Konya is one of Turkey's oldest continuously inhabited cities, lying at the heart of the Anatolian plateau at 1,016 m elevation. It served as the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum (1077–1307) and is revered worldwide as the birthplace and final resting place of the 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet Mevlana Jalal ad-Din Rumi. The Mevlana Museum — one of Turkey's most-visited sites — draws pilgrims and curious travellers alike to its turquoise-tiled dome. Beyond spiritual tourism, Konya offers an extraordinary concentration of Seljuk monuments, a lively bazaar district, and a regional cuisine famous for etli ekmek (elongated meat-topped flatbread) and firin sut (baked milk dessert). As a conservative, predominantly religious city, Konya offers a glimpse of traditional Anatolian life rarely found in Turkey's coastal resorts.
At a glance
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Dedeman Hotel Bar
Known for: Hotel lobby bar; widest selection of spirits and wine in Konya
Alaeddin Cad. No:1, Selcuklu, 42030 Konya
Sheraton Konya Bar
Known for: Upscale hotel bar; imported spirits, cocktails, wine list
Ataturk Bul. No:60, 42090 Selcuklu/Konya
Cafè Kiosk Mevlana Square
Known for: Tea, Turkish coffee and lokum under the stars at Mevlana Square
Mevlana Meydanı, Karatay, 42030 Konya
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.