Overview
Safranbolu is one of Turkey's best-preserved Ottoman towns, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where 18th and 19th century merchants built elegant mansions. The town prospered from trade and saffron production, with wealthy families maintaining winter residences in the sheltered Çarşı gully and summer homes in the Bağlar vineyards.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Culture · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Etiquette
Dress modestly when visiting mosques. Remove shoes when entering mosques and some traditional buildings.
Money
Turkish Lira (TL) is the currency. ATMs available in new town. Some smaller old town establishments may be cash-only.
Packing
Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets in old town. Layers recommended for changeable Black Sea weather.
Transport
Bus station (Otogarı) is 1 km south of town centre with dolmuş connections to old town. Istanbul buses take 7 hours (450 TL); Ankara is 2h 45min away.
Weather
Black Sea region climate: expect cooler temperatures and more rain than central Turkey. Summers are pleasant for sightseeing; winters can be cold.