Budget Travel to Safranbolu 2024
Welcome to Safranbolu!
Key Takeaways
The lovely town of Safranbolu is situated in the Black Sea region of northern Turkey. It is a relatively unknown destination for foreign travellers and is town where culture, beauty and affordability come together to offer travellers an unforgettable holiday experience.
Safranbolu is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, cobblestone streets, and rich cultural heritage. Most of the visitors to the town are Turkish tourists and perhaps for that reason it´s still a very affordability destination to visit for foreign travellers who are trying to explore Turkey without overspending.
In this budget friendly Safranbolu travel guide, we will look at the top things to do in the town, look at some affordable accommodation options and traditional Turkish cuisine. Finally, we will give you some money-saving travel tips for getting to and around Safranbolu.
- Safranbolu is a destination that offers budget-conscious travellers a range of free and low cost attractions, including historic Ottoman architecture and the natural beauty of the area.
- You can explore the charming Old Town, visit museums filled with Ottoman history, admire the architecture of mosques, and take in panoramic views from Hidirlik Hill.
- There are also nearby attractions such as the charming seaside town of Amasra, historic Karabük, or natural wonders like Tokatli Canyon and Sirçali Canyon.
- You can stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as converted Ottoman mansions that have been converted into hotels and guesthouses.
- You can try delicious and affordable Turkish dishes and Black Sea specialities at local restaurants and cafes in Safranbolu’s Old Town.
- Safranbolu has a small, but nice bazaar that is great for traditional Turkish items and souvenirs l
- You can get to Safranbolu by intercity bus for an easy and economical journey.
Where is Safranbolu?
Safranbolu city is situated in the Karabük Province of Turkey. It is considered as part of the picturesque Black Sea Region. The historic town is located 220 km north of Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, and about 400 km northeast of Istanbul.
The town is divided into two parts, the old town is at the bottom of large hill, and the new town is situated at the top. If you are coming by bus, then you will arrive at bus station which is located just outside the new town.
The New Town is fairly modern and resembles any other normal Turkish town. In fact, it is nice, but nothing special. The real reason why people travel to Safranbolu is to visit the Old Town, which is about a 20-minute walk down the hill from the new town.
Map of Safranbolu
Walking around Safranbolu
Safranbolu is one of the prettiest towns in the Black Sea region of northern Turkey and is most famous for its Ottoman architecture and traditional Turkish style houses. In fact, it is considered to be so important that the town was given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It was once a summer resort for wealthy Ottomans with many of the elite of Istanbul having their summer mansion in Safranbolu, where temperatures are much more comfortable during July and August.
One of the best things to do in Safranbolu is to just walk along the historical cobblestone streets of the old town and appreciate the beauty of the well-kept Ottoman architecture. You will feel like you are going back in time.
Cinci Han
In my opinion one of the best places to visit in Safranbolu is Cinci Han. This well-preserved Caravansary was a traditional guest house and trading post on the Silk Road. It is a large building and quite spectacular inside. It is a great example of early Ottoman architecture.
There is a small coffee museum and gift shop upstairs that costs about one euro to enter. It is small but interesting, and there are also some beautiful paintings in a side room that shouldn´t be missed. The gift some sells some interesting items, but is a little more expensive than the bazaar.
If you need a rest, you can stop and have a coffee or tea, either on the main terrace downstairs or upstairs on the balcony. Your drink is served together with the most delicious Turkish delight.
Having a coffee here is relatively inexpensive and will provide you with an unforgettable experience. There are lots of great photo opportunities in this historical and beautiful building.
Kaymaklar House Museum
Kaymakamlar Evi Musezi is a museum that is housed in a 19th century mansion that is full of Ottoman furniture and artefacts.
The museum is quite basic but nice and gives visitor the chance to appreciate traditional Ottoman architecture and lifestyle.
Chocolate Museum
This old Chocolate factory which is located on the hill half between the new town and the old town has a small museum and coffee shop.
You can try the chocolocate and spend about 30 minutes taking a look around.
Coffee Museum
As mentioned previously, there is a small but cute coffee museum that is housed inside the Cinci Han on the first floor.
There is a small exhibition of historic items that were used during the Ottoman empire to produce coffee. It only takes about 10 minutes to take a look around.
