Erzurum is a city that attracts few foreign visitors, not offering much more than ski resorts.
However the University here existing attracts a lot of young people, giving some life to a gray, cold city, even at a time of year when the autumn is come and we are still far from cold temperatures that cover the mountains surrounding the city of snow which lasts until April.
This is a conservative area in religious terms, perhaps due to the proximity to neighbor Iran, in Erzurum is no alcohol sold in supermarkets and restaurants, but there are a few bars and liquor stores selling it.
The stay in Erzurum was short, but necessary on the route to the border with Iran.
Where to stay:
As there are few hotels and many houses shared by the student population, the option in Erzurum went to Couchsurfing, where we were greeted by a group of students from different regions of Turkey, which were excellent hosts, showing the city, sharing views on society, culture and Turkish traditions … and above all sharing delicious home cooking. A very special generosity and hospitality.
Where to eat:
No doubt that the best meals were served at home, prepared by our hosts, and were good examples of traditional Turkish food. However the city center there are the usual restaurants and fast food places like borek and pide.
The excelled pastry Luks Pastanesi, with delicious breakfast, as well as the variety in terms of bread and pastries, served in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Transports:
The bus station is quite far from the city. Major transport companies offer shuttles from the terminal to the center.
Bus tickets can be purchased in various offices of transport companies at Nazik Çarsisi Caddesi, one of the streets perpendicular to the main avenue, Kongre Cd.
For those who want to cross the land border with Iran (Gurbulak-Bazargan) need to find a bus from Erzurum to Doğubayazıt, the last town before the border.
It is difficult to find information on schedules this connection. But around 10 am a bus leave daily from Erzurum Bus Terminal. You can also buy the ticket in one of the existing agencies in the city center that provide transportation to the terminal up to certain parts of the city where the bus passes on the way out of the city.
It is recommended to book the bus ticket, at least one day in advance, because the bus is usually full.
The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours. It costs 30 TL.
