trip to Van; A comprehensive guide from zero to one hundred

If you are planning to travel abroad, but you want to experience the best trip of your life, then traveling to the city of Van is definitely one of the best options to create and have the best moments. Turkey is one of Iran’s neighboring countries that hosts several tourists every year, and one of these host cities is the city of Van. This article is a travel guide to Van, Turkey, and if you are planning to travel to this beautiful destination, we definitely recommend reading this article.

Introducing the city of Van

Van is a city with an ancient history in eastern Turkey, which has become a popular destination for Iranians due to its proximity to the Iranian border. This city with a history of 3400 years was recognized as a big city in the first millennium BC. In the 9th century BC, it was known as the capital of the Urartu Empire and later the center of the Armenian Empire. Archaeological research shows that the date The city of Van It goes back to 5000 years ago.

The geographical location of Van

Van is located in eastern Türkiye and in eastern Anatolia. This city is located on the eastern shore of Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest inland lakes in the world. Van is surrounded by high mountains, including Mount Ararat in the south, also known as the resting place of Noah’s Ark.

Van weather

The best time to travel to Van starts from the middle of June and lasts until the middle of July. This course attracts many tourists due to the good weather and favorable travel conditions. But in general, from mid-April to mid-October, the city of Van welcomes travelers with its pleasant weather. Note that the period from the middle of June to the middle of July is considered a touristic time and more people may travel to Van during this period. Also near Christmas, despite the cold weather, Van becomes one of the most popular destinations due to the presence of auctions, festivals and beautiful street decorations. Many compatriots choose this time to travel to Van.

Trip to Van in spring

Spring in Van, from April to June, is associated with mild and pleasant weather. The temperature in this season is usually between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius and the natural scenery is very beautiful and captivating due to the greenery and blossoming of flowers. This season is the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring Lake Van. There is little rain during this period and the days are mostly sunny and pleasant. For those looking to travel and enjoy nature, spring is one of the best times to travel to Van.

Travel to Van in summer

Summers in Van, especially in July and August, can be very hot and dry. The temperature in this season may reach 30 degrees Celsius or higher. The summer heat is perfect for water activities and enjoying Lake Van, but for those with heat sensitivities, this season can be challenging. However, summer is a great time to explore Van’s natural attractions and enjoy outdoor activities. This is a popular season and the prices of hotels and tickets may increase during this time.

Travel to Van in autumn

Autumn in Van, from September to Mehr, offers a pleasant experience with mild weather and a temperature between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius. Autumn landscapes with red, orange and golden colors give a special beauty to the region and this season provides a good opportunity to explore nature and visit local attractions. The crowds of tourists at this time are less than in summer and the prices of hotels and tickets are usually reduced, so autumn is the perfect time to travel to Van for less money and more relaxation.

Travel to Van in winter

Winter in Van, from November to March, with temperatures that usually fall below zero and heavy snowfall, this season is ideal for winter sports enthusiasts. At this time, the area is covered with snow and provides a good opportunity for skiing and other winter activities. Hotel prices are reduced in this season and good discounts are offered. If you enjoy snow and winter sports, winter is the best time to visit Van.

The best time to travel to Van

The best time to travel to Van depends on personal preference and the type of experience you are looking for. Spring and autumn with mild weather and beautiful natural scenery are ideal for outings and outdoor activities. Summer is perfect for enjoying water activities, but prices can be high. Winter is the best option for winter sports and snow sports enthusiasts, however, hotel prices drop and good discounts are offered. Choosing the right season depends on what kind of experience you expect from a trip to Van.

Essential travel information to Van

• Country code: 90+
• The official language of Türkiye and specifically in the city of Van: Turkish is Istanbul. Although some residents may also speak Kurdish, a command of Istanbul Turkish is very useful for general communication and traveling around the city.
• Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
• Emergency phone numbers:

1- Ambulance: 112

2- Fire department: 110

3- Police: 155

• Van Airport: Van airport contact number: +90 432 227 10 21. Van Airport is one of the main air transportation hubs for traveling to this city and is located a short distance from the city center.

• Railway station: The city of Van does not have an international railway station. If you plan to travel by train, you need to go to the railway stations near Van in other Turkish cities and from there take local transport to Van.

• Passenger terminal: Van passenger terminal is one of the main places for land trips to this city. In this terminal, bus tickets can be purchased to various destinations in Türkiye and also to Iran. More detailed information about the passenger terminal can be obtained from local sources or transport websites.

• Iran’s closest border with Van: The closest border to Van in Iran is the Razi (Kapikoi) border, which is located in West Azarbaijan province. This border is a short distance from Van and is one of the main routes to travel to this city.

