the Kristal Teras or the Crystal Terrace. It is an 80-metre structure of glass built upon the canyon as a viewing deck for visitors. The 11-metre terrace has been fitted with glass tiles so the canyon is visible below your feet from the deck. This whole experience is an adrenaline rush. Stepping onto this deck is a no mean fit, the ...Read more
  3. Kaymakamlar Muze

    4.7 (146 Votes)
    Kaymakamlar Muze

    Museum

    One of the classic examples of Ottoman architecture in Safranbolu is the Kaymakamlar Museum. The museum is located in a charming house constructed in the early years of the 18th century. It’s a typical example of a Turkish house, replete with two entrances, a harem and gardens. The harem is located on the first floor of the house. A visit to this house is must if you want to understand th...Read more
  4. Yoruk Village

    Village, Street Market, Street Food

    Those looking for architectural marvels in Turkey cannot afford to miss the village of Yoruk, a few hours away from Safranbolu. This village began to form in 17th century and is a paragon of building styles in the Turkish soil. True to the Turkish tradition, the ground floor of these houses have been made in stone and the additional stories display the prized timber available in the region. All...Read more
  5. Safranbolu Eski Carsi

    Market, Street Market, Street Food

    This is the old market square of Safranbolu. Located in the old city, this marketplace is one of the oldest designated spots in Safranbolu. Tourists can find almost all specialty objects in the lanes of these market. Souvenirs can be brought from here. Many of the products sold here are made by craftsmen in the shops itself. Since it is located in the old city, there is a certain charm attached...Read more
  6. Hidirlik Tepesi Safranbolu

    Cafe, Hill

    The Hidirlik Hill was once one of the entrances to Safranbolu. It was also used as a prayer place once upon a time. Its strategic location overlooking the city is a major factor in its usage. Today, there is a hilltop café here that enjoys the patronage of citizens of Safranbolu as well as the tourists visiting the city. The overall setting of this café is a delight to visitors. T...Read more
  7. Safranbolu Saat Kulesi

    4.6 (59 Votes)
    Safranbolu Saat Kulesi

    Landmark, Tower

    One of the popular landmarks in Safranbolu is the Tarihi Sat Kulesi or the clock tower close to the old market of the city. This tower was built by Sultan III in 1797 and has been continually in use since then. The design of the tower has not been replicated in any of the other tower in the country. This is also one of the few clock towers that still allows visitors to enter and explore. From t...Read more
  8. Kasim Sipahioglu Konagi

    4.4 (38 Votes)
    Kasim Sipahioglu Konagi

    Mansion

    If spending a day in Yoruk, do not forget to stop at the Kasim Sipahioglu Konagi mansion. The house was built 300 years ago and till date, it has been kept in an excellent condition. Tourists are allowed to explore the Turkish architectural traditions prevalent in this housing style. Like most houses in the village, this one is double storied. The house is mainly divided into two parts, the har...Read more
  9. Incekaya Su Kemeri

    4.6 (41 Votes)
    Incekaya Su Kemeri

    Bridge

    One of the marvels of Turkish architecture is the Incekaya Aqueduct. The aqueduct was constructed in the glory days of the Byzantine empire and was reconstructed to its current look by Izzet Mehmet Pasa in the 1790s. It is around 116 meters long and has 6 arches to support the structure. It supplied water to the Safranbolu and the village of Incekaya from the nearby catchment areas. Reaching th...Read more
  10. Koprulu Mehmet Pasa Camii

    4.8 (45 Votes)
    Koprulu Mehmet Pasa Camii

    Mosque, Religious Site

    This is one of the most important mosques in Safranbolu. It was built in 1661 by Grand Vizier Koprulu Mehmet Pasha. It is heavily influenced by the building styles prevalent in Turkey during the 17th century. The mosque also features a sun clock, one of the first of its kind in Safranbolu. Located in the middle of the bustling streets of the Safranbolu market, it has become a popular landmark o...Read more
  11. Safran Park Outlet

    4 (121 Votes)
    Safran Park Outlet

    Shopping Center

    A cosmopolitan shopping destination in Safranbolu is the Safran Park Outlet. Located just a few miles out of the city along the highway, this is a good destination to spend an evening in Safranbolu. Clothing is a major business here. Several reputed and upcoming brands have set up a store at this shopping complex. There is an open-air shopping complex where you can relax and buy souvenirs. The ...Read more
  12. Kazdagli Camii

    4.4 (41 Votes)
    Kazdagli Camii

    Mosque, Religious Site

    Constructed in 1779 by Kazdagli Mehmet Agha, the Kazdagli Camii is one of the most revered mosques in Safranbolu. The prime reason to visit this mosque is its architecture. The brick and stone building is topped by a dome and a solo minaret that serves as a recognition point from the clustered city. One of the bricks in the minaret is made completely of glass. The inner sanctum reflects peace a...Read more
  13. Cinci Hamam

    4.4 (85 Votes)
  14. Asmali Konak

    4.5 (3 Votes)