There is also a gift shop to buy souvenirs and gifts including Coffee (of course) and the local delicious Turkish delight (Lokum).
There is a minimal charge of a couple of euros to get into each museum.
The City History Museum
Kent Musezi (The City History Museum) offers visitors a fascinating insight into the town’s historical and social heritage. There are many beautiful Ottoman works of art on display.
Off all the town´s museums, this one is probably the one I liked most and it is definitely worth visiting and it costs just a few euros to enter. You can spend up to an hour and the 15-minute walk up the hill to get there is a good way to burn off some calories.
Cinci Hammam
In spite of the fact that this 400-year-old hammam is called Cinci, it is not located in the same place as the Cinci Han. It is located about five minutes away on foot.
You can enjoy a traditional Turkish bathing experience at Cinci Hammam. You can relax in the soothing atmosphere of this historic bathhouse.
However, the experience will cost over 10 euros, which is quite expensive for Turkey. The place is quite clean and well-kept, in spite of being hundreds of years old.
Anatolia Miniature Clock Tower
The Anatolia Miniature Clock Tower is another example of Ottoman architecture. In fact, it is an open-air museum that displays miniature replicas of Ottoman-era clock towers from different Turkish cities
The Ottomans loved clock towers and you will find examples of them in many towns across the country.
The museum is inexpensive, and costs just a few euros to enter. You can spend around 15-20 minutes taking a look around.
The Mosques of Safranbolu
Other interesting attraction to admire in the old town include two mosques that also add to the architectural beauty of Safranbolu.
The Izzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque and the Koprulu Mehmet Pasa Mosque, are both centrally located and are both worth visiting for their beautiful design.
They are both free to enter but try to avoid visiting at prayer time to not disturb anyone.
The Bazaar & Shopping
Walking through the open-air bazaar in the centre of Safranbolu`s old town. It is another free and fascinating experience.
A visit to the bazaar gives visitors the opportunity to see and buy many traditional Turkish products that can make affordable gifts or souvenirs.
The town is known for its crafts, including copperware, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, and of course Turkish delight, I have tried Turkish delight from all over Turkey and I think the best ones I have ever tasted were probably in Safranbolu.
Hıdırlık Hill
An ideal place for a great panoramic view of Safranbolu is from the top of Hidirlik Hill. This is a popular spot that provides a beauty spot for photography enthusiasts, with its stunning views of the town below and its surrounding natural beauty.
It isn´t easy to find the pathway that takes you up there. Walk towards the back of the town and turn left up the hill. You might need to ask one of the locals where it is.
It´s quite a steep hike, but when you get to the top, there is a wonderful viewpoint of the Ottoman houses below and a coffee shop with a seating area. For people who are not feeling energetic, there is a bus that can also take you up to the top using another route.
You need to pay about one euro to enter the viewing point, but it is well worth it for the views and a place to sit down and rest in the shade on a hot day. There is a discount for students.
Gizli Cennet
There is another must-see attraction in Safranbolu. It is just outside the old town called Gizli Cennet. This lovely natural attraction offers waterfalls and lush greenery. It provides a peaceful environment next to a river, relatively close to the old town.
Again, you need to go to the back of the town, and instead of turning left to go up Hıdırlık Hill, you need to turn right and follow the road up the hill.
It is a pleasant 20-minute hike along the scenic road before you finally get to a ticket office. You need to pay a small entry fee of about one euro. There is also a car park there if you decide to go by car.
Keep on walking for a few minutes, and then you will see a small canyon below, there are some caves and a small river with crystal-clear waters. It is quite beautiful looking down from above.
You should carry on walking for a few minutes until you come to a tall and modern tower, which is in fact an elevator. This elevator will take you down to the bottom of the canyon. It is easy for physically challenged people to get there.
When you get to the bottom, you can go to a beautiful tea garden and restaurant on the banks of the river. It´s the perfect place to stay for tea or even to have some lunch. It´s an affordable place to eat and drink something.
You can also visit the small flour mill next to the tea garden. It is authentic and still grinds wheat into flour using the same equipment as it did over 150 years ago. You need to pay about one euro to go in and take a look. After visiting the mill, you can walk along the path next to the river and enjoy the views.