Distance from Van to important cities

• Distance from one to Istanbul city: about 1600 km
• Distance from Van to Trabzon: about 630 km
• Distance from Van to Khoi: about 170 km
• Distance from Van to Izmir: about 1780 km
• Distance from Van to Antalya: about 1480 km
• Distance from Van to Mersin: about 960 km
• Distance from Van to Cappadocia: about 1000 km
• Distance from one to Tehran city: About 950 km
• Distance from Van to Ankara: about 1240 km
• Distance from Van to Tabriz city: about 330 to 400 km
• Distance from Van to Konya: about 1220 km
• Distance from Van to Erzurum: about 400 km
• Distance from Van to Diyar Bakr: about 365 km
• Distance from Van to Jolfa: about 250 km
• Distance from Van to Ankara: about 1240 km
• Distance from Van to Samson: depending on the route between 920 and 1000 km
• Distance from Van to Kayseri: between 890 and 1000 km depending on the route
• Distance from Van to Adana: about 900 km
• Distance from Van to Urmia: about 290 km

How to travel to Van?

Due to Van’s short distance from Iran’s border cities in the northwest of the country, land routes are much more popular, especially for Iranian travelers. It should be noted that Van does not have an international airport and direct flights from Iran to Van are rarely made, so choosing a private car, bus and train to travel to this city are the best options. In the following, we will examine the conditions and benefits of traveling with each of these devices so that you can make the best decision for your trip.

Land travel guide to Van

in Land travel guide to Van First of all, you should know that this city has three main borders: Razi border (Kapikoi), Saro border (Isandre) and Bazargan border (Gorbagh). Merz Razi, which has the shortest route, is accessible from Tabriz and Khoi and is active from 9 am to 5 pm. Sarv border is accessible from Urmia and has no time limit. Bazargan border is active 24 hours a day, but it is further away than other borders. To travel by private car, you need to get your license plate covered and get an international license or use border vehicles.

Travel guide to Van by private car

at the beginning Travel guide to Van by private car Know that it is done from Tehran through three borders: Razi, Saro and Bazargan borders. Merz Razi is the shortest route and is active at certain hours. Marz Saro has better access from Urmia and has no time limit. Bazargan border is active 24 hours a day, but it is further away from other borders. Passengers with a private car must change the number plate to international and have an international license. The distance from Tehran to Van by car varies from 10 to 15 hours.

Travel guide to Van by train

for Travel guide to Van by trainIt is necessary for passengers to pass through several stations and pass various inspections. First, you need to travel from Tehran to Tabriz by train, which takes about 13 hours. From Tabriz, you have to take another train to Van, which takes about 7 hours. The journey may be long and tiring due to border checks and changing trains, but it offers a unique experience of rail travel.

Travel guide to Van by bus

for Travel guide to Van by busYou should know that this type of travel is possible from different cities of Iran, such as Tehran, Tabriz and Urmia. Buses do not go directly to Van and usually stop at the border and transfer passengers to other buses or border taxis. The cost of traveling by bus is usually lower than plane and train and can be a good option for budget travel.

Travel guide to Van by plane

for Travel guide to Van by plane, There are two options in front of you: a direct flight from Tehran to Van, which takes about an hour, and an indirect flight from Tehran to Istanbul, and then from Istanbul to Van, which takes about 4 hours. One airport has limited direct flights, so for indirect flights, careful planning and flight coordination is required.

Travel guide to Van with tour

Tour One is a suitable option for travelers that includes various services such as flights, accommodation and sightseeing tours. Tours are usually offered at affordable prices, convenient service and thorough guidance. By choice One touryou can enjoy worry-free travel planning and all your travel needs including airport transfer, accommodation and visiting attractions will be fully covered.

Buying a SIM card in Türkiye

To buy a SIM card in Turkey, there are three main operators: Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom. Terxel is known as the strongest operator with nationwide coverage and high-speed internet, and its SIM cards can be purchased for around 50 lira from official shops. Vodafone also has good internet coverage and its credit SIM cards are valid for 120 days for foreign tourists. Turk Telecom, the smallest operator, offers good services at different prices. You can buy SIM cards at the airport, city level agencies and airline offices.

Necessary items for a trip to Van

On a trip to Van Türkiye, prepare some Necessary travel items It is necessary to have a comfortable and worry-free trip. First, bring your passport and visa (if needed). Also, don’t forget cash in Turkish lira and your credit cards. For communication, a local SIM card or mobile internet device will be useful. Due to temperature changes, prepare suitable clothes for each season and weather conditions depending on the travel season. Among the necessary items, medicines, hygiene items, cameras and chargers for electronic devices are also important. Also, if you plan to travel in a private car, bring your car documents and a map or GPS.

