5-Day Erzurum Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Erzurum, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
On this page
About Erzurum
Erzurum rewards travellers with an authentic eastern Anatolian experience largely off the main tourist circuit. The city served as a major base in the 1919 Erzurum Congress where Atatürk forged the foundation of the Turkish War of Independence, and the Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum preserves that legacy. Winter brings skiers from across Turkey and the Gulf to Palandöken's long runs and reliable snow from November to May. Summer opens the surrounding highlands for trekking, while Tortum Lake and its waterfall, Uzundere canyon and the medieval fortress town of İspir make excellent day trips. Atatürk University — one of Turkey's largest — keeps the city lively year-round.
- Capital
- Erzurum
- Largest city
- Erzurum
- Population
- 830000
- Languages
- Turkish, Kurdish
- Currency
- Turkish Lira (TRY)
- Time zone
- UTC+3 (Turkey Time)
Explore Erzurum by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Erzurum
The 10 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
7-Day Classic Erzurum
- Days 1-2Erzurum city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Erzurum
- Days 1-3Erzurum comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Erzurum, departure
Where to stay in Erzurum
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 600–1500 TRY / $18–45
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 1900–4300 TRY / $57–129
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 5300–14200 TRY / $159–426
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Dedeman Palandöken Ski Lodge
Check rates on Booking.comPalan Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comPolat Erzurum Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comGrand Hitit Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Erzurum
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Güzelyurt Cağ Kebap
Çekirdeksiz Cağ Kebap
Hacı Baba Restaurant
Salon Asya
Erzurum Kadayıf Evi
Köşkeroğlu Restaurant
Getting around Erzurum
Erzurum is reachable by air, intercity coach and train. The city's own Erzurum Airport has daily connections to Istanbul and Ankara. Intercity coaches serve all major Turkish cities. The Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) train from Ankara (18–24 hrs) is a popular scenic journey. City transport relies on municipally-operated buses and minibuses (dolmuş).
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 400–800 TRY / $12–24 | 1200–2500 TRY / $36–75 | 3500–8000 TRY / $105–240 |
| Food (per day) | 150–350 TRY / $4.50–10 | 350–800 TRY / $10–24 | 800–2000 TRY / $24–60 |
| Transportation | 50–150 TRY / $1.50–4.50 | 150–400 TRY / $4.50–12 | 400–1200 TRY / $12–36 |
| Activities | 0–200 TRY / $0–6 | 200–600 TRY / $6–18 | 600–3000 TRY / $18–90 |
| Daily total | 600–1500 TRY / $18–45 | 1900–4300 TRY / $57–129 | 5300–14200 TRY / $159–426 |
Best time to visit Erzurum
June–September (summer sightseeing) or December–March (skiing)
Erzurum has two distinct peak seasons. Winter (December–March) brings heavy snowfall ideal for skiing at Palandöken. Summer (June–September) is the best time to explore the city's historic monuments and take day trips to Tortum Lake. Spring thaw (April–May) can be messy but wildflowers bloom on the surrounding plateaus.
Essential travel tips
- Try cağ kebabı for breakfast — Erzurum locals eat it from 7 am; Güzelyurt Cağ Kebap and Çekirdeksiz are the best-known spots
- Buy oltu taşı (jet stone) jewellery from the Kapalı Çarşı bazaar basement workshops — the stone is only found near Oltu, 100 km away
- The Doğu Ekspresi (Eastern Express) from Ankara is a 24-hour scenic train ride beloved by Turkish travellers; book tickets on tcdd.gov.tr
- Palandöken ski resort is only 15 km from the city centre — a taxi costs around 150–200 TRY / $4.50–6
- Erzurum city altitude is 1,890 m — visitors from sea level may feel mild altitude effects the first day; hydrate well
Safety information
Dress modestly in the city centre — Erzurum is conservative; women should cover shoulders and knees near mosques
In winter, carry thermal layers; windchill can make -10°C feel like -25°C
Mountain roads to day-trip destinations may be icy from October to May — drive carefully or hire a local driver
Keep emergency cash in TRY; ATMs in rural areas around Erzurum can be unreliable
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Erzurum?
The best time to visit Erzurum is June–September.
What currency is used in Erzurum?
The currency in Erzurum is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Erzurum?
The main language(s) spoken in Erzurum: Turkish, Kurdish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
What are the top attractions in Erzurum?
The top attractions in Erzurum include Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minaret Madrassa), Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Yakutiye Medresesi, Yakutiye Mahallesi, Erzurum Castle (Kale), city centre, Üç Kümbetler (Three Tombs), Cumhuriyet Caddesi, and Palandöken Ski Resort, 15 km south of centre. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.