Mevlana's city, the capital of the Seljuks
Ranked by interestingness score, based on real experience
Türkiye's first large-scale science center, in partnership with TÜBİTAK. Planetarium, earthquake simulator, 300+ interactive devices. 4 hours pass easily with the child, and the adult does not get bored either.
The tomb of Mevlana Celâleddin-i Rûmî and the old dervish lodge. When you stand under the green dome, you remain silent for a moment, regardless of your faith. Tomb + museum + cells where dervishes lived are in the same courtyard.
One of the largest butterfly gardens in Europe belongs to Selçuklu Municipality. Three-storey tropical greenhouse, 15-20 different species of butterflies, constantly warm 25-30 degrees inside. A place not to be missed in Konya by families traveling with children.
Mevlana's teacher, the person who paved the way for him. The tomb is small and plain, one tenth of the crowd in the Mevlana Museum is here. It's perfect for sitting in the garden and soaking in silence. We recommend you see both of them together to fully understand Konya.
Mosque + mausoleum + bath + madrasa complex from the 13th century. Since it is a little outside the city, there is no Mevlana crowd. The tiled gate is a spot where those who love Seljuk architecture stop and look at it for a long time.
One of the oldest city settlements in the world, dating back to 7400 BC, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 50 km from Konya center, in Çumra district. Earthen house foundations, frescoes, granaries—the seed of today's urbanism. The museological aspect is simple, but you get chills when you feel like you are here.
The mosque of the Seljuk sultans, on top of Alaeddin Hill in the middle of the city. The interior, which dates back to the 12th century and has simple wooden columns, is very different from the side-by-side mosque structure. Eight Seljuk sultans lie in the tomb of this mosque.
An old Greek settlement located in a narrow valley, 8 km northwest of Konya. With its restored stone houses, small stream running through the middle and Hagia Eleni Church built in 327 AD, it offers a serene atmosphere for those who want to escape from the noise of the city and wander around the quiet streets.
The Seljuk madrasah, built in 1251, is now a tile museum. The star-patterned tiles beneath the main dome have been there for 800 years — you'll want to look up until your neck hurts. Museum card is valid, it is a small but memorable place.
As its name suggests, its minaret was thin and tall — it was destroyed by lightning in 1901, and even what remains is impressive. The crown gate is one of the most spectacular examples of Anatolia in terms of stone workmanship. Its interior is currently a museum of stone and wood works.
What will you do from hour to hour, from morning to evening?
From the Tomb to Alaeddin Hill
Go first hour in the morning, tour buses start at 11. Tomb + cells where dervishes lived + museum + courtyard.
10 min walk from Mevlana. Take a break in the simple and quiet little garden.
You can't come to Konya and not eat. Half meat bread + buttermilk + some hot sauce.
The two are side by side, around Alaeddin Hill. Museum card is valid, tile and stone workmanship.
Watch it at sunset on the hill. The tombs of the Seljuk sultans are inside.
Lamb meat, rice + tzatziki + pepper cooked in a stone oven for hours.
From city to countryside, 9 thousand years ago
50 minutes by car, one of the oldest settlements in the world. Visitor center + excavation site.
Tirit + meat bread + höşmerim. General map of Konya cuisine.
The less visited beauty of Seljuk architecture. Tile door + Foundation Museum.
Carpet, nuts, halva, gifts. Evening prices are more flexible.
Wedding soup + tandoori + Konya dessert.
Village atmosphere + science center
Old Greek village, stone houses, Hagia Eleni Church. Coffee around Subaşı.
Traditional Central Anatolian menu, prices are reasonable.
It's a must if you have kids, adults can have fun too. Planetarium + interactive setups.
Evening walk, tea, bagels. The real pulse of Konya.
Compare with Hacı Şükrü, choose your own side.
1-hour ceremony at Mevlana Cultural Center if it falls on Saturday.
One week holiday plan with sightseeing tours
Spiritual center of the city
See the two together, a spiritual cycle.
Classic start.
Seljuk trio.
