Things To Do
in Tokat
Tokat is a historic inland city in northern Turkey, perched along the Yeşilırmak River. It blends Ottoman-era architecture with leafy streets and a friendly, slow-paced cadence. The city is known for its hilltop castle, historic mosques, and a lively traditional bazaar.
Surrounded by green hills and agricultural plains, Tokat offers a relaxed base for exploring central Anatolia with a touch of provincial charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Step into Tokat’s vibrant atmosphere by arriving at the bus station or airport and making your way to the charming city center. Check into your boutique hotel with traditional architectural touches. Begin the day with a warm cup of Turkish tea and freshly baked simit at a local bakery.
Stroll through the historic Gaziosmanpaşa Bazaar where vendors offer spices, dried fruits, and handmade textiles. Sample savory Turkish pide and gözleme from street stalls while chatting with friendly shopkeepers. Explore winding alleys lined with Ottoman-era houses and local handicraft shops that showcase colorful kilims and ceramics.
Dine at a traditional meyhane where you can savor grilled kebabs, stuffed peppers, and meze platters beneath lantern-lit tables. Listen to live folk music as locals celebrate over raki. Take an after-dinner stroll along the Yeşilırmak River, enjoying reflections of ancient bridges under moonlight.
Fuel up on gözleme and Turkish tea before ascending the stone steps of Tokat Castle. Explore centuries-old ramparts and panoramic views over the city and surrounding valleys. Discover hidden cisterns and pigeon houses carved into the limestone.
Descend to the Tokat Museum of Archaeology housed in a restored 19th-century building. Wander through exhibits of Hellenistic statues, Roman mosaics, and Byzantine artifacts unearthed nearby. Consult with knowledgeable curators to learn about Tokat’s place on the Silk Road.
Return to the city center for a dinner of sac tava, slow-cooked lamb in a sizzling pan. Visit a cozy kahvehane (coffeehouse) to sip strong Turkish coffee and play backgammon with locals. Absorb the laid-back rhythm of evening chatter drifting through narrow streets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-50 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨1 night in a budget hotel | $25-50 |
| 🧺Grocery staples for a day | $5-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Historic sights and a relaxed pace of life
- Friendly locals and easy day trips to natural areas
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Some attractions require car or bus trips to reach
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Güle güle" - Goodbye
- "Ne kadar?" - How much is this?
- "Bakar mısınız?" - Excuse me / may I come in?
- "İyiyim, teşekkürler" - I am well, thank you
- "İçecek var mı?" - Do you have a drink?
Places to Visit in Tokat
Visit one of these nice places.
Heroic views over the city and Yeşilırmak river; especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.
A historic square with Ottoman-era houses, arches, and atmospheric light for street photography.
An elegant 16th-century madrasa with ornate stonework and quiet courtyards.
Calm riverside scenes, reflections, and local life along the water’s edge.
Food in Tokat
Tokat Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Turkish dumplings filled with seasoned meat, served with garlicky yogurt and a drizzle of spiced oil; a staple in many local eateries.
Must-Try!
Lentil soup seasoned with spices and a splash of lemon, a comforting starter anywhere in the region.
A hearty lamb or beef kebab with onions and peppers, often enjoyed with pide and salads in traditional lokantas.
A sweet layered pastry with nuts and syrup, widely available in bakeries and dessert shops around the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional covered market offering fresh produce, local cheeses, breads, olives, and sweets; best in the morning.
Grilled meats, simit, gozleme, and other quick bites along the market streets in the evening.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm greeting with 'Merhaba' is common. Hospitality is valued, and offering tea is a polite gesture.
Dress modestly in religious sites and rural areas; show respect in churches and mosques; avoid public displays of affection in conservative settings.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in intimate or private settings.
Safety
Tipping in Tokat
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, leave 5-10% if service is not included; round up taxi fares; tip hotel staff a small amount for service.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming orchards make city walks and market visits particularly pleasant.
Hot and dry; mornings are best for outdoor sightseeing, and plan shade breaks and water stops during the day.
Cooler days with occasional rainfall; ideal for hikes and long strolls through the old town.
Cold and sometimes snowy; enjoy indoor attractions, museums, and warm cafes, with layers if you venture outside.
Tokat at Night
Hiking in Tokat
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Lakeside routes with scenic views, birdlife, and picnic spots near the dam.
A short hike up to the castle ruins with city panoramas and historical ruins.
Rural trails through farmland and forested hills within easy day trips.
Airports
How to reach Tokat by plane.
A small regional airport serving domestic flights; convenient for quick access to the city.
A larger airport in nearby Sivas province, about a couple of hours by road from Tokat.
Major international hub about 350–400 km away; often used for international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The overwhelming majority of residents are ethnic Turkish.
A minority community is present, contributing to local markets and cultural life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local clubs and street games are common throughout the year.
Active youth and school teams; courts are scattered across the city.
Traditional regional wrestling practices appear in rural areas and cultural festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tokat.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; look for mercimek çorbası, bean dishes, and vegetable stews; ask for meat-free preparations when ordering.