3-Day Travel Guide to Konya

Konya, one of the oldest settlements in the heart of the steppe, is not only known for its rich culture but also for its abundance of heartfelt warmth. Geographically situated in the Central Anatolian region, surrounded by mountains, it has held metropolitan status since 1987 and hosts a population of over 2 million. It's a significant trade and industrial hub and an indispensable stop on cultural tours. Konyans often say, "A capital will always remain a capital."

The city, along with Çatalhöyük, one of the oldest settlements in history, embodies the legacies of ancient civilizations like Rome, Byzantium, Seljuk, and the Ottoman Empire. With the largest area in Turkey, distances between districts vary greatly, with some being relatively close, like Akşehir, Seydişehir, Meram, Ereğli, Selçuklu, and Sarayönü, being among the frequently visited places. Besides its deep historical and cultural heritage, Konya has made significant strides in science and congresses in recent years. Additionally, Konya stands out with its geographical features, boasting important lakes like Tuz Gölü, Meke Gölü, and Beyşehir Gölü, as well as waterfalls and even desertified lands. With predominantly high plateaus, certain areas feature prominent hills such as Aladdin Hill, yet it's also possible to reach the Taurus Mountains in the south. Konya's cuisine is renowned, with one of its most famous dishes being "etli ekmek" (meat bread). However, when one thinks of Konya, monumental figures come to mind, not just in Turkish culture but globally as well. The shrines of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, Şems-i Tebrizi, and Nasreddin Hodja are must-visit sites. Moreover, with recent matches of the Turkish national football team held in the modern Konya Metropolitan Stadium, the city has garnered more attention.

Accommodation Recommendations in Konya

When you come to Konya, your choice of accommodation is very important if you want to truly feel the historical and spiritual atmosphere of the city. Here, you want to not only relax, but also capture the spirit of the city and embark on a journey in the footsteps of Mevlana. It is possible to find small hotels and guesthouses offering warm and friendly environments in different parts of Konya. Whether in central locations or quiet corners, there is certainly a place to stay that suits you, where you can feel comfortable and at home. When choosing a place to stay, sincerity and comfort should be prioritized to truly feel Konya’s mystical atmosphere. This way, the time you spend there will not just be a single night, but special moments that nourish your soul.

Araf Hotel

During your stay at Araf Hotel, you will experience the hospitality of a home rather than a hotel, with small details waiting for you. You can make your visit more productive with organized activities such as short trips, city cultural tours, and food tours, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of the city without wasting any time.  Araf Hotel welcomes you with its warm and friendly architecture in the heart of Konya. Built using environmentally friendly systems, the hotel offers modern comfort in harmony with nature. When you stay here, you don't just stay in a hotel, you feel right at home. You can enjoy Turkish and Italian coffees at “Cafe Deli” and try different flavors on the menu. Breakfasts bring together the unique flavors of Anatolia with local products, leaving you reluctant to leave. Moreover, the tomb of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi is just a minute's walk away; being in such a central location makes your visit even more meaningful. While staying at Araf Hotel, you will find small but effective details that make you feel the warmth and hospitality of home. You can make the most of your time with short trips, city cultural and food tours, and fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the city At Araf Hotel, you will experience the hospitality of a home rather than a hotel, with small details waiting for you. You can make your visit more productive with small trips, city culture and food tours, and other organized activities, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere of the city without wasting any time.

Hich Hotel

Located in the heart of Konya, right next to the Mevlana Museum, Hich Hotel Konya is a charming 13-room hotel created through the eclectic restoration of 200-year-old historic Turkish architectural structures. Situated almost within the grounds of the Mevlana Museum, this hotel is located in a spot where you can reach all the historic sites in the city center on foot. Surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, this location allows you to imagine Hazreti Mevlana once walking here and lose track of time. The hotel's interior design offers a unique experience with its harmonious combination of stone, wood, and metal, as well as specially designed furniture and accessories. With rooms offering views of the Mevlana Tomb and the historic Asmalı Mescit, Hich Hotel Konya is designed to meet the needs of both business travelers and city tourists. Rooms feature tea and coffee-making facilities, an iPhone docking system, an LED television, and free wireless internet. Additionally, bathrooms designed by Matteo Thun, patchwork carpets made by Konya's carpet masters with Anatolian motifs, and specially designed paintings for Hich Hotel stand out.

Where to Eat in Konya?

