Kastamonu is a historic city in Turkey's Western Black Sea region, sitting at roughly 800 metres above sea level in a valley carved by the Gökırmak and Kastamonu streams. Famous for its remarkably well-preserved Ottoman timber architecture, its imposing Byzantine-Ottoman castle, and a culinary tradition built around garlic, chickpea dishes, and cured meats, the city rewards visitors who venture beyond Turkey's coastal and Cappadocian tourist circuits. The surrounding province encompasses Ilgaz Mountain National Park — a winter ski destination — and the dramatic gorges of Küre Mountains National Park, offering some of the finest trekking in northern Anatolia.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Kastamonu.
-
1
Kastamonu Castle
-
2
Küre Mountains National Park
-
3
Valla Canyon
-
4
Kastamonu City Museum
-
5
Mahmut Bey Mosque (Kasaba)
-
6
Ilgaz Mountain National Park
-
7
İnceğiz Cave
-
8
Nasrullah Meydanı (Central Square)
-
9
Kastamonu Ethnography Museum
-
10
Kastamonu Leblebi Çarşısı
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.