Amasya is a historic city and province in north-central Turkey, set in a dramatic gorge on the Yeşilırmak river beneath the rocky heights of Mount Harşena. Known as the Şehzadeler Şehri, or City of Princes, where Ottoman heirs trained as provincial governors, Amasya is famous for its Pontic royal rock tombs carved into the cliffs, its riverside Ottoman timber mansions, and its sweet apples. The birthplace of the ancient geographer Strabo, it blends Hellenistic, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman heritage in one of Turkey's most scenic provincial towns.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Amasya Archaeological Museum & Mummies
One of Anatolia's richest museums, with more than 20,000 artefacts, but the unmmissable draw for children is the rare collection of naturally preserved Ilkhanid-era mummies displayed in a darkened gallery - a fascinating, slightly spooky highlight that captivates older kids
Duration: 1-2 hours
Amasya Castle (Harşena) Climb
A climb up Harşena Mountain to the ancient fortress rewards families with sweeping views over the gorge, the river, and the rock tombs below. The steep steps make it an adventure for energetic children, though little ones need close supervision near the unfenced edges
Duration: Half day
Yeşilırmak River Boat & Gondola Ride
A gentle boat or gondola ride along the Green River past the restored Yalıboyu Ottoman mansions, historic bridges, and beneath the cliffs of the rock tombs - a relaxing, scenic outing that suits all ages and gives children a different view of the city
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Pontus Rock Tombs (Kral Kaya Mezarları)
Enormous royal tombs carved straight into the sheer cliff face by the kings of Pontus over 2,000 years ago, reached by stone steps and floodlit dramatically at night. Children love climbing into the cavernous chambers and looking out over the city
Duration: 1-2 hours
Hazeranlar Konağı Ottoman Mansion
A beautifully restored 19th-century riverside mansion furnished in period style with an art gallery, giving children a vivid, walk-through sense of Ottoman family life - quick, atmospheric, and a good rainy-day option
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Riverfront Promenade & Şehzadeler Park
The flat Yeşilırmak promenade and the city's riverside parks offer open space for children to run, play areas, and ice-cream stalls, with views of the floodlit rock tombs in the evening - an easy, free outing the whole family enjoys
Duration: 1-2 hours
Amasya Apple Orchards & Market Visit
Amasya is famous across Turkey for its apples (Amasya elması). Wandering the markets to taste local apples, dried çiçek bamya (okra), and sweets is a fun, inexpensive sensory activity, especially during the autumn harvest
Duration: 1-2 hours
Sultan Bayezid II Mosque Complex Grounds
The grand 15th-century mosque set in gardens beside the river is calm and welcoming, with shaded grounds where families can rest. Visiting teaches children mosque etiquette - removing shoes and quiet respect - in a relaxed setting
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Riverside Yalıboyu Konak Guesthouses
Restored Ottoman mansions along the Yeşilırmak converted into boutique guesthouses, many with family rooms and a generous Turkish breakfast, placing families in the heart of the historic riverfront within walking distance of every major sight
Family features: Family rooms, riverside location, included Turkish breakfast, walkable to castle and museum, historic character
Central Amasya Mid-Range Hotels
Comfortable modern hotels near Atatürk Caddesi and the centre offering larger family rooms, lifts, and parking - a practical, good-value base a short walk from the riverfront and bazaar
Family features: Family and connecting rooms, lift access, parking, central location, breakfast included
Boutique Spa Konak Hotels
The finest restored konaks add spa facilities and more spacious suites, suiting families wanting extra comfort while staying in an atmospheric historic building by the river
Family features: Spacious suites, spa, riverside setting, restaurant, full Turkish breakfast
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Turkish lokantas warmly welcome children and serve ready-made dishes by the portion, so it is easy to find mild, familiar food quickly
Pide (Turkish flatbread pizza), lahmacun, and grilled köfte (meatballs) are inexpensive dishes almost all children enjoy
Amasya apples, ayran (a mild yoghurt drink), and fresh bread make easy, cheap snacks between sights
Many riverside restaurants have terraces overlooking the Green River - relaxed settings where children can watch the boats
Baklava and local sweets are widely available as an afternoon treat; portions are generous and inexpensive
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Visit the Pontus Royal Rock Tombs and Harşena Castle in the morning before the summer heat peaks — both involve steep stair climbs best tackled before 10:30
Baby carriers are far more practical than strollers for the rock-tomb steps and the castle climb; the flat riverfront promenade is stroller-friendly
The Archaeological Museum is one of Amasya's best family stops — cool, engaging, and quick to move through; the mummy gallery captivates older children
Amasya apples, simit rings, and ayran are cheap, widely available, and popular with children as snacks between sights
Carry cash for smaller lokantas, the bazaar, and the dolmuş; not all child-friendly eateries take cards
Pack sun hats, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle — July and August highs reach around 33°C in the sheltered gorge valley
In winter bring warm layers and footwear with grip; the castle and rock-tomb steps ice over from December to February and are hazardous for small feet
Dial 112 for any emergency (police, ambulance, fire — free from any phone including with no SIM) and note the address of Amasya Üniversitesi Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Kirazlıdere Mah., Turgut Özal Cad., Amasya (+90 358 218 40 00)
The Yeşilırmak riverfront gondola and boat rides are gentle and short — an ideal activity for tired younger children after a morning at the tombs or museum