Adana Turkey Travel Guide 2026: Kebabs, History and the Cilician Plain

Adana is the largest city on southern Türkiye’s Çukurova plain, on the Seyhan River, and it is best known for Adana kebab. It has a Roman-era bridge, a major mosque on the river, a museum quarter and warm weather for most of the year. Most visitors come for a day or two of eating, and use it as a gateway to the eastern Mediterranean coast and the Cilician sites inland.

Adana at a glance

Detail	Summary
—	—
Best for	Adana kebab, Roman and Cilician history, the eastern Mediterranean
Time to allow	1 to 2 days (our suggestion)
Best months	March to May and October to November
Airport	Adana (ADA)
Base	The city center along the Seyhan River

What to see

The Taş (Stone) Bridge

The Taş Bridge crosses the Seyhan River and dates to Roman times, credited to the architect Auxentios in the 2nd century AD. It is one of the oldest bridges still in use anywhere.

Sabancı Central Mosque

The Sabancı Central Mosque stands on the river near the dam reservoir, and it is one of the largest mosques in Türkiye. Dress modestly, and visit outside prayer times.

Museums and old houses

A new museum complex brings together archaeology and mosaics, and the Tepebağ area has historical houses. Check which parts are open. The Ramazanoğlu Mansion is another old house worth a visit.

Anavarza and the coast

Anavarza is an ancient city inland, on UNESCO’s Tentative List. Karataş and Yumurtalık, coastal districts to the south, are known for fresh seafood in every season.

Eating in Adana

Adana kebab is minced lamb, shaped by hand onto wide skewers and grilled over charcoal. The local telling is that the meat must come from a one- or two-year-old male lamb, free of sinew, rested for a day and minced with a knife. It is eaten with lavash and onions, and washed down with şalgam, a spicy turnip juice. See our food guide.

A day in Adana (suggested plan)

Morning. The Taş Bridge, the river walk and the Sabancı Central Mosque.
Midday. Adana kebab for lunch with şalgam.
Afternoon. The museum complex and Tepebağ, then a coffee in the old center.

When to go

Adana has a hot, humid summer and a mild winter. March to May and October to November are the most comfortable months, and July and August bring highs of about 34 to 35°C.

Month	Average high (°C)	Average low (°C)	Rainy days	Sunshine (hours a day)
—	—	—	—	—
Jan	14.9	5.3	11	4.5
Feb	16.2	6.1	10	5.4
Mar	19.5	8.3	10	6.1
Apr	23.8	12	9	7.2
May	28.3	15.9	6	9
Jun	31.8	19.9	3	10.5
Jul	33.9	23.1	1	10.7
Aug	34.8	23.5	1	10.1
Sep	33.2	20.3	3	9
Oct	29.1	15.9	5	7.5
Nov	22.7	10.9	7	6
Dec	16.9	7	10	4.4

Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), Adana station, 1929 to 2025.

Getting there and around

Adana has an airport and rail links, including the Taurus Express route, and long-distance buses. In the city, most sights are along the river. See our getting around guide.