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Erzurum, Turkey
Photo made by Kürşad Ç. on Pexels.com
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Must-include attractions sorted by popularity
Most popular attractions in Erzurum, Turkey
1. Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minaret Madrasa)
Twin Minaret Madrasa
A striking 13th-century Seljuk façade with twin minarets soaring above Erzurum's old town. Walk among intricate stone carvings and an atmospheric courtyard, ideal for photos.
2. Yakutiye Medrese
Stunning Seljuk medrese with an ornate stone portal and turquoise tiles. Explore the courtyard and small museum, soaking up medieval Erzurum.
3. Erzurum Castle (Erzurum Kalesi)
Erzurum Kalesi
Clifftop fortress with sweeping views over Erzurum and the Palandöken peaks. Walk ramparts, inspect ancient towers and trace Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman layers.
Book a FREE walking tour in Erzurum, Turkey
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
4. Erzurum Grand Mosque (Erzurum Ulu Camii)
Erzurum Ulu Camii
A monumental Seljuk-era mosque with striking stonework and twin minarets, showing Erzurum's medieval importance. Explore intricate wooden interiors, the historic mihrab and a peaceful courtyard.
5. Erzurum Congress Building / Atatürk House (Erzurum Kongre Binası)
Erzurum Kongre Binası
Step into the room where Turkey’s 1919 Erzurum Congress shaped a nation. Explore original documents, period rooms and Atatürk’s preserved study.
6. Palandöken Mountain & Palandöken Ski Center (Palandöken Dağı / Kayak Merkezi)
Palandöken Dağı / Kayak Merkezi
High-altitude slopes and long season make Palandöken Turkey's top alpine ski area. Expect steep pistes, fast chairlifts, and panoramic Erzurum views.
7. Tortum Waterfall (Tortum Şelalesi)
Tortum Şelalesi
Dramatic, powerful waterfall on a high Anatolian plateau, framed by a rugged gorge and historic viaduct. Walk close to misty viewing platforms and scenic river trails for memorable photos.
8. Narman Fairy Chimneys (Narman Peribacaları)
Narman Peribacaları
Towering volcanic pillars sculpt a surreal landscape near Erzurum. Walk among fairy chimneys and capture dramatic light across the high plateau.
9. Erzurum Archaeology and Ethnography Museum (Erzurum Müzesi)
Erzurum Müzesi
Discover millennia of Anatolian history in Urartian tombs and regional folk culture. Walk among stone sarcophagi, embroidered costumes and village life reconstructions.
10. Aziziye Fort (Aziziye Tabyaları)
Aziziye Tabyaları
A commanding Ottoman hilltop fortress that shaped Erzurum's 19th-century history. Climb stone ramparts for sweeping city and mountain views and restored gun emplacements.
Additional popular things to do in Erzurum, Turkey
Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Kadayıf Dolması
Erzurum's kadayıf dolması are walnut-stuffed shredded-kadaif rolls, fried or baked and soaked in syrup, and they are traditionally made for weddings and special occasions.
Cevizli Sucuk
Known locally as a winter snack, walnuts threaded on a string are dipped repeatedly in thickened grape must to form a sweet, chewy sucuk that can be stored for months.
Erzurum Ketesi
A round, flaky pastry made with clarified butter, ketesi is served at breakfast or with tea, often sweetened with sugar and tahini, and it is considered a signature Erzurum bake.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Cağ Kebabı
Cağ kebabı is a horizontally cooked, rotating lamb kebab sliced thin off the spit and wrapped in lavaş with onions, it is the dish most closely associated with Erzurum's culinary identity.
Erzurum Mantısı
Erzurum mantısı are tiny, hand-folded dumplings served with garlicky yogurt and melted butter, their small size and rich topping distinguish them from other regional mantı styles.
Ayran Aşı
Ayran aşı is a cold yogurt-based soup made with bulgur or cracked wheat and herbs, it is a traditional, restorative dish often eaten in summer in Eastern Anatolia.
Traditional Beverages
Ayran
Ayran is a salted yogurt drink that is a staple in Erzurum, commonly enjoyed with hearty meat dishes to balance richness.
Salep
Made from orchid root flour simmered in milk and topped with cinnamon, salep is a warming winter beverage prized in Erzurum's high, cold climate.
Turkish Tea
Served strong and hot in small tulip-shaped glasses, black tea is central to Erzurum hospitality and is offered throughout the day.
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Day trips
Palandöken Ski Resort
Top ski area near the city, lifts and alpine runs.
Google MapsOltu Castle and Oltu stone workshops
Historic castle and workshops featuring Oltu black amber.
Google MapsTortum Waterfall and Lake
Large waterfall and scenic lake, good for nature walks.
Google MapsKars city and Ani ruins
Historic border city, Ani ruins and cold-climate cuisine.
Google MapsComments (10)
Rugged architecture and quiet streets, felt safe walking at night. Not many tourists, which I actually liked.
Dolmus minibuses from the Otogar to Palandoken run early and cost a fraction of a taxi, great for day trips.
Prices are lower than Istanbul, groceries and tea are cheap, but tourist spots still jack up restaurant bills a bit.
Many small museums and mosques close around 1 to 3 pm for lunch or prayer, go right after opening to avoid disappointment.
Cold, clear air and huge skies, locals were friendly. Food is hearty, gözleme and lamb everywhere, two days is enough for town.
Getting there
Train stations
Ankara-Kars mainline, Eastern Express stops here
From Erzurum Airport take the Havaş shuttle or a taxi, about 20 min to center; the train station is walkable from the center.
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