Konya: 16 Places Must to See

Konya, known for its ancient mosques and rich cultural heritage, is a must-visit destination in central Turkey. On this page, I’ll embark on a virtual tour of Konya’s fascinating attractions, delving into its glorious past and appreciating its modern beauty. You’ll find out what to see in Konya, where to stay, where to eat and answers to other common questions.

About the City

Konya is a true cultural kaleidoscope, blending ancient traditions with contemporary influences. The city breathes history in every stone, intertwining the stories of various civilizations from the Hittites to modern Turkey. The first settlement on the site of today’s Konya dates back to around 7500 BCE. The city is even mentioned in biblical letters under the name Iconium.

In the 1070s, the region was taken over by the Seljuk Turks, who made Iconium their capital. Later, the city received its current name, Konya. It is often considered Turkey’s first capital. During the era of dervish orders, Konya became the center of Sufism, where the great Persian Sufi poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi (Mevlana) is buried.

Konya has absorbed many eras and cultures, thriving with ancient civilizations whose presence is felt in the city’s numerous museums, archaeological finds, and even on the streets. Konya offers a unique blend of history, culture, traditions, and modern trends. Here, you will find contemporary cafes, shops, and attractions for every taste, making it a gem in your Turkish travels.

Interesting Places in Konya

Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Konya to help you plan your trip. Every place on the list is worth a visit, but plan according to your own interests, the weather, and available time.

1. Mevlana Museum

The Mevlana Museum is a sacred place dedicated to the life and teachings of the great poet, philosopher, and Sufi mystic Jalal ad-Din Rumi (Mevlana). The complex includes the mausoleum of Mevlana, dervish cells, and more. For a detailed museum map and additional information, visit the museum’s page.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: Summer: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Winter: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Admission: Free

2. Walk through the Old Town and Market

Spend at least a few hours exploring the old town and the historic Bedesten market. The market and much of the old town underwent comprehensive restoration in 2013, preserving its ancient charm. The market dates back to the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1538 and exudes a delightful old-world atmosphere. With around 2500 shops, you can find everything from Konya souvenirs to genuine antiques. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth a visit.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM (market)
• Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Admission: Free

3. Monument to the Martyrs of the War of Independence (İstiklal Harbi Şehitleri Abidesi)

In the heart of Konya lies the Monument to the Martyrs of the War of Independence. This complex is dedicated to all who gave their lives in the struggle for Turkey’s independence and other wars. The site includes a small museum with exhibits on the War of Independence. The complex is conveniently located near the Mevlana Museum, so you can visit both places easily.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Visit Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Admission: Free

4. Azizia Mosque

Among the historic mosques in Konya from the Seljuk and Karamanid periods, the Azizia Mosque (Azizia Cami) is one of the most beautiful examples of 19th-century Ottoman architecture. It is a must-visit for all lovers of beautiful architecture, regardless of religious beliefs. Note that women may not be allowed in the main part of the mosque during prayer times. This rule applies to Azizia Mosque and other mosques in Konya.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Visit Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Admission: Free

5. Sadreddin Konevi Mosque

The Sadreddin Konevi Mosque is one of Konya’s most significant religious and architectural landmarks. It is dedicated to the memory of the renowned Islamic theologian, scholar, and mystic Sadreddin Konevi, who played a significant role in the city’s history. The complex also includes an open-type mausoleum of Sadreddin Konevi, unlike the Mevlana mausoleum.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Visit Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Admission: Free

6. Selimey Mosque

The Sultan Selim Mosque, built in the 16th century, is one of Konya’s main mosques. It is located directly opposite the Mevlana mausoleum. Not only is the mosque remarkable, but also the square in front of it. Here you can buy delicious Turkish simits or just take a break after a long walk through the historic part of the city.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7
• Visit Duration: 30-60 minutes
• Admission: Free

7. Kapu Mosque

The Kapu Mosque is notable not only for its beautiful historic architecture but also for its history. The mosque was built by Hussein Celebi, the grandson of Mevlana. Even if it’s crowded during your visit, I recommend waiting and entering; you will be pleasantly surprised by the beauty of this seemingly unremarkable mosque.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Visit Duration: Less than 1 hour
• Admission: Free

8. Alladin Hill Park

Alladin Hill Park is a central park in Konya, located in the heart of the city. The park features a mosque and some other historical structures. In good weather, be sure to visit. It’s possible to walk here from Mevlana, or you can take a tram. Almost all tram routes in Konya pass by this park due to its central location.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7
• Visit Duration: 1-3 hours
• Admission: Free

9. Kyoto Japanese Garden

Kyoto is Konya’s sister city, and in honor of this, a real Japanese park was opened in Konya in 2010. Like the tropical garden, the Japanese park is unexpected in Konya but impresses with its quality. It is the largest Japanese garden in Turkey. Inside the park, I felt like I was in Japan – with traditional pavilions, a pond, and even Japanese vegetation. There is a Japanese restaurant (Kafem Japon Parkı) within the park, offering traditional Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM
• Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Admission: Free

10. Dervish Center

Near the Mevlana Museum is the Mevlana Cultural Center (Mevlana Kültür Merkezi), where you can watch a live Dervish dance. You can find more details about the Dervishes on this page.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (depending on the season)
• Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Admission: 150 lira

You can also see the Dervish dance for free, as I did. Once a week (usually on Saturdays), a free Dervish dance performance is held near the Mevlana Museum.

11. Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden

Unexpectedly, Konya boasts a genuine tropical butterfly garden called “Konya Tropikal Kelebek Bahçesi.” I recommend it to everyone, regardless of age.

