Your stay — Van Backpackers hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Van.
The Property — Van Backpackers hostel
Van Backpackers hostel is a social, laid-back 3-star hostel in the heart of Van city, Turkey. Its modern, minimalist aesthetic is punctuated by local textiles and artwork, creating a welcoming atmosphere for like-minded travellers. The hostel's USP lies in its rooftop lounge, which offers panoramic views of Lake Van and Mount Ararat. This is a great choice for solo travellers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a chill base to explore Eastern Turkey.
Chronicles of Van
Van city has a rich history dating back to 3,000 BC, with the ancient Urartian kingdom leaving behind a legacy of impressive fortifications and archaeological sites. The city's architecture reflects its strategic location at the crossroads of the Silk Road, with a blend of Ottoman, Armenian, and Persian influences. Today, Van is a culturally vibrant city, with a strong sense of community and a thriving arts scene. The city is also home to the world-renowned Van Cathedral, a stunning 9th-century church built by the Armenian Apostolic Church. The city's history and cultural heritage are palpable in its narrow streets, bustling markets, and welcoming locals.
Best Time to Visit
Full Van guide →Best months
June and September are ideal months to visit Van, with pleasant temperatures (18-25°C) and manageable crowds. The summer months bring long, warm days perfect for exploring the surrounding mountains and lake, while the shoulder season offers a chance to experience the city's festivals and events without the peak-season prices.
Peak / festival surge
July is the peak tourist month in Van, driven by the Van Lake Festival, which attracts visitors from across Turkey. Expect higher prices and larger crowds during this time, but the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the city's rich cultural heritage. The festival features traditional music, dance, and food, as well as boat racing and water sports on Lake Van.
Budget shoulder season
April and May are great shoulder months to visit Van, with mild temperatures (10-20°C) and fewer crowds. Prices are lower, and you can enjoy the city's parks and gardens in bloom, making it an excellent time for nature lovers and photographers.
Weather & packing
Van's climate is characterized by cold winters and hot summers, with a unique weather quirk: the city experiences a phenomenon called the 'Van fog', a thick fog that rolls in during the winter months. Pack layers for your visit, including a warm jacket and waterproof gear, as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.
Live City Briefing — Van
- The Van City Museum of History and Ethnography has recently reopened after a major renovation, featuring new exhibits on the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
- The Van Bus Terminal has been upgraded with new bus shelters and improved facilities, making it easier for visitors to get around the city.
- The city's popular Sunday market, Van Pazarcısı, has been relocated to a new site near the city center, offering a wider range of stalls and a more convenient shopping experience for visitors.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Van Backpackers hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Room 3 and above on the top floor (third floor or above) are recommended as they are farther away from the lift and service entrance noise.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms 1 and 2 on the ground floor are best avoided due to potential street noise, especially during peak hours.
Best views
Given the hotel's location in Van, the higher floors (three and above) will offer a better view of the surrounding city.
Quietest floors
The second and third floors are likely to be the quietest, away from the lift and service entrance.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise is possible on the ground floor, while the lift and service entrance may generate some noise on lower floors.
Insider tips
1. When checking in, ask for a room with a window facing the east for a better view. 2. If arriving by car, inform the hotel in advance for assistance with parking, as spaces may be limited.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Van Backpackers hostel
free, 50 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, no historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) via laptop/tablet only
check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00, early bag-drop available, late check-out fee: 50 TRY
available for 5 TRY per bag, per day
step-free access, wheelchair entries, some structural limitations in common areas
on-site parking available for 20 TRY per night, nearest public car park: 500 m away for 15 TRY per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: 2.50 TRY per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Deposit & card hold: 200 TRY advance deposit, 100 TRY incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: Ezberciler Camii (78 m · ~1 min walk)
- Mosque: Yakutlar Mescidi (204 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Fakirullah Camii (217 m · ~3 min walk)
- Mosque: Sezenler Camii (283 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Van Mall — 160 m · ~2 min walk
İpekyolu Belediyesi Feqiyê Teyran Parkı — 291 m · ~4 min walk
Van Devlet Tiyatrosu — 477 m · ~6 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 831 m · ~10 min walk
Nefes Eczanesi — 38 m · ~1 min walk
Koton — 205 m · ~3 min walk
Dolmusi Station / Otogar — 1.3 km · ~16 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Turkish Lira, TRY
You can exchange currency at airports or banks, but rates are often poor; use an ATM for better rates or exchange at a local bank. Be cautious of commission fees at tourist bureaux.