Oven kebab.
9 thousand years ago
50 min drive + half day excursion.
Village restaurant, tandoor + ayran.
Social Complex + Foundation Works.
Tirit + höşmerim.
Village + museum day
Stone streets, coffee break.
Dumplings, beans.
It's a must with children, adults love it too.
An attempt at modern Anatolian cuisine.
Nature break
Via O-21, with a view.
Türkiye's largest wooden pillar mosque.
Carp + trout.
Seljuk summer palace ruins.
Shams tea garden.
Traces of Anatolian Christianity
Via D330.
Byzantine village settlement ruins.
Lamb with rice, special to Karaman.
The city where Turkish was declared the official language.
Damla oven kebab.
Museums, shops, tea
Seljuk carpet collection.
Tirit + okra soup.
Gift tour.
Cafe with view + hookah.
Mevlana Street.
Spiritual finale of the city
Park + tea.
Farewell dinner.
Last shopping, air conditioning break.
It's too early to get involved.
1 hour show, flute + dervishes.
From local classics to hype places
Current Hype A boutique restaurant on Mevlana Street, named after Mevlana's work. It brings forgotten dishes of Konya to the menu — wedding soup, höşmerim, tandoori. The bill is moderate, the atmosphere is peaceful.
Current Hype It is a somewhat concept-oriented place that experiments with modern Anatolian cuisine. He reinterprets traditional recipes — meatloaf on a small plate, ravioli with a different sauce. The style, which is rare in Konya, shifts to the premium side.
Local Classic The first place that comes to mind when it comes to meat bread in Konya. Open since 1957, one product — minced meat, onion, pepper on long thin dough. Ayran on the side and some lemon on top. Half a loaf of bread is usually enough for one person.
Local Classic The place to go if you want good traditional food in Konya. Tirit, meat bread, oven kebab, manti — the menu is long but the recipes are original. Simple, with white walls. The bill is around 600-900 ₺ for two people.
Local Classic A small restaurant near Bedesten, one of the most authentic addresses for Tirit. An 80-year-old grandfather will sit down and tell you his recipes if you come to the table. The bill is very small, 200-300 ₺ is enough for two.
Local Classic There are those who say Hacı Şükrü's rival, sometimes better. The minced meat ratio is high, the dough is a little thicker. The people of Konya are divided between these two; You can also go to two places and choose your side.
Local Classic One of Konya's oven kebab experts, it cooks in a stone oven for 4-5 hours. It is located in the city center, where you can leave the hotel and walk. The bakery, which is finished in the evening, is often sold out after 16:00.
Local Classic Konya's classic address for oven kebab. Lamb meat cooked in a stone oven for hours, served on lavash. Rice + tzatziki + pickled peppers on the side. It is a place filled with families at noon on Sundays.
Entertainment from evening to morning
Premium Official Sema ceremonies are held at the Mevlana Cultural Center — Saturday evenings at 20:00, more frequently during the winter months. 1 hour ceremony, dervishes, flute, kudüm. It is the only "performance" event you should see in Konya.
Local Classic After seeing the tomb, it is worth sitting in the tea garden by the courtyard. Evening prayer + tea + bagel. This is the main character of Konya nightlife — not the tavern, but the tea garden.
Current Hype The top floor of Konya's tallest building has a city view. Young crowd, hookah + homemade cake. Don't expect raki/beer in Konya; This is a cafe + hookah place.
Local Classic It is the most popular park in the chain, filled with families from Konya after 19:00 in the evening. Children's playground, walking path, tea garden, view terrace. Free, simple, friendly — the true pulse of the city.
Gift, local, premium
Traditional bazaar scattered around Kapu Mosque. Dried nuts, baklava, dried meat, Konya halva. The most natural place to buy gifts — prices are standard.
Konya halva is different from other cities — molasses, darker, harder. A few old shops around Mevlana still produce their own products. Pastrami + roasted varieties are also in the same display case.
