Kastamonu is a historic city in Turkey's Western Black Sea region, sitting at roughly 800 metres above sea level in a valley carved by the Gökırmak and Kastamonu streams. Famous for its remarkably well-preserved Ottoman timber architecture, its imposing Byzantine-Ottoman castle, and a culinary tradition built around garlic, chickpea dishes, and cured meats, the city rewards visitors who venture beyond Turkey's coastal and Cappadocian tourist circuits. The surrounding province encompasses Ilgaz Mountain National Park — a winter ski destination — and the dramatic gorges of Küre Mountains National Park, offering some of the finest trekking in northern Anatolia.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Leblebi (roasted chickpeas)
Kastamonu's most famous export — roasted in multiple varieties (salted, spiced, honey). Vacuum-packed versions stay fresh for months. Price: 100–300 TRY (~$3.10–9.30 USD) per 500g
Where: Leblebi Çarşısı, all bazaar vendors
Kastamonu garlic braid (Sarımsak örgüsü)
Braided strings of Kastamonu's locally cultivated garlic; aromatic and milder than commercial varieties. Price: 80–250 TRY (~$2.50–7.75 USD)
Where: Sarımsak Pazarı, Kapalı Çarşı
Handmade copper goods (Bakır)
Traditional Kastamonu coppersmithing: trays, coffee sets, and decorative items. Price: 300–2,000 TRY (~$9.30–62 USD)
Where: Bakır Çarşısı, Gülden Han antique shops
Mountain herbs and teas (Dağ çayı)
Dried sage, thyme, and Black Sea mountain teas unique to the region. Price: 50–150 TRY (~$1.55–4.65 USD) per 100g
Where: Herb vendors in the bazaar
Kastamonu tulum peyniri (cave-aged cheese)
Strong aged cheese stored in goatskin bags; buy vacuum-packed for travel. Price: 200–400 TRY (~$6.20–12.40 USD) per 500g
Where: Saturday market, some bazaar shops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar)
General goods, leblebi, garlic, copperware
Hours: 08:00–19:00
Saturday Pazarı
Fresh produce, cheese, dried goods, clothing
Hours: 07:00–14:00