Travellers who have all of the world’s major historic and unique locations on their bucket list must add Canakkale to their travel itinerary too. This bustling metropolis is a seaport that dates back to 4000 BC. It is also the closest city to the ancient ruins of Troy, famous for being the site of the legendary Trojan War. Canakkale also came to prominence during the Gallipoli Campaign held at the Gallipoli Peninsula during World War I. There are a number of historical sites and museums throughout the city, along with cool restaurants and shops where you can buy handmade souvenirs. Read on for our list of the best things to do in Canakkale, Turkey.
1. Catch a glimpse of the past at Canakkale at Kent Müzesi
Canakkale City Museum & Archive, or Kent Müzesi, is a great place to begin your exploration of the city. The museum contains two permanent exhibitions that display artefacts and information about the history of Canakkale. These exhibits date back to the Antique Period, Ottoman Period, and the Gallipoli Wars of 1915. What is interesting about the exhibits is that they contain artefacts like inhabitants’ letters and photographs to provide a high level of detail about these historical periods all the way up to the present.
Kent Müzesi
Address: Kemalpaşa, Fetvane Sk. No:31, 17100 Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Website: Kent Müzesi
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free entry
2. Walk around the gardens at Çimenlik Kalesi
Another place to learn about Canakkale’s military history is at Çimenlik Kalesi, the city’s fortress castle. The castle was built in the early 1460s by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. This was not a castle for royalty; it was a defense fortress on the city’s shores to defend against invaders trying to sail up the Bosphorus strait. The castle consists of a rectangular outer wall surrounding a main tower in the center. In between the wall and the tower are lovely gardens and two mosques. Though the castle is a must-see for history buffs, the castle is a beautiful old building set right on the water, and everyone will enjoy the picturesque views.
Çimenlik Kalesi
Address: Fevzipaşa, Fevzipaşa Mahallesi Yalı Caddesi, Çimenlik Sk. no 46, 17100 Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Website: Çimenlik Kalesi
3. Purchase a souvenir at Kepenek Keramik
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another way to learn more about the culture of Canakkale–and maybe buy yourself a souvenir–is by visiting the Kepenek Keramik workshop and store. Ceramics manufacturing has been part of life in Canakkale for a long time, and nowhere is this art on better display than at Kepenek Keramik. The featured products include colorfully glazed terracotta bowls, plates, and mugs. You can also purchase a small figurine like a wheeled Trojan horse to decorate your home and remind you of your visit.
Kepenek Keramik
Address: Kemalpaşa, YALIHANI,28, 17000 Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 8:30pm; Sun: 10:30am - 7pm
Price: Free
4. Marvel at Nusret Mayın Gemisi
Another important historical site in Canakkale is Nusret Mayın Gemisi, a life-sized replica of a naval ship which is located at the city’s waterfront. The Nusret played an important part in the Gallipoli Campaign as a minelayer. The ship was used by the Turkish navy until 1955. After that, it was used by the civilian navy as a dry cargo ship until 1999. The original ship is docked in Mersin, but the replica you can visit in Canakkale was built in 2011.
Nusret Mayın Gemisi
Address: Fevzipaşa Mahallesi Yalı Caddesi Çimenlik Sokak Deniz Müzesi Komutanlığı, 17100 Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Price: Free
5. Learn about the Trojan war at Troya Müzesi
One of the reasons visitors flock to Canakkale is because this is the closest metropolis to the ancient city of Troy. Troy was a city founded over 4000 years ago and was the site of the legendary Trojan War from Homer’s Iliad. Although the city was long thought to be a legend, its ruins were discovered in the early 2000s near Canakkale. Now the city is home to Troya Müzesi, where visitors can learn all about life in this ancient city and the epic Trojan War. This state-of-the-art museum contains artifacts, statues, jewelry, and sarcophagi that have been unearthed in archaeological discoveries. Even those who aren’t big fans of museums will be fascinated by the interactive exhibits that explain the history and culture of this fascinating ancient city. There is also a short video visitors can watch to learn about the Trojan War.