Selçuk-Konya carpet is world-renowned, its weaving patterns have been the same for centuries. There are 4-5 serious carpet makers in the Bedesten + small workshops around the Kapu Mosque. 50x80 small rug is in the range of 3000-8000 TL.
Konya's old covered bazaar, jewelers + fabric sellers + carpet sellers together. Smaller version of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, fewer tourists, more real prices. It is the most logical place for Seljuk patterned carpets/rugs.
Small modern shopping mall in the center, 5 minutes away from Bedesten. Practical for a quick shopping need — bookstore, cosmetics, cafe.
The largest modern shopping mall in the center of Konya. LCW, Koton, Mango, Mavi, H&M — Türkiye standard chains. Cinema, food court, children's playground. Air-conditioned shelter; It works well in the city where it is 35° in summer.
On the Seljuk side, it is newer and larger. Carrefour hypermarket + 150 stores + cinema. On weekends, people of Konya gather here as a family.
When to go, how to get there, city transportation, accommodation, budget and practical tips.
Konya is Türkiye's largest province in terms of surface area, with a population of approximately 2.3 million, in the middle of Central Anatolia. City, 11-13. It served as the capital of the Anatolian Seljuk State between centuries; Madrasahs, mosques and caravanserais from that period are still standing today. Karatay Madrasah, İnce Minareli Madrasah and Alaeddin Mosque are the most visible examples of this heritage.
The second layer is spiritual history. Mevlana Celâleddin-i Rûmî died in Konya in 1273, and his tomb (today's Mevlana Museum) made the city one of the most important religious tourism centers in Türkiye. The museum hosts approximately 3.5 million visitors annually; A significant portion of visitors come from within the country. Shams-i Tabrizi Tomb is also part of the same spiritual route.
The third fact is about the geography of Konya. The city is in the center of the vast Konya Plain, known as the granary of Türkiye; This directly affects the character of the city. Straight, wide streets and a continental climate prevail. Konya is not for visitors looking for a beach holiday or nightlife; It appeals to travelers who are focused on a program focused on culture, history and gastronomy. We recommend that you consider it as a quiet city trip of three or four days.
Konya has a continental climate; Summers are hot and dry, winters are cold and snowy. The difference between months is evident:
| Period | Weather (daytime) | Otel Fiyatı | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| April | 15-20° | Low | It's the beginning of spring, ancient cities are empty, there is a moderate chance of rain |
| May | 20-25° | Medium | Ideal; The most suitable band for walking and traveling |
| June | 25-30° | Medium | Just the beginning of the season, dry heat begins |
| July | 30-34° | Medium | Hot and dry; lunch hours are tiring |
| August | 30-34° | Medium | The heat continues; Can be visited early in the morning and in the evening |
| September | 25-30° | Medium-Low | The second most suitable month is; evenings are cool |
| October | 18-23° | Low | Clear air, mystical music festival period |
| November | 10-15° | Low | Late autumn, rain increases |
| December | 3-8° | High (Şeb-i Arus) | During the Seb-i Arus week of December 7-17, hotel prices increase significantly |
| January-February | 0-7° | Very Low | It's snowing, the ruins are lonely |
| March | 10-15° | Low | Transition period, cold wind may last |
Our practical advice: April-June and September-October are the most suitable periods for Konya. For visitors who prioritize the spiritual context, Şeb-i Arus (Mevlana's death anniversary commemoration week) in December offers a different experience; However, during this period, we recommend that you make your hotel reservation at least two months in advance.
The dominant option for transportation to Konya is High Speed Train (YHT). Konya Airport (KYA) is active but the number of flights is limited; Domestic line density is limited to Istanbul and Izmir lines. There are no direct scheduled flights from Ankara.
| Origin City | Road | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankara | YHT | 1 hour 45 min | 8 times a day (Ankara YHT Station - Konya YHT Station) |
| Istanbul | YHT | 4 hours 15 min | 4-6 trips per day (departing from Halkalı / Söğütlüçeşme) |
| Istanbul | Airplane (KYA) | 1 hour 15 min | 4-6 flights per day (THY, Pegasus) |
| Izmir | Airplane (KYA) | 1 hour 10 min | 1-2 times a day |
| Istanbul | Bus | 10-11 hours | Night departures are common |
| Ankara | Highway (O-21) | 2.5-3 hours | 260 km, landscape flat Konya Plain |
Prices are changing rapidly due to inflation as of early 2026; We recommend that you verify from official sources before purchasing your ticket.
