Mersin is a large port city spread along the Mediterranean coast of southern Turkey, with the longest seashore in the country and in the Eastern Mediterranean. Long stretches of the waterfront have been rescued with walkways, parks and statues, and palm trees still line the roadsides. The city is made up of four district governorates, each with its own municipality: Akdeniz, Mezitli, Toroslar and Yenişehir.
For a visitor, the practical shape of the city is a coastal strip. The old city centre, with its bazaar-like shopping streets, sits in the Akdeniz district, while the marina and the waterfront hotels lie to the west, and the western suburb of Viranşehir holds the remains of the ancient city of Soli/Pompeiiopolis close to the sea. Çukurova International Airport is the closest international airport, and there are ferry services to Famagusta in Northern Cyprus and trains toward Adana via Tarsus. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not which property to book.
Best areas to stay in Mersin
1. The waterfront and marina area
This is the most comfortable base for a first visit. The city's seafront has been improved with walkways, parks and statues, and the marina functions as a shopping centre with over 40 shops in addition to its main role as a marina. You will find smart, clean places here, including larger efficient hotels right on the water.
It suits first-time visitors, couples and anyone who wants the sea, the promenade and the marina within walking distance. It is the quieter, more polished end of the city rather than the bazaar end, so expect to travel into the old centre for traditional shopping.
2. The old city centre (Akdeniz)
The old city centre is where you find bazaar-like shopping areas and the everyday commercial life of the city. It is the most central base if your priority is being among the shops, streets and museums of the urban core rather than the coast.
It suits travellers who want to be in the middle of things and are comfortable with a busy, built-up environment. Accommodation here is more mixed in character than on the waterfront, and some surrounding streets are rundown, so it is worth checking the immediate location of any place you consider.
3. Mersinli Ahmet Cd and the area east of the centre
The street of Mersinli Ahmet Cd, east of the city centre, has around 20 budget hotels concentrated in its most southern part. This strip used to sit next to the bus station, which has since been demolished, so the future of some of these places is uncertain.
It suits budget travellers and anyone passing through who wants a simple, low-cost bed close to the centre. The trade-off is that the area's main draw as a transport hub is gone, and the quality of what remains varies, so treat it as a functional base rather than a pleasant one.
4. The western suburb of Viranşehir
Viranşehir, meaning Ruined City, is a western suburb where the remains of the ancient city of Soli/Pompeiiopolis stand close to the sea. Two colonnades from the 2nd or 3rd century are the most obvious survivals, with the outline of the agora and a harbour mole just about traceable.
It suits visitors whose main interest is the archaeological site and who prefer a quieter, more residential setting away from the centre. It is a suburb rather than a tourist quarter, so you should expect to rely on transport to reach the centre, the marina and the museums.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: basic hotels, including the cluster of budget places along Mersinli Ahmet Cd east of the centre, and simple establishments near the Grand Mosque area. Expect plain rooms and variable upkeep.
- Mid-range: clean, efficient business-style hotels, several of them along or near the main boulevards, offering dependable service without a waterfront position.
- Splurge: larger, pleasant and efficient hotels on the waterfront, and smart, clean places by the marina, where the setting itself is the main advantage.
Best area for a first visit
Base yourself on the waterfront and around the marina. It puts you on the improved seafront with its walkways, parks and statues, keeps the marina's shops and restaurants close at hand, and offers the most reliable choice of comfortable places to stay. From there you can reach the old city centre and its bazaar streets, the museums and the western archaeological suburb without committing to a single neighbourhood for everything.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Mersin?
Çukurova International Airport is the closest international airport to the city. There are also ferry services from Mersin to Famagusta in Northern Cyprus, and rail links toward Adana via Tarsus.
Where should budget travellers look for accommodation?
Mersinli Ahmet Cd, east of the city centre, has around 20 budget hotels in its most southern part. Note that this strip formerly served the bus station, which has been demolished, so the number of places still operating may change.
Which area is best if I want to be near the sea?
The waterfront and marina area. The city's seafront has been improved with walkways, parks and statues, and the marina also works as a shopping centre with over 40 shops.
Where can I find the ancient ruins near the city?
In the western suburb of Viranşehir, where the remains of the ancient city of Soli/Pompeiiopolis stand close to the sea. Two colonnades from the 2nd or 3rd century are the most visible features.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.