Sabancı Merkez Camii
A monumental six-minaret mosque on the Seyhan River, among the largest in Turkey, clad in marble with a 54m central dome
On this page
About Adana
Adana sits at the heart of the Çukurova plain in southern Turkey, on the banks of the Seyhan River about 35 km inland from the Mediterranean. It is the country's fifth-largest city and the commercial hub of ancient Cilicia, a region layered with Roman, Byzantine, Armenian, Hittite, and Ottoman history. The city itself is defined by the colossal Sabancı Merkez Camii, the 2nd-century Roman Taşköprü, the historic clock tower and old bazaar quarter, and a 24-hour street-food scene built around the spicy minced-meat Adana kebab and fermented şalgam juice. The wider province reaches from the Mediterranean coast up to the Taurus Mountains, taking in the dramatic Varda railway viaduct, the ruined cities of Anavarza and Misis, the Hittite reliefs of Karatepe-Aslantaş, the clifftop Yılankale castle, and the cooling waters of Seyhan Lake. Summers on the plain are intensely hot, so the city is best enjoyed in spring and autumn.
- Capital
- Adana
- Largest city
- Adana
- Population
- ~2.27 million
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish Lira
- Time zone
- TRT (UTC+3)
Explore Adana by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Adana
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Taşköprü (Stone Bridge)
A 2nd-century Roman bridge of limestone arches spanning the Seyhan River, one of the world's oldest still in use
Anavarza Ancient City
Extensive Roman and Byzantine ruins with a triumphal arch, mosaics, and a hilltop fortress on the Çukurova plain
Adana Clock Tower and Old Bazaar
A landmark Ottoman-era clock tower beside the historic Kazancılar bazaar in the heart of the old city
Seyhan Lake and Dam
A large reservoir north of the city offering waterside parks, cafes, and rowing along the Seyhan River
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Adana Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Adana, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Adana
- Days 1-2Adana city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Adana
- Days 1-3Adana comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Adana, departure
Where to stay in Adana
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ₺1,400 (about $30)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ₺3,700 (about $80)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ₺9,300+ (about $200+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Sheraton Grand Adana
A riverside 5-star hotel on Haci Sabanci Boulevard in the Seyhan district, the Sheraton Grand Adana overlooks the Seyhan River and forms part of Marriott's portfolio. The property is known for its indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam spa, and extensive views over the river, making it one of Adana's leading international addresses.
Check rates on Booking.comAdana HiltonSA
The Adana HiltonSA is a 5-star hotel on Haci Sabanci Boulevard in the Seyhan district, set beside the Seyhan River with sweeping water views. Its facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with a Turkish bath and sauna, and a riverside garden, and it consistently earns high guest ratings as one of the city's most established luxury hotels.
Check rates on Booking.comDivan Adana
Part of the Turkish luxury Divan chain, the Divan Adana is a 5-star city hotel on Turhan Cemal Beriker Boulevard in the Seyhan district. The hotel offers a spa with a hammam, an indoor pool, a fitness centre, and business facilities, providing a refined and centrally located base close to the river and the business quarter.
Check rates on Booking.comDoubleTree by Hilton Adana
The DoubleTree by Hilton Adana is an upscale Hilton-branded hotel in the Kurtulus area of the Seyhan district. The property features a spa, a fitness centre, restaurants, and bars, and its central location places guests within easy reach of Adana's commercial centre and the riverside landmarks.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Adana
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Kebapci Mahmut (Mahmutoglu)
One of Adana's best-known kebab houses, run by the Mahmutoglu family and famous for its hand-minced lamb Adana kebab grilled over charcoal in the central Resatbey and Ziyapasa restaurant district. The full mangal repertoire is served alongside lahmacun and regional appetizers. It is a dependable introduction to the city's signature dish in the heart of Seyhan.
Yuzevler Kebap
A landmark Adana kebab institution on Ziyapasa Bulvari, widely regarded among the city's top kebab houses and credited with helping spread Adana kebab nationally. The kitchen is known for precise charcoal grilling, generous meze spreads and salgam, and has spawned branches in Istanbul. It is a benchmark address for the classic Adana experience.
Tarihi Adana Kazancilar Kebapcisi
A historic kebab house operating since 1908 in the old Sariyakup neighbourhood near the Buyuk Saat clock tower. It is famous for traditional Adana kebab and liver skewers cooked over charcoal in a no-frills setting, and now also runs a Baraj Yolu branch. It is among the oldest continuously operating kebab addresses in the city.
Onbasilar Kebap
A heritage brand tracing its roots to 1904 and revived in 2009 with the original recipes and chefs. The flagship sits next to Park Zirve overlooking Seyhan Dam Lake, with multiple dining halls and a VIP salon, and specializes in lamb Adana kebab grilled on its signature mangal. The lake-view setting makes it a popular choice for a longer meal.
Sef Kebap Kaburga & Ciger
A popular Adana grill specializing in kaburga (lamb rib) and ciger alongside Adana kebab, on Baraj Yolu around the 5.5 stop. The Korkmaz family kitchen is known for hearty portions of charcoal-grilled meats. It suits diners wanting rib and liver as well as the standard kebab.
