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

Top things to do in Diyarbakır

Diyarbakır’s walled old town, known as Sur, holds most of the city’s historic sights within walking distance.

• City walls — Walk sections of the immense black basalt fortifications, among the longest and best-preserved in the world.
• Hevsel Gardens — Fertile gardens between the walls and the Tigris, part of the UNESCO-listed landscape.
• Ten-Eyed Bridge (Dicle Bridge) — An 11th-century stone bridge with ten arches spanning the Tigris.
• Great Mosque of Diyarbakır — One of the oldest mosques in Anatolia, with a striking courtyard and reused ancient columns.
• Hasan Paşa Han — A 16th-century caravanserai famous for its cafés serving the city’s generous breakfast spreads.
• Historic churches — Visit the restored Armenian Church of Saint Giragos and the old Syriac and Chaldean churches of Sur.
• Dengbêj House — A cultural house where traditional Kurdish storytellers perform sung narratives.

Best time to visit Diyarbakır

Diyarbakır has very hot, dry summers and cool, fairly wet winters. Spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November) are the most pleasant seasons for walking the walls and exploring the old town on foot.

July and August regularly bring temperatures above 40°C, so sightseeing is best kept to early mornings and evenings. Summer is also the season for the city’s famously large watermelons. Winters are mild to cool, with occasional frost.

Getting from the airport

Diyarbakır Airport is located south-west of the city, a short drive from the old town and main hotel areas. Most international travellers connect through Istanbul or Ankara.

Airport shuttle buses run between the terminal and the city, and taxis wait outside arrivals. Car hire is available for travellers continuing to Mardin, Hasankeyf or other towns in the region.

Where to stay

Choose between the historic atmosphere of the walled city and the convenience of newer districts.

• Sur (old town) — Best for sightseeing, with boutique hotels and restored stone houses close to the main sights.
• Ofis — A lively modern centre just outside the walls, with hotels, shops and restaurants.
• Kayapınar — Newer district with large modern hotels, suited to business travellers.

Travel tips

• Money: Cards are accepted in hotels and larger shops; carry lira for bazaars and breakfast cafés.
• Getting around: The old town is best explored on foot; taxis and buses link it with newer districts.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially in mosques and the old town, and ask before photographing people.
• Safety: Check your government’s latest travel advice for south-eastern Türkiye before travelling and follow local guidance.
• Language: English is limited; a few words of Turkish or Kurdish are warmly received.