Major city · Türkiye (Turkey)
Amasya
Give Amasya one full day and one night: rock tombs and castle in the morning, the riverfront old town and museums after lunch, then move on.
Amasya is a small Black Sea hinterland city in the Yeşilırmak gorge, 333 km northeast of Ankara, with Pontic rock tombs cut into the cliff, a hilltop castle and an Ottoman riverfront that survived because heavy industry never arrived. Most sights sit within walking distance of the river, so a single overnight stop covers the core; add a second night only for a hamam, a spa or Lake Borabay. It is a stop on the way to Samsun, not a destination in itself.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- TRY
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, humid), Dec–Feb (cold, wet)
- Airport
- MZH
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Check whether your passport is visa-exempt; if it is not, apply only at evisa.gov.tr — lookalike sites charge extra and some sell nothing.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗At mosques cover shoulders and knees, take shoes off at the door, and women carry a headscarf; stay out during prayer times.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Taxis must run the taximeter; refuse flat quotes, or book through BiTaksi or Uber so the ride is logged.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Carry lira in small notes for tea, markets, tips and toilets; prices move with inflation, so treat every printed price as dated.
- Türkiye (Turkey) ↗Do not take stones, coins or tiles from ancient sites, and export no antiques without a museum certificate; travellers have been detained at airport customs.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Amasya112 ▾
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Amasya, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Turkish lira (₺, TRY).Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTurkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom sell tourist SIMs at airports (passport needed); they are dearer than in town shops — check.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Tap waterTap water is treated and chlorinated but tastes of it; locals buy bottled or 19-litre dispenser water.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- TippingcheckSit-down restaurant: 5–10% in cash, even if the card machine does not offer a tip; check for a 'servis' charge first.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- SafetyAmasya is calm and walkable, and violent crime against visitors is rare.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and restaurants; squat toilets (alaturka) in older mosques and bus stops.Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckMany museums close Monday (Topkapı closes Tuesday) — check; mosques close to visitors during the five daily prayers and Friday midday…Türkiye (Turkey)-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMZH Amasya Merzifon Airport (Daily flights from Istanbul, about 90 min; 42 km (26 mi) northwest of the centre, so budget a taxi or shuttle).MZH Amasya Merzifon Airport (Daily flights from Istanbul, about 90 min; 26 mi (42 km) northwest of the centre, so budget a taxi or shuttle).
- Getting aroundThe old town is traffic-restricted and most sights are a 10–20 min walk apart along the river.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Sit-down mealMantı main course₺200–350 (≈ US$5–9)
- Street or quick mealSimit from a street seller₺15–30 (≈ under US$1)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi ride3.1 mi (5 km) taxi ride₺250–400 (≈ US$7–10)
- Museum or sight ticketHamam entry with scrub (kese)₺400–800 (≈ US$10–20)
- Budget bedHostel bed, a night, per person₺500 (≈ US$13)
- Mid-range bedPension or konak double room, a night, per room₺2,500 (≈ US$65)
- High-end bedPension or konak double room, a night, per room₺4,000 (≈ US$100)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₺1,200 (≈ US$30) · Mid ₺2,200 (≈ US$55) · High ₺4,000 (≈ US$100)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MZH Amasya Merzifon Airport (Daily flights from Istanbul, about 90 min; 42 km (26 mi) northwest of the centre, so budget a taxi or shuttle)MZH Amasya Merzifon Airport (Daily flights from Istanbul, about 90 min; 26 mi (42 km) northwest of the centre, so budget a taxi or shuttle)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Aug (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Amasya: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
12 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
4 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
3 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The old town is traffic-restricted and most sights are a 10–20 min walk apart along the river. Take a taxi up to the castle and walk down; dolmuşes cover the centre and the otogar. Inter-city buses use the new otogar 10 km northwest, and your ticket may include a downtown transfer — ask when booking.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lake Borabay
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Drive or taxi 50 km (31 mi) northeast towards Taşova; no useful public transportDrive or taxi 31 mi (50 km) northeast towards Taşova; no useful public transport
Mountain lake at 1,050 m with a walking trail, picnic tables and pedal boats; only worth it with your own wheels.
