Budget Travel to Sanliurfa 2024
Welcome to Şanlıurfa!
Sanliurfa is a culturally rich and historically important city that is located in Kurdish region of southeast Turkey. The city is often referred to by Turks as “Urfa” and it offers travellers a wide range of expensive and free attractions. It is an ideal destination for adventurous travellers who are on a budget.
Some of the most important attraction in and around the city include places such as the beautiful Pool of Abraham, which is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims, Göbeklitepe, the oldest human settlement in the world, and Harran, the historical town where visitors can experience living history in its famous mud huts and see the remains of what is thought to be the oldest university in the world.
This fascinating city is also famous for its delicious traditional cuisine, lively bazaars, and welcoming locals. Sanliurfa promises an unforgettable holiday experience.
This budget-friendly guide is designed to help travellers explore the wonders of Sanliurfa without breaking the bank. It will cover topics such as affordable accommodations, inexpensive attractions and delicious local cuisine, this guide provides essential tips on travel and recommendations for making the most of your visit to this amazing destination.
Key Takeaways
- Sanliurfa is an important city for Muslim pilgrims, which important and beautiful places to visit, such as Balıklıgöl, the Pool of Abraham.
- There are other historic sites in the city, such as the catacomb caves and Sanliurfa castle and one of the best museums in Turkey, which has recently reopened.
- Outside the city there are also some wonderful places to visit, Gobeklitepe (the oldest human settlement in the world) and Harran (a unique destination with a history that goes back thousands of years). Both places can make excellent half day trips, which you can do independently and for relatively little money.
- The bazaar area of the city is fascinating and full of life. You can easily get lost, but that is part of the excitement. There are many great and affordable restaurants located in and around the bazaar.
- As in all southeast of Turkey, people are warm and welcoming towards foreign travellers.
- Sanliurfa is a city that few international visitors choose to visit. However, it is a real gem and a must-visit destination.
Where ıs Sanliurfa?
Şanlıurfa is a city in located in southeastern Turkey and is situated near the border with Syria. It is a little bit off the beaten track, being located about 1290 km by road from Istanbul and about 900 km from Antalya.
Map of Şanlıurfa
A Brief History of Sanliurfa
Urfa has a fascinating historical journey that stretches back thousands of years. In nearby Göbekli Tepe are the remains of the first permanent human settlement in the world, which dates back 12,000 years.
Over the years, the city has been a part of many civilizations. These have included the Assyrian, Persian, Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires.
The city was named Edessa by the Greeks and during the time of Alexander the Great, it was considered as a centre for trade and cultural exchange in the region.
The city is the birthplace of the prophet Abraham and is a place of pilgrimage for people of the Muslim faith. For this reason the city is a very conservative place and it is always better, especially for female travellers, to wear clothes that cover up most of the body.
After the War of Independence, the city was renamed from Urfa to Sanliurfa, which means “Glorious Urfa.” This was done to pay respect to the brave locals who fought to liberate the city from the French.
What to Do in Sanliurfa
There are quite a lot of things to do and see, both in and nearby the city and most places you can visit inexpensively by yourself, without the need of an expensive tour.
Balikgol (Balıkgöl)
Lıterally translated ınto Englısh thıs place ıs called Fısh lake. It is also known as the Pool of Abraham. The same Abraham who is mentioned in both the Holy Koran and the Bible.
As a place of worship, Sanliurfa has long been a popular place of pilgrimage for centuries, attracting people from near and far. The city is home to holy places that are very important to Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Balikgol is probably the first place you should visit. This is the city’s historical and religious centre and it has a unique and peaceful atmosphere.
Here you will find the Cave of Abraham and the beautiful Mevid i Halil mosque. The Cave of Abraham is thought to be the place where the prophet Abraham was born.
You can go inside the mosque to see the cave. When you kneel, you can see inside the water-filled cave through a glass screen and take photos. Just a short walk from the cave is a lovely park area with the beautiful and historic Ayn-ı Zeliha lakes.
You can sit down in one of the cafes in the park and relax, drink some tea and gaze at the incredible green waters of the lakes and watch people pass by.
After that, you can keep walking to the nearby Pool of Abraham, which is also known as the Pool of Sacred Fish. This is where the Prophet Abraham is said to have been miraculously saved from Nimrod’s fire.
