Kastamonu — city image

Kastamonu Neyi Meşhur?

198 published placesUpdated April 6, 2026

Kastamonu neyiyle meşhur? Kastamonu stands out with its licence plate 37, the Küre Mountains and canyons, its historical castle and Nasrullah area, museums, and its signature pastırma (cured beef) and etli ekmek (meat bread) cuisine.

Quick navigation

City guide

Overview and planning notes.

Kastamonu Travel Guide: Küre canyons, pastırma, and etli ekmek

Quick answer: Kastamonu is known by its licence plate code 37 for the Küre Mountains National Park and Horma–Valla canyons, the Kastamonu Castle and Nasrullah area, and its traditional pastırma and etli ekmek culture.

Build your trip around three pillars

Most travelers in Kastamonu plan their itinerary around canyons and national parks, castles, mosques, and museums, and etli ekmek, mantı, and pastırma stops. To see the full list, you can browse categories on the Kastamonu homepage.

Castle, Nasrullah, and ancient city

Kastamonu Castle, Nasrullah Mosque, and Nasrullah Bridge form the central trio. Kastamonu Castle · Nasrullah Mosque · Nasrullah Bridge.

Kastamonu Clock Tower and Yakupağa Complex are great photography and cultural stops. Kastamonu Clock Tower · Yakupağa Complex.

Pompeiopolis Ancient City and its exhibition hall are best visited together. Pompeiopolis Ancient City · Pompeiopolis Ancient City Exhibition Hall.

Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli Mosque: Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli Mosque.

All historical records: Kastamonu — historical places.

Horma, Valla, and Ilıca Waterfall

Küre Mountains National Park Horma Canyon is the heart of the hiking trail. Küre Mountains National Park Horma Canyon.

Valla Canyon Spiral Terrace and Yukarıalpı Viewing Terrace are perfect for a scenery break. Küre Mountains National Park Valla Canyon Spiral Terrace · Küre Mountains National Park Yukarıalpı Viewing Terrace.

Ilıca Waterfall and Çatak Canyon Glass Viewing Terrace offer alternative nature days. Küre Mountains National Park Ilıca Waterfall · Çatak Canyon Glass Viewing Terrace.

Ilgaz Mountain National Park and Ilgaz Yurduntepe Ski Resort are great winter getaways. Ilgaz Mountain National Park · Ilgaz Yurduntepe Ski Resort.

All park records: Kastamonu — nature and parks.

Museums

Kastamonu Archaeology Museum, Kastamonu City Museum, and the Hat Museum form the backbone of the museum scene. Kastamonu Archaeology Museum · Kastamonu City Museum · Hat Museum.

Rıfat Ilgaz House is a must-visit for literature lovers. Rıfat Ilgaz House.

All museums: Kastamonu — museums and art galleries.

Gastronomy: etli ekmek, pastırma, and mantı

Etli ekmek: Memiş Etli Ekmek, Çakıroğulları Etli Ekmek ve Et Lokantası ve Kasap Ağlı, MEMİŞOĞLU ETLİ EKMEK ve PİDE SALONU.

Pastırma: Tabakoğlu Pastırma, Kastamonu Âlâ Pastırma & Restaurant.

Kuyu kebabı and mantı: Kırcalar Kuyu Kebabı, Kuyu Kebabı Hacının Yeri, Köylüm Mantı Evi.

Breakfast and sucuk: Karabiber Restaurant / Sucuk Dükkanı Kastamonu, Kastamonu Pastırmacısı.

Cafes: Yakupağa Külliyesi Kafe Restoran, Hisar Cafe.

Extensive lists: Popular restaurants, Breakfast spots, Cafes and dessert shops.

Sample 4-day itinerary

Day 1 — City: castle, Nasrullah, and museums; etli ekmek for dinner.

Day 2 — Horma: canyon hike.

Day 3 — Valla or Ilıca: viewing terrace and waterfall.

Day 4 — Ilgaz: skiing or summer highland breeze.

Featured places

Published content; sorted by popularity and rating.

View all

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Kastamonu's licence plate and region?
    Kastamonu is located in the Black Sea Region with the licence plate code 37.
  • Is Horma Canyon challenging?
    The length and ground conditions can be slippery; make sure to wear appropriate shoes, bring a water bottle, and consider guided tours.
  • Why is Kastamonu pastırma famous?
    The city specializes in pastırma production tied to traditional curing methods and local climate conditions.
  • Can you take a day trip to Safranbolu?
    It is in a neighboring province and can be planned as a separate route; this guide only highlights entries within the borders of Kastamonu province.
  • Is Ilgaz ski resort far from the city center?
    It requires traveling towards the Ilgaz border; plan your time and check for snow chains during winter conditions.

Other provinces in the same thematic area.

Community routes

Stops link to place listings.