Places to Visit in Erzurum: A Guide Full of History, Nature and Flavor

Set on the high plateaus of Eastern Anatolia at roughly 1,900 meters above sea level, Erzurum is a true discovery for travelers arriving from the Black Sea region, offering both rich history and stunning nature. Seljuk-era madrasas that are masterpieces of stonework, the Palandöken mountains blanketed in white during winter, sweeping steppe landscapes and an unforgettable culinary culture make a lasting impression even on a short visit. As one of the highest provinces in Anatolia, Erzurum offers a completely different experience in every season. In winter it is the capital of skiing, and in summer its cool climate makes it a delightful city for wandering its historic streets. Here is everything you need to know before visiting Erzurum.

How to Get to Erzurum: A Ready-Made Package Tour

Planning an Erzurum itinerary on your own can take days. With Sümela Tur's package tour, transportation, route and guiding are planned for you from start to finish.

• A tour with transportation, route and itinerary all planned
• Sightseeing accompanied by a guide who knows the region
• The assurance of a TÜRSAB-licensed agency
• Choice of a group tour or a private vehicle tour for your family

You can view dates, prices and the itinerary on the Kars Erzurum Turu page and book online. If you would like a plan tailored to you or your group, message us on WhatsApp and we will create the route together.

Places to Visit and Highlights in Erzurum

The Çifte Minareli Medrese, which has become the symbol of the city, is usually visitors' first stop thanks to its rich stonework that has survived from the Ilkhanid period. The fine carvings and tile decorations on its façade are among the finest examples of Seljuk art. Nearby, the Ulu Cami and Erzurum Kalesi, perched on a hill overlooking the city center, are among the structures that bear witness to different eras of the city. From the clock tower inside the castle, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Erzurum. The Yakutiye Medresesi now serves as the Museum of Turkish-Islamic Arts and Ethnography, offering a close-up look at the region's handicrafts, traditional costumes and everyday objects. For shopping and strolling, you can spend time at the Rüstem Paşa Bedesteni and on Cumhuriyet Caddesi and soak up the city's daily life. The Lala Paşa Camii and Erzurum Müzesi are also stops that reveal more about the city's archaeological and religious heritage. In the neighborhoods spreading out from the center, you may also spot Ottoman-era stone houses, allowing you to explore Erzurum not just through a handful of monuments but through its entire urban fabric.

Don't hesitate to venture beyond the city: Tortum Şelalesi and Tortum Gölü in the Uzundere district offer an unforgettable view among green valleys and are often cited as one of the most popular routes on any Erzurum trip. Cimin Kayalıkları draws nature lovers with its geological formations, while in winter the Palandöken Ski Resort stands out as one of Türkiye's most sought-after ski destinations, welcoming both local and international skiers with its long runs and excellent snow quality. Those with time to spare can head to Dumlu Dağı near Erzurum and the surrounding highland plateaus to get a closer look at the region's untouched nature.

The Best Time to Visit Erzurum

Erzurum shows two completely different faces depending on the season. The winter season from December to March is ideal for those who want to ski and enjoy snow sports at Palandöken. During this time, the city takes on a snow-white, fairy-tale atmosphere, and its historic buildings gain a special beauty under their blanket of snow. Keep in mind, however, that winter temperatures can drop as low as minus 20 degrees. The summer months from June to September are better suited to touring historic sites in the cool climate, heading up to nearby highland plateaus and exploring natural attractions such as Tortum Şelalesi. Temperatures usually hover around 20-25 degrees, and the nights are always pleasantly cool. Since weather conditions are changeable in transitional months like April and November, it is wise to keep your travel plans flexible and check the weather forecast as your travel date approaches.

Local Cuisine: What and Where to Eat in Erzurum

Erzurum's cuisine is considered one of the richest regional cuisines in Türkiye and is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of gastronomy. Here are the flavors you must try when you visit:

• Cağ Kebabı: Cooked for hours on a horizontal skewer over a charcoal fire, this special lamb kebab is Erzurum's most famous dish. You can taste it freshly carved into thin slices at the long-established cağ kebab houses in the city center.
• Kadayıf Dolması: Filled with walnuts and soaked in syrup, this dessert is a specialty unique to Erzurum and holds an important place in the city's dessert culture.
• Su Böreği: Made by folding and boiling thin sheets of dough, this pastry is a breakfast table essential, usually served with clotted cream or minced meat fillings.
• Keşkek: A hearty dish made by slow-cooking pounded wheat and meat for hours, served at weddings and on special occasions.
• Pestil and Köme: These traditional sweets made from fruits such as rosehip and grapes are easy to find in the city's markets and are also popular as gifts.
• Erzurum Butter and Honey: Butter and honey from animals raised on the high plateaus are among the region's most prized delicacies, and you can buy them fresh from the merchants in the bazaar.

