Lake Van
The triangular Shakwan Lake, located in the western part of the city, is the prominent stunning tourist attraction and one of the largest closed lakes in the world in Van. With an area of 3755 square kilometers, this saltwater lake is the largest in Turkey and the home to three famous islands of Akdamar, Çarpanak, and Adir. Take a boat ride to feel the blue water and snap some of the best amazing shots for your Instagram!
ÇAĞDAŞ Aqua Park
Turkey is typically the home to popular recreational centers and water parks. ÇAÄžDAÅž Aqua Park is one of Turkey’s most famous water parks, making your trip to Turkey a memorable adventure experience for those interested in these water parks. It’s the only water park in Van opened in 2011 and the first water park in the Eastern Anatolia region. With 1,500 square meters of a covered building, this recreational complex houses facilities such as a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and water slides.
Van Cat House
Van Cat House is another tourist center in Van’s city as a foundation to support cats. You’ll find beautiful and lovely cats of all ages that are the symbol of Van. If you’re an animal lover or a supporter, Van Cat House is just the right option. In 1999, it was opened to protect and preserve a rare species of felines living in Van on the verge of extinction. These cats have white and furry bodies, and their eyes are different from each other. Locals believed that the cats were the only pair of cats Noah put on his ark. The House provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about cats, feed them, and even play with them.
Castle of Van
Castle of Van, located 3 km from the city center, is an ancient castle west of the city and Lake Van’s east. The lower walls are made of basalt, and the rest made of clay bricks. One of the wonders that attract a lot of tourists, mostly Iranians, is a valuable inscription at the height of 20 meters on a rock near Castle of Van, which was initially designed by Darius the Great; and then was completed in the time of Xerxes the Great, Darius’ son. This inscription is the only Achaemenid inscription outside Iran written in three languages: Ancient Persian, Akkadian, and Elamite.
Ulu Cami
Ulu Cami Mosque is a large rectangular building with 20 domes in 4 rows and 12 columns. It houses two tall minarets and a spring inside for followers to perform ablutions with water before prayers. This stunning monument attracts many tourists to its grander Ottoman architecture.