Sanliurfa Hotels

Şanlıurfa: The sacred meeting point of legends, beliefs and history... This ancient city, known as the golden gate of Mesopotamia, is like a time tunnel carrying the traces of the past to the future. Şanlıurfa, which hides a story in every corner and a secret in every stone, is not just a city; it is the cradle of civilizations, the heart of culture, a journey that touches the depths of the soul.

From Balıklıgöl, where you can trace the footsteps of the prophets, to the magnificent Göbeklitepe columns rising to the sky, history greets you at every step. With its eye-catching stone architecture, unique cuisine and warm people, Şanlıurfa promises its visitors not just a journey but a spiritual discovery. Are you ready to immerse yourself in the fairytale wind of the past? Then, welcome to Şanlıurfa!

When and Why Should You Visit Şanlıurfa?

Şanlıurfa offers different experiences depending on the season, making it a year-round destination. The spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November, are ideal for visiting as the weather is mild and perfect for exploring open-air historical sites like Göbeklitepe. During these times, you can enjoy the city’s authentic atmosphere without being affected by the heat.

While summer temperatures can be high, you can cool off in the shade of historical caravanserais and bazaars or indulge in local flavors. Additionally, cultural festivals and music events during the summer add extra meaning to your visit. In winter, the city becomes quieter, providing a more mystical experience. Known as the "City of Prophets," Şanlıurfa also attracts religious tourism throughout the year.

Şanlıurfa's Weather by Season

Spring (March-May): Mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15-25°C. It's an ideal time for outdoor activities.

Summer (June-August): Hot temperatures ranging from 35-45°C. However, the coolness of the historical sites and covered markets can make it more bearable.

Autumn (September-November): The temperature drops to 20-30°C, making it one of the most popular and ideal periods for visiting.

Winter (December-February): Cooler temperatures ranging from 5-15°C. Winter offers a more tranquil Şanlıurfa experience, enhancing the allure of its historical sites.

Şanlıurfa's Tourist Seasons

Peak Season: Spring and autumn are the busiest months for tourism. Sites like Göbeklitepe, Balıklıgöl, and local bazaars tend to be crowded. It's recommended to visit early in the day, especially on weekends.

Mid-Season: In summer, with the extreme heat, tourist numbers are lower. This period offers a more relaxed experience in hotels and restaurants.

Off-Season: Winter months are quieter, making it perfect for those seeking a more peaceful visit. With fewer tourists, you can spend more time at museums and on guided tours.

Things to Do in Şanlıurfa

Explore Göbeklitepe: Known as the world’s oldest temple complex, Göbeklitepe is a must-see for anyone interested in history and archaeology.

Visit Balıklıgöl: Known as the place where Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire, this sacred pond is one of Şanlıurfa's symbols. Walk around and discover the region’s history.

See the Harran Houses: About an hour from Şanlıurfa, Harran is famous for its conical-roof houses and historical ruins.

Shop in Covered Bazaars: Visit local markets such as the Copper Bazaar and Isot Bazaar to find handcrafted goods, spices, and souvenirs.

Join a Sıra Gecesi: A traditional cultural event, the Sıra Gecesi, offers a unique opportunity to experience local music and customs.

Visit Şanlıurfa Museum: Filled with archaeological artifacts, this museum is essential for understanding the region's history.

Admire the Halil-ür Rahman Mosque: One of the city’s key religious structures, this mosque is stunning with its architectural beauty.

Taste Local Dishes: Don’t leave without trying Şanlıurfa’s signature dishes, such as çiğ köfte, lahmacun, and tirit.

Şanlıurfa Hotel Accommodation and Restaurant Prices

Hotel Prices: Hotel rates in Şanlıurfa vary depending on the hotel category, season, and services offered. Budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses typically charge between 1000-2000 TL per night. Mid-range hotels are priced around 2000-3000 TL per night. Luxury hotels and five-star resorts can cost upwards of 3000 TL per night, offering additional amenities like pools, spas, and restaurants. It’s important to consider the season’s peak times when booking as prices tend to rise during summer.

Restaurant Prices: Restaurant prices in Şanlıurfa are diverse. In a local restaurant offering regional dishes, a meal typically costs between 500-1000 TL per person. In more upscale restaurants, the price may exceed 1000 TL per person. Popular tourist sites like Balıklıgöl may have higher prices depending on the crowd. However, it’s generally possible to enjoy traditional cuisine at affordable prices.

