Kahramanmaraş is a city of roughly 550,000 people in southeastern Turkey, perched between the Taurus Mountains and the upper Euphrates plain. Famous throughout Turkey and the world for its uniquely stretchy dondurma (ice cream) and fiery Maraş pepper, the city pairs a proud culinary identity with a rich layered history — Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Dulkadirli, and Ottoman — visible in its hilltop castle and archaeology museum. The city was at the epicentre of the devastating February 2023 earthquakes and has undergone significant reconstruction; visitors today witness both historic resilience and ambitious rebuilding alongside remaining ancient monuments.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
Ramada by Wyndham Kahramanmaraş
The city's premium property and only internationally branded hotel. Features indoor pool, fitness centre, full-service spa, bar, and Ramada-standard rooms. Located in the newer Yörükselim district, 15 minutes from the old city.
Maraşlı Konağı
A boutique guesthouse in a restored stone building near the castle. Offers the most atmospheric stay in the city — traditional Ottoman décor, terrace with castle view, and personalised service. Premium rooms with castle view are the standout choice.
Grand Maraş Hotel
The best mid-to-upper city centre hotel with restaurant, room service, and professional staff. Preferred by business travellers. Book a superior room for the highest available city views.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Yörük Sofrası (Premium Table)
Reserve the private terrace room at Yörük Sofrası (Trabzon Caddesi No:22; +90 344 226 8800) for a fully curated Maraş tasting experience — 8-course set menu available for groups on request (3000–5000 TRY per person). Call 48 hours ahead.
Kale Panorama Restaurant (Sunset Dinner)
The top terrace table at Kale Panorama Restaurant (Kale Mahallesi No:18; +90 344 212 8800) commands the best dining view in the city. Reserve the corner table for two for maximum castle-and-cityscape panorama at sunset. Full Turkish menu with regional specialities.
Et Mangal Ustası (Signature Meat Experience)
Et Mangal Ustası (Barbaros Mahallesi No:18; +90 344 236 7700) offers premium lamb chops and steaks from locally sourced Kahramanmaraş lamb — the region's lamb is prized across southeastern Turkey. Reserve a private booth and specify the kuzu pirzola (lamb chops) preparation.