Plane or YHT? Flight duration is shorter on the Istanbul-Konya line; However, when the access time to the city center (airport transfer + security check) is added, the total journey becomes close to that of YHT. YHT reaches Konya YHT Station directly from Söğütlüçeşme or Halkalı, and the stations are connected to the city center by tram. YHT is by far the most practical option for transportation from Ankara.
Konya center is largely organized on the tram line. KYA Airport is 13 km away from the city and takes about 20 minutes by taxi.
From airport to center:
Inner city:
Konya center is small on walking scale; Accommodation preference is shaped in a narrow area according to your travel style.
| Area | Character | Who is it suitable for? | Average band (early 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karatay (around Mevlana) | Walking distance to old city, mausoleum + madrasa | First visit, short trip, spiritual route | Medium |
| Seljuk (Kule Site / Bosnia and Herzegovina) | Modern, wide streets with lots of shopping malls and cafes | Family, coming by car, wanting to be near a shopping mall | Middle-Upper |
| Meram | Quiet, green, close to the university | Long stay, leisurely trip with child | Medium |
| Aziziye / City Center | Tram backbone, hotel chains | Business trip, near YHT Station | Medium |
Karatay district is the most practical choice for your first visit to Konya; Mevlana Museum, Şems-i Tebrizi Tomb and traditional restaurants are all within walking distance. The Seljuk side offers modern comfort and restaurant diversity; It is only a 15-20 minute tram ride to the historical center. During the Seb-i Arus week (December 7-17), prices rise significantly and occupancy increases in all regions; During this period, we recommend that you make your reservation at least two months in advance.
Konya budget is in a suitable range compared to Türkiye's average. The following per capita daily ranges are based on average observations at the beginning of 2026; We would like to remind you that it may change due to inflation.
| Budget Style | Accommodation | Food | Activity/Transportation | Total (person/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker (hostel, artisan restaurant) | ₺ | ₺ | ₺ | Economic tape |
| Moderate (3-4* hotel, restaurant mix) | ₺₺ | ₺₺ | ₺ | Mid band |
| Luxury (5* hotel or boutique accommodation, fine dining) | ₺₺₺ | ₺₺₺ | ₺₺ | Upper band |
Prices change rapidly due to inflation in Türkiye. We recommend that you verify hotel and transportation prices from official sources before your visit. Hotel prices increase significantly during the Seb-i Arus week (December 7-17); If you are planning this period, we recommend that you make a reservation two months in advance.
Practical comparison: A 4* hotel + dining out holiday in the center of Konya is significantly more cost-effective than a similar Istanbul program. The city's gastronomic centers (etliekmek and Fırın kebab) are relatively low-priced; Even in upper segment restaurants, the cost is lower than in coastal cities.
Mevlana Museum visiting etiquette:
Konya cuisine:
Alcohol and conservative city texture:
Ramadan month:
Sema ceremony:
Health and safety:
Although Konya seems like an adult-oriented cultural city at first glance, stops such as the Tropical Butterfly Garden, Science Center and Sille Village are entertaining enough to surprise children. Even the magnificent atmosphere of the Mevlana Museum arouses curiosity in children. The city's flat structure and wide streets are suitable for traveling with a baby stroller.
Konya is considered one of Türkiye's relatively conservative cities; As a visitor, knowing a few basic etiquette provides mutual comfort.
2 days are enough just for Mevlana and the city center. It is a comfortable program of 3-4 days when Çatalhöyük is included. When surrounding routes such as Beyşehir, Sultanhanı and Karaman are added, 7 days seems to be a satisfactory time.