The lake is full of enormous fish that are thought to be the embers of the fire, which you can feed.
There are people selling small bags of fish food for a few cents. The Halil-ur Rahman and Rizvaniye Mosques are right next to the pool. Walking along the edge of the pool is a great way to take in its beautiful design and watch the fish swim gracefully in the water.
Balikligol is so beautiful that you should try to visit it at least twice. The first time during the day and the second time at night, when everything is lit up and it has a magical atmosphere.
It is free to enter, and it is a place where you could spend hours enjoying its charm.
Sanliurfa Castle
The impressive Sanlifurfa castle that overlooks Balikgol is also currently closed for repairs but will possibly reopen later in 2024.
However, you could always walk up the hill to see the castle walls from up close if you are feeling energetic. There is also a great view of the mosque and Balikgol from the top of the hill.
Roman Catacombs
These caves were made by the Romans, who dug into the walls of cliffs. These caves served as mausoleums for important Romans.
There is a guard at the site, but there is no entrance fee. The site opens at 9 a.m., but it is particularly pleasant in the early evening when it is all lit up and the weather is cooler in the summertime.
There is a tea garden nearby where you can enjoy a refreshing drink for less than one euro.
The site is within easy walking distance from Balikligol. It takes about 10 minutes to get there.
The Grand Bazaar
One of the most fascinating places in Sanliurfa is its lively bazaar and the undeniable charm of its old city. The main bazaar of Sanliurfa is located near to Balikgol and is a real treasure trove of sights, sounds, and smells.
The Grand Bazaar is a bit like a labyrinth with its winding alleys and bustling shops. If you have time, you should just walk around and enjoy an authentic shopping experience. Here you can find everything from spices and textiles to traditional crafts.
Stepping into the bazaars is like stepping back into history and gives you the chance to see how people have been shopping for centuries. There is the smell of spices, herbs and freshly made Turkish coffee in the ait, while the sound of shopkeepers haggling with customers gives the place a special and unforgettable atmosphere.
Apart from the chance to do some gift shopping, the bazaars also offers you a glimpse into the local way of life. You can see the work of local artisans while they create beautiful, handcrafted items right before your eyes.
There are also some great, cheap places to eat in the Grand Bazaar that serve tasty food that is cooked in a clean environment.
Sanliurfa Museums
The most important museum in the city and the largest museum in the entire country is the Archaeology and Mosaic Museum. It has a spectacular display of mosaics and ancient artefacts. dating back thousands of years. It has recently been reopened after being closed for 11 months. It will take you at least a couple hours to see everything. The entry price is 210 Turkish lira (about 6 euros)
The museum is housed in a beautiful, yet modern building with lovely gardens and is located within walking distance from Balikligol. However, there are also frequent buses that go up the hill for less than a euro.
Unfortunately, the other interesting museum in Sanliufa, the Mutfak (Kitchen) Museum is temporarily closed.
Great Excursions from Sanliurf
Göbeklitepe
If you decide to visit Sanliurfa, don’t miss the opportunity to see one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of our time – Gobeklitepe.
It is conveniently located just a short 30-minute bus ride from the city. Göbekli tepe means Potbelly Hill in Turkish because of its shape, is recognised as the birthplace of civilization, dating back over 12,000 years.
This ancient site is a religious temple that features monumental stone pillars with intricate carvings and offers visitors a remarkable understanding of the lives and beliefs of our ancestors. You will be amazed by the awe-inspiring history that buried beneath the surface of this ancient settlement.
The site is covered by an enormous awning for protection from the sun and rain. It also makes the trip more comfortable for visitor in the midday sun during the summer months.
When you arrive at the carpark, you need to buy your ticket and then wait for a minibus to take you up the hill to the site. When the minibus drops you off, you will need to walk up towards the neolithic mound which takes a few minutes.
There is a tea shop where you can buy water or tea at the foot of the mound. There is a path up the hill and around the site that would probably make it possible for physically challenged travellers to get there in a wheelchair.
The entrance ticket costs about 10 euros, its much cheaper if you are Turkish. For some travellers the price might seems a lot, but it is the oldest settlement in the world, and it is an amazing experience, so in my opinion it is worth every cent.
There is also a visitors’ centre near the car park with coffee shop, a souvenir store and toilets. There is also a museum, (You have to pay again to get into the museum and the entry ticket is just under 10 euros).
