The real joy of Safranbolu is simply wandering the cobblestone alleys. Everywhere you look in Eski Çarşı (Safranbolu's old town) is a feast for the eyes. Virtually every house in the neighbourhood is an original, and what little modern development there is has been held in check. Many of the finest historic houses have been restored, and as time goes on, more and more are being saved from deterioration and turned into hotels, shops or museums.
Getty Images
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
İncekaya Aqueduct
2.57 MILES
Originally built in Byzantine times but restored in the 1790s by İzzet Mehmet Paşa, İncekaya ('thin rock') Aqueduct is just over 7km north of Safranbolu…
Sipahioğlu Konağı
5.83 MILES
Turkey has a glut of Ottoman houses thrown open to the public, but this one's in a league of its own. It's actually half of one enormous mansion that was…
Kaymakamlar Museum
0.16 MILES
This typical Safranbolu home has all the classic features of Ottoman houses. Once owned by a lieutenant colonel, it still feels like an address of note as…
Metalworker's Bazaar
0.11 MILES
You'll hear the clang of hammers before you get here. This fascinating area is where the traditional metalworkers of Safranbolu still ply their trade and…
Cinci Hanı
0.11 MILES
Eski Çarşı's most famous and imposing structure is this brooding 17th-century caravanserai that has hotel rooms on the 2nd floor and a cafe-restaurant…
Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Cami
0.07 MILES
This beefy, helmet-roofed building beside the Shoe-Maker's Bazaar dates to 1661. The metal sundial in the courtyard was added in the mid-19th century.
İzzet Paşa Cami
0.12 MILES
This is one of the largest mosques constructed during the Ottoman Empire. It was built by the grand vizier in 1796 and restored in 1903. Its design was…
Hıdırlık Tepe
0.23 MILES
For the best vantage point over town head up to the top of Hıdırlık tepe (hill) where you'll find a park and cafe as well as excellent views.
Nearby Safranbolu attractions
1. Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Cami
0.07 MILES
This beefy, helmet-roofed building beside the Shoe-Maker's Bazaar dates to 1661. The metal sundial in the courtyard was added in the mid-19th century.
2. Kazdağlıoğulu Cami
0.08 MILES
Set in Çarşı's central square, the Kazdağlıoğulu Cami is a typical Ottoman-style mosque, built in 1779.
3. City History Museum
0.08 MILES
Inside the mustard-yellow Eski Hükümet Konağı (old government building), on a hill overlooking the town, this small museum has a collection of…
4. Cinci Hanı
0.11 MILES
Eski Çarşı's most famous and imposing structure is this brooding 17th-century caravanserai that has hotel rooms on the 2nd floor and a cafe-restaurant…
5. Metalworker's Bazaar
0.11 MILES
You'll hear the clang of hammers before you get here. This fascinating area is where the traditional metalworkers of Safranbolu still ply their trade and…
6. İzzet Paşa Cami
0.12 MILES
This is one of the largest mosques constructed during the Ottoman Empire. It was built by the grand vizier in 1796 and restored in 1903. Its design was…
7. Kaymakamlar Museum
0.16 MILES
This typical Safranbolu home has all the classic features of Ottoman houses. Once owned by a lieutenant colonel, it still feels like an address of note as…
8. Hıdırlık Tepe
0.23 MILES
For the best vantage point over town head up to the top of Hıdırlık tepe (hill) where you'll find a park and cafe as well as excellent views.