About Konya
Konya, the spiritual heart of Turkey, offers a profound journey into history, faith, and tradition. As the final resting place of the 13th-century mystic poet Rumi, the city is a global pilgrimage site, centered around the magnificent Mevlana Museum with its iconic turquoise dome. Beyond its deep Sufi heritage, Konya surprises with the ancient Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rewrites the story of human civilization. The city's elegant Seljuk-era architecture, including the Alaeddin Mosque and the intricate Karatay Medrese, speaks to its time as a capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. The surrounding province unfolds into vast steppes, salt lakes like Tuz Gölü, and the mystical landscapes of the Cappadocia region to the northeast. The annual Şeb-i Arus ceremony in December, commemorating Rumi's 'wedding night' with the divine, transforms the city with mesmerizing Sema whirling dervish ceremonies. Konya's authentic atmosphere, free from mass tourism, and its reputation for some of Turkey's best traditional cuisine—especially its famed *etli ekmek* (meat bread)—make it an unforgettable cultural deep-dive.
Things to do in Konya
Highlights of Konya Tour
From $140
5.0 (78)
Private Sufi Tour / Konya
From $130
5.0 (62)
In The Footsteps Of Rumi Tour / Konya
From $140
5.0 (40)
Private Transfer from Konya to Cappadocia with Sultanhani
From $130
5.0 (25)
Private Transfer from Konya Airport to Konya hotels
From $20
5.0 (11)
Kilistra Ancient Site Tour Konya
From $175
5.0 (7)
Beysehir Tour from Konya
From $160
5.0 (4)
Konya Airport KYA Transfers to Konya City Hotels
From €95
5.0 (1)
Private Transfer from Konya to Pamukkale
From $190
5.0 (1)
Old City of Konya Walking Tour
Konya Private Walking Tour History Spirituality and Cuisine
Daily Cappadocia Tour From Konya
From $290
4.9 (18)
Şeb-i Arus 753rd Anniversary on 7-17th of DEC 2026 + City Tours
From €20
4.9 (11)
Catalhuyuk Archeological Site Tour
From $135
4.9 (29)
Şeb-i Arus 753rd Anniversary on 7-17th of DEC 2026 + City Tours
Places to visit in Konya
Kent Konağı 3
Kent Konağı 3, Aslanlı Kışla Caddesi, 42030 Karatay, Turkey
Eser Palas Otel
Eser Palas Otel, Türbe Caddesi, 42040 Meram, Turkey
Mevlana Otel
Mevlana Otel, Cengaver Sokak, 42040 Karatay, Turkey
Konak Otel
Konak Otel, Ayanbey Sokak, 42040 Karatay, Turkey
Lotus Otel
Lotus Otel, Ayanbey Sokak, 42040 Karatay, Turkey
Meva Otel
Meva Otel, Şehit Nazım Bey Caddesi, 42030 Karatay, Turkey
Garra Otel
Garra Otel, Köprübaşı Caddesi 10, 42030 Karatay, Turkey
Baykara Otel
Baykara Otel, Kasap Sinan Çıkmazı Sokak, 42040 Karatay, Turkey
Konya Polis Evi
Konya Polis Evi, Yeni İstanbul Caddesi, 42300 Konya, Turkey
Konya Bilim Merkezi
Konya Bilim Merkezi, Güzel Konak Sokak, 42280 Selçuklu, Turkey
Bayır Diamond Hotel
Bayır Diamond Hotel, Ahmet Hilmi Nalçacı Caddesi, 42060 Konya, Turkey
Özkaymak Otel
Özkaymak Otel, Ahmet Hilmi Nalçacı Caddesi, 42060 Konya, Turkey
Mevlana Kız Yurdu
Mevlana Kız Yurdu, Çaltı Sokak, 42060 Konya, Turkey
Anadolu Erkek Ogrenci Yurdu
Anadolu Erkek Ogrenci Yurdu, Sultan Veled Caddesi, 42200 Karatay, Turkey
NOVOTEL
NOVOTEL, Çevre Yolu Caddesi, 42080 Konya, Turkey
Travel Tips for Konya
Getting Around
The city center is walkable, with major sites clustered near Alaeddin Hill. An extensive tram network (KonyaRay) connects key areas, including the Mevlana Museum and the intercity bus terminal (Otogar). Taxis are affordable and plentiful; use apps like BiTaksi or Uber. Dolmuş (shared minibuses) follow set routes. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the wider province, including Çatalhöyük and nearby lakes. Bicycle rentals are becoming more available.
Best Time To Visit
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October) offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures ideal for exploring outdoor sites. December is unique for the Şeb-i Arus (Mevlana Festival), though it can be cold. Summers (July-August) are hot and dry, while winters are cold with a chance of snow.
Local Customs
Konya is Turkey's most conservative major city. Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees; women may need a headscarf at the Mevlana Museum). Public displays of affection are frowned upon. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Tipping is customary: round up taxi fares, 5-10% in restaurants if service is not included. Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional shops. The whirling dervish ceremony is a religious ritual, not a performance; observe respectfully in silence.
Safety Information
Konya is generally very safe, with low crime rates against tourists. Exercise normal precautions: be aware of pickpockets in crowded markets like the Bedesten Bazaar. Taxi scams are rare but ensure the meter is running. The city center and areas around major monuments are safe day and night. As a conservative city, respectful behavior is appreciated. Political demonstrations are uncommon but should be avoided if they occur. Road safety requires caution, especially when driving outside the city.
Health Information
Konya has modern public and private hospitals, such as Konya Numune Hospital and private medical centers. Travelers should ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis). Consider Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled water. In summer, heat can be intense—stay hydrated and use sun protection. For minor issues, pharmacies (eczane) are widely available and pharmacists are highly trained. Travel health insurance is strongly advised. COVID-19 protocols may apply; check current requirements.
Languages Spoken
Turkish
Quick Facts
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
₺
₺
Timezone
Europe/Istanbul +03:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+90
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
2.3 million
Area
38257 km²
Government
Provincial Government headed by a Governor (Vali) appointed by the central government, with an elected Provincial Council.
ISO Code
TR-71