Many of the best artefacts from Gobeklitepe are displayed in the National Anatolian Museum in Ankara, but maybe if you haven´t been to that the Ankara museum, it may be worth entering this museum, in spite of the high price.
Getting to Göbeklitepe
Getting there by public transport is possible, but challenging. You need to go to the Bus terminal in the centre of the city, It is situated next to the tall Nevali Hotel Building.
Wıth the hotel on your rıght sıde, you should cross the busy road, there are traffic lights. After you cross walk towards the left side where you will find the “Havaş” Airport Shuttle Bus Stop. It is just across from the huge Nevali Hotel.
At the same bus stop as the airport shuttle bus, you will take the number O bus. It also says Gobeklitepe on the front.
It is a mini bus, and it costs just a few euros each way. You can pay with the UrfaKart travel card, or a credit card. If you are lucky you can also pay with cash, (although the driver is not supposed to accept cash).
There are two buses per day that go there, one at 11 am and one at 1pm. They stay at Gopeklitepe car park for two hours and then they return to Sanliurfa. They think that two hours should be enough to see the site. I would agree, but if you also want to sit and have a rest and a cup of coffee at the Visitors Centre and then visit the museum, it probably isn´t enough time. I would say more like three hours.
The trip there takes about 30 minutes and there is A/C onboard, so you won´t suffocate in the summer time. The bus drops you off at the car park at Gobeklitepe and will go back to Sanliufra from the same place.
It is probably best to get the 11 am bus, as if you miss the bus back you still have a second chance to get back to Sanliurfa, without paying for a much more expensive taxi ride.
Milo Rossi´s Video Explains The History of Gobeklitepe
Harran
Another interesting location to see when visiting Sanliurfa is the ancient city of Harran. This historical city, located outside Sanliurfa, just a few kilometres from the Syrian border.
Harran is known for its ancient ruins, including the remains of the oldest university in the world. When I was there, I saw builders reconstructing part of the ancient university building. However, these days Harran is better known for the well-preserved beehive houses that are made of mud and which are unique to this region.
You can visit some of these beehive houses by paying just for a few euros and actually go inside if you want to experience how people used to live. Exploring this unique place will transport you back in time and give an in-depth understanding of the region’s rich history and will be an unforgettable holiday experience.
You need about half a day to do the trip to Harran and it is well worth the effort of going there.
Getting to Harran
Most people choose to take an expensive excursion to visit Harran. However, you can do it yourself on the cheap, but, it is not really recommended to do it alone, especially for solo female travellers.
The first thing you need to do is to get a city bus to the Sanliurfa bus terminal. The city bus doesn´t go into the terminal itself but stops in a side street and you need to walk for a few minutes to get there. Alternatively, you can get a taxi there for about 5 euros.
When you arrive at the bus station you need to go downstairs to the basement floor and ask someone where the minibus (Dolmus) for Harran is parked. You will see many minibuses in the carpark, so you need to get on the correct bus.
You don´t buy a bus ticket from the ticket offices upstairs, you need to pay the minibus driver directly, it costs a few euros each way. The minibus will take well over an hour to get there, and the driver will stop to pick up people along the way.
When you arrive in Harran, you have two choices, first get a taxi to the old Town which is located a few kilometres away. Be careful when choosing a taxi driver, if they look aggressive, don´t go with them, choose the oldest and calmest looking taxi driver that you can see. You are almost guaranteed to have fewer problems with an older taxi driver. Don´t accept the first price they ask for, don´t give them more than 2 or 3 euros, each way.
The second option depends on how hot the weather is. You can opt to walk to the old town although it is two- or three-kilometres journey. The road to the old town passes through quite an isolated area of scrubland, there are some cars that pass by, but in general, it is not advisable to walk alone, especially if you are a solo female traveller.
Mount Nemrut Excursion
There are several organized excursions to Mount Nemrut from Sanliurfa, and other cities in south east Turkey. However, they generally tend to be very expensive. There are few tourists there because of the isolated location and the expense in getting there. It is fascinating but difficult to visit on a budget.
Unfortunately there is no public transport going to this famous landmark. The nearest city to Mount Numrut with an airport is Adiyaman, although there are not many flights there and they are quite expensive.
The drive from Sanliufra would take about 3h.30m and from Adiyaman it takes about an hour or so. You could rent a car to travel there, but this is probably only a good option if you are travelling in a group and can share the cost.
