Things To Do
in Mersin

Thinly sliced spiced beef or lamb quickly fried and served in lavash or durum; a Mersin specialty best found at small street stalls and local tantuni shops.

Must-Try!

A chewy sweet made from carrots, nuts and tahini or sugar syrup — a regional treat originating from the Mersin/Anamur area and sold in confectionery shops.

Fresh Mediterranean fish grilled simply with lemon and herbs; order at seaside fish restaurants near the marina and fisheries market.

A cold, shredded dessert made with starch, syrup and ice — refreshing on hot summer days and commonly found at street vendors.

A handshake and eye contact are common for same-gender greetings; use formal titles and a polite tone with elders. It’s polite to say ‘Merhaba’ (hello) and ‘Teşekkürler’ (thank you).

Dress modestly when visiting mosques and conservative neighborhoods—women should carry a headscarf for mosque visits and both genders should avoid overly revealing clothes in religious sites.

Food and tea offers are common signs of hospitality; it’s polite to accept at least a small portion. Remove shoes when invited into someone’s home if requested.

Public displays of affection may draw attention in conservative areas; be mindful during religious holidays such as Ramadan when eating or drinking in public may be sensitive during daylight hours.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — leave around 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, small change for cafe staff and taxi drivers, and a few TL to hotel porters and room cleaners.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and bigger shops; carry some Turkish lira in cash for markets, small vendors and rural areas. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly supported in the city.

Hot and humid along the coast with long, sunny days — ideal for beach activities and boat trips, but bring sun protection and hydrate; evenings are pleasant and lively.

Mild temperatures, fewer tourists and comfortable conditions for sightseeing and hiking; autumn is harvest time for citrus and vegetables.

Mild coastal winters with occasional rain; nearby Taurus mountain areas can be snowy — good season for lower prices, city museums and cozy cafes.

Blooming countryside, comfortable temperatures and ideal conditions for outdoor pursuits, hiking and visiting archaeological sites before summer heat arrives.

Mix of families, young professionals and long-term residents working in the port, commerce, education and services sectors.

The surrounding province includes farmers and agricultural workers who cultivate citrus, vegetables and other produce sent to regional markets.

Mersin hosts universities and a student population, contributing to cultural events, cafes and a younger urban scene.

A mosaic of ethnic and cultural groups typical of southern Turkey, with conservative rural populations alongside more cosmopolitan urban residents.

Vegetarians will find vegetable mezes, salads, gözleme, pide with cheese and market produce; communicate clearly as many traditional dishes use meat-based broths.

Vegan options exist but are more limited — rely on salads, grilled vegetables, olive oil dishes and lentil soup; ask about butter or yogurt used in certain dishes.

Fresh grilled fish and many salads are naturally gluten-free; check breads, sauces and street wraps (like tantuni) which contain gluten.

Most meat in Turkey is halal and widely available; seafood and vegetable dishes are safe choices if you want to avoid uncertainty.