Beyzade Kebap & Kasap Steakhouse
An upscale Cukurova kebab and steakhouse on Turgut Ozal Bulvari, blending classic Adana kebab with butcher-cut steaks in a polished setting. It is regularly cited among Adana's higher-end dining options, with a broad meze and dessert selection, and operates several branches across the city. It is a good choice for a more formal grilled-meat dinner.
Getting around Adana
Adana is a compact, flat city that is easy to navigate. A single north–south metro line runs through the centre, supported by frequent municipal buses and shared dolmuş minibuses, all paid with the rechargeable Adana Kart (Kentkart). Scheduled flights now use the new Çukurova International Airport (COV) to the east, which replaced the old Şakirpaşa Airport (ADA) in 2024. Regional TCDD trains link Adana with Mersin and Tarsus across the Çukurova plain, while the 24-hour otogar handles long-distance coaches across Turkey. To reach the province's dispersed sights - Anavarza, Karatepe-Aslantaş, Yılankale, the Varda Viaduct, and the Mediterranean beaches around Karataş and Yumurtalık - a rental car or a hired driver is by far the most practical option.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₺650 (about $14) | ₺2,100 (about $45) | ₺6,000 (about $130) |
| Food (per day) | ₺450 (about $10) | ₺900 (about $19) | ₺2,100 (about $45) |
| Transportation | ₺170 (about $4) | ₺350 (about $8) | ₺700 (about $15) |
| Activities | ₺130 (about $3) | ₺350 (about $8) | ₺500 (about $11) |
| Daily total | ₺1,400 (about $30) | ₺3,700 (about $80) | ₺9,300+ (about $200+) |
Best time to visit Adana
Adana's hot Mediterranean climate makes spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) the ideal windows for sightseeing, day trips, and city exploration. Summer heat on the plain is intense and best reserved for evenings and the coast.
Essential travel tips
- Pair an Adana kebab with şalgam juice and grilled peppers at a traditional kebapçı
- Buy an Adana Kart to use the metro, buses, and dolmuş minibuses
- Visit major mosques outside prayer times and dress modestly
- Rent a car to combine Anavarza, Karatepe, and Yılankale in a single day trip
Safety information
Adana city itself is generally safe for tourists, and the main day-to-day risks are petty theft in crowded areas, busy and aggressive traffic, and the intense summer heat rather than violent crime
Check your government's current travel advice before travelling: the US State Department places Türkiye at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) nationwide, but designates the southeastern provinces - including Adana province near the Syrian border - as Do Not Travel due to terrorism and armed-conflict risk; most of this risk concerns the border zones rather than Adana city, but the advisory should be reviewed
Keep valuables secure and bags zipped and worn across the body in the crowded old bazaar (Kazancılar), around the Great Clock Tower, on the metro, and in dolmuş minibuses
Traffic is fast and pedestrian crossings are not always respected; cross with care, use pedestrian bridges and signals, and watch for motorbikes weaving through traffic
Summers on the Çukurova plain are extreme, regularly exceeding 35°C and often topping 40°C; avoid midday sightseeing in July and August, carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and rest in shade during the hottest hours
Adana lies near the zone of the catastrophic February 2023 earthquakes; the city was less damaged than Hatay or Kahramanmaraş, but Türkiye is highly seismic, so note the exits at any accommodation and follow drop-cover-hold-on guidance if shaking occurs
Drink bottled water, which is cheap and sold everywhere; tap water is chlorinated but most locals and visitors do not drink it
Use the official yellow metered taxis or app-based rides (BiTaksi, iTaksi), confirm the meter is running, and carry small cash for dolmuş and street stalls
Dress modestly when visiting the Sabancı Mosque and other mosques - covered shoulders and knees, and a headscarf for women - and visit outside the five daily prayer times
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Adana?
Entry requirements follow Turkey's national rules. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while others must obtain an e-Visa online or a visa in advance. Requirements vary by nationality, so travellers should check with the nearest Turkish embassy or the official e-Visa website before traveling.
When is the best time to visit Adana?
The best times to visit Adana are spring, from April to early June, and autumn, in October and November, when temperatures are pleasant and humidity is lower. Summers on the Çukurova plain are extremely hot, often exceeding 35°C in July and August, making midday sightseeing uncomfortable. Winters are mild but can be wet, with December the rainiest month.
What food is Adana famous for?
Adana is famous for the Adana kebab, a spicy hand-minced lamb kebab grilled over charcoal and protected by geographical indication. It is traditionally served with grilled peppers and tomatoes, flatbread, sumac onions, and a glass of şalgam, a tangy fermented turnip juice. The city is also known for ciğer (grilled liver skewers) and a vibrant 24-hour street-food culture.
What are the top attractions in Adana?
The top attractions in Adana include the six-minaret Sabancı Merkez Camii, the Roman Taşköprü stone bridge, the ancient city of Anavarza, the Ottoman-era clock tower and old bazaar, and Seyhan Lake. Farther afield, the province offers the Varda Viaduct, the Hittite reliefs of Karatepe-Aslantaş, and the clifftop Yılankale castle.