What to wear for a trip to Van?

To travel to Van, choose Clothes suitable for travel It is important depending on the season and weather conditions. In spring and fall, layered clothing is recommended, including light shirts, jackets, and comfortable pants. In summer, light cotton clothes such as t-shirts and shorts are fine, but for cool nights, bring a light sweatshirt or jacket. In winter, warm clothes such as coats, hats, gloves and shawls are necessary, especially in snowy and mountainous areas. Also, consider comfortable shoes suitable for walking and outdoor activities.

The cost of traveling to Van

One of the most budget-friendly destinations in Turkey, Van city offers a variety of travel expenses. The cost of food in this city is cheaper than other cities in Türkiye. For a simple meal in cheap restaurants, you will pay around 10 TL. In regular restaurants, prices range from 20 to 50 liras, and for food in chain restaurants such as McDonald’s, prices range from 10 to 15 liras. Basic food items, such as bread and milk, cost around 2 TL each, chicken 14 TL and eggs 7 TL.

The cost of transportation in Van is also affordable. For commuting within the city, the price of dolmushs starts from 2 liras and reaches 10 liras. If you plan to visit attractions outside the city, it is more appropriate to use Dolmush, because the taxi price is 10 liras for short distances and 3 liras for each additional kilometer. The cost of bus and dolmush to visit sightseeing and tourist places is between 47 and 62 liras.

The cost of staying in Van is also relatively reasonable. To stay in a hostel or apartment hotel, the costs vary from 30 to 100 liras per night. 2 to 5 star hotels have prices between 100 and 800 liras. Also, the rent of independent apartments, which have a more affordable cost, is around 600 liras in the city center and around 200 liras outside the city center.

Overall, the cost of traveling to Van is lower than other destinations in Turkey, and you can enjoy a trip to this beautiful city with a reasonable budget.

Where should we look in the bathtub?

One of the most important points in the Turkish Van travel guide is selection Sights of Van is Tourists can travel to Van by car, train, bus and plane. Due to Van’s short distance from Iran’s border cities in the northwest of the country, land routes are much more popular, especially for Iranian travelers. It should be noted that Van does not have an international airport and direct flights from Iran to Van are rarely made, so choosing a private car, bus and train to travel to this city are the best options. In the following, we will examine the conditions and benefits of traveling with each of these devices so that you can make the best decision for your trip.

• Van Lake: The largest natural lake in Türkiye and the second largest lake in the Middle East.
• Akdamar Island: An island with an Armenian church and a bubbling spring.
• Akdamar Church: 10th century historical church located on Akdamar Island.
• Ahlat city: Ancient cemetery with raised tombstones.
• Van Museum: A museum with antiquities and ethnology.
• Inscription of King Xerxes: Trilingual inscription ordered by Darius the Great.
• Kurtolush Park: A central park with recreation and relaxation facilities.
• Moradieh Waterfall: Beautiful waterfall with pristine nature.
• Chagdash Water Park: Water park equipped with recreational and sports facilities.
• One Castle: A historical castle from the Urartian era with massive walls and columns.

Where to buy in Van?

Van shopping centers It is one of the popular destinations and many Iranians travel to this city to buy clothes. In Van, you can find a variety of high-quality clothes from famous Turkish and international brands at reasonable prices. It is recommended to avoid buying items such as carpets and rugs or jewelry. For a more economical shopping experience, it is better to visit Van during the seasonal auctions. In the following, you will get to know some of the important shopping centers of this city.

• One AVM shopping centerVan AVM): One of the most popular shopping centers in Van, with a collection of international brands and modern facilities. It has been operating since 2014 and provides a comfortable environment for shopping and entertainment.
• Turkuzmal (Turquoise Mall): This shopping center with modern design and reliable brands provides you with an attractive shopping experience and is located in the city center.
• Aydin Parihan (Aydın Perihan İş Merkezi): Located in the heart of Van city, this shopping center with high variety and busy atmosphere is a suitable destination for buying clothes and accessories.
• shopping center Van Turkuaz AVM: A local shopping center with a unique design and a variety of stores. Suitable for buying local goods and Turkish brands.
• Russian marketRussian Bazaar): Traditional market with various goods and reasonable prices, the best place to buy souvenirs and local supplies.
• Van traditional marketOld Market Van: A historical market on Cumhuriyet Street, a place to experience traditional shopping and buy local souvenirs.
• Kazem Karabaker Bazaar: Inexpensive market with a variety of goods, suitable for affordable shopping and experiencing local culture.

