Outside Safranbolu
Safranbolu has impressive areas of natural beauty in addition to its historical and architectural interest. Areas of dense forest, canyons and valleys all offer other activities such as trekking, mountaineering and cycling, as well as the more gentle activity of picnics.
Places of interest outside the town include Ancekaya Aqueduct and canyon, the houses of Yoruk Village, Bulak and Hizar Caverns, Hacilarobasi, Ucboluk and its surrounding rock tombs, Duzce Canyon, Saricicek Plateau and Uluyayla.
Yörük Village
Yoruk Koyu, 11km in the east of Safranbolu, is a village of old houses and the feel of an open-air museum. The houses, which most of are affluent, and streets are under protection and are in good condition. Highlights include Kaymakcioglu Konagi, Sipahiler Konagi, Ahsap Cami and Camasirhane, which is a restored art gallery. There is a couple of relaxing restaurants set within shady gardens.
Natıonal And Natural Parks
Safranbolu has impressive natural beauties besides historical piece of arts and houses. Dense forest areas, canyons and valleys are maintaining possibilities for other touristic activities such as trekking, mountaineering and cycle as much as it is appropriate for picnic.
Incekaya Aqueduct and canyon, marvelous houses having Yörük Village, Bulak and Hizar Caverns, Hacılarobası and Üçbölük Village surrounding Rock Tombs, Düzce Canyon, Sariçiçek Plateau and Uluyayla, Gürleyik Picnic Area are the other tourism areas of the city.
Museum Houses
Many of the oldest houses have been made into museums by cultural departments, and most have attractive tea gardens. Kileciler Evi is one of the best, and has been restored and organised by the Ministry of Culture as a good example of an old Safranbolu house and its lifestyle. Other well known ones are Mumtazlar Konagi (Mansion with pool) and Karauzumler Evi.
What to Eat
There are many places to eat in town, most of which them serve traditional Turkish and Ottoman food, and the most atmospheric are restaurants inside the restored houses. Some of these also have live traditional music, and those around the Carsi area are livelier especially during summer evenings. Almost as famous as the Ottoman houses are the sweets, with many shops selling locally made yaprak helvasi, which is layers of helva with walnuts
What to Buy
Traditional handicrafts are still widely produced in Safranbolu, especially copper and yemeni, a special type of shoe, which can be bought in the Bakircilar bazaar. Souvenirs are widely available in the Carsi district and Arasta, including goods made in the nearby town of Kastamonu like textiles, wood, leather and ceramics.
DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT
Enjoying the view from the top of Hidirlik Hill,
Visiting the museum houses,
Visiting Incekaya Aqueduct and Yoruk Village,
Staying in a restored house,
Eating the local sweets,
Listening to traditional music in the evenings |