Havza thermal spas
cautionDoor to door: 1.5–2 h
Bus or train towards Samsun, then a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) climb from the stationBus or train towards Samsun, then a 0.9 mi (1.5 km) climb from the station
Separate men's and women's pools and hamams; a stopover on the Samsun road rather than a day out.
Samsun
goDoor to door: 3 h
Bus or the regional train, about 3 h
Black Sea coast city and the usual next stop east; see the Samsun guide.
Boğazkale (Hattuşa)
overnightDoor to door: 3–3.5 h
Bus or drive via Çorum, about 3 h
Hittite capital ruins; too far for a comfortable return day, so sleep in Çorum or Boğazkale.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Yalıboyu / riverfront old town
Ottoman konaks and pensions on the north bank; walk to the tombs, castle path and bazaar. Best for a one-night stop.
City centre (Ziya Paşa Bulvarı)
Modern hotels on the south bank, close to the archaeology museum and bus dolmuşes; more traffic noise.
Near the railway station (west)
Budget pansiyons along Yalı Sokak; convenient only if you arrive or leave by train.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₺1,200–2,000 (≈ US$30–50) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₺2,000–3,500 (≈ US$50–90) excl. bed
- High
- ₺3,500 (≈ US$90)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Pension or konak double room1 × 1 night × ₺2,500 | ₺2,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × ₺2,200 | ₺4,400 |
| Airport taxi, MZH to centre, one way1 × ₺1,200 | ₺1,200 |
| Castle and museum entries, one day2 × ₺200 | ₺400 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₺400 | ₺800 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₺930 |
| Trip total≈ ₺5,120 per person per day, bed included | ₺10,230≈ US$250 |
2026 estimate in lira; long-distance transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Tea (çay) in a café | ₺20–40 (≈ under US$1) |
| Mantı main course | ₺200–350 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Simit from a street seller | ₺15–30 (≈ under US$1) |
| 5 km taxi ride | ₺250–400 (≈ US$7–10) |
| Hamam entry with scrub (kese) | ₺400–800 (≈ US$10–20) |
| Museum entry | ₺50–150 (≈ US$2–4) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The otogar has no ATM; bring cash for ticket kiosks and taxis.
- The old bus station in Kirazlıdere is a demolition site and still appears on some maps.
- Castle and museum hours are short and change; confirm before you climb.
- Army passing-out ceremonies (usually the second Wednesday of the month) can fill every hotel — book ahead if your dates coincide.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (police, fire, ambulance)
- 112
Pocket card
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AmasyaAmasya
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Bu adrese, lütfenTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
Embassy
No embassy in Amasya; most countries keep embassies in Ankara and consulates-general in Istanbul. The US, UK and others: check your embassy's Ankara page for after-hours numbers.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi, otogar to city centre: about ₺400–600 (≈ US$10–15), 15–20 min
- Dolmuş within the centre: about ₺25–40 (≈ under US$1)
- Bus Amasya to Samsun: about 3 h, fare varies by operator
Say or show
- Merhaba — Hello (mer-hah-BAH)
- Teşekkürler — Thank you (teh-shek-kewr-LER)
- Ne kadar? — How much is it? (neh kah-DAR)
- Hesap, lütfen — The bill, please (heh-SAHP, lewt-FEN)
- Tuvalet nerede? — Where is the toilet? (too-vah-LET neh-reh-DEH)
- Kartla ödeyebilir miyim? — Can I pay by card? (KART-lah ur-deh-yeh-bee-LEER mee-yim)
Carry small lira notes: ticket kiosks and some pensions are cash-first.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Amasya. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, humid), Dec–Feb (cold, wet) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for MZH: flight times, taxi or shuttle cost, and a fallback if the daily flight is cancelled.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: castle and tombs, Yalıboyu old town, bazaar and Beyazıt II complex, archaeology museum.
- Place pages with verified hours and ticket prices for the castle, Bimarhane, the archaeology museum and the miniature museum.
- Eat pages for mantı and riverbank restaurants with last orders, plus hamam sessions by gender and hour.