Things To Do
in Kahramanmaraş
Kahramanmaraş is a historic inland city in southern Turkey at the foot of the Nurhak Mountains, blending Ottoman-era mosques with modern neighborhoods. It is famed for Maraş dondurması, tarhana, and hearty pide, served in lively markets and traditional lokantas. Surrounded by mountains and fertile plains, the city offers scenic viewpoints, ancient mosques, and a gateway to mountain trails.
Its warm hospitality and evolving cafe scene make it a compelling base for cultural exploration and day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day wandering through the vibrant Old Bazaar of Kahramanmaraş, where the scent of freshly roasted coffee fills the air. Explore the labyrinth of shops selling traditional spices, handmade textiles, and local crafts. Engage with friendly shopkeepers to learn about the region’s rich trading history and artisanal heritage.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby eatery serving authentic Maraş kebab and gözleme. Afterward, visit the nearby Zincirli Bedesten, an ancient covered market that showcases Ottoman architecture and offers unique souvenirs. Take time to appreciate the intricate stonework and lively atmosphere of this centuries-old marketplace.
As dusk settles, sip on a cup of Maraş dondurma, the famous stretchy ice cream, while strolling through the illuminated streets. Relax at a traditional tea house, savoring local herbal teas and listening to the soft melodies of Turkish classical music. Reflect on the day’s discoveries amidst the warm glow of lantern-lit alleys.
Begin with a hike up to the imposing Kahramanmaraş Castle perched on a hill overlooking the city. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and urban landscape while exploring the castle’s ancient walls and towers. Learn about the strategic importance of this fortress throughout history from informative plaques along the path.
Descend into the city center to visit the nearby Kahramanmaraş Archaeology Museum, where you can view artifacts spanning the Bronze Age to the Ottoman period. Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local specialties such as maraş tarhana soup and spicy meat dishes. Spend some time in the adjacent cultural park, relaxing beneath shaded trees and fountains.
Head to a rooftop café to watch the sunset paint the sky over the castle and cityscape. Dine on freshly grilled kebabs accompanied by regional wines while enjoying live Turkish folk music performances. End your evening with a peaceful walk along the city’s historic streets, soaking in the tranquil nighttime ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| 🥖Loaf of bread | $0.50-2 |
| 🚆Local transport ticket (one-way) | $0.50-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and architecture
- Famous Maraş dondurması and tarhana
- Warm hospitality and affordable travel
- Gateway to Nurhak Mountains and nature
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger Turkish cities
- Hilly terrain can be challenging for some walkers
- Some areas may be crowded in peak season
- Language barrier outside tourist zones
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Nerede ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Afedersiniz" - Excuse me
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "İngilizce konuşur musunuz?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Kahramanmaraş
Visit one of these nice places.
Grand Mosque surroundings with historic stone houses and atmospheric evening light.
Bustling lanes and colorful storefronts ideal for street photography and candid portraits.
Panoramic shots of the surrounding plains and hillside landscapes, especially at sunrise or sunset.
A vantage point offering sweeping city views across rooftops and minarets.
Food in Kahramanmaraş
Kahramanmaraş Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A famously elastic ice cream made with sahlep and mastic; seek it from traditional dondurmacıs in the city center.
Must-Try!
A tangy herbal soup made from fermented yogurt and cereals, perfect as a warming starter.
A tray-baked savory pastry with cheese and herbs, often enjoyed with tea.
Hearty, grain-based dishes common in regional kitchens; look for seasonal variations at lokantas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market area where you can sample street foods like simit, gözleme, and kebabs, and pick up fresh produce.
Street vendors line pedestrian zones offering quick bites with local spices and herbs.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a friendly 'Merhaba' (hello) and a handshake; address elders with respect.
Modest attire is respectful, especially in religious sites; avoid public displays of affection in conservative areas.
Ask before photographing people, especially in traditional settings or religious sites.
Remove shoes in mosques and follow local guidelines on modest dress and behavior.
Safety
Tipping in Kahramanmaraş
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants commonly add a service charge; if not, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated. Taxis typically expect small tips, rounding to the nearest lira.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry; expect high daytime temperatures. Hydrate, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.
Cold with possible snow and frost in higher elevations. Pack warm layers and check road conditions for mountain routes.
Mild temperatures with blooming landscapes; ideal for walking tours and outdoor photography.
Pleasant and breezy with gradually cooling nights; great time for city strolls and market visits.
Kahramanmaraş at Night
Hiking in Kahramanmaraş
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested routes with panoramic views and alpine scenery, suitable for day hikes.
Easy to moderate day hikes along scenic river canyons near the city.
Airports
How to reach Kahramanmaraş by plane.
Domestic flights and regional connections; 20-40 minutes from city center by car or taxi.
Larger international gateway about 150 km away; good for longer international connections.
Major hub in the region about 180 km away; frequent domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Young professionals and families in the city center; a growing service and education sector.
Outlying towns and villages that contribute to local markets and produce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local clubs and matchday crowds in the city and nearby towns.
Popular at schools and local gyms; occasional regional games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kahramanmaraş.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most meze, soups, breads, and vegetable-forward dishes can be enjoyed; ask for olive oil-based dishes and avoid meat-based broths. For soups, request no meat stock or use stock alternatives.