Erzurum is one of the Eastern Express's long stops. The Çifte Minareli Medrese, the Üç Kümbetler and Erzurum Castle can be visited on foot in the city centre; cağ kebabı is the city's signature dish.

Palandöken, just south of the city, is a ski resort with high altitude and long pistes; depending on snow, the season usually runs from December to April.