
Şanlıurfa City Center
Sanliurfa City Center: Where ancient legends meet vibrant modern life, offering historical wonders, delicious cuisine, and lively shopping.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Şanlıurfa City Center
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sanliurfa City Center: Where ancient legends meet vibrant modern life, offering historical wonders, delicious cuisine, and lively shopping.
"A beautiful place where you find fun, entertainment, shopping, and delicious food."
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The city center is best explored by walking to discover hidden gems.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera for stunning shots of ancient sites and vibrant street life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Balikligol (Pool of Abraham)
Southwest of the city center
A sacred lake steeped in legend, known for its carp and historical significance.
Kizilkoyun Necropolis
Very close to the city center
Ancient rock-carved tombs and striking reliefs offering a glimpse into past rituals.
Ulucami Mosque Area
City center
Experience history and flavor at Ulucami, where traditional liver dishes are a must-try.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Culinary Delights Await
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The city center is best explored by walking to discover hidden gems.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera for stunning shots of ancient sites and vibrant street life.
🍽️ Savor Local Flavors
Don't miss the chance to try authentic Urfa cuisine, especially ciğer.
🗺️ Embrace the Culture
Immerse yourself in the unique blend of history and modern life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The city center is best explored by walking to discover hidden gems.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera for stunning shots of ancient sites and vibrant street life.
🍽️ Savor Local Flavors
Don't miss the chance to try authentic Urfa cuisine, especially ciğer.
🗺️ Embrace the Culture
Immerse yourself in the unique blend of history and modern life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Sanliurfa City Center to be a beautiful place offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, with a family-friendly atmosphere. While it's noted as not being overly large, it caters to various needs, from everyday shopping to enjoying local cuisine and games. The historical and cultural aspects are particularly appreciated.
"Place of business beautiful you find a fun, entertainment, shopping and author of the five-story where restaurants fast food and games for kids and it also shops لتسوق garments in household the food is generally place beautiful but little bit"
Khalil Alrahabi
"Its not too big. It givea away some prize money if you win the lottery. Basically, you can all your needs there."
Osman Ulu
"A good place
You can find what ever you want"
Malık El Dıreı
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting Around Sanliurfa City Center
Sanliurfa City Center is accessible by various means. If arriving by air, the nearest airport is Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY), from where you can take a taxi or shuttle to the city center. Within the city, local buses and taxis are readily available for getting around. Many attractions are also within walking distance of each other.
Yes, the city center is quite walkable, especially around key attractions like Balikligol and the Ulucami area. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the historical streets and sites.
Local buses and dolmuş (shared taxis) operate within Sanliurfa, connecting different parts of the city center and surrounding areas. Taxis are also a convenient option for quicker travel.
Sanliurfa City Center is generally considered safe for tourists. However, as with any travel, it's always advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and take standard precautions.
Car rental services are available in Sanliurfa, which can be useful if you plan to explore beyond the city center. However, parking in the historical areas can be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Balikligol and its surrounding areas are generally free to access. You can wander around the pools and enjoy the atmosphere without an entrance fee.
The Kizilkoyun Necropolis is an open-air site and typically does not have an entrance fee, allowing visitors to explore the ancient tombs freely.
Attractions like Balikligol are usually accessible throughout the day and into the evening. Specific historical sites or museums may have their own operating hours, so it's best to check locally.
While many sites are self-guided, booking tours in advance can enhance your experience, especially for historical context. Local tour operators or online platforms offer various options.
Information on special passes or discounts is not widely advertised, but it's always worth inquiring at local tourist information centers or directly at any ticketed attractions.
📸 📸 Photography & Sightseeing
Balikligol offers picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Kizilkoyun Necropolis provides unique angles for historical photography. Drone shots of the city can also be spectacular.
Photography is generally allowed in most public areas and outdoor historical sites. However, always be respectful of local customs and any specific signage regarding photography inside religious buildings or sensitive areas.
Key historical sites include Balikligol, the Kizilkoyun Necropolis, and the area around Ulucami. These offer a deep dive into the region's ancient past and religious significance.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended to understand the rich history and legends associated with places like Balikligol and the Necropolis.
Mornings offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while evenings provide a magical ambiance as the sites are illuminated.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You absolutely must try 'ciğer' (grilled liver), a local specialty often found near Ulucami. Also, indulge in the famous Urfa baklava and other regional sweets.
Look for restaurants around the Ulucami area and the streets surrounding Balikligol for authentic Urfa cuisine. Many local eateries offer traditional dishes.
While meat dishes are prominent, many restaurants offer vegetable-based mezes and other options. It's advisable to ask about vegetarian choices.
Dining prices can vary, but you can find affordable local eateries offering delicious meals. High-end restaurants will naturally be more expensive.
Yes, Koçak Baklava is a highly recommended spot for authentic Urfa baklava.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment
The city center offers a mix of modern shopping malls with chain stores and local markets selling traditional crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
Yes, some reviews mention family-friendly places with indoor playgrounds and games, making it suitable for visitors with children.
Explore local bazaars and shops for unique handicrafts, textiles, and regional products that make great souvenirs.
While specific mall names aren't highlighted, the general city center area provides ample shopping opportunities, from everyday needs to specialty items.
Bargaining is often expected in traditional markets and bazaars, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices politely.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sacred Waters of Balikligol
Experiencing Balikligol
Visiting Balikligol is a sensory experience. The sight of the clear water, the gentle murmur of the crowds, and the calls to prayer create a unique ambiance. Many visitors find it a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for enjoying local tea and snacks while taking in the views. It's a place where history, faith, and daily life converge beautifully.
Unearthing the Past at Kizilkoyun Necropolis
A Journey Through Time
Walking through the Kizilkoyun Necropolis feels like stepping back in time. The scale of the rock-carved tombs and the detail in the surviving reliefs are remarkable. It’s an open-air museum that invites contemplation about the passage of time and the enduring legacy of ancient cultures. The site is relatively easy to access from the city center, making it a convenient yet profound historical excursion. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain.
The Culinary Heartbeat: Urfa Cuisine
Beyond Ciğer
While ciğer is a star, Sanliurfa's culinary scene extends much further. Don't miss out on the region's famous baklava, especially from renowned places like Koçak Baklava. The city center also offers a variety of other traditional dishes, mezes, and local sweets that showcase the rich gastronomic heritage of southeastern Turkey. Exploring these flavors is an integral part of the Sanliurfa experience.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit