THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sanliurfa
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Things to Do in Sanliurfa
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Göbeklitepe, Balıklıgöl, Archaeology Tours, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Göbeklitepe, Balıklıgöl, Archaeology Tours, Historic Sites. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sanliurfa.
Multi-day Toursfromper adultAU$1,228
Half-day Toursfromper adultAU$27
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$605
Multi-day Toursfromper adultAU$1,944
Car ToursfromAU$721per adult (price varies by group size)AU$649
Overnight Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$1,160
Private and Luxuryfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$3,056
Private and Luxuryfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$1,739
Multi-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$7,744
Multi-day Toursfromper adultAU$4,603
Historic Sites
Ancient temple site with a transformative ambiance that challenges historical perspectives. Features interactive modern visitor centre and impressive ruins set against a dramatic landscape.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Art Museums
Historical museum presents a chronological journey through ancient civilizations with a rich array of artifacts, including unique mosaics and T-shaped stone pillar replicas.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
History Museums
History Museums
Historic Sites
Religious Sites
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Other Top Attractions around Sanliurfa
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What travellers are saying
- Anne D16 contributionsI had difficulty finding information about how to get to Göbeklitepe with public transport (private tours were very expensive and unnecessary). Therefore, I thought I’d let people know what I eventually found out and did. I am sure that there are other ways but this is a cheap way to get to these locations.
First get to the City bus terminal from wherever you are (see image). I used bus 63 Balıkgöl bus from my hotel. Then cross the main road and walk 100 metres to the small otogar with the large Turkish flag on the wall (marked A in image; B is the bus stop for Harran)
Take otobüs 0 to Göbeklitepe approximately 60-70 lire in Oct 2024. The bus will drop you at the entry.
Well worth the effort. An amazing site.Written 23 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Birol BaliIstanbul, Türkiye1,093 contributions**Balıklıgöl**, also known as the **Pool of Sacred Fish**, is one of the most famous and spiritually significant landmarks in **Şanlıurfa**, Turkey. Located in the historical center of the city, this tranquil site is steeped in religious and cultural history. According to Islamic tradition, Balıklıgöl is believed to be the spot where Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was miraculously saved from a fire by God. The fire is said to have turned into water, and the burning logs became fish, which are now considered sacred.
Balıklıgöl consists of two main pools, **Halil-ür Rahman Pool** and **Aynzeliha Pool**, surrounded by lush gardens, historic mosques, and Ottoman-era architecture. The pools are filled with thousands of carp fish, which are protected by local beliefs. Feeding the fish is a popular activity among visitors, as they are thought to bring good fortune.
The site is part of a larger complex that includes the **Halil-ür Rahman Mosque**, **Rizvaniye Mosque**, and nearby bazaars where visitors can experience the rich culture and traditions of Şanlıurfa. Balıklıgöl is also a gateway to other historical and religious landmarks in the area, such as the **Cave of Abraham**, where the prophet is believed to have been born.
With its spiritual significance, serene atmosphere, and cultural richness, Balıklıgöl is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the southeastern region of Turkey.Written 15 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Daydream2265112 contributionsMuseum is very good, I suggest it. I was visiting both, Gobekletepe and museum, I think better to start with museum, but its not bad vice versus. Just make sure your museum app is downloaded if you are interested in audioguide. But if not for extra 100 tl or something like that you can get audioguide in museum.Written 9 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MeresanchPrague107 contributionsKarahantepe is a less known location in comparison to Gobekli Tepe. I came with a private car, and finding the final stage of the road could be challenging. The excavations are still in progress, but the visitors center (WC, small cafeteria) is ready. I was the only visitor as I came early in the morning (before visiting Gobekli Tepe). T-pillars, remains or rooms, statutes, walking around and above the current archaeology location... all was great.Written 25 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,856 contributionsThis is according to a legend the birthplace of prophet Abraham where his mother hid him in order not to be killed by king Nimrod (which happened anyway later - read the Balikligol review). She supposedly hid and fed him in the cave until he was 15.
The cave is set aside to the left from the main big Mosque and has a separate entrance for women and men. Once inside, there's not much to see but a small cave which is in fact the bottom of the Urfa castle hill.
You literally need 2 min to visit if there're no queues as it is a popular site with locals and pilgrims.Written 30 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Birol BaliIstanbul, Türkiye1,093 contributions**Mevlid-i Halil Camii** (Mosque of the Birthplace of Abraham) is a significant religious and historical site located in **Şanlıurfa**, Turkey. It is believed to be built near the **Cave of Abraham**, where the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) is said to have been born. This sacred location holds immense importance in Islamic tradition and attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
The mosque's design reflects a blend of Ottoman and Islamic architecture, with its elegant domes, arches, and tranquil courtyard. Adjacent to the mosque is the **Mevlid-i Halil Cave**, a revered site that is often visited by those seeking blessings. Visitors typically enter the cave to offer prayers and reflect on its spiritual significance.
Mevlid-i Halil Camii is located close to **Balıklıgöl** (Pool of Sacred Fish), another iconic site in Şanlıurfa, making it part of a spiritually rich and culturally significant area. The serene ambiance of the mosque, combined with its historical and religious value, makes it a must-visit for those exploring the traditions and sacred sites of Turkey.Written 15 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - beemeermanBirmingham, UK175 contributionsA lot of history about the area of Mezopotamya and Gobeklitepe area I was very impressed.highly recommended. Very well displayed art effects regarding Göbeklitepe.Written 7 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,856 contributionsGumruk Han is a huge labyrinth of tiny alleys that make the Urfa's central bazaar. It has everything you might think of - clothes, jewelry, household items, wood products, food, spices, etc....
There's no way you can't get lost but that's the funniest thing. People are friendly, but no one speaks English.
Prices are very cheap - it's not like Kapali Charsi in Istanbul with tourist inflated prices. Enjoy your time wandering around.Written 30 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,856 contributionsRizvaniye Mosque is the one rising by the sacred fish lake Balikligol - Urfa's most visited site.
The Mosque is very nice dominating the area, built in limestone blocks in 17c.
You can enter it on the opposite side from the lake, where's also the adjoining Madrasah.Written 31 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,856 contributionsWhile walking through Urfa center you'll see a hill dominating the city with a ruined castle on top. It is easy accessible, around 10-15 min walk uphill.
The castle is nothing to write home about, but the Urfa city views below are exceptional.
Two Corinth columns were used by king Nimrod to hang Abraham before throwing him into the fire according to the legend.Written 31 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,856 contributionsWell, the most famous Mosque with its cave is in downtown Urfa, where prophet Abraham was born.
This is another Mosque in the southern part of town, convenient to visit when going to the ancient city of Harran.
The Mosque has two minarets, and a cave where prophet Hz. Eyup lived. Likewise the Abraham's you can also visit this cave for free. There's also a healing water spring within the Mosque premisesWritten 31 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BrakiWorldTravelerBelgrade, Serbia20,856 contributionsThis is a very nice park with a pond, adjacent to the holy fish lake of Balikligol.
Park has many benches to rest with walking paths and small bridges over the canal.
In the middle is a small pond dedicated to king Nimrud's daughter who was embarrassed with her father's deeds throwing prophet Abraham into the fire.
Nice bar/restaurant by the lake to enjoy your drink with Urfa castle view above.Written 31 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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