Şanlıurfa travel guide

Şanlıurfa, often called the 'City of Prophets,' boasts a rich history that dates back over 12,000 years. This ancient city is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. Its history is deeply intertwined with numerous civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Hittites, Babylonians, and Assyrians.

The city’s most famous landmark, Göbekli Tepe, is an archaeological wonder, revealing structures that predate Stonehenge by several millennia. This site has significantly altered our understanding of prehistoric human societies, suggesting that complex religious practices existed long before previously thought.

Şanlıurfa is also known for its biblical connections; it is traditionally identified as the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. Throughout the ages, the city has been a melting pot of cultures and religions, fostering a diverse heritage that includes Jewish, Christian, and Islamic influences.

The city was known as Edessa in antiquity and later became a significant center of early Christianity. Conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, and eventually the Ottomans, Şanlıurfa has a layered history that continues to attract historians and tourists alike.

Şanlıurfa, often referred to as the 'City of Prophets,' is steeped in rich history and vibrant cultural traditions. Visitors will notice the strong influence of both Arab and Kurdish customs, reflected in the local dialect, traditional clothing, and cuisine. One of the most prominent aspects of Şanlıurfa's culture is its music, particularly the haunting melodies of the 'saz' (a stringed instrument) and the traditional folk songs that speak of the city’s storied past.

Hospitality is a cornerstone of life in Şanlıurfa. Locals are known for their warm and generous nature, often inviting visitors for tea or a meal. When entering someone’s home, it is customary to remove your shoes and to bring a small gift as a token of respect. Modesty in dress is appreciated, especially when visiting religious sites like the Halil-ur Rahman Mosque or the Cave of Abraham. Women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should avoid wearing shorts.

The city’s bazaars are a sensory delight, bustling with vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to handcrafted jewelry. Haggling is a common practice and can be an enjoyable part of the shopping experience. However, it is important to remain polite and respectful during negotiations.

Finally, it is worth noting that Şanlıurfa has a conservative social fabric. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and alcohol consumption is generally reserved for private settings. Understanding and respecting these customs will significantly enrich your travel experience in this captivating city.

The best time to explore Şanlıurfa is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) months. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, with daytime temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Spring brings blooming landscapes and fewer crowds, offering a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Autumn, on the other hand, showcases the harvest season and local festivals, providing a cultural richness to your visit.

Summer months (July and August) can be exceedingly hot, with temperatures often soaring above 35°C, which may hinder daytime explorations. Conversely, winter (December to February) can be chilly and less predictable, although it is generally mild compared to other regions in Turkey.

One notable event that enhances the overall experience is the annual 'Urfa Culture and Art Week' held in late September. This festival features local music, dance, and culinary delights, making it a significant cultural highlight. By planning your visit around these favorable seasons and special events, you can ensure a more comfortable and enriching journey through this historic city.

An insider tip for enhancing your visit to Şanlıurfa is to explore the city's vibrant bazaar early in the morning. While the Grand Bazaar is a well-known attraction, locals suggest arriving right after sunrise to experience the authentic atmosphere before the crowds arrive. You'll find the freshest produce, unique spices, and handcrafted goods at this time, and vendors are often more willing to engage in friendly haggling. Additionally, many locals recommend starting your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at one of the small, family-run cafes around the bazaar. These cafes serve fresh bread, olives, cheeses, and honey, providing a delicious and hearty start to your day. By following this insider tip, you'll not only enjoy a more relaxed and intimate shopping experience but also gain a deeper appreciation for the daily life and culture of Şanlıurfa.

Here on this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Check out the cheapest and most popular flights offered by 229 airlines that fly to Turkey. We make it easy for you to find and book the top services in Şanlıurfa.

Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Şanlıurfa, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place. Book with Guide to Europe to get an expertly-curated and fully-customizable itinerary and experience the best of Şanlıurfa on your vacation in Turkey.

Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Şanlıurfa from our free 24/7 customer support. Continue reading to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Şanlıurfa!

