Amasya Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Amasya

Amasya’s compact centre is best explored on foot, with the river, cliffs and old houses always in view.

• Tombs of the Pontic Kings — Monumental tombs carved into the cliff face above the river, illuminated at night.
• Yalıboyu houses — Restored Ottoman timber houses lining the Yeşilırmak, some now hotels, cafés and museums.
• Harşena Castle — A hilltop fortress with sweeping views over the gorge and city.
• Sultan Bayezid II Mosque complex — An elegant Ottoman mosque and külliye on the riverbank.
• Darüşşifa — A Seljuk-era hospital building, known for its history of treating patients with music, now a museum.
• Amasya Museum — Archaeological and ethnographic collections covering the city’s long history.
• Amasya apples — Sample the city’s famous apples, sold at markets in autumn.

Best time to visit Amasya

Amasya has a sheltered climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring (April to June) brings blossom to the orchards and pleasant walking weather, while autumn (September to October) is mild and coincides with the apple harvest.

July and August can be hot in the gorge, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings, when the riverside is at its most atmospheric. Winters are chilly with occasional snow, but the city is quiet and the illuminated tombs look striking.

Getting from the airport

Amasya Merzifon Airport is located near the town of Merzifon, roughly 45 km north-west of Amasya, and the drive takes under an hour. It is a small domestic airport, so most international travellers connect via Istanbul.

Shuttle buses usually run in connection with flights to Amasya and Merzifon, and taxis and car hire are available at the terminal. Intercity buses also link Amasya with other cities in the region.

Where to stay

Most accommodation is close to the river, where the city’s charm is concentrated.

• Hatuniye quarter (Yalıboyu) — Ideal for staying in restored Ottoman houses on the riverbank beneath the royal tombs.
• City centre — Practical for short stays, with hotels, restaurants and shops near the main bridge.
• Merzifon — Convenient for early flights or business in the area.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards are accepted in most hotels and shops; carry lira for markets and taxis.
• Getting around: The historic centre is walkable, though the climb to the castle and tombs is steep; wear good shoes.
• Evenings: Stay for the night-time illumination of the tombs and riverside houses.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering mosques; ask before photographing people.
• Language: English is limited, so a translation app and a few Turkish phrases are useful.