The first image that comes to mind when thinking of Safranbolu is the district’s unique historical architecture. What other treasures await in Safranbolu? If you’re planning a trip to the Black Sea this year, don’t forget to include the Safranbolu to your itinerary! Let’s get started if you’re ready to cross another item off your list of things to do in Türkiye!
Many towns and villages retain their historical character. It may sound cliche but every street in Safranbolu exudes history. After carefully restoring the homes of wealthy merchants from the Ottoman period, they began to open as boutique hotels and restaurants. There are also Ottoman arches, baths, and mansions in the area today. Let us now move on to our suggestions for a Safranbolu tour.
1. Safranbolu Houses: A Must-See
Of course, we began our Safranbolu travel guide with the cultural significance on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can feel like a fairy-tale hero in Safranbolu Old Bazaar where every street is fascinating. However, the stone streets can be difficult to navigate. As a result, we recommend that you wear comfortable, nonslip shoes. After all, you would not have to leave without finding the famous Safranbolu Turkish delight, would you?
2. Bulak Mencilis Cave: A Must-Visit Destination
Bulak Mencilis Cave is noted as Türkiye’s fifth longest cave. The cave also provides drinking water to Safranbolu. The cave has a fascinating atmosphere with stalagmites, stalactites, an underground river, and interesting illumination. Because the cave is only accessible via steep stairs, it is best to wear comfortable shoes and must be entered with caution due to the low stair railings.
3. Visit the Tabakhane (Tannery) Museum
If you want to go on an historical journey, you should include the Tabakhane (Tannery) Museum on your Safranbolu itinerary. The Tannery Museum, which has expanded from nearly 200 tanneries in the region and has an 800-year history, is Türkiye’s first and only excursion tannery. This museum, if visited with a knowledgeable guide, will become your most treasured memory from your trip to Safranbolu.
4. The Unmissable Safranbolu Clock Tower
You should also include the clock tower on your itinerary for Safranbolu. The clock tower, located at a high point in the city, provides visitors with eye-catching views. This historical structure, Anatolia’s first clock tower, was constructed in 1797. Models of other cities’ iconic clock towers can also be found here. In other words, you will have visited an open-air museum just by visiting this location. As a result, we recommend that you prioritise this point among the top five places to visit in Safranbolu.
5. Exploring the Beauty of Tokatlı Canyon and Kristal Terrace
If you are planning a day trip to Safranbolu, you should stop by Tokatlı Canyon, which can be reached in about half an hour. If you come here in your car, you will first come across a paid parking lot. However, if you go a little further, you can park your car for free. You can dine at the facility inside the canyon and enjoy the swings.
We recommend climbing the stairs and the Kristal (Crystal) Terrace if you are not afraid of heights. With a glass floor beneath your feet, you can feel a rush of adrenaline and enjoy a breath-taking panorama with your own eyes. The view of the canyon alone is reason enough to visit the Crystal Terrace. In short, Safranbolu’s beauty is limitless. Start looking for Safranbolu hotels right away!
6. Journey Through History: The Kaymakamlar Museum House
Do you ever wonder what life was like for the wealthy among the people during the Ottoman period? If your mind is occupied with such thoughts, you should add the Kaymakamlar (District Governors) Museum House to your Safranbolu travel itinerary. This museum has ten rooms and reflects the daily lives of high-income families from around 100 years ago. You can also visit the Kent Tarihi (City History) Museum with the ticket you purchase here.
7. Experience the Delights of the Safranbolu Chocolate Museum
Why not cap off your Safranbolu sightseeing tour with a delicious place? Then the next destination is Safranbolu Chocolate Museum! One of the dark or milk chocolate options can be purchased for free in the museum, which has a 20 TL entrance fee. There are also chocolate sculptures of Safranbolu’s tourist attractions here which means the temperature inside the museum is a little cool so the chocolate doesn’t melt. We recommend that you bring a light cardigan with you to the museum on the day you visit.
8. Saffron Farm: A Must-See Experience
You can include the Safran Uretim Ciftligi (Saffron Farm) in your itinerary if you want to see saffron, one of Safranbolu’s most valuable plants, as it grows in the field. At this farm, you can sample saffron tea and purchase saffron cologne or saffron Turkish delight. With the help of the farm staff, you can collect saffron from the field yourself and enjoy the unique sight of hundreds of flowers blooming side by side.
Safranbolu is a place where you can spend days exploring its historical and natural wonders. Prepare your Safranbolu travel map, book your hotel with Odamax, and get on the road! We’ll see you in the next travel guide.