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Şanlıurfa has something for everyone. Regardless of age and interest, travelers have the best time exploring every corner of the city.

Read on to discover the best places to visit and find out what to expect from the city of Şanlıurfa.

Enrich your travel experience in Şanlıurfa by joining tours and activities. Şanlıurfa offers an exciting selection of top-rated tours and it's easy for every traveler to find something to their liking. Take the opportunity to catch the top attractions on a tour, stay active with an adventurous excursion, or learn something new about the local history or culture of the city.

Discover the most popular experiences in Şanlıurfa below.

The best and easiest way to visit Şanlıurfa is by booking a vacation package. A vacation package includes everything you need for a worry-free and perfectly planned holiday in Turkey.

Booking a vacation package to Şanlıurfa means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accomodation, and a rental car, to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Şanlıurfa to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing you with everything you need to travel comfortably, your vacation package to Şanlıurfa is also fully customizable. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience, to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

On our website, you will find unique vacation packages to Şanlıurfa, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and recommendations for the best sightseeing spots, restaurants, bars, and activities.

Continue to the next section to learn more about what types of vacations you can book in the city of Şanlıurfa.

To get to the city of Şanlıurfa the fastest way possible, travelers from outside Turkey can travel by plane. International travelers can fly to Şanlıurfa by booking flights with any of the 2 airlines that offer direct flights to Sanliurfa airport. Some airlines that operate flights to Sanliurfa airport are Pegasus, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines. Go to this page to compare all flights to Şanlıurfa.

To reach the city of Şanlıurfa, travelers can choose from various airport transfer options available at Sanliurfa airport.

If you're looking for the best flight ticket deals to Şanlıurfa, knowing the cheapest travel time and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we have this information for you. Discover more about the cheapest and most popular flights to Sanliurfa airport and Şanlıurfa below.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a city as fantastic as Şanlıurfa is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience.

The best place to stay in Şanlıurfa usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodation in downtown Şanlıurfa offers a ton of benefits.

Staying at the heart of the city allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Şanlıurfa and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally-located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Şanlıurfa planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Turkey can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the 5-star or 4-star hotels in Şanlıurfa. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range hotels to budget-friendly accommodations in the city, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Şanlıurfa.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Şanlıurfa in the next sections.

Şanlıurfa offers a variety of transportation options to help visitors navigate the city with ease. The public transit system includes buses operated by the Şanlıurfa Metropolitan Municipality, which provide an affordable and efficient way to travel across different parts of the city. These buses cover major routes and are a reliable option for daily commuting.

For those looking for more convenience, taxis are widely available throughout Şanlıurfa. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via phone, offering a flexible and relatively fast way to get around. Fare meters are commonly used, ensuring transparent pricing.

Car rental services are also readily accessible for visitors who prefer exploring the city and its surroundings at their own pace. Several rental agencies operate in Şanlıurfa, offering a range of vehicles to suit different needs.

A unique local transportation experience in Şanlıurfa includes the traditional horse-drawn carriages known as 'fayton.' While not as commonly used for daily commuting, they provide a charming way to tour certain parts of the city, especially for those interested in a more leisurely and historic experience.

Experience the freedom and convenience of a self-drive vacation by renting a car for your adventures in Şanlıurfa. Şanlıurfa has 3 car rental companies ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Şanlıurfa start from 44.93 EUR per day or 314.54 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Peugeot 208.

If you prefer driving a manual car, you’ll find multiple options for rent in Şanlıurfa, starting from 49.03 EUR per day or 343.23 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Renault Clio.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Şanlıurfa, Turkey, below.

The city of Şanlıurfa is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Turkey. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Turkey has it all.

Turkey is calling, and the country is asking you to experience its culture and diversity to the fullest! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Turkey that are as magical as the city of Şanlıurfa. The most popular travel destinations in Turkey are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

A taste of Turkey through a visit to Şanlıurfa can often reignite a traveler's passion for adventure. When this happens, the best way to satisfy this wanderlust is to book a domestic flight from Şanlıurfa to another remarkable destination in Turkey.