All in all, Gizli Cennet offers a perfect escape from the town and allows you to reconnect with nature and relax in a peaceful and beautiful place
Tokatli Canyon and Sirçali Canyon
For travellers who are looking for adventure and breath-taking views, Tokatli Canyon and Sirçali Canyon shouldn´t be missed.
They are located a little far from Safranbolu, but these natural wonders offer stunning landscapes and exciting outdoor activities. There is no public transport to get there, so you will need to have a car.
You can hike along the canyon trails, explore the rugged countryside, and see the towering cliffs and rock formations.
These canyons provide a unique opportunity to get close to nature and experience the beauty of the area. However, it is highly recommended to go to these canyons on an organised walking tour with someone who is an expert.
Amasra
Even though Safranbolu is in the Black Sea region, it is not by the sea itself. The nearest seaside destination to Safranbolu is the charming town of Amasra. It is a beautiful place to visit for a day trip or few a few days of pace and relaxation, although it can get quite busy in the summer time.
Getting to Amasra
To get to Amasra, you should go to the minibus terminal in the centre of the New Town. The bus doesn´t go from the Intercity Safranbolu bus station that is located outside the new town. You should try to leave as early as possible, no later than 10 a.m.; otherwise, you won´t have enough time.
Take a minibus to the town of Bartın, which will take about 45-55 minutes; it stops off in a small village on the way. The bus to Bartın leaves every hour, and you should arrive early to make sure you get a seat on the minibus.
You need to pay the driver on board for the bus ticket, so take some small bank notes with you. It costs about 2 euros to get to Bartin.
When you get to Bartın, you need to get another minibus to Amasra. The ticket to Amasra is very cheap. It costs about 30 cents, and the journey takes about 20–25 minutes. You need to wait for the minibus to fill before it leaves.
The minibus will drop you off in the car park near the seafront in Amasra. The return bus leaves from the same place.
On the way back, you should try to get the four o´clock bus. If you get the last bus leaving Amasra, you may miss the last connecting minibus to Safranbolu in Bartin. (See the Amasra Guide)
Where to Stay in Safranbolu
When visiting Safranbolu, budget-conscious travellers have several options for affordable accommodation to choose from.
In general, staying in the New Town is cheaper than staying in the Old Town. There are also more modern and standard hotels in the New Town. However, as most of the attractions in the Old Town, you will have to spend time and money going back and down the hill.
Apartment & Room Rental
If you prefer to be more independent during your stay in Safranbolu, apartment rentals and homestays are available. These options may offer budget travellers with the opportunity to have their own space and live like locals.
Airbnb offers rooms in many traditional Ottoman guest houses at reasonable prices, as well as homestays in more modern apartments located in the New Town.
Budget Hotels & Guesthouses
Many of the historic Ottoman mansions in Safranbolu´s old town have been turned into comfortable guest houses and simple hotels that give you an opportunity to stay in a unique type of accommodation.
Some of this type of accommodation offer budget-friendly rates and provide insight into the town’s traditional Ottoman history. You can find the best prices using by using comparison websites such as Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Some of the best budget-priced restaurants in Safronbolu´s old town include:
- Cesmeli Konak Garden: This is affordable, comfortable, and well-located guest house located in the centre of the bazaar.
- Arifbey Konak Hotel: This is another well-priced accommodation situated near the centre of the old town.
- Meral Nurse Mansion: This place was fantastic, located close to the town centre, well priced and hosted by a wonderful lady called Semuran.
Eating in Safranbolu
The city of Safranbolu is famous for its traditional Turkish cuisine and offers travellers the chance to try tasty food at affordable prices.
Safranbolu köfte (meatballs), gül börek (savoury pastry), and saffron-infused pilaf are favourites. These dishes are full of flavour and textures that are great examples of the authentic taste of Turkish cuisine.
When it comes to finding a good place to eat in Safranbolu, there are several restaurants that cater to different tastes and budgets. From cosy family-run restaurants to lovely street-side cafes, you’re going to be spoiled for choice.
