Amasya,Turkey

• Pontic King Rock Tombs (Kral Kaya Mezarları) — rock-cut royal tombs on Harşena Hill overlooking the city.
• Yalıboyu Houses — picturesque Ottoman-era wooden houses lining the Yeşilırmak river.
• Amasya Castle (Harşena Castle) — fortress ruins with panoramic views of the city and river.
• Amasya Archaeological and Ethnography Museum — artifacts from Hittite, Phrygian, Pontic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
• Boyalı and Sultan Bayezid II Mosque — historic Ottoman mosques and religious architecture.
• Kale Park and Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) — central landmarks offering photo opportunities.
• Borabay Lake and Nature Areas — scenic nearby lake and forests for day trips and outdoor activities.

• Dramatic cliff-face tombs carved by the Pontic kings — unique funerary rock-cut architecture.
• Picturesque riverside Ottoman wooden architecture (well-preserved Yalıboyu quarter).
• Compact historic center that is highly walkable for sightseeing and photography.
• Combination of archaeological sites, Ottoman civil architecture and natural scenery (river and surrounding mountains).

• Walking tours of the Yalıboyu riverside and historic district for architecture and photography.
• Climb or drive to Harşena Hill to view the Pontic rock tombs and Amasya Castle panoramas.
• Visit the Amasya Museum to see regional archaeological finds and ethnographic displays.
• River-side cafes and boat rides along the Yeşilırmak for a relaxed experience.
• Hiking and nature walks around Borabay Lake and nearby wooded areas.
• Try local cuisine at small family-run restaurants and sample Amasya apples and apple products.
• Day trips to nearby sites in the Black Sea region (Tokat, Samsun) using regional bus connections.

• Amasya Culture, Art and Youth Festival (annual) — concerts, theatre and cultural events, typically in summer.
• Amasya Apple Festival — celebrations of the local apple heritage (dates vary, often autumn).
• Local municipal events, open-air concerts and university cultural activities during summer months.

Late spring to early autumn (April–June and September–October) for mild weather, blooming landscapes and outdoor activities. Summers (July–August) can be warm; winters may bring cold temperatures and snow.

Continental climate influenced by the nearby Black Sea: warm to hot summers, cold winters with possible snow, and pleasant, mild shoulder seasons.

Nearest airport: Amasya Merzifon Airport (MZH) — regional flights connect to larger Turkish cities. Regular intercity bus services connect Amasya with Ankara, Istanbul, Samsun and other regional hubs. Local transport in town includes minibuses (dolmuş), taxis and walking (the historic center is compact and pedestrian-friendly). Some sites are on steep terrain; visitors with mobility issues should plan accordingly.

1–2 full days to see the main historic sites and enjoy the riverside; 2–3 days if you want day trips to Borabay Lake or nearby towns and a more relaxed pace.

Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and uphill paths, light layers for spring/autumn, sun protection (hat, sunglasses) in summer, and a warm coat if visiting in winter. A small daypack, water bottle and camera are recommended.

Try local specialties and regional Turkish dishes at riverside restaurants; Amasya apples and apple products (dried apples, jams) are the signature souvenir. Other keepsakes include handcrafted textiles, local pottery and regional sweets.