Things to do in Safranbolu

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Karabuk Province

Cinci Hamam

Cinci Hamam is located in the center of the old bazaar in Safranbolu. Built around 1645, it was commissioned by Hüseyin Efendi, a high-ranking Ottoman official known as "Cinci Hoca," and completed at the same time as the Cinci Caravanserai, from whom the hamam takes its name. Its two large, rounded domes stand out prominently among the sloping roofs of the old town. Locals once called it the "New Hamam," and it has been in continuous use as a bathhouse for centuries. The interior features a typical Ottoman bathhouse layout, primarily decorated with marble. From the outside in, it consists of a cool area for changing and relaxing, a warm transition area, and a steam-filled hot area. The hot area has a cruciform layout with a private bathing cubicle in each of the four corners. Beneath the domes, the air is filled with steam, creating a quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy a complete traditional Turkish bath experience: first, warm your body in the steam, then have a body scrub performed by an attendant, followed by a dense foam massage. After the full process, the fatigue of your journey will melt away. The bathhouse has separate areas for men and women, with entrances on different streets, so even if you are traveling together, you can each enjoy this slow-paced time with peace of mind.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Karabuk Province

Safranbolu Evleri

Safranbolu Evleri is a well-preserved ensemble of traditional Ottoman houses in the old town of Safranbolu, Türkiye, with over 1,000 traditional houses lining the streets and alleys, and being there is like stepping into a living, open-air museum. The houses were mostly built from the 18th century to the early 20th century and are usually two to three stories high: the ground floor is built of stone, while the upper floors have timber frames filled with adobe, with whitewashed walls, wide eaves, and red-tiled roofs, and rows of projecting bay windows facing the street. The houses are staggered along the slope so they do not block each other's light or view. From above, tiered red roofs spread down into the valley, a scene that is emblematic of Safranbolu.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Karabuk Province

Hidirlik Tepesi

Hidirlik Tepesi is located right next to the old town of Safranbolu. It is an elevated viewpoint beside the old town, and you can reach the top by walking up the slope from the center of the old town in about 10 minutes. Its main appeal is the view: standing here, the entire old town, a World Heritage site, is in full view—an expanse of red-tiled roofs spreads along the valley, Ottoman-style wooden houses are stacked layer upon layer, mosque minarets peek out from between the roofs, and in the distance are the green mountains and forests surrounding the small town. Many classic images on postcards of Safranbolu are taken from this angle, and couples often come up the hill specifically to take wedding photos. Around sunset is the most popular time to visit the hill, when the warm sunset light bathes the entire expanse of red roofs. The open-air platform, benches, and green spaces are filled with tourists and locals waiting for the sunset, and many people order a cup of Turkish black tea to while away the time. On one side of the platform stands the World Heritage monument, and next to it are decorative elements like umbrellas, making it a popular photo spot. A convenient route is to go up the hill to see the panoramic view first, then walk down the slope into the old town alleys, passing by several old Ottoman houses along the way.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Karabuk Province

İzzet Paşa Cami

İzzet Paşa Cami was built in 1796, is located in Carsi Square, and is one of the local buildings worth visiting.

Crystal Glass Terrace

Old Safranbolu Bazaar

Bulak Mencilis Mağarası

Cam Teras Safranbolu

Yörük Köyü Safranbolu

Tokatlı Canyon