Diyarbakir lies in Turkey's Southeastern Anatolia Region, in its eastern part, and is an inland city rather than a coastal one. It is a major historic city in southeastern Turkey on the upper Tigris basin. Near the Tigris River, which shapes the landscape south and east of the old city, the terrain is flat and opens to views across the Tigris valley.

The city has a deep historical identity linked to the old name Amida, a reminder of its antiquity. Among the key surviving monuments are the massive black basalt city walls, Ulu Cami, Ic Kale, St. Giragos Armenian Church, and the adjacent Hevsel Gardens. Together, these layers reveal a long urban past through fortifications, religious monuments, heritage structures, and the historic green belt beside the old city, giving visitors a concentrated historic center where major monuments remain clearly visible on the ground.

Diyarbakir is better suited to heritage, architecture, walking, and regional culture than to resort-style leisure. Its dense historic core, distinctive dark basalt architecture, and riverside setting support a culture-focused city break of 1-2 days centered on walking and sightseeing. It works well for holidays or a travel guide focused on historic urban character, monuments, and local food.

Most visitors base themselves in Sur, where the historic center is concentrated and many of the principal monuments stand within or near the old walls. Ic Kale forms the inner citadel area, with heritage structures and museum spaces, while the area around the walls and Hevsel Gardens offers viewpoints toward the Tigris side of the city. Diyarbakir Airport gives practical access and is close to the urban center, while city buses, minibuses, and taxis support movement within the city.

The climate is continental, bringing very hot, dry summers and cooler winters. Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable seasons for sightseeing and walking in the historic center. Peak summer heat is the main period to avoid for daytime walking.