Must-See Places in Şanlıurfa

Göbeklitepe: A world-renowned archaeological site, Göbeklitepe is the oldest temple complex in the world and one of Şanlıurfa’s top tourist attractions.

Balıklıgöl: A sacred pond where Prophet Abraham is believed to have been thrown into the fire, offering a mystical atmosphere.

Harran Houses: Famous for its conical-roofed houses, Harran is a historic and unique site.

Şanlıurfa Castle: Offering panoramic views of the city, this historic castle provides both historical and scenic value.

Rızvaniye Mosque and Halil-ür Rahman Mosque: These famous mosques are significant both architecturally and historically.

Şanlıurfa Museum: A must-visit museum for history lovers, showcasing the region’s rich past.

Atatürk Dam and Euphrates River: Famous for its natural beauty, this area offers opportunities for nature walks or boat tours.

Shopping Recommendations in Şanlıurfa: What to Buy and Where

Filigree Jewelry: Filigree jewelry, made with intricate silver wirework, is one of Şanlıurfa’s famous souvenirs. You can find these beautiful pieces in many shops in the bazaars.

Şanlıurfa Bazaars: The covered bazaars are full of local souvenirs and products. You can purchase isot (a special type of chili), spices, copperware, carpets, and handmade kilims.

Syriac Wines: Locally produced from regional vineyards, Syriac wines are an excellent choice for both gifts and personal enjoyment.

Çiğ Köfte and Spices: Çiğ köfte, one of the city's most famous dishes, is often sold alongside local spices, making it an ideal souvenir.

Handwoven Carpets: Traditional handwoven carpets, especially those with unique local patterns, are perfect for bringing a touch of Şanlıurfa’s culture into your home.

Entertainment, Café, and Bar Recommendations in Şanlıurfa

Sıra Geceleri: Sıra Geceleri (traditional music nights) offer a great opportunity to experience local music and culture. These nights are an excellent way to mingle with the locals.

Cafés around Balıklıgöl: Cafés around Balıklıgöl offer a pleasant experience, combining historic atmosphere with natural beauty.

Cafés in the Covered Bazaar: Traditional Turkish coffee or Syriac coffee can be enjoyed at the cafés in the historical bazaars.

Kale Arkası Street: Known for its vibrant nightlife, this street offers live music and dance performances in the evenings.

Legendary Venues: Some venues are particularly famous for their mezes and kebabs, making them ideal for food lovers.

Restaurant Recommendations in Şanlıurfa: What to Eat Where

Çiğ Köfteci İskender: One of Şanlıurfa’s most famous çiğ köfte restaurants, where fresh, spicy çiğ köfte is served.

Kebapçı Halil İbrahim: A great place to try Urfa kebabs, along with other popular dishes like lahmacun and içli köfte.

Süryani Sofrası: This restaurant serves delicious examples of the local Syriac cuisine, offering a variety of kebabs and mezes.

Mezopotamya Sofrası: A fantastic alternative for tasting traditional Urfa cuisine. Dishes like kaburga dolması (stuffed ribs) and tirit (a meat and bread dish) are must-tries.

Balıklıgöl Restaurant: Located near Balıklıgöl, these restaurants are famous for their meat dishes and fresh fish, all while enjoying the historical atmosphere.

History of Şanlıurfa

Şanlıurfa, one of the oldest settlements in Mesopotamia, has a history dating back thousands of years. Throughout its history, it has hosted many great civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Assyrians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. These lands have immense religious and cultural significance. Göbeklitepe, known as the world’s oldest temple complex, reveals traces of prehistory through its excavations. In Islamic history, Şanlıurfa is important as the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. The city received the title of "Şanlı" (meaning "Glorious") in 1984 for its heroic contributions during the Turkish War of Independence.

What is Şanlıurfa Famous For?

Göbeklitepe: Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, is one of Şanlıurfa’s most significant historical landmarks. It provides invaluable archaeological insight into prehistoric times.

Çiğ Köfte: This famous dish from Şanlıurfa is known throughout Turkey. You can enjoy fresh, spicy çiğ köfte in both street food stalls and restaurants.