Troya Müzesi
Address: 17100 Tevfikiye/Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Website: Troya Müzesi
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 7 USD onwards
6. See the beautiful cemetery at Yalı Camii
The main religion in Turkey is Islam, and one of the most well-known mosques in the city of Canakkale is Yalı Camii or Konak Mosque. This beautiful building dates back to the mid-1800’s, although the older buildings of the mosque burned down before then. It has a towering minaret which can be seen from miles around. All are welcome to visit the mosque, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Next to the mosque is a cemetery with interesting headstones and tombs, some of which date back over 200 years.
Yalı Camii
Address: Kemalpaşa, 17100 Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Price: Free entry
7. Enjoy coffee or wine at Yalı Hanı
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
After a day touring around Canakkale on foot, you might be ready to sit for a while and enjoy a traditional Turkish meal. There is no prettier cafe in the whole city than Yalı Hanı. This popular teahouse sits in a wisteria-covered courtyard where diners can eat, drink, and chat for hours in a peaceful atmosphere. As the day goes on, the teahouse becomes a popular nightlife spot that also serves as a performance venue and even hosts film festivals sometimes. The cafe is a cultural institution as well as a restaurant, and the events and the art exhibitions inside the building attract an artsy, bohemian crowd.
Yalı Hanı
Address: Kemalpaşa, Fetvane Sk. No:31, 17000 Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Opening hours: 8am - 12am (daily)
8. Sit in the lively square around Saat Kulesi
One of the most recognizable attractions in Canakkale is the beautiful Clock Tower or Saat Kulesi. This five-story tall tower sits in the middle of a popular square not far from the waterfront. It was constructed in the late 1800s with money from an Italian consul who explicitly stated in his will that the money was to go towards a clock tower. The building has four sides, and each side has a clock face near the top. The central location of the square makes it a lively spot, perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee or a snack and people watching.
Clock Tower
Address: Kemalpaşa Mh, 17100 Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
9. Get a selfie with the Trojan Horse
Although historians are still not certain whether the Trojan War actually took place as described in Homer’s Illiad, almost everyone is familiar with the story’s most famous plot: the Trojans welcomed a gift of a large wooden horse, which was full of Greek soldiers who then invaded the city. The war was told in movie form in the 2004 film starring Brad Pitt. After the filming was completed, the giant wooden horse prop used in the movie was gifted to the city of Canakkale as a token of appreciation. It now sits proudly along the waterfront and is a popular spot for visitors to take pictures.
Trojan Horse
Address: Cevat Paşa, Kayserili Ahmet Paşa Cd. No:31, 17000 Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Experience history in a new way at Çanakkale'nin Evlatları
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of Canakkale’s most pivotal events was the Gallipoli Campaign, which occurred between 1915 and 1916. Britain, France, and Russia invaded the Gallipoli Peninsula in an attempt to weaken the Ottoman Empire. The conflict ended with an Ottoman victory, but nearly a quarter-million soldiers on both sides lost their lives. The experience and impact of this conflict are communicated to a new generation at Çanakkale'nin Evlatları. This unique, digital museum tells the story of the conflict through footage, video interviews, and interactive maps. It is worth a visit both to learn about the seriousness of the campaign, and to experience history in a new, inventive way.
Çanakkale'nin Evlatları
Address: Kemalpaşa, 17000 Çanakkale Merkez/Çanakkale, Turkey
Price: Free entry
An exciting city with thousands of years of history
There are few cities that have remained active for as long as Canakkale. The city dates back almost 6,000 years, yet it still remains vibrant and contemporary today. Any fans of Illiad or ancient history should plan a trip to Canakkale at some point in their lives. The city may be old, but you can still learn a lot of new things at its historic sites and enriching museums.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
