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Amasya - Travel destination image
Amasya - Travel destination image

Amasya

ProvinceTurkey, Asia

Amasya is a STATE in Turkey, Asia.

Nestled along the banks of the Yeşilırmak River in northern Turkey, Amasya is a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and Anatolian charm. Often called the 'City of the Princes,' its most iconic sight is the Ottoman-era wooden houses clinging to the cliffsides, dramatically illuminated at night. The city's history is etched into the rock-cut tombs of Pontic kings, dating back to the 3rd century BC, which watch over the city from the mountains. Travelers can explore the impressive Amasya Castle, the archaeological museum housing mummies of the Ilkhanid Mongols, and the 13th-century Burmalı Minare Mosque. Beyond the city, the province offers the stunning Borabay Lake, a crater lake surrounded by pine forests ideal for hiking and picnics. Amasya is also famous for its crisp apples and local cuisine, providing an authentic taste of Black Sea region hospitality. Its compact, walkable center, rich layers of Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman history, and serene riverside setting make it a uniquely atmospheric and less-crowded alternative to Turkey's major tourist hubs.

Best time to visit Amasya

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) are ideal. These seasons offer mild, pleasant weather perfect for exploring historical sites and natural attractions like Borabay Lake. Summer (July-August) can be hot and more crowded. The annual Amasya International Festival (typically July) showcases music and culture. The apple harvest in late summer/early autumn is a festive local event.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Mild 11-22°C, cool evenings

Travel notes

Crowds
Moderate
Prices
Mid

Autumn colors, pleasant for walking

Know before you go

Getting there

MZH

Amasya Merzifon Airport

Domestic

40 km away

SZF

Samsun Çarşamba Airport

Domestic/International

130 km away

TJK

Tokat Airport

Domestic

110 km away

Getting around

"Amasya city center is very walkable, especially along the river and in the old town. Local minibuses (dolmuş) connect different districts and are the primary form of public transport. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive; ensure the meter is running. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the wider province, including Borabay Lake (about 60km north). Popular ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi operate in Turkey. For inter-city travel, the bus station (otogar) has frequent services to major cities."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+90

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare but watch for overcharging in tourist shops.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare but watch for overcharging in tourist shops.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Amasya is generally very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft in crowded areas. Be cautious when walking along narrow, uneven streets in the old town, especially at night. Road conditions in rural mountainous areas can be challenging; drive carefully. There are no specific areas to avoid, but standard vigilance is advised. Scams are uncommon, but always agree on taxi fares beforehand or insist on using the meter. The local people are known for their hospitality."
Police

155

Ambulance

112

Fire

110

Tourist Police

0212 527 4503

Entry and health

Health information

"Amasya has several public and private hospitals, including Amasya University Sabuncuoglu Şerefeddin Training and Research Hospital. For serious emergencies, travel to larger cities like Samsun or Ankara may be advised. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled water. Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) are up to date. Consider Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations due to potential food/water exposure. Tick-borne diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever are rare but present in rural areas; use insect repellent. Pharmacies (eczane) are widely available for minor ailments."

Culture

Local customs

"Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques (cover shoulders and knees; women may need a headscarf). Remove shoes before entering homes and some carpet shops. Hospitality is central; accepting offers of tea (çay) is a sign of respect. Tipping is customary: round up taxi fares, 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included. Greet people with a handshake. Friday noon prayers are busy at mosques. During Ramadan, be discreet about eating/drinking in public during daylight hours."
Turkish

Costs and practicals

Currency

Turkish Lira (TRY) · ₺

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Mid-range hotels $80-120; luxury options limited.

Timezone

Europe/Istanbul +03:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

335,000

Area

5,520 km²

Government

Provincial government under a Governor (Vali), with municipalities for districts

ISO code

TR-05

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Amasia, アマスィヤ, 아마시아, 05, Амосия, ამასია, Амасия, أماصيا, Amasija, Άμάσεια, آماسیه, Амаси, Ամասիա, Amasya, Амасија, اماسیا, Amasja, ਅਮਾਸਿਆ, TR-05, Амасья, അമാസ്യ, Tashova, Tasova, Taşova, Yemisenbuku, Yemişenbükü, Ташова

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