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops, but cash is preferred for street stalls and small markets; contactless payments are less common but becoming more accepted
Tipping is not expected but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10 TRY for good service is appreciated; for taxis, round up the fare or give 5-10 TRY
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Get a strong Turkish coffee for around 5-10 TRY at a local café
Enjoy a kebab or sandwich at a street food stall for around 20-30 TRY
Try a traditional Turkish meal at a local restaurant for around 40-60 TRY for a main course
Explore the food stalls and markets around the Van Castle and city center for affordable eats
Safeway and Migros are common supermarket chains in the area
Haggle at the local bazaar or markets for affordable clothing and textiles
Buy a Van Metropolitan Municipality public transportation card for around 10 TRY per ride, or use the city's bus network for around 2-3 TRY per ride
Avoid eating at touristy restaurants, use public transportation instead of taxis, and try to learn some basic Turkish phrases to get better deals at markets
Good to know — Van
Type C/F · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₺46.98 · TRY
Emergency Contacts
VanWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Van, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Van Backpackers hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 831 m · ~10 min walk — pharmacy · Nefes Eczanesi — 38 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Van Ferit Melen Airport (VAN) → Büyük Asur Oteli, Cumhuriyet Cad.
💡 Agree the fare before getting in; official yellow taxis have meters but some drivers quote flat rates. Have small notes ready.
Van Ferit Melen Airport → Van Otogar (central bus station)
💡 The shuttle drops at Otogar, a 10-min walk from Büyük Asur Oteli. Don't rely on it for late flights—last departure is around 10pm.
Van Otogar → Büyük Asur Oteli (Cumhuriyet Cad. stop)
💡 Pay with Van Kart or exact change; drivers won't give change. Route 1 or 2 both pass Cumhuriyet Caddesi.
Any main street near Büyük Asur Oteli → Van city center / İskele Caddesi
💡 Doluş minibuses pack in passengers—flag one down anywhere on Cumhuriyet Cad. They're faster than city buses but less comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Van Backpackers hostel?
Room 3 and above on the top floor (third floor or above) are recommended as they are farther away from the lift and service entrance noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Van Backpackers hostel?
Rooms 1 and 2 on the ground floor are best avoided due to potential street noise, especially during peak hours.
Is Van Backpackers hostel noisy?
Street noise is possible on the ground floor, while the lift and service entrance may generate some noise on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at Van Backpackers hostel?
Given the hotel's location in Van, the higher floors (three and above) will offer a better view of the surrounding city.
What are insider tips for staying at Van Backpackers hostel?
1. When checking in, ask for a room with a window facing the east for a better view. 2. If arriving by car, inform the hotel in advance for assistance with parking, as spaces may be limited.
What time is check-in at Van Backpackers hostel?
Check-in at Van Backpackers hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Van Backpackers hostel have Wi-Fi?
free, 50 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Van Backpackers hostel?
2.50 TRY per person per night (mandatory city tax)
Where can I eat cheaply near Van Backpackers hostel?
Enjoy a kebab or sandwich at a street food stall for around 20-30 TRY
What is the cheapest way to get around from Van Backpackers hostel?
Buy a Van Metropolitan Municipality public transportation card for around 10 TRY per ride, or use the city's bus network for around 2-3 TRY per ride
When is the best time to visit Van?
June and September are ideal months to visit Van, with pleasant temperatures (18-25°C) and manageable crowds. The summer months bring long, warm days perfect for exploring the surrounding mountains and lake, while the shoulder season offers a chance to experience the city's festivals and events without the peak-season prices.
Top Attractions in Van
💡 Best at sunset for the light on the water. Local tea sellers park carts nearby – a glass of çay costs 5 TL.
💡 Go at sunrise for fewer crowds and a good view of the citadel and Mount Suphan. The museum inside costs a few lira, but the fortress exterior is free.
💡 Check the back garden for stone carvings and Hittite-style reliefs. Combine with the castle visit. Closed Mondays.
💡 Wear sturdy shoes – the paths are rough and some walls are unstable. Bring insect repellent in summer. Go early for the best light.
💡 The ferry costs about 20 TL each way (2024). Go early morning to avoid midday heat and tourist groups. No food on the island – bring water and snacks.