If you're heading into Turkey's vast central Anatolia region, put Safranbolu on your sightseeing list. This is just the place to slow down your travels and spend some time meandering down lanes where time seems to have stood still. This once important trade route town is a daydream of the grand Ottoman days of the past with many perfectly preserved mansions from the era still gracing the streets of the Old Town district. There is shopping galore, with the workshops of traditional artisans and craftspeople snuggled into the alleyways, while foodie tourists could spend their entire time here gorging themselves in the many sweet shops where tempting displays of Turkish delicacies will lure all but the most will-powered.
1 Çarşı
Safranbolu's Old Town district of Çarşı is a UNESCO protected site where narrow cobblestone alleyways wind up the hillside, lined by squeezed-together Ottoman timber-framed mansions. Safranbolu became a rich city of traders and merchants in the 17th century and its character has been thoroughly preserved. Many of the old houses are now gorgeously restored boutique hotels and restaurants. A couple have been converted into interesting museums where you can experience a slice of wealthy Ottoman life. The Kaymakamlar Evi and Kileciler Evi both have exhibits on Ottoman daily life including typical costumes and furniture.
Accomodation: Where to Stay in Safranbolu - TripAdvisor.com
2 Cinci Hamam
This famed bathhouse (hamam) has been wonderfully restored so that you can soak up the full scrub and steam treatment just like in the Ottoman days. Turkish bathhouses were an important community element during the Ottoman era before running water in houses became commonplace. A trip to the hamam wasn't just about hygiene though. This was the place where you came to catch up on all the gossip and even do business deals. Today the rejuvenating effects of the traditional scrub, leaving you squeaky clean and rosy pink, are a good enough reason to indulge.
Address: Kazdaǧlıoǧulu Meydanı
3 Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Mosque
Built in 1661 this squat mosque, with its helmet-roof, has a rather beautiful interior that is well worth popping your head in as you walk past. In the courtyard you'll see a metal sundial which was added in the 19th century.
Address: Manifaturacılar Sokak
4 Kent Museum
The old government building has been turned into a city museum which traces the history of Safranbolu and the culture of the town. There are some excellent exhibits with displays of typical household objects, jewellery, costumes, and textiles of the Ottoman era. Just outside in the courtyard (with fantastic views over the Old Town) is a clock tower built in the 18th century by Grand Vizier İzzet Mehmet Paşa.
Address: Çeşme Mahallesi Hükümet Sokak
5 Cinci Hanı
Safranbolu's Cinci Hanı (caravanserai) is a reminder of the town's importance as a stop on the trade route to and from the Black Sea. Built in the 17th century, the han would have been used by merchants as their hotel while in town. There are incredible views across Safranbolu from the rooftop and you can even experience a little bit of merchant life yourself by staying in one of the han's rooms (which are now a hotel).
6 Safranbolu bazaars
The great days of trade may have ended but Safranbolu's bazaars are still jam-packed full of wonderful locally made craftwork. The Yemeniciler Arastası (Arasta Arkası Sokak) has traditional leather and felt workshops and is also home to stalls selling textiles and traditional lace work. If you're more into food and have a sweet-tooth then be aware that Safranbolu is also crammed full of sweet treats. The local halva (tahini sweet) is a particular speciality of the region but there are mountains of Turkish delight piled up in sweet shops all over town too.
7 Bulak Caves
This cave system runs for 6 km into the Gürleyik Hills though you can only explore 500 m of it. There are stalactites and stalagmites all along the way and a trip here makes for an interesting diversion from looking at Ottoman architecture.
Address: 10km north of Safranbolu
8 Incekaya Aqueduct
This Byzantine aqueduct sits high above the Tokatlı Gorge offering stupendous views to those who aren't scared of heights. The natural scenery here is absolutely gorgeous and walking across it, peering down at the jagged gorge below is hold-your-breath thrilling.
9 Yörük Köyü
Yörük Köyü (Nomad Village) is a tumbledown village packed full of character. Like Safranbolu, it is home to row upon row of gorgeous Ottoman mansion remnants though here many of them are falling into a severe state of dilapidation. The village was created when the government forced nomads to settle here (hence the name) and once settled the new village became a prosperous centre. Today it's a quiet backwater with cobblestone alleyways are overrun with chickens.
10 Kastamonu
If you want to experience a slice of Turkish provincial life then head to the city of Kastamonu. Well off the tourist-trail, Kastamonu has a bustling centre with a vibrant traditional bazaar area. Just off the main street are lanes lined with crumbling Ottoman mansions in various states of disrepair. The museum is rather brilliant, with a small but beautifully laid-out collection of finds from local excavations, while the Byzantine castle, up on the ridge above town, has sweeping views of the city below.
11 Küre Mountains (Küre Daǧları)
For hiking and outdoor enthusiasts the Küre Mountains, near Pınarbaşı, are a wonderfully untouched spot of Turkey that offer huge potential for trekking. In the densely forested hills here there are waterfalls, thermal springs and a network of hiking trails.
12 Kasaba Mosque
The dinky hamlet of Kasaba is home to one of Turkey's best examples of a wooden mosque. The Mahmud Bey Camii has a finely restored wooden interior that has been richly decorated with floral motifs. To get a better look at the painted designs on the ceiling rafters you can climb up to the gallery.
Location: 17 km northwest of Kastamonu
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