Karaman is in Turkey, in the southern part of Central Anatolia. This inland city sits on the Anatolian plateau, south of Konya and north of the Taurus Mountains. The landscape is flat, the city lies near a river, and the broader setting is the open inland scenery typical of this part of the plateau.

Historically, Karaman was the center of the Karamanids, a major Anatolian beylik after the decline of Seljuk power. It is also widely associated with the 1277 decree of Mehmet Bey that promoted Turkish in public life and administration. Those layers remain visible in the medieval Karaman Castle, the Seljuk Hatuniye Medresesi, the historic Aktekke Mosque, and the late Ottoman domestic architecture represented by Tartan House. Together, they bring medieval fortification, Seljuk architecture, religious heritage, and preserved urban domestic heritage into a single city.

Karaman combines cultural heritage with straightforward, walkable urban sightseeing. It suits a short holidays or travel guide style visit centered on the historic core, the main monuments, and nearby excursion sites. Because its cultural sights are compact and the center is mainly walkable, it works better for a one- or two-day stay than for a longer urban break.

The main visitor areas are the city center around Karaman Castle and the central zone of major historic monuments, which form the core area for walking and sightseeing. Karaman also serves as a base for excursions to places such as Taskale, the Binbir Kilise area, and Incesu Cave. The city center can be explored mainly on foot. Karaman has road links with Konya, Mersin, and Adana, it is connected to Konya by rail, and the nearest main airport for most visitors is Konya Airport.

Karaman has a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are the best periods to visit. Mid-summer heat is less suitable for extended walking, while cold winter periods are less suitable for outdoor sightseeing.