Adana
The kebab capital: a Roman bridge over the Seyhan, a monumental mosque and legendary grills.
About Adana
Adana is one of Türkiye's largest cities and the undisputed capital of the charcoal grill: the kebab that bears its name (meat minced by knife and grilled over oak charcoal) is protected here with a designation of origin. The city lives along the Seyhan river, crossed by the Taşköprü, a 2nd-century Roman stone bridge that still stands.
Between the Sabancı Central Mosque (one of the largest in the country) and the markets of the centre, Adana is a lively, flavourful city stop between Hatay and the Mersin coast.
What to See in Adana
Taşköprü
A 2nd-century Roman stone bridge over the Seyhan, now pedestrianised, with 14 arches: the symbol of the city.
Sabancı Central Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Türkiye, built beside the river in 1998; its six-minaret silhouette dominates Adana.
The grill houses of the centre
Authentic Adana kebab is minced by knife, grilled over oak charcoal and served with sumac onions and lavaş bread.
Must-See Places
Food in Adana
Adana kebab with its protected designation, şalgam (fermented turnip juice, its inseparable companion), bici bici for dessert in summer and home-made analı kızlı. People come here to eat seriously.
Practical Tips
- Order your kebab 'acılı' (spicy) or 'az acılı' (mildly spicy): if in doubt, start mild.
- The Taşköprü is best at sunset, with the river glowing.
- Adana is a big city: the historic centre can be done on foot, the rest by vehicle.
Getting There
Adana is 2.5–3 hours by road from Antakya and 1 hour from Mersin; the airport serving Adana has direct flights to Istanbul.
Frequently Asked Questions about Adana
How many days do I need to visit Adana?
I recommend spending at least 1 day in Adana so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Adana?
The best time to visit Adana is March to June, September to November. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Adana with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Adana. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Adana from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Adana in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Adana combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Adana with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
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