It’s an incredible walk surrounded by a swarm of butterflies! They land on you, they fly around you, and they come in all sizes, both big and small. It’s an amazing experience!

Many visitors come with children, but it is worth visiting at any age. The garden houses dozens of plant and butterfly species in conditions that closely mimic their natural habitats. Plan to spend ample time here as the garden is both pleasant and fascinating.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Visit Duration: 3-4 hours
• Admission: 250 lira (children under 6 free)

12. Stone Works Museum

The Stone and Wood Artifacts Museum in Konya (Taş ve Ahşap Eserleri Müzesi) is housed in a unique 13th-century building. The structure itself and the exhibits inside demonstrate the technological level of the Seljuks. The museum is small in size but will undoubtedly interest lovers of ancient culture and technology.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Visit Duration: 1-2 hours
• Admission: 100 lira

13. Meram River Bridge

The Meram River Bridge (MERAM DERE KÖPRÜSÜ) is a beautiful place to visit at any time of day. Scholars still debate the exact date of its construction as there are no precise records, but it is believed to have been built during the Seljuk era, around the 12th-13th centuries. The bridge is now open only to pedestrians but was once an essential part of the trade route. It’s definitely worth a visit, even though it’s located on the opposite side of the city from most other attractions. The bridge and the surrounding gardens also make for a perfect photo spot.

• Address: Google Maps
• Opening Hours: Open 24/7
• Visit Duration: 10-20 minutes
• Admission: Free

Must try Food in Konya

Here, I want to highlight a few dishes and places that I believe are must-tries in Konya.

14. Try Fırın Kebabı in Hacı Şükrü

Hacı Şükrü is one of the best places to try the famous Konya Fırın (over-baked) Kebab. This family-run business has been operating for over 100 years. The tender, melt-in-your-mouth lamb is truly exceptional. Be sure to order it with their handmade frothy buttermilk. Before the kebab, you can try the unique dried okra soup, a specialty of Konya. For dessert, don’t forget to order the traditional sweet dish!

Address: Ferhuniye, A 42060, Müneccimbaşı Sk. No:20, 42080 Selçuklu/Konya Google Maps

15. Try Zerde in MİTHAT TİRİT

Zerde is one of Turkish desserts that has been preserved from the Ottoman Empire to the present day. This dessert is still widely prepared and enjoyed in Konya, especially during special occasions such as weddings and circumcision ceremonies. It is made with sugar, rose water, cloves, cinnamon, rice, starch, pistachios, currants, and saffron.

Address: Ferhuniye, A 42060, Müneccimbaşı Sk. No:20, 42080 Selçuklu/Konya Google Maps

Where to Stay in Konya

Konya offers dozens of hotels for any budget and taste. I chose Hich Hotel Konya and was very satisfied. Let me tell about this hotel.

16. Hich Hotel Konya

Pros of the hotel:

• Ideal location for tourists – in the city center, close to the Mevlana Museum. The tram stop is just 100 meters away if you decide to visit the Japanese Park or Tropical Garden.
• Atmosphere – the hotel is located in a historic building, beautifully restored. Wooden windows, stained glass, and genuine antiques are preserved in the interior.
• Rooms – some rooms offer stunning views, but even without a view, the rooms are luxurious and very comfortable.

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XpEsnd2todnUbUuT9

The only downside is the price. The price ranges from $80 to $150, depending on the room. Compared to neighboring hotels, Hich Hotel Konya is slightly more expensive. But it’s worth it; just look at this room:

How to Get to Konya

How to Get to Konya from Istanbul

Besides renting a car, there are 4 convenient ways to get to the Konya from Istanbul:

I list all prices in dollars as the lira exchange rate is constantly changing, and Turks adjust new prices in lira approximately to the old prices in dollars.

In my opinion, the easiest way to get to Konya from Istanbul is by train. Although the flight is only about an hour, you first need to get to the airport in Istanbul early, and then from Konya airport to the city center. In the end, you will spend about the same time as by train. However, the high-speed train is cheaper and more convenient, as it departs and arrives close to the city center.

You can buy train tickets to Konya on the official Turkish Railways website – https://ebilet.tcddtasimacilik.gov.tr/. This works only if you have a foreign card; the site does not accept Russian cards. If you don’t have a card that works abroad, you can buy a ticket for cash at any train station in Istanbul. Usually, tickets are still available a few days before the trip unless your trip falls on a Friday or Sunday – peak demand for tickets.

Online, you can choose a convenient departure time and class of service in advance – economy and business are available:

A business-class ticket costs a little more – about 30 dollars, but there are fewer people in the car, and you get a free meal once during the trip:

The train arrives in Konya practically in the city center, which is also more convenient than a plane. From the train station, you can take a taxi to the city center in 10-15 minutes, and in good weather and if you want, you can even walk there in about an hour. You can also take public transport

The taxi fare also changes constantly due to the lira exchange rate, but it’s only 5 kilometers, so the cost won’t exceed 10 dollars under any circumstances.\

How to Get to Konya from Ankara or Antalya

A high-speed train to Konya also runs from Ankara, but you can’t get there by train from Antalya or Cappadocia. However, there are comfortable buses on these routes. You can buy tickets right at the bus station in your city or in advance if you have a foreign bank card. You can buy tickets online, for example, on the website https://www.obilet.com/:

The plus of traveling by bus is that the road goes through picturesque places, so the route to Konya can itself be a great adventure. But I don’t recommend it with children, as the mountain road can be a bit nauseating, and Turkish buses usually don’t have toilets, which can be challenging for a child.

In Antalya, I also saw that they offer full-day excursions to Konya. In this case, you are picked up from your hotel and returned back, but planning such a trip on your own is quite feasible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Konya