You can always find cheap meals, like pide (Turkish-style pizza). You can also try local specialities and tasty soups from the Black Sea region. These soups include Yayla Çorba (made with yoghurt) or Karalahana Çorbasi (made with kale).
Two good and reasonably prices places to eat in the town are Safranbolu are Karanfil Cafe – Restaurant and Kadıoğlu Şehzade Sofrasi. Both provide tasty local food at affordable prices and are located near the centre of the old town.
Cafes and Nightlife
Exploring the local cafes of Safranbolu is a must-do activity for every visitor. If you’re a coffee lover or a tea enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to have a cup of Turkish coffee or a refreshing glass of Turkish tea.
A few cafes stay open until late, so you can also soak up the cosy evening time atmosphere. As I mentioned before, Cinci Han is one of the best places to visit for either coffee or tea, either in the daytime or evening.
However, there are many other coffee shops located in the old town, such as Saracoglu Coffee and Lotus Cafe, where you can sit, and people watch.
Safranbolu’s nightlife scene is definitely not as exciting as that of larger cities, but it offers a unique and relaxed experience. It is quite a conservative town, and alcohol is not easy to find. If you go to the New Town, it may be easier to find a bar that serves beer.
Getting to Safranbolu
The most convenient and affordable way to get to Safranbolu is by intercity bus as there are no airports or train stations nearby.
Intercity buses offer an easy and economical way to travel to Safranbolu.
You can take a bus from major cities, such as Ankara and Istanbul. Most buses will stop of at the nearby university town of Karabük before going to Safranbolu.
- Istanbul – About 7h.30m Flixbus / Efe Tur
- Ankara – About 3 hours Flixbus
- Bolu – 2h.30 Flixbus / Efe Tur
- Trabzon – About 13 hours Flixbus
It is recommended to check the bus schedules and book tickets in advance to make sure you have a smooth travel experience. Turkey offers an extensive and well-developed bus network.
Flixbus (also known as Kamil Koç) is probably the most popular and economic bus company operating in Turkey. They have luxury vehicles that have comfortable seats with plug sockets, and Wi-Fi on board.
Sometimes, when buyıng a bus ticket, you will be sent a SMS message. This message serves as your paperless ticket, and you must show it when getting on the bus.
Getting around Safranbolu
The Intercity bus station is located a few kilometres outside the new town. There is a small coffee shop, ticket offices, a bakery, and a toilet in the station.
There are buses to the new town centre and to old Safranbol from the bus station. You can´t pay with cash on the bus, you need to buy a town travel card. However, you can pay with bank card.
There are also taxis that can take you into town. It costs about 5 euros to go to Safranbolu old Town. You could possibly walk, but it would take you about 45-60 minutes to get from the bus station to the Old Safranbolu.
There are buses and minibuses circulating around the town. The dolmus mini buses allow you to use cash and a trip will cost about 50 cents.
The minibus station is different that the intercity bus station. it is located in the centre of the new town. If you want to go to Amasra you need to go to the minibus station and not the intercity bus station.
The old town is fairly small. Therefore, walking is the most popular choice for getting around and enjoying the area.
When to Visit Safranbolu
Most people would agree that the best time to visit to Safranbolu is during the summer time. The weather is not too hot compared to other parts of the country in the summer and it doesn´t rain a lot. However, prices are higher, and it can be a little crowded.
Budget travellers should probably try to travel there in spring and autumn. April to June and September to November are probably the best months to visit for travellers who are on a budget. The weather is mild and pleasant, and prices are lower. However, it can a little rainy during this time of year, so take an umbrella, just in case.
Winters can be very cold, rainy, and even snowy and many guest houses close during the winter season.
Is it Worth Visiting Safranbolu?
Safranbolu is one of the prettiest historic towns in Turkey. It is so special that it was granted protection status by UNESCO. It has so much charm and is full not only of wonderful architecture, but also by lots of natural beauty.
This place is rarely visited by foreign tourists and is a bit of a hidden gem. It is true that getting there isn´t so easy, but it isn´t too difficult to get there either.
I would definitely recommend spending at least a couple of days in Safranbolu town and then spend at least one day visiting Amasra. The canyons are great, but not ideal for novices, arrange to go with a guide, so that you can see the best places and enjoy hiking together with an expert.
