2 Days in Kastamonu: What to See, Do, and Eat

Kastamonu is a sparkling gem located in the western Black Sea region. The city blends natural wonders, a rich historical tapestry, and diverse cultural treasures.

In this remarkable city that has hosted different civilisations for centuries, you can:

Step back in time amid historic structures
Savour traditional Kastamonu cuisine
Soak in nature for stunning photos and fresh air fun

To help you plan your first trip to the city, we’ve prepared a practical route and a handy map.

8 Points

220 km

3.5 h

2 Days in Kastamonu: What to See, Do, and Eat header

Mark Your Favourite Spots to Visit

Spend 2 days in Kastamonu enjoying historic sites, stunning nature, and tasting the city’s rich local cuisine and flavours.

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Day 1

Day 1 is packed with awesome spots in Kastamonu. Start the day at Cem Sultan Bazaar, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed's son, Cem Sultan, in 1469. Wander through its charming arched shops and enjoy a Kastamonu meal at a lovely restaurant.

Next, head over to Münire Sultan Madrasa, featuring a bustling bazaar with many traditional handicrafts from the region, local herbs, souvenirs, and delightful flavours.

Nasrullah Mosque can be your third destination. This excellent complex was built in 1506, during the reign of Sultan Bayazid II. Also, it has a momentous historical significance, because Türkiye’s National Anthem, composed by Mehmet Akif Ersoy, was first read at the Nasrullah Mosque.

Another unmissable attraction of the city is slicing pastrami. Having a distinctive flavour, Kastamonu pastrami is manually sliced using specially produced, very sharp knives. Thus, thinly sliced pastrami has a melt-in-your-mouth consistency and better reveals its flavour.

To tick off notable destinations on your list, you can also visit the Şerife Bacı Monument, Yakup Ağa Madrasa and Kastamonu Castle.

Day 2

On your second day in Kastamonu, the city’s natural attractions will keep you out and about all day long.

Start your day by visiting Çatak Canyon, located 7 km from the Azdavay town centre. The canyon stretches 8 km long and sits at an altitude of 1200 metres. You can absorb the stunning views and frame the shots you’ve long imagined. Also, we highly recommend visiting its glass observation deck.

From there, it’s time to feel the untamed beauty and hidden treasures of Pınarbaşı. Offering an incredible nature hangout away from the crowds, it features caves, historical remnants, monumental tombs, and more.

Your third stop, Horma Canyon, is also perfect for disconnecting from the hectic atmosphere of the big cities. This striking canyon features a wooden walking trail, canyoning tours, and a total of seven waterfalls. The Zara River flows through it and creates a captivating aura you should definitely experience.

Once you get back to the city centre, treat yourself to a rich Kastamonu dinner, with dishes like:

Etli Ekmek
Banduma
Kastamonu Kuyu Kebabı
Simit Tiridi
Çekme Helva

Other prominent flavours in Kastamonu include Taşköprü garlic and Siyez wheat. Taşköprü garlic has a more intense taste, drawn from the region’s soils, which are rich in minerals and vitamins. In the area, 14000 decares of land are dedicated to cultivating Siyez wheat, which is processed into bulgur for consumption.