People tend to go there either early in the morning to watch the sunrise or at sunset. Karadut is the only small town nearby where you can find a hotel and it is located about a one-hour drive away.
Where to Stay in Sanliurfa
Which part of the City is Best?
The Eyyübiye neighbourhood, and Balikligol are probably the best choice when looking for accommodation.
These neighbourhoods are where most of the city´s landmarks are located, and they are areas that are full of character.
There is a wide choice of budget hotels in these areas as well as more sophisticated boutique hotels.
There are many small and beautiful stone house guesthouses with lovely courtyards located in the old part of town. Getting to them requires going down narrow winding streets that are centuries old and full of atmosphere.
Budget Hotels & Guesthouses
Most hotels and guesthouses these days offer essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and 24-hour reception.
Always try to avoid using your bank card to buy anything when you are using a hotel or public Wi-Fi network. This is a good reason why you should get a e-Sim card or a local Turkish phonecard during you trip to Turkey.
- Gazel Butik Otel – Balikligol – A lovely old stone house that has been converted into a comfortable guesthouse with affordable prices.
- Gran Babil Otel and otel Gül Palas are both good budget-boutique hotels in the Eyyübiye district.
- Narli Ev Otel is a slightly more expensive but beautiful, affordable boutique hotel. It is located near Balikligol and is a great choice.
You should check to see if your hotel offers breakfast, as sometimes this can be a deal breaker that helps you to decide which is the best hotel to choose.
You can use Booking.com or Agoda.com or even Google to help you find the best deal. When you use websites such as booking.com, you can always make free cancellations if it is done in advance. This is a great option if you are not sure about travel dates.
Room & Apartment Rental
Staying at a rented room on a platform such as Airbnb.com offers you the opportunity to stay with local families, get to experience the local culture, and get insider tips on the best places to visit from your local host. Plus, they are often more affordable for solo travellers than staying traditional hotels.
You should still check out its location, its features, and what other guests have said about it to make sure it is a good fit. It isn´t a good idea to stay far from town centre, as getting transport back there in the evening may be complicated.
Renting an entire apartment can also be a good option, especially if you are travelling in a small group, Hometogo.com and Airbnb.com are both good options.
Cafes and Nightlife
One of the best places to drink a tea or coffee is in the gardens of Balikligol. There are several coffee shops located there and they provide a charming and relaxing atmosphere, whether it is day or night.
There aren´t many places to go out and have fun in Sanliurfa at night, there are more quiet cafes than bars. Unlike nearby Mardin, the city is very conservative, it is not easy to find alcohol in most restaurants.
Sira Nights: Cevahir Han Restoran
This is a typical Kurdish dance performance with live music and is set in a beautiful Ottoman stone building. As it is a restaurant, you will need to eat there too, which is affordable but not cheap. It may well be worth it for a special treat during your visit to the city.
What to Eat in Sanliurfa
Traditional food in Sanliurfa is not just tasty, but also great value for money. Many traditional Sanliurfa dishes have influences from Arabic, Kurdish, and Turkish cuisines. This makes many of the flavours of food in the city unique.
To really understand Sanliurfa, you cannot miss the city’s diverse and lively food scene.
The Urfa Kebab is a favourite dish in the city. It looks like the Adana Kebab, both of them are cooked on skewers using lamb´s meat. However, the Urfa Kebab is seasoned with paprika, oregano, and cumin and is slightly less spicy than Adana Kebab.
You cannot mention Sanliurfa’s cuisine without highlighting Ciğ köfte. This traditional dish is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. It is made from bulgur, tomato paste, spices. It used to be made suing raw minced meat but that is no longer allowed.
Ciğ köfte is typically enjoyed as a wrap or sandwich. Spicy and savoury tastes, along with the freshness of herbs and veggies, make for a truly amazing taste experience and is very inexpensive.
Şıllık is a classic Sanliurfa dessert is made of thin layers of pastry soaked in syrup and topped with ground pistachios.
Where to Eat
Şark Restaurant ıs one of the most famous and best places to eat in the Grand bazaar. Their speciality is Urfa Kebab is their speciality, they also have freshly made Ayran (yogurt drink).
There is a roof terrace that gives you with a bird´s eye views of the hustle and bustle below. It is laid back and simple, but is one of my favourite places to eat in the city.