For meals, the traditional restaurants and cağ kebab houses in the city center are your best bet. You can also try local desserts, fresh gözleme and traditional drinks made with grape must at the cafés around Cumhuriyet Caddesi. The small tradesmen's eateries inside the bazaar usually offer the most authentic and affordable options. In winter, hot salep and sage tea, enjoyed to fend off the city's cold, are staples of the tea gardens tucked away in the side streets. For those who want to chat with locals, these tea gardens offer both great flavors and a warm, friendly atmosphere.

The Best Photo Spots in Erzurum

The Çifte Minareli Medrese, whose stone façade glows golden especially at sunset, is one of the most photographed spots in the city, and the geometric patterns of its minarets create striking contrasts in the daylight. From the ramparts of Erzurum Kalesi, you can capture panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains, and at sunrise in particular you can watch the sun rise over the castle. In winter, the snow-covered peaks of Palandöken provide an impressive backdrop, while in summer the powerful flow of Tortum Şelalesi and the lush greenery around it are ideal for unforgettable shots. Shooting in the early hours is recommended to catch the best light and an atmosphere free from crowds. In winter, the city center looks especially photogenic early in the morning after a fresh snowfall.

The Historical and Cultural Significance of Erzurum

Throughout history, Erzurum has been home to many civilizations, including the Urartians, Romans, Sassanids, Saltukids, Seljuks, Ilkhanids and Ottomans, and thanks to its strategic location on the Silk Road, it has retained its importance in every era. During the Saltukid Beylik, the city underwent a major building boom, and later, in the Seljuk and Ilkhanid periods, structures such as the Çifte Minareli Medrese and Yakutiye Medresesi were built. These works are still regarded as some of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture. Erzurum was also an important military and commercial center during the Ottoman period. Due to its position as a frontier city, it was the scene of many battles and was surrounded by strong city walls.

However, Erzurum's greatest role in recent history came with the Erzurum Congress, convened in 1919, where the foundations of the National Struggle were laid. At this congress, held under the chairmanship of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish nation's will for independence was declared at an official meeting for the first time, marking the first step in a process that would continue with the Sivas Congress. This historic event makes Erzurum an essential stop in the founding story of the Republic of Türkiye. The Congress Building Museum in the city still tells this story to visitors through documents and objects from the period, and Atatürk's House is another important stop for those who want to experience the atmosphere of the era up close. The stone mansions and old hans you can still come across while strolling the city's streets carry traces of late 19th-century commercial life into the present day, and the traditional shops along the narrow streets of the bazaar district still evoke the city's historic trading spirit. Erzurum is also known for its literary and musical culture. The region's traditional bar folk dances and the âşık minstrel tradition, with stories passed down by word of mouth for centuries, form an important part of Eastern Anatolian culture.

Practical Tips for Your Erzurum Trip

• Due to the high altitude, the weather can be cooler and more changeable than in lower regions, so bring a warm jacket for the evenings, even in summer.
• For winter visits, non-slip shoes and layered clothing are a must to cope with snow and ice. If you are heading up to Palandöken, don't forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Since historic sites are generally outdoors and spread over large areas, opt for comfortable walking shoes.
• Because of the high altitude, you may feel slightly tired or short of breath on your first day. Drink plenty of water and take things slowly to let your body adjust.
• If you plan to shop from the bazaar merchants, carrying cash will make things easier.
• If your time is limited and you want to see different parts of the region in one go, a guided tour program will be the most convenient option in terms of both time and logistics.

With its history, nature and unique cuisine, Erzurum is a must-see stop for anyone who wants to explore Eastern Anatolia. Whether you go in winter to enjoy skiing at Palandöken or in summer to explore its historic fabric and green valleys, Erzurum will send you off with memories that will make you want to return again and again.