To begin your search for the best or cheapest flights from the city of Şanlıurfa to other spectacular locations in Turkey, jump to the last section of this travel guide.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Şanlıurfa, Turkey. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Şanlıurfa, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Turkey. Check out the best things to do in Şanlıurfa by browsing over 5 top-rated tours available to you in the street. Compare the rates and services of the 4 types of stays and 2 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Şanlıurfa with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Şanlıurfa from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Şanlıurfa with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Şanlıurfa travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the street of Şanlıurfa!

With destinations such as Şanlıurfa, a trip to Turkey needs no further explanation. Spanning over 783,562 square kilometers, Turkey is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Turkey has something to enchant every traveler.

In Şanlıurfa alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Göbeklitepe, Mutfak Muzesi, and Urfa City Museum. Thus, a trip to Turkey becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Turkey offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

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Expect an exhilarating journey through Şanlıurfa, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Şanlıurfa offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Şanlıurfa travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the street so special.

You've explored Şanlıurfa's top attractions and marked them on your map. So now, it's time to delve deeper and discover the top things to do in Şanlıurfa. These activities not only offer excitement and adventure but also provide unique insights into the city's culture and heritage. Take your experience to the next level by checking out the best sights with a knowledgeable guide, embarking on fun adventures unique to Şanlıurfa, or learning more about the street's rich history and traditions.

Discover the most popular tours and experiences in the street below.

Booking a vacation package to Şanlıurfa means spending less time planning and more time enjoying your vacation. A vacation package includes everything from flight tickets, accommodation, and a rental car to 24/7 personal travel support and a carefully planned travel itinerary. You can also take your vacation in Şanlıurfa to the next level by adding tours, tickets, and activities to each day of your trip.

Apart from providing everything you need to travel comfortably, travel packages to Şanlıurfa also offer full customization. In other words, you can add or remove services at your own convenience to create the perfect vacation for you and your travel companions.

Continue to the next section of this complete Şanlıurfa travel guide to explore further details about the vacation options available for your trip to the street.

International travelers can fly to Şanlıurfa by booking flights with Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, and AJet, offering flights to Sanliurfa Airport. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Şanlıurfa.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Şanlıurfa, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Şanlıurfa.

An essential factor to consider when traveling to a new place or country is accommodation. While visiting a street as fantastic as Şanlıurfa is always exciting, any avid traveler knows that accommodations often make or break the vacation experience. The best place to stay in Şanlıurfa usually depends on travelers' needs and preferences. However, booking accommodations in central Şanlıurfa offers a ton of benefits.

Staying in the heart of the street allows you to easily walk to many of the top sights and dining areas in Şanlıurfa and cut down on your travel expenses. Centrally located accommodations are also an excellent choice for travelers in Şanlıurfa planning to go on a quick tour or drive to the neighboring regions.

In Şanlıurfa, you'll find 4 different types of places to stay, catering to every taste, budget, and reason for travel. For example, honeymooners or travelers on a romantic getaway in Turkey can experience the ultimate relaxation at one of the luxury hotels in Şanlıurfa. Travelers whose purpose is sightseeing can also find plenty of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels in the street, allowing access to many of the top attractions in Şanlıurfa.

Learn more about the most popular places to stay and the top-rated hotels in Şanlıurfa in the following sections.

To navigate Şanlıurfa effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 2 car rental companies in Şanlıurfa, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Şanlıurfa start at 45 EUR per day or 315 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Renault Clio 1.4. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Şanlıurfa, starting at 37 EUR per day or 258 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Renault Clio 1.0 Hb Ac.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Şanlıurfa, Turkey below.

The street of Şanlıurfa is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Turkey. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Turkey has it all.

Each destination in Turkey offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Turkey that are as magical as the street of Şanlıurfa. The most popular travel destinations in Turkey are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Experience the authentic charm of Turkey by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Şanlıurfa. Explore other destinations around Turkey with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Şanlıurfa to other amazing locations in Turkey, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Turkey for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Şanlıurfa.