Livva Kebab Restaurant. This wonderful restaurant serves, kebabs, desserts and even a full traditional Turkish breakfast. It is a little far from Balikligol, so you many need to get a taxi to go there for a few euros.
Getting to Sanliurfa
Flights to Sanliurfa
Sanliurfa GAP airport is located about 35 kilometres from the city centre. If you book early or travel outside the school holidays, you can get a good deal on flights and save money for your adventures in Sanliurfa. Pegasus airlines offers cheap flight tickets to Sanliurfa Airport.
- Istanbul (IST) to Sanliurfa – 2h.05m – Turkish Airlines.
- Istanbul (SAW) to Sanliurfa – 1h.55m – Pegasus Airlines
- Ankara to Sanliurfa – 1h.20m – Turkish Airlines
December to March are the cheapest months to fly there. However, the weather can get quite cold during this time of year.
The best time to fly there is probably the shoulder months of the year, late September to November or March to May. During this time the weather is better and the flights are generally cheaper.
Getting from the Airport to Sanliurfa
After you arrive at Sanliurfa´s GAP Airport, there are several affordable transportation options to travel to the city centre. These include airport shuttle buses and taxis.
The Airport shuttle bus (Havaş) offers travellers a comfortable and economic way to get to the city. The buses have comfortable seats and plenty of space for luggage, so it is a quick and cheap choice. This would be your best option. The bus drops you off by the Archaeological Museum in the centre of the city, from where you can get a taxi to your hotel. The price is less than 5 euros each way and the service runs throughout the day.
Taxis are available throughout the day, providing travellers with door-to-door service and saving them time. If you arrive on a very early or late flight this may be a good, but more expensive option.
Intercity Buses to Sanliurfa
If you prefer travelling by bus, Sanliurfa offers reliable intercity bus services that connect the city to other parts of Turkey. The Sanliurfa Bus Terminal serves as a hub for various bus companies, which means that you have a wide range of routes and schedules to choose from.
You can buy a bus ticket to Sanliurfa either at a bus station ticket office or online using an app such as Busbud.
- Istanbul to Sanliurfa – about 20 hours and costs around 30 euros one way.
- Ankara to Sanliufa – around 12 hours
- Adana to Sanliurfa – 6 hours
- Gaziantep to Sanliurfa – 2h.30m
- Mardin to Sanliurfa -about 3h.30m and costs about 12 euros one way
Getting from the Bus Station to Balikgol
After a long bus journey, most people just want to get to their accommodation quickly and easily. A taxi from the bus station to the Balikligol district will cost between 5 and 7 euros depending on the time of day or night.
Make sure that the taxi driver knows where he is going. Have your GPS on your mobile phone working, so he knows you know where you are going. This tip always helps to keep taxi fares lower.
Alternatively, you can get a local bus to the city centre and then change buses to get to Balikligol. However, you will need to have a Sanliurfa travel card, as they don´t accept cash on the bus. You will also have to walk with your bags to the main road to catch a bus. This is another good reason to take a taxi.
Getting around the City
Once you’ve arrived in Sanliurfa, getting around the city is easy and convenient. Taxis are readily available for you to explore the city.
However, taking a dolmus minibus or a local bus are more economical options. You can pay cash in a dolmus, but you must know which one to take and where to get off. If you don´t speak Turkish this can make it difficult. Don´t rely on the driver to tell you when you arrive at your destination; it is best to use a GPS.
Many of Sanliurfa’s best attractions are easily accessible on foot from Balikligol, and walking also allows you to enjoy the city’s dynamic atmosphere and rich culture. There are plenty of buses from this part of town to the centre, the bus station and the museum.
When to Visit Sanliurfa
The best months of the year to visit the city are from April to June and September to November, when the weather is milder.
Despite the hot weather the summer is the high season, with temperatures often reaching 40 degrees or above, it may not be the best time to visit this part of Turkey. Winters can be cold and rainy but offers better prices for flights and hotels.
Is Sanliurfa Worth Visiting?
In my opinion this ancient city is absolutely worth spending a few day to get to know and enjoy its great atmosphere. There are some wonderful and inexpensive attractions and landmarks to visit. I love south east Turkey, its food, its history and its friendly people. I will go back to Sanliurfa soon.
