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Weekend Getaway: Safranbolu, a Nearby Destination Worth Exploring

With its old houses and narrow streets, Safranbolu sweeps you into dreams and the hidden pages of history. Warm-hearted locals, delicious food, and a centuries-old culture await you this weekend.
If you're someone who wants to feel the scent of the past, to walk the cobbled streets and live out an old-time romance, then this place is just the right fit. And if you stay in one of the historic mansions turned into boutique hotels and sip coffee brewed on embers at the bazaar café, wel nothing could top that feeling. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming town even has a name with a story. It used to be called “Safrandolu” due to its abundance of saffron, and over time became Safranbolu. With its red-tiled Ottoman houses, master craftsmen, colorful Turkish delights, and welcoming people, time flows a little slower here but it runs deep. Will two days be enough? We're not so sure. But one thing's for sure: Safranbolu will leave a taste you won’t forget.
Before you leave, don’t miss Yörük Village, Mencilis Cave, the panoramic terrace, and the small but vibrant museums. In Safranbolu, the past isn’t just remembered it still lives on.If you're looking for a place to pause, breathe, and truly feel the past, look no further.
A cobbled little town nestled between hills, with iconic wooden Ottoman houses, artisan-filled bazaars, lush nature, and delicious food on every corner… Staying in one of the mansions that once belonged to local families and now serve as small hotels feels like stepping right into the life of a bygone era.

Safranbolu has approximately 1200 historical artifacts under protection. The history of wooden houses dates back more than 200 years. You can smell the wood everywhere in your room, and each house has a different story to tell you. The windows of the houses are covered with colorful bougainvilleas. You feel refreshed walking through the streets. The people are very friendly, and the old neighborhood culture is still alive. Especially in spring and summer, the streets come alive with the sounds of joyfully playing children.

Safranbolu is the most popular and developed district of Karabük. It is also only 200 kilometers from Ankara, so it is a very accessible route for a weekend getaway. Accommodation options are one of the main details that fascinate those who come here. Safranbolu hotels, where you will stay, serve as small hotels by carefully restoring historical Ottoman mansions. The businesses are usually run by locals. Most of them have a lush garden, usually two floors and 8-10 rooms. They give you the spirit of the region in its most natural form. Safranbolu is a very good option for a special weekend where you will be enchanted by history and make new discoveries while wandering the streets. Your camera will be your best friend on this journey, because there are dozens of wonderful shots you will want to capture around every corner.

What and Where to Eat in Safranbolu?

From Turkish delight to pilaf, pit kebab to desserts, there are many delicious dishes. Also, try stuffed grape leaves, pastries, and homemade baklava. @kadiefendietlokantasi You must eat pit kebab and meat bread with a magnificent nature view. Don’t leave without having breakfast in the hidden paradise stone mill. Definitely try water pastry, and don't leave without buying saffron and saffron cologne. Baglar soda and Safranbolu simit duo are amazing, try them!

Safran Konak: The only fish restaurant in the town with the slogan radical flavors, you shouldn’t miss creamy salmon and sea bass wrap...

Hanım Sultan: Located under Cinci Bath, this restaurant is one of the best spots to taste regional flavors. Don't leave without trying meat-stuffed grape leaves and dumplings served in a copper pot.

Taş Ev Restaurant & Wine House: Notable for its dim lights and stone architecture, this restaurant promises a delightful dinner with delicious meals and a rich wine menu. Don’t leave without visiting its gallery showcasing various artworks.

Things to do in Safranbolu

You should see Bulak Cave and Bulak Canyon.
Within 70 km, you should definitely visit Valla and Horma canyons and Ilica Waterfall in Pinarbasi district of Kastamonu.
Do not leave without seeing the İncekaya aqueduct.
You can visit the Cinci Han near the Bazaar. You can go to Hıdırlık Hill. Surrounded by castle walls, there is a mausoleum inside. Entrance is paid. From the summit, the city looks like a painting as the morning light shines across the city. From this point, Cinci Han, historical mosques, houses of different beauties shoulder to shoulder, forming a unique architectural texture.
In addition to its historical monuments and houses, Safranbolu also has interesting natural beauties.
İncekaya Aqueduct and Canyon, Yörük Village with its magnificent houses, Bulak and Hızar Caves, rock tombs around Hacılarobası and Üçbölük Villages, Düzce Canyon, Sarıçiçek Plateau and Uluyayla,
Gürleyik Picnic Area are among the other areas worth seeing.
Do not return without sitting in the Arasta bazaar, where local handicrafts are sold, in Asma Altı and having a coffee on the embers!
You can visit the historical sites in the center of Safranbolu with golf carts departing from the square. You can easily visit the whole of Safranbolu on these tours, which are also guided.
I also recommend watching Süha Arın's documentary “Time in Safranbolu”