Things To Do
in Adana
Adana is a sun-soaked southern Turkish city where ancient history meets a vibrant, modern pulse. It sits along the Seyhan River, famed for its fiery Adana kebabı and citrus-scented streets. The city center blends grand mosques, bustling markets, and riverside promenades that invite lingering cafés and friendly conversation.
Surrounded by the Taurus foothills, Adana makes a superb base for day trips into nature and ancient ruins.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Adana, where ancient architecture and modern life coexist. Visit the breathtaking Adana Merkez Park, a perfect spot for enjoying the fresh morning air. Don’t miss the iconic Sabancı Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey, where you can admire its stunning architecture.
After a delightful lunch at a local kebab restaurant, head to the Atatürk Museum to learn about the history of Adana and its significance in Turkish culture. Take a walk along the Seyhan River, where you can enjoy the scenic views and the lively atmosphere. Stop by the stone bridge, Taşköprü, which dates back to the Roman era and offers a glimpse into Adana's rich history.
As the sun sets, explore the vibrant streets filled with local shops and street vendors. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the many traditional Turkish restaurants, sampling regional specialties like Adana kebab. To wrap up your day, relax at a riverside café, sipping Turkish tea while watching the reflections on the water.
Begin your day with a visit to a local market, like the historical Tahtakale Market, to experience the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce and spices. Engage with local vendors and sample traditional Turkish breakfast items such as menemen and olives. After indulging in the local flavors, take time to visit a nearby bakery and enjoy a warm pastry.
Join a cooking class where a local chef teaches you how to prepare authentic Adana dishes, including the famous Adana kebab and various mezes. This immersive experience not only fills your stomach but also connects you with the culinary traditions of the region. After your cooking session, enjoy the meal you've prepared, savoring the fruits of your labor.
Visit a traditional meyhane (tavern) for dinner, where you can enjoy a selection of mezes accompanied by rakı, Turkey's national anise-flavored spirit. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as local musicians might perform traditional Turkish music. End your culinary journey with a sweet treat, such as künefe, at a popular dessert spot.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $40-90 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-7 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entry | $4-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent kebab and fresh local cuisine
- Rich history and stunning riverfront scenery
- Compact center makes it easy to explore on foot
- Good base for day trips to the Taurus mountains and nearby ruins
- Very hot summers can be intense for outdoor activities
- Some areas can be crowded and busier in peak season
- Smaller markets may be cash-only and require some bargaining
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Could you help me?
- "Nerede?" - Where is...?
Places to Visit in Adana
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic river crossing at the Seyhan River with the bridge and river reflections making for atmospheric morning or golden-hour shots.
Grand, sculpted architecture set against a blue sky; striking exteriors and a sense of scale ideal for wide-angle photography.
Walkable waterfront with boats, parks, and bridges; great for sunset silhouettes and candid city life.
Old harbor area and narrow lanes with traditional houses; perfect for street photography and architectural detail.
Ancient mosaics with light filtering across the floor; capture textures and the historical ambiance.
Food in Adana
Adana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hand-minced lamb or beef kebab grilled over charcoal, typically served with flatbread, peppers, and onions.
Must-Try!
A thin, spicy lamb or beef wrap with onions and herbs, best enjoyed from street stalls in the city center.
Liver skewers grilled with a peppery seasoning, a beloved late-afternoon bite in many kebap houses.
A bright bulgur salad with tomato paste, fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil; a refreshing vegetarian option.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for fresh produce, spices, citrus, and ready-to-eat street snacks; an ideal place to try dürüm, tantuni, and seasonal treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Merhaba' and a handshake or a nod; Turks are known for hospitality—accept offers of tea or coffee when invited.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques; remove shoes where required; avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.
Ask before taking photos of people; show appreciation for hosts and meals; use right hand for handshakes and giving/receiving items.
Safety
Tipping in Adana
Ensure a smooth experience
If a service charge isn’t included, a tip of about 5-10% is customary in restaurants; small tips for café staff or taxi drivers are common but not obligatory.
Turkish Lira is widely accepted; credit and debit cards are common in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Some markets and small eateries may be cash-only; ATMs are widely available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated, and use sun protection. Expect crowded streets and abundant terrace dining.
Pleasant and mild, with thinner crowds and comfortable temperatures for walking tours and riverside strolls.
Mild and relatively wet compared with inland Turkey; daytime temperatures are comfortable for city exploration, with cooler evenings.
Bright and lively; ideal for photography and outdoor excursions as gardens and parks bloom along the river.
Adana at Night
Hiking in Adana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rugged, scenic park north of Adana with challenging to moderate trails, canyons, and alpine scenery ideal for a day hike.
Gentler routes offering vantage points over the Çukurova plain and surrounding villages.
Airports
How to reach Adana by plane.
The main airport serving Adana, with domestic and some international routes; convenient taxi or shuttle connections to the city center.
A larger nearby airport offering additional international and domestic flights; roughly a 2–3 hour drive from central Adana.
Major international gateway in the region; farther from Adana but accessible by road or domestic flight connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnically Turkish, with a mix of regional communities and university students.
A sizable segment due to Çukurova University and local institutions.
Smaller Kurdish, Arab, and other communities present within the urban fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local clubs and enthusiastic match viewing around the city.
A steady following with local leagues and community teams.
Culturally rooted sports sometimes seen at festivals or gym locations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Adana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose meze plates, lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), and bulgur salads (kısır). Ask for vegetable dishes without meat or broth; many places can adapt dishes to be meat-free.