Throughout the city there are several masaajid including the Abdullatif Masjid located in the Cumhuriyet Bazaar, Reyhaniye Masjid in the Hasan Ayyar Bazaar and the Kale Masjid inside the Mardin fortress. Almost every neighbourhood in the city has a masjid. The city also has a considerable share of madarsas with the most prominent being the Zinciriye Madarsa.

The culture of Mardin has the imprint of various ancient civilizations that have thrived in the area. The Mardin Castle, Erdemest Fortress and Arur Fortress are excellent to visit. Travellers can just travel along the main street in the old city that traverses along the entire city completing a loop. This street is called as the Cadde or Cumhuriyet Caddesi. The old city is easily accessible on foot around which visitors can see the beautiful architecture and old houses built of stone. The other historic sites in the city are Madarsa of Kasim Padisah and Harizm Madarsa. The Madarsa of Kasim Padisah is located around the tomb of Kasim Padisah.

The Citadel (Kale) is located on the hill overlooking the old city. The citadel is housed inside the military zone and is closed for visitors. From all around the city, travellers can enjoy a view of the plains of Mesopotamia. The Mardin Museum is a beautiful building, which served as the former residence of the Syrian Catholic Archbishop.

When in Mardin, travellers should relish sembusak, lamb flavoured with pulm and tomatoes. Kote and the local burgers are also excellent to taste. In the old city of Mardin there are several cafes especially in the bazaar area from where visitors can enjoy some great views of the plains.

Shopping in Mardin can be enjoyed around the alleys of the old city and the bazaar area. Colourful keffiyehs or locally called as posi, scarves and souvenirs can be bought in the old streets of the city.