Şeb-i Arus is the commemoration week of the anniversary of Mevlana's death and is held every year between 7-17 December. Sema ceremonies are held every evening throughout the week. During this period, hotel prices rise significantly and reservations become difficult; We recommend planning at least two months in advance.
Konya is a suitable city for families with children. Konya Science Center (TÜBİTAK partnership, 300+ interactive devices), Tropical Butterfly Garden and 80 Thousand Around the World Park are child-friendly addresses. The city's wide streets and tram infrastructure make traveling with a stroller easy; Only in Sille village can the stone slopes be challenging.
Available but limited. Large chain hotels and a few restaurants serve alcohol. The number of Tekel dealers is low and they may close early in the evening. If you plan to have alcohol at dinner, we recommend hotel restaurants or venues with reservations.
Hacı Şükrü and Şefik Usta are the two most well-known addresses in the city. The choice among the people of Konya is divided into two; We recommend that you try both on the same day and make your own judgement. The calculation is reasonable in both.
Çatalhöyük is approximately 50 km away from Konya centre; It takes 50 minutes by car. As one of the oldest settlements in prehistory, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Definitely recommended for visitors with an interest in history and archaeology; If you are planning a trip focused solely on scenery, we recommend you manage your expectations.
On the Istanbul-Konya line, YHT takes 4 hours and 15 minutes, and the flight takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. When airport transfer and security check are added, total times become closer; YHT provides the advantage of direct transportation to the city center. There are no direct flights on the Ankara-Konya line; YHT is by far the most practical option.
No, Mevlana Museum is open to visitors free of charge starting from 2024. Museum card is not required. Museum card is valid at the entrances of Karatay Madrasah, İnce Minareli Madrasah and sahibi Ata Museum.
Karatay district is our recommendation for the first trip and near Mevlana; Museums, tombs and traditional restaurants are within walking distance. For more modern accommodation and proximity to the shopping mall, the Seljuk side (around Kule Site) is suitable. 4* hotels in the city center are in the middle range, boutique hotel options are limited but offer affordable prices.
Official Sema ceremonies are held free of charge at Mevlana Cultural Center. Saturday evening at 20:00 is the standard program. A ceremony is held every evening during the Seb-i Arus week. We recommend lining up for space at least an hour in advance. Commercial whirling dervishes in hotel and restaurant environments may be shorter and folkloric in nature.
Festivals, concerts and public holidays — 2026 calendar
September 2026 - May 2026 season
Mevlana Cultural Center, Konya
Classical Turkish music and Sufi music concerts organized every month by the Konya State Turkish Sufi Music Community. Including programs staged together with Sema shows. Ticket prices are in the range of 150-400 ₺; Concerts are free during Şeb-i Arus week.
Official source →00 (year-round)
Mevlana Cultural Center, Konya
Official Sema ceremonies staged weekly at Mevlana Cultural Center. Saturday evenings at 20:00, additional programs may be opened during the summer months. Admission is free; You must line up 1 hour in advance for a seat.
Official source →Sep 22, 2026 – Sep 30, 2026
Konya (various locations)
Religious/Sufi music festival held every autumn by Konya Metropolitan Municipality. Flute, oud, zither and hymn artists from different parts of the world. Mevlana Cultural Center is the main stage.
Official source →Oct 8, 2026 – Oct 12, 2026
Konya Science Center and Seljuk Science Festival Area
The big science festival organized every autumn in partnership with Konya Metropolitan Municipality and TÜBİTAK. Astronomy shows, workshops, robotics competitions, drone shows. Free access for families and school groups.
Official source →Dec 7, 2026 – Dec 17, 2026
Mevlana Cultural Center, Konya
The official commemoration week lasts 10 days around December 17, the anniversary of Mevlana's reunion (death). Sema ceremonies, conferences, concerts every evening. Konya's most crowded time of the year; Hotel prices are doubled, reservations must be made at least 2 months in advance.
Official source →Instant Ticket Prices
Domestic flight prices departing from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir
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