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.
Amasya is a safe, low-crime city in north-central Anatolia, well removed from Turkey's troubled southeastern border regions. The realistic concerns for visitors are everyday ones: traffic, slippery or steep historic stairways at the castle and rock tombs, cold icy winters, and general earthquake awareness common to all of Turkey. Violent crime against tourists is very rare and standard precautions make for a trouble-free visit.
Current safety advisory
Low
Last updated: 2026-06-17
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Advisory date
March 2026
Items
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Amasya is a calm, conservative provincial city with very low crime; the main risks are ordinary ones such as traffic, uneven historic streets and steep stairways, and occasional petty theft in busy bazaar areas, rather than any threat specific to the city
Turkey's nationwide unified emergency number is 112, which connects to police, ambulance, and fire; operators in tourist contexts often speak some English, and the call is free from any phone, including one with no SIM
Turkey lies in a seismically active zone and earthquakes can occur; where possible choose accommodation in well-built modern or properly restored buildings, and note the nearest exits - this is standard awareness rather than a reason to avoid travel
The climb up to Amasya Castle on Harşena Mountain and the paths to the Pontus rock tombs involve steep steps, uneven rock, and exposed drops; wear sturdy shoes, take care in wet or icy conditions, and supervise children near edges
Winters are cold with snow and ice; pavements, bridges, and the rock-tomb steps can become slippery from December to February, so wear footwear with good grip
Standard Turkey travel advisories warn against travel to areas near the Syrian and Iraqi borders in the southeast - these regions are far from Amasya in north-central Anatolia and do not affect a visit here
Tap water in Amasya is chlorinated and generally considered safe by local standards, but many visitors prefer cheap bottled water to avoid stomach upset from unfamiliar mineral content
Cross roads with care and use marked crossings; Turkish urban traffic can be assertive and drivers do not always yield, even at crossings
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi fare inflation
A few drivers may avoid the meter or quote inflated flat fares to visitors, particularly for the run to Amasya Merzifon airport or for longer trips
How to avoid: Insist the meter (taksimetre) is used, agree a price before longer journeys, and ask your accommodation for the going rate to the airport
Carpet and souvenir overpricing
As across Turkey, some shops quote tourists high opening prices for carpets, textiles, and souvenirs expecting hard bargaining
How to avoid: Compare prices in several shops, bargain politely, and never feel obliged to buy after accepting offered tea
Restaurant bill padding
A small number of tourist-facing restaurants may add unrequested mezes or extras to the bill
How to avoid: Confirm what is included and check the itemised bill (hesap) before paying; this is rare in Amasya's family-run lokantas
Dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals
ATMs and card machines may offer to charge in your home currency at a poor built-in exchange rate
How to avoid: Always choose to be charged in Turkish lira, not your home currency, to get the bank's standard rate
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations are required for Turkey beyond keeping routine vaccines (tetanus, MMR, etc.) up to date; check current guidance before travel
- Water
- Tap water in Amasya is chlorinated and used locally for cooking, but its mineral content and older pipes lead many visitors to drink inexpensive bottled water to avoid stomach upset
- Food
- Food hygiene at Amasya's lokantas, bakeries, and markets is generally good; freshly cooked Anatolian dishes, kebabs, and pide are safe, and the local apples and produce are excellent
- Facilities
- Amasya has a large modern training and research hospital with a 24-hour emergency department (acil servis), plus state and private clinics; pharmacies (eczane) are common and a rota system (nöbetçi eczane) covers nights and holidays
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Amasya is a comfortable, safe base for solo travellers. The compact, walkable old town, very low crime, and friendly locals make independent exploring straightforward. Keep 112 (Turkey's unified emergency number) and the address of Amasya Üniversitesi Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Hastanesi (+90 358 218 40 00) accessible. Dress modestly to fit local norms, wear sturdy shoes for the castle and rock-tomb climbs, and use registered taxis after dark. The floodlit riverfront promenade is busy and safe until well after midnight in summer.
Female travellers
Amasya is generally safe for solo women travellers, with low crime and a calm atmosphere. The city is conservative; dressing modestly (covered shoulders and knees, a headscarf for mosques) draws significantly less attention and is respectful of local culture. The historic waterfront and old town are busy until late and safe. Staring or occasional unwanted comments can occur, particularly in less-visited back streets. Use registered taxis or the BiTaksi app at night; the 112 emergency number is free from any phone. Serious incidents against tourists are rare.
Families
Amasya is a relaxed, family-oriented city where children are warmly welcomed in restaurants and public spaces. The main practical concerns for families are the steep stepped climbs to the castle and rock tombs (keep young children close to unfenced edges), the riverbank near the historic bridges, and traffic on narrow old-town lanes. Bring sun protection in summer and warm, grippy footwear in winter. The compact old town, free riverfront, and short distances between sights suit family pacing well. Pharmacies, the main hospital, and 112 emergency services are all readily available.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Turkey but there are no anti-discrimination protections and society — particularly in conservative provincial cities like Amasya — is not openly accepting of same-sex relationships. LGBTQ travellers are generally safe but discretion is strongly advised; public displays of affection are uncommon even among heterosexual couples and are best avoided. There is no LGBTQ scene in Amasya. Serious incidents against tourists are rare.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- General Emergency
- 112 (single unified number for police, ambulance, and fire across Turkey; free from any phone, including without a SIM)
- Police
- 112 (also reaches the Polis in cities and Jandarma in rural areas)
- Medical
- 112 (ambulance / acil servis)
- Fire
- 112 (itfaiye)
- Tourist Police
- Available in major tourism centres; in Amasya contact the regular police via 112
- Main Hospital
- Amasya Üniversitesi Sabuncuoğlu Şerefeddin Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Kirazlıdere Mah., Turgut Özal Cad., Merkez, Amasya (+90 358 218 40 00)
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Ankara: +90 312 294 0000
- Embassy Uk
- British Embassy Ankara: +90 312 455 3344