 The local cuisine is generally tailored to the Turkish palate, with the most famous being "etli ekmek" and "tirit." If you visit Konya, never leave without trying them. The highest-quality stone for traditional stone ovens comes from Sille, giving the pide baked there an unmatched taste, which might be the secret behind Konya's "etli ekmek." Then, let me talk about the famous flavors. "Karışık pide" (mixed pide) or "Mevlana Pide," "bıçak arası" (a type of sandwich), yoghurt soup, okra soup, and desserts like "höşmerim," "Konya sarması," and "Mevlana şekeri" are among the most commonly consumed and known Konya culinary products. If you want to eat "etli ekmek," you can choose from restaurants like Bolu Lokantası in Karatay, Cemo Etli Ekmek in Selçuklu, and Havzan Etli Pide Salonu. For tea and coffee, Neşve Çay Kahve Keyfi and Meram Çamlıbel Çay Bahçesi are among my recommendations. You can also enjoy desserts at Şark Kadayıfçısı and İstanbul Pastanesi. If you're looking for a different taste for dinner, you can choose Kyoto Japanese Park, which offers Asian cuisine. For Turkish cuisine, Hacı Şükrü Fırın ve Kebap Salonu (known for "etli ekmek" and "tandır"), and Kule Sini Restoran are good options. Completing your trip to Konya with "etli ekmek" and the tandır of the famous kebab restaurant ŞÜKRÜ will give your journey a meaningful conclusion.

Places to Visit in Konya

 The city is so rich in history that it cannot be explored in just a day or two. We can categorize our tour into historical, geographical, and modern sites. It's best to start with historical places. Of course, the first place that comes to mind is the Mevlana Shrine and Mevlana Museum. Visiting these places will be wonderful to understand Mevlana, one of the most important figures of Turkish Islamic culture, and his great work, the "Masnavi." Konya Atatürk House Museum, Şems-i Tebrizi Shrine, Nasreddin Hodja Shrine, and Konya Archaeology Museum are other places worth visiting. You must see the Çatalhöyük archaeological site and visit the 1500-year-old Sille Village, whose importance has increased in recent years. Sille is one of Konya's lesser-known addresses. Be sure to pay a visit.

Alaaddin Hill, Alaaddin Mosque, and Konya Karatay Madrasa are among other historical sites to see. Geographically, there are places to see in Konya. Meke Lake, Tuz Lake, symbolizing whiteness and purity, Beyşehir Lake, and the Meram Vineyards are important elements that adorn the city. Especially the Karapınar Desert, which has no equivalent in Turkey, is one of the significant geographical locations. You can also enjoy the view of the Taurus Mountains in the southern parts of the city.

Konya is also extremely rich in modern structures. Konya Metropolitan Stadium, where matches are held, Selçuk University from prominent universities, Kyoto Japanese Park, Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden (wandering among stone houses, followed by the colorful butterflies flying around you is amazing), and Konya Science Center will make you feel like you've been transported to different worlds. The fact that such a variety of colors, types, and history intertwine in the middle of the steppe is a significant advantage for us travelers.

I recommend stopping by Halkapınar Ivirize to see Hittite remnants.

Things to Do in Konya

Don't miss the Sema ceremonies at the Mevlevi Lodge every Sunday at 5:00 PM.

You must try local flavors like "etli ekmek," "şalgam," and desserts like "cezerye" and "kerebic" before leaving.

How to Get to Konya

Situated at the intersection of main highways connecting the north with the south and the east with the west, Konya is almost the hub of all roads and directions. There are extensive highways. Railway and airway transportation are also available. Inter-city buses regularly operate to Konya. In addition, YHT (High-Speed Train) services run from Pendik, Istanbul, to Konya Train Station in about 4.5 hours, and from Ankara in 1 hour 50 minutes. The Toros Express has been running from Adana to Konya for years, and there are daily railway services from surrounding cities. Another alternative is the Central Anatolia Blue Train, which operates daily between Konya, Karaman, and Adana. You can also choose to fly to the city. Konya Airport has been in service for almost 20 years. So, visiting the land of Rumi is quite easy.

What to Buy from Konya

Here's a city where you won't struggle to find souvenirs: Konya. You can buy Tasavvuf Music Instruments, Mevlana Sugar, Ceramic Decorations, Felt Products, Konya Cheese Sugar, and local clothes along with souvenir models for your loved ones.