Adana Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Adana

Adana is a genuine, lively Turkish city where food and history go hand in hand.

• Stone Bridge (Taşköprü) — A Roman bridge over the Seyhan River, among the oldest bridges in the world still in use in some form.
• Sabancı Central Mosque — One of the largest mosques in Türkiye, with six minarets, on the banks of the Seyhan.
• Great Clock Tower — A historic 19th-century clock tower near the old bazaar.
• Old bazaar — Lively market streets selling spices, textiles, copperware and local produce.
• Adana Museum — Archaeological and ethnographic collections from the Çukurova region.
• Yılankale — The ‘Snake Castle’, a medieval hilltop fortress east of the city with sweeping views over the plain.
• Adana kebab — Taste the city’s famous spicy minced-meat kebab, often served with şalgam, a tangy turnip drink.

Best time to visit Adana

Adana has a hot Mediterranean climate. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from October to November, are the most comfortable seasons, with warm, sunny days ideal for walking along the river and visiting castles. Spring is also when the orange trees of the Çukurova plain blossom.

Summer, from June to September, is very hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, so many residents head to the coast or to cooler highland plateaus in the Taurus Mountains. Winters are mild and wetter, with occasional heavy rain but rarely frost in the city.

Getting from the airport

Adana’s long-standing airport, Şakirpaşa, lies close to the city centre. In 2024 the new Çukurova International Airport opened between Adana and Mersin, near Tarsus, roughly 40 km west of central Adana, and commercial flights for the region largely moved there. Check which airport appears on your booking before you travel.

From Çukurova International Airport, shuttle buses, taxis and hotel transfers connect with Adana and Mersin; the drive to central Adana usually takes around 40 minutes to an hour. Car hire is also available at the airport.

Where to stay

Most hotels are in the central districts, close to the river and main avenues.

• Seyhan (city centre) — Near the Stone Bridge, Central Mosque and old bazaar; ideal for sightseeing.
• Reşatbey — A central area with established hotels, shops and restaurants.
• Çukurova district — A modern northern district with malls, newer hotels and dining along Turgut Özal Boulevard.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards are widely accepted; carry lira in cash for markets, kebab shops and dolmuş rides.
• Getting around: Taxis, buses and the metro line serve the city; a car is useful for castles and the coast.
• Heat: In summer, stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun and plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting mosques; women should cover their hair, and everyone removes shoes.
• Language: English is not widely spoken, so a translation app and a few Turkish phrases are helpful.