Konya - Discovering Turkey

Travelling to Konya

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Konya, a pretty good destination in Turkey (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Konya and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Konya, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Turkey, here's everything to know about Konya for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Konya

Konya is a city in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. It is the seventh most populous city in Turkey with a population of around 2.2 million people. It has a rich history, being the capital of the Seljuk Empire in the 12th and 13th centuries. The city is known for its beautiful mosques, museums, and historic landmarks such as the Mevlana Museum (the mausoleum of the founder of the whirling dervishes), the Alaeddin Mosque, and the Karatay Madrasah. Konya is also famous for its traditional cuisine including dishes such as etli ekmek (meat bread) and tandır kebabı (a slow-cooked lamb dish).

What to visit in Konya

Sure, here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Konya along with some brief information: 1. Mevlana Museum - Mevlana Museum, also known as the Green Tomb or Green Mausoleum, is a mosque and museum complex that houses the tomb of the famous Sufi philosopher and poet, Mevlana Rumi. The museum also exhibits important art and literary works, manuscripts, and cultural artifacts.
2. Alaeddin Mosque - This famous mosque in Konya dates back to the 13th century and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The mosque is still used for daily worship and is open to visitors to explore.
3. Karatay Medrese - Karatay Medrese is a former Islamic school in Konya that dates back to the 13th century. Nowadays, it serves as a museum that showcases traditional Turkish ceramics and pottery.
4. Ince Minaret Medrese - Ince Minaret Medrese is a historic theological school that was built in the 13th century. The building's unique architecture and intricate details make it a popular tourist attraction in Konya.
5. Sille - Sille is a charming village located outside of Konya that is known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses, ancient churches, and monasteries. The village includes picturesque landscapes and unique restaurants that serve traditional Turkish food.
6. Konya Archaeological Museum - This museum showcases the rich history of the Konya region, including artifacts and exhibits from the prehistoric era, the Roman period, and the Ottoman Empire.
7. Tavusbaba Tomb - This tomb is dedicated to the famous Sufi saint Tavusbaba. It is located near the Mevlana Museum and attracts visitors due to its unique architectural features and beautiful tile work.
These are a few of the most popular tourist attractions in Konya. There are many other sites to explore and things to do in the city, such as exploring the local markets, trying traditional Turkish food, and attending cultural events.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Turkey, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Konya.

When to go on holiday to Konya

The best time to visit Konya is during the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to November) when temperatures are mild and pleasant with clear skies and low rainfall. The summer months (June to August) can be very hot and dry with temperatures reaching well above 30°C. The winter months (December to February) can be very cold with frequent snowfall. Therefore, it is best to avoid visiting during these months unless you enjoy winter sports.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Konya

There are several options to get to Konya, Turkey: 1. By plane - You can fly directly to Konya Airport from some domestic cities in Turkey, or you can take a connecting flight from Istanbul. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus Airlines both offer flights to Konya.
2. By train - Konya has a train station and you can take a train from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana.
3. By bus - There are bus services available from many cities in Turkey to Konya. You can check bus schedules and book your ticket online or at the bus station.
4. By car - You can rent a car and drive to Konya. The city is connected to the main highways and roads of Turkey.
It's important to note that the transportation options and schedules may vary depending on the current circumstances and the time of the year, so it's always best to check the latest information before making your travel plans.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Konya, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Konya

Konya, a city in Turkey's central Anatolian region, has a rich culinary culture. Here are some typical foods of Konya and a short description for each of them: 1. Etli Ekmek: A flatbread topped with spiced ground lamb or beef, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
2. Sac Arasi: A meat dish made with lamb or beef, peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It's cooked on a sac (a traditional Turkish iron griddle) and served with bread and salad.
3. Firinda Tandir: A slow-cooked lamb dish, marinated in herbs and spices, served with rice pilaf.
4. Tirit: A soup made with shredded lamb or beef, mixed with bread cubes and yogurt.
5. Cimcik: A dish of marinated lamb chops served with roasted tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
6. Mevlana Borek: A savory pastry made with minced meat, onions, and cheese.
7. Firin Kapama: A vegetable stew, cooked with meat, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers, and baked in a clay pot.
8. Sirmo: A dish of stuffed vine leaves, filled with a mixture of meat, rice, and spices.
9. Cevizli Mantar Dolmasi: A stuffed mushroom dish, filled with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and walnuts.
10. Toz Koprosu: A traditional dessert made with flour, sugar, and butter, baked until crispy and golden brown. It's usually served with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and cinnamon.
You can find general info about typical foods in Turkey here.

Is Konya an expensive destination for tourists?

Compared to other popular tourist destinations in Turkey, Konya is generally considered to be an affordable place to visit. However, as with any destination, the overall cost of your trip will depend on factors such as the time of year you visit, your accommodation choices, and your activities and dining preferences. That being said, some of the main attractions in Konya are either free or inexpensive, such as the Mevlana Museum and the Ince Minaret Medrese. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to more luxurious hotels, so there should be an option to fit any budget. Overall, while Konya may not be as cheap as some other cities in Turkey, it is still considered to be a reasonably priced destination for tourists.

Where to find accomodation in Konya

The best area to find accommodation in Konya would be the city center, as it is close to most of the main tourist attractions like the Mevlana Museum, the Alaaddin Hill and mosque, and the Konya Archaeological Museum. Some other areas that are also close to these attractions are the Karatay and Selçuklu districts. These areas have a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly options like hostels and guesthouses.
You can check hotel prices at Konya here:
Booking.com

Is Konya a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Konya is generally considered a safe place for tourists. The crime rate in Konya is low compared to other cities in Turkey. However, as with any city, it is important for tourists to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. It is advisable to be aware of your surroundings, keep your valuables secure, and avoid walking alone or in poorly lit areas at night. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites such as the Mevlana Museum.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Turkey here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Konya.

What type of travelers will enjoy Konya the most?

Konya is a city with rich cultural and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for those interested in Islamic art, history and culture. Therefore, it is a great place for families with older children, couples or solo travelers exploring on their own. The city is quieter and has a more reserved atmosphere with its famous dervish performances, mosques, museums, and ancient historical sites. For young people looking for a lively nightlife scene, Konya may not be the best fit. Nevertheless, the city has its own unique charm and is an excellent destination for those looking for a mix of culture and relaxation.

How to get around Konya

In Konya, the most common forms of transportation are buses, trams, and taxis. Buses are the most economical option and cover most parts of the city. Trams are a faster and more comfortable way to travel, but they have a limited route. Taxis are also available but are more expensive than public transportation. Another option is to rent a car, but it may not be necessary in the city center.

What to see around Konya

Here are some nice places to visit on a day trip from Konya: 1. Beysehir: Located 106 km from Konya, Beysehir is a small town near a large lake. You can visit the historical Beysehir Mosque and Tomb of Eflatun Pinar.
2. Aksehir: A small town located 92 km from Konya, Aksehir is known for its Ottoman architecture. You can visit the Tomb of Nasreddin Hodja and the monumental mosque Minareli Medrese.
3. Catalhoyuk: Located 50 km from Konya, Catalhoyuk is a famous archaeological site that dates back to the Neolithic period. You can visit the museum and excavated houses.
4. Sille: A village located 8 km from Konya, Sille is known for its old stone houses and interesting history. You can visit the Sille Handicrafts Village and Sille Lake.
5. Ilgin: Located 63 km from Konya, Ilgin is a small town that is more than 3,000 years old. You can visit the ancient city of Tyana and the Asagi Gokcikaya Waterfall.
For every travel information about Turkey you can click here.

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