Open Travel Guide
Attractions in Erzurum

Erzurum Attractions Guide 2026

Erzurum's essential sights and the lesser-known places locals would rather you found.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 20+ attractions in Erzurum — Çifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye Medresesi and Erzurum Castle (Kale) top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Erzurum is a historic city at 1,890 metres elevation in northeastern Turkey, commanding the high plateau where ancient Silk Road caravans once crossed. The city holds one of Turkey's finest concentrations of Seljuk and Mongol architecture — the Çifte Minareli Medrese, Yakutiye Medresesi and Üç Kümbetler tombs stand beside an Ottoman castle with sweeping panoramas. Fifteen kilometres from the centre, Palandöken mountain hosts one of the Middle East's premier ski resorts. Erzurum is the birthplace of cağ kebabı, the horizontally-spit-roasted lamb unique to the region, and the origin of oltu taşı jet-stone jewellery.

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Erzurum.

  1. 1

    Çifte Minareli Medrese

    Historical / Seljuk Architecture40 TRY / ~$1.2045–90 minutes
  2. 2

    Yakutiye Medresesi

    Historical / Mongol Architecture40 TRY / ~$1.2045–60 minutes
  3. 3

    Erzurum Castle (Kale)

    Historical / Fortress30 TRY / ~$0.901–1.5 hours
  4. 4

    Üç Kümbetler (Three Tombs)

    Historical / Seljuk TombsFree20–30 minutes
  5. 5

    Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum

    Museum / Historical30 TRY / ~$0.901–2 hours
  6. 6

    Ulu Cami (Great Mosque)

    Religious / HistoricalFree20–30 minutes
  7. 7

    Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque

    Religious / Ottoman ArchitectureFree20–30 minutes
  8. 8

    Palandöken Ski Resort

    Nature / Winter SportsSki lift day pass: 800–1200 TRY / $24–36Full day
  9. 9

    Rustem Pasha Caravanserai (Taşhan)

    Historical / OttomanFree (caravanserai courtyard and exterior)30–45 minutes
  10. 10

    Tortum Lake (Tortum Gölü)

    Nature / LakeFree (lakeside access); car parking 20–30 TRY / ~$0.60–0.90Half day (including waterfall)

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Tip

Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.

Tip

Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.

Tip

Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.

Related topics