Urfa Kebab: Şanlıurfa is renowned for its kebabs, with Urfa kebab being the most popular. Its taste comes from the natural quality of the meat and its unique seasoning.

Syriac Wines: Locally produced wines from regional vineyards, Syriac wines are a traditional drink that you can sample in Şanlıurfa.

Filigree Art: Şanlıurfa is famous for its filigree jewelry, where silver is crafted into intricate designs. These handmade pieces reflect the region’s cultural heritage.

Balıklıgöl: Balıklıgöl, where the miraculous fish associated with the story of the Prophet Ibrahim are found, is both a religious and tourist destination.

Where to Swim in Şanlıurfa and Nearby Beaches

While Şanlıurfa does not have a coastline, there are a few places nearby where you can enjoy the sea:

Samandağ (Hatay): Located about 2-3 hours from Şanlıurfa, Samandağ is a Mediterranean town known for its clean beaches, including Deniz Beach and Çevlik Beach.

Mersin Beaches: You can travel through Adana to reach Mersin, where beaches like Kızkalesi offer Blue Flag status and excellent swimming opportunities.

Natural Lakes in Batman: In the surrounding regions of Şanlıurfa, you can find natural lakes, especially in Batman, ideal for cooling off and enjoying nature through activities like hiking and camping.

Best Things to Do in Şanlıurfa

Visit Göbeklitepe: As the world’s oldest known temple complex, Göbeklitepe offers an incredible historical experience that’s a must-see.

Stroll Around Balıklıgöl: Visit Balıklıgöl, where the sacred fish related to the Prophet Ibrahim’s story swim. The site offers a serene atmosphere.

Explore Harran Houses: Located in the Harran district, the traditional cone-shaped houses offer a unique cultural and architectural experience. You can also explore the remains of the ancient university and mosques here.

Try Çiğ Köfte: A visit to Şanlıurfa wouldn’t be complete without trying çiğ köfte, which is served fresh and spicy at local restaurants.

Visit Urfa Castle: A visit to Urfa Castle gives you a stunning view of the city and allows you to explore the surrounding historical structures.

Taste Syriac Wines: Try local wines made from regional grapes at various restaurants or wine producers throughout the city.

Shop in the Bazaars: Visit Şanlıurfa’s covered bazaars to buy local products, filigree jewelry, carpets, and handmade goods.

Attend a Sıra Gecesi: Experience the local culture by attending a Sıra Gecesi, an event filled with traditional music and dance.

Explore Atatürk Dam and the Euphrates River: Known for its natural beauty, the Atatürk Dam area is great for boat tours or a relaxing picnic while enjoying the outdoors.

Which Small & Boutique Hotels in Sanliurfa are Child Friendly?

You can browse the small hotels site for Şanlıurfa Child Friendly small and boutique hotel options.

Which Small & Boutique Hotels are Beachfront in Sanliurfa?

Although Şanlıurfa is a city that does not have seafront hotels, you can easily reach the beaches and holiday areas in the immediate vicinity.

Which Small & Boutique Hotels in Sanliurfa are Wheelchair Friendly?

You can browse the small hotels site for small and boutique hotel options suitable for wheelchairs in Şanlıurfa.

Which Small & Boutique Hotels in Sanliurfa are Age-Friendly?

You can browse the small hotels website for small and boutique hotel  in Şanlıurfa.

Which Small & Boutique Hotels in Sanliurfa are Pet Friendly?

You can browse the small hotels website for Sanliurfa Pet Friendly small and boutique hotel options.

Which Small & Boutique Hotels with Pool in Sanliurfa?

You can browse the small hotels website for small and boutique hotel options with pool in Sanliurfa.

Which hotels have a fireplace in Sanliurfa?

You can browse the small hotels website for small and boutique hotel options with fireplace in Sanliurfa.

What are the adult hotels in Sanliurfa?

You can browse the small hotels site for small and boutique hotel options in Şanlıurfa.

Early Booking Deals for Sanliurfa Hotels

Early booking opportunities at hotels in Şanlıurfa offer significant advantages for vacationers. Especially during the high season, it is possible to stay at affordable prices thanks to these deals. Those who book early can also get extra advantages such as larger rooms or special services. In addition, for travelers who want to explore the historical and cultural richness of Şanlıurfa, early booking guarantees availability at popular hotels. Therefore, by planning your vacation early, you can protect both your budget and your comfort.