What is Afyonkarahisar famous for? (03)
1. What should be known about Afyonkarahisar?
The city's former name was Afyon, but it was changed to Afyonkarahisar in 2005. Known as Turkey's thermal paradise, Afyonkarahisar is renowned not only for its thermal waters but also for its marble and food industries, which have earned it global recognition.
It is home to numerous historic thermal baths like Gazlıgöl, Hüdai Thermal Springs, and Ömer Thermal Springs, which are known worldwide for their healing waters. With its rich local cuisine and diverse tourism options, Afyonkarahisar is one of Turkey's fastest-growing tourist destinations.
2. When should you visit Afyonkarahisar?
Although it is located in the Aegean region, Afyonkarahisar experiences a harsh continental climate.
If you are interested in exploring historical sites or seeking culinary delights, it is best to visit during the spring and summer months. However, if your goal is to take advantage of the thermal facilities, you should plan your trip in the fall or winter.
3. How to get to Afyonkarahisar?
By Air: You should book your flight to Zafer Airport. Direct flights are available from several cities, including Istanbul, Izmir, Adana, Gaziantep, Antalya, and Ankara. Zafer Airport is 60 km from Afyonkarahisar city center, and shuttle services are available from the airport.
By Road: Afyonkarahisar is accessible by bus from nearly every region in Turkey. The bus terminal is 5 km away from the city center, and municipal buses and minibuses provide transportation to the center.
By Rail: Afyonkarahisar is located on one of Turkey's busiest railway routes. You can reach the city by train from destinations such as Konya, Kütahya, Denizli, Isparta, and Eskişehir.
Afyonkarahisar
4. How to get around Afyonkarahisar?
Getting around Afyonkarahisar is straightforward. You can use municipal buses and minibuses for city transportation. Buses and minibuses are also available for travel to thermal centers outside the city.
5. What to eat and drink in Afyonkarahisar?
Afyonkarahisar is known for its iconic foods, including Afyon sausage, Afyon village bread, and eggplant börek. For those with a sweet tooth, try Afyon clotted cream, Afyon delight, and poppy seed semolina dessert, as well as poppy seed katmer.
So where can you experience these and more?
Hidayet Abi'nin Yeri: This is one of the top spots for ekmek kadayıfı (bread pudding) and clotted cream in Afyonkarahisar. It is conveniently located in the city center, making it easily accessible for everyone.
Address: Burmalı, Dairecep Mah. Milli, Birlik Cd. No:2/A, 03100 Merkez / Afyonkarahisar
Kayra Börek: When it comes to börek in Afyon, Kayra Börek is a must-visit. Known for its pastries, dry pastries, and traditional böreks, it is highly praised by its customers.
Address: Dumlupınar, Kadınana Cd., No: 73, 03200 Merkez / Afyonkarahisar
İkbal Lokantası: This restaurant is renowned not only for its food but also for its story. When Atatürk was scheduled to visit Afyonkarahisar in 1934, the owner, Salim Usta, meticulously prepared a special menu. Upon learning about this, Atatürk suggested changing the restaurant’s name to "İkbal," meaning "bright future," as a sign of good fortune. Since then, the restaurant has been known as İkbal. It is an excellent spot for local dishes, including delicious stews, eggplant börek, clotted cream ekmek kadayıfı (bread pudding), and pumpkin dessert.
Address: Burmalı Mahallesi, Millet Cd., No:19/A Merkez / Afyonkarahisar
Aşçı Bacaksız: Recognized among the best globally by renowned gastronomy guides, this restaurant specializes in lamb kebabs. It uses male lambs that have been weaned to ensure tender meat. The meat is rested for a day after slaughter. If you visit, this unique delicacy is a must-try!
Address: Karaman Yeni Saraçlar Çarşısı, Sokak No:6 03100 Merkez / Afyonkarahisar
6. Where to Visit in Afyonkarahisar?
Bedesten Çarşısı: This is one of the most vibrant spots to visit in Afyonkarahisar. It is considered the heart of the city, offering a bustling marketplace atmosphere.
Ulu Mosque: This is a 900-year-old Seljuk architectural masterpiece. The mosque is notable for its 40 wooden columns, which are a striking feature.
Afyonkarahisar Castle: One of the city’s landmarks, this castle is built on a volcanic rock approximately 200 meters high. Known also as Karahisar Castle, it offers a unique and rare historical structure. You can easily reach it from the city center by bus or minibus.
Frig Valleys: Alongside the Lycian Way, this is one of Turkey's most significant ancient hiking areas. The valleys stretch for 500 kilometers across the borders of Eskişehir, Kütahya, Afyon, and Karahisar.
Frig Valleys
Afyonkarahisar Thermal Springs: Famous for their rich mineral content, including sodium, chloride, hydrogen sulfide, and bicarbonate, the thermal springs in Afyonkarahisar are renowned. Notable springs include Ömer Kaplıcası, Gecek Kaplıcaları, and Heybeli Kaplıcaları. Among them, the Hüdai Kaplıcaları, being the oldest in the region and a popular tourist spot, is highly recommended.
İscehisar Fairy Chimneys: Located 32 kilometers from the city center, these fairy chimneys resemble those found in the Nevşehir region due to their volcanic formation.
7. What to do in Afyonkarahisar?
Ancient City Tours
Poppy Field Tours
Healing Tour in Thermal Springs
Afyonkarahisar Jazz Festival
Phrygian Valleys Bicycle Tour
Traditional Kite Festival
Gastro Afyon International Tourism and Taste Festival (April)
International Victory Festival (August)
International Victory Folk Dance Festival (August)
International Victory Folk Dance Festival (August)
Afyon Road Run (November)
8. What to buy from Afyonkarahisar?
Among the gifts you can buy from the city are many options such as Afyon clotted cream, the famous Afyon sausage, fresh figs and Turkish delight.
Apart from this, you can also find local handcrafted products, especially in the villages on the Phrygian Valleys side, such as Ayazini.
Afyon Sucuğu
9. Where to stay in Afyonkarahisar?
Korel Thermal Resort Clinic and Spa
Double Tree by Hilton Afyonkarahisar
Afyon Thermal Hotel
10. What should be considered when traveling in Afyonkarahisar?
You can use all public transportation vehicles in the city by purchasing an Afyon Card.
If you are going to participate in Phrygian Valley or ancient city tours, you should definitely bring non-slip shoes. We also recommend that you purchase a museum card to enter ancient cities and ruins.
Download VanGo for a more detailed exploration!
Afyonkarahisar Route: https://vango.page.link/53Mb
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