One souvenir

Buying Turkish souvenirs is a pleasant experience that you can do from traditional markets or modern shopping centers. Turkish coffee and Turkish tea are among the most popular drink souvenirs that can be heartwarming gifts. Baklava and Rahat al-Halgoum are also famous Turkish sweets that you can bring with you. The symbol of sight and hand-woven carpets and rugs are also special souvenirs of Van. If you are looking for more modern souvenirs, Turkish clothing and Ottoman antiques are good options. Colorful and beautiful Van chandeliers are also another choice for gifting.

What food should we eat on a trip to Van?

Taste and color Traditional dishes of Van It will take you to a delicious world of kebabs, meatballs and delicious desserts. In this city, you can experience dishes such as Adana Kebab, various meatballs, and tasty dolmeh. Desserts like kunfe and baklava are also very suitable to complete your dining experience.

Where to eat when traveling to Van?

The experience of eating in the best restaurants in Turkey can make your trip more memorable. Food is an important part of any trip and in Van, you have a great opportunity to discover new flavors and unique dining experiences. In foreign trips, including Van, you encounter culture and customs that influence the preparation and serving of food. Therefore, it is suggested to eat your meals in reputable and popular restaurants in Van to be sure of the quality and authenticity of the food and to experience delicious and enjoyable moments.

• Sütçü Fevzi: Sotcho Feuzi is a great restaurant for delicious breakfasts on Eski Sümerbank Sokak and this street is known as breakfast street because of this restaurant.
• Kervansaray: Karavansaray restaurant is a cozy restaurant away from the hustle and bustle of the city with traditional dishes and dishes. You can order the best kebabs in this restaurant and enjoy their unique taste.
• Kebabistan: Kebabistan restaurant is in a local and traditional place. If you are a fan of traditional dishes of Turkey and especially the city of Van, you should know that all the traditional dishes of Van are served in this restaurant.
• Firavîn: Firawn restaurant is located in the border area between Iran and Turkey, which means that you can order traditional Kurdish dishes in this restaurant in addition to Turkish and traditional dishes.
• Aisha: Ayesha restaurant is managed by local women of Van city and you can order traditional Turkish and traditional curry dishes every day. In this restaurant, there is a colorful atmosphere that creates a unique environment for you.
• Elite: Restaurant with international and local dishes with special drinks.
• Maulana: Special kebabs and reasonable prices near shopping centers.

Where should we stay when traveling to Van?

There are many options for staying in the city of Van. We have 24 types of accommodations One Hotel With the best facilities, we have provided you with the biggest discount permanently with the highest level of satisfaction of previous travelers so that you have many options to choose from. Below you can see 3, 4 and 5 star hotels separately:

3-star One hotels:

• Sardor: This hotel is located in the center of Van city and is close to shopping centers and local attractions. Facilities include comfortable rooms and good service along with complimentary breakfast, providing guests with a comfortable and economical stay.
• Ramada Hotel: With a cozy and comfortable stay, this 3-star hotel is located near shopping centers and offers a comfortable and economical experience for travelers by providing good services and reasonable costs.

4-star One hotels:

• Shahmaran Resort: Located next to Van Lake, this 4-star hotel provides a luxurious and enjoyable stay by providing excellent services and easy access to the beautiful and clean nature of the region.
• Renaissance Life Hotel: With modern architecture and mountain view, this 4-star hotel is a great option for staying. Facilities include swimming pool, restaurant and stylish rooms with attractive decoration.

5-star hotels in One:

• DoubleTree by Hilton: It is just a few steps away from Van Lake and its rooms have a beautiful view of the lake. Luxurious interior decoration and stylish furniture are prominent features of this 5-star hotel.
• Elite World: This 5-star hotel with neoclassical architecture and palace-like interior decoration is located 6 km from Van Lake and offers facilities such as swimming pool, gym and excellent restaurants.

Summary of contents

A trip to the city of Van, Turkey, with its diverse attractions, including Lake Van and Akdamar Island, offers tourists a memorable experience. With modern malls like Van AVM and traditional markets, Van provides a great shopping opportunity. Delicious and varied Turkish cuisine, including Adana Kebab and Piedeh, is available at the city’s famous restaurants such as Sütçü Fevzi and Firavîn. Hotels in the city, from economical to luxury options, guarantee a comfortable and pleasant stay. Van’s relatively affordable costs, along with natural and historical attractions, make this city a suitable travel destination.

Frequently asked questions