2 Days in Afyonkarahisar: What to See, Do, and Eat

Spending a day in Afyonkarahisar, at the centre of western Anatolia, is a great introduction to a Turkish city renowned for its natural therapy offerings.

Often called “the thermal capital of Türkiye”, it boasts thermal, physical therapy, and medical spa facilities, generously inviting you to simply relax and rejuvenate. Additionally, Afyonkarahisar stands out with its distinctive cultural texture, fascinating natural landscapes, and tempting local delicacies.

In this 2-day route, we present ideas to get you packing your bags and exploring the city’s top attractions and landmarks.

5 Points

140 km

2.5 h

2 Days in Afyonkarahisar: What to See, Do, and Eat box

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Explore Afyonkarahisar in 2 days with our map-based route to top sights, thermal facilities, and Phrygian Valleys.

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Day 1

There’s a reason why Afyonkarahisar is synonymous with health tourism. In the city’s thermal hotels and centres such as İhsaniye Gazlıgöl, Bolvadin, and Sandıklı, you can enjoy:

Thermal pools
Mud baths
Saunas
Jacuzzis
Steam, massage, aromatherapy, and skin care rooms.

The temperatures in the hot springs range between 42 and 53 degrees Celsius, making them perfect destinations to unwind.

And food lovers will be spoilt with Afyonkarahisar’s culinary delights, offering both Aegean and Anatolian flavours. For lunch, you should definitely try Afyon kebap, prepared with diced meat and yoghurt. Cream (Afyon kaymağı) is another flavour-packed treat that delights with every bite. It is produced from buffalo milk and is mostly preferred at breakfast, in local desserts such as ekmek kadayıfı and Turkish delights.

After lunch, visit Karahisar Castle and the War of Independence and Martyrs’ Monuments. The castle, standing 226 metres high with a gorgeous view, was used to store the state treasury during the Ottoman era.

Afyonkarahisar played a crucial role in the War of Independence as the starting point of the Great Offensive led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. By visiting monuments and martyrs’ cemeteries, you’ll have a chance to pay tribute to the heroic soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives.

Day 2

On your second day, prepare to be dazzled by the scenic landscapes of the Phrygian Valleys. Stretching across a vast terrain, the valleys feature rock formations, historical and ancient remnants bearing the traces of the Phrygian Civilisation.

Presenting 3000 years of history, the region’s stone monuments, rock settlements, open-air temples, fairy chimneys, and stunning natural beauty never fail to impress. Here are the spots you shouldn't miss:

Aslankaya Temple
Göynüş Valley
Ayazini Remnants
Himmet Baba Tomb
Kapıkaya Monuments

Also known as the Tomb of Solon, the Aslankaya Temple, with its intricate carvings and ornate decorations, leaves a lasting impression. As a prominent archaeological site in the Phrygian Valley, the Ayazini Metropolis offers numerous rock tombs, settlements, churches, and chapels. Ayazini Village is often called Phrygia’s heart and perfectly reflects the diverse cultures that have developed throughout the region’s history.

After this historical expedition, explore Afyonkarahisar’s famous marble production sites in the city centre. With its rich and high-quality marble beds, Afyonkarahisar is one of the few cities where the marble sector is highly developed.

To wrap up your day, enjoy Afyon sausage and ekmek kadayıfı for dinner. Afyon sausage is obtained from the meat of the animals that are carefully raised in the region, and one bite of it makes you fall in love with the city’s flavours! Ekmek kadayıfı, the region’s signature dessert, is an unforgettable taste you simply should not miss.