Things to Do in Van
From Urartian fortresses to turquoise Lake Van, from the famous Van breakfast to waterfalls — fill your stay in Van with discoveries.
With thousands of years of history, unique nature and a rich cuisine, Van is one of the most special cities in Eastern Anatolia. From our central location you can reach the city sights quickly, and it makes an easy base for day trips. Below you will find our list of things to do in Van, with approximate distances from our apartments.
- History
Van Fortress
The citadel of Tushpa, capital of the Urartian Kingdom, has stood on its rock by the shore of Lake Van since the 9th century BC. Make it your first stop to see the cuneiform inscriptions of the Sardur Tower and watch the sun set over the lake.
Go up towards sunset — the view is one of the best in Van.
Distance from Okyanus Apart Suit: 5.8 km
- History & Nature
Akdamar Island
Reached by boat from the pier in Gevaş, the island is home to the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, famous for the stone reliefs on its façade. In spring, almond blossom covers the island.
Boat trips depend on the weather; check before you go.
Distance from Okyanus Apart Suit: 40.2 km (Akdamar pier)
- Food
Van Breakfast Houses (Breakfast Street)
You cannot leave Van without a Van breakfast. On Breakfast Street in the city centre, tables are filled with local specialities such as herb cheese, murtuğa, kavut, cacık, clotted cream and honey.
It gets busy on weekend mornings; we recommend going early.
Distance from Okyanus Apart Suit: 1.3 km
- Nature
Lake Van
Turkey’s largest lake, the soda lake of Van, is the symbol of the city with its turquoise water and snowy mountain views. Walk along the shore, and in spring watch the pearl mullet migrate into the rivers.
Edremit’s seafront is a lovely spot for a sunset walk.
Distance from Okyanus Apart Suit: 8.5 km (pier)
- Nature
Muradiye Waterfall
On the Bendimahi river in the Muradiye district, the waterfall with its suspension bridge and water tumbling over volcanic rock is one of Van’s favourite nature stops. In winter the frozen falls offer a completely different view.
Plan a separate half day rather than combining it with Akdamar.
Distance from Okyanus Apart Suit: 94.3 km
- History
Hoşap Castle
Built in 1643 by Sarı Süleyman Bey of the Mahmudi on a steep rock above the Hoşap river in the Gürpınar district, the castle impresses with its grand gateway and walls.
Wear comfortable shoes; the way up to the castle is steep.
Distance from Okyanus Apart Suit: 61 km
- Family
Van Cat House
To see the famous Van cats — known for one blue and one amber eye — up close, visit the Van Cat House on the campus of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. A fun stop for families with children.
Check the visiting hours in advance.
Distance from Okyanus Apart Suit: 14.2 km
Travel photos are from Wikimedia Commons, used under the author and licence shown on each photo (resized).
Explore Van, stay with us
After a day of sightseeing, come back to the comfort of home. A fully equipped kitchen, clean and quiet rooms and a central location: Okyanus Apart Suit is your second home in Van.