How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Diyarbakır, Turkey

1. Bazaar of Diyarbakır

Authentic shopping experience in an ancient bazaar with a variety of local goods.

Local Pricing: Avoid overpriced shops by negotiating prices and checking multiple stores.
Off-Peak Hours: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tourist crowds and high prices.
Street Food Sampling: Taste delicious street food for a more authentic and cost-effective snack.

Peaceful green space offering beautiful views of the city walls and castle.

Guided Tours: Join a local guided tour to explore hidden gems and learn about the area's history.
Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid street vendors inside the garden as they may offer overpriced items.
Pack a Picnic: Bring your own food and drinks to enjoy a relaxing picnic in the gardens.

Historic gate featuring intricate architecture and stunning views of the city.

Early Morning Visit: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photos.
Avoid Guides Inside: Refuse offers for guides inside the gate, as they may attempt to overcharge.
Local Cafes Nearby: Visit nearby local cafes for a genuine coffee experience.

Traditional Kurdish neighborhood with vibrant street art and delicious food.

Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals for restaurant recommendations to find authentic eateries.
Street Art Tour: Join a street art tour to discover unique murals and learn about their significance.
Bargain for Prices: Bargain for prices when shopping in Sur District to get the best deals.

Massive ancient fortress with breathtaking views of the city and Tigris River.

Use Public Transportation: Take public transportation to reach the fortress and avoid overpriced taxis.
Pack Water and Snacks: Bring water and snacks for a self-guided tour, as there may be limited options inside.
Archeology Museum Nearby: Visit the nearby Archeology Museum to learn more about the fortress's history.

Remains of an ancient city with a beautiful amphitheater and stunning architecture.

Guided Tour: Join a guided tour to explore the ruins and learn about their history.
Bring Sunscreen and Hats: Protect yourself from the sun while exploring the open-air ruins.
Visit Nearby Village: Visit a nearby village to experience local life and culture.

Tomb of a famous poet featuring beautiful architecture and tranquil gardens.

Avoid Tourist Shops: Avoid shops near the tomb, as they may be overpriced or selling low-quality goods.
Bring a Book: Bring a book about Hacı Peyami Rûm to learn more during your visit.
Local Café Nearby: Visit a local café nearby for a peaceful cup of tea or coffee.

Traditional neighborhood with beautiful houses, courtyards, and local eateries.

Ask for Directions: Ask locals for directions to hidden gems in Şemhîne Quarter.
Street Food Sampling: Sample delicious street food, like künefe, from local vendors.
Avoid Tourist Restaurants: Avoid tourist restaurants in the quarter and seek out local eateries instead.

Peaceful riverfront park with stunning views of the city and bridges.

Avoid Street Vendors: Avoid street vendors along the riverbank, as they may offer overpriced items.
Bring a Picnic: Bring a picnic to enjoy a peaceful meal by the river.
Evening Walk: Take an evening walk along the riverbank for stunning sunset views.

Impressive castle with breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Avoid Tourist Shops: Avoid shops inside the castle, as they may be overpriced or selling low-quality goods.
Bring a Camera: Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the castle's towers.
Pack Water and Snacks: Pack water and snacks for a self-guided tour, as there may be limited options inside.

Beautiful mosque with stunning architecture and intricate tile work.

Respect Cultural Norms: Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting the mosque.
Avoid Tourist Shops: Avoid shops outside the mosque, as they may be overpriced or selling low-quality goods.
Local Café Nearby: Visit a local café nearby for a cup of tea or coffee after your visit.

Historic hill with several ancient ruins and stunning views of the city.

Guided Tour: Join a guided tour to explore the ruins and learn about their history.
Bring Water and Snacks: Pack water and snacks for a self-guided tour, as there may be limited options nearby.
Avoid Tourist Shops: Avoid shops on the hill, as they may be overpriced or selling low-quality goods.

Beautiful Ottoman-era bridge crossing the Tigris River.

Avoid Tourist Shops: Avoid shops on or near the bridge, as they may be overpriced or selling low-quality goods.
Bring a Camera: Bring a camera to capture stunning photos of the bridge and river.
Local Café Nearby: Visit a local café nearby for a peaceful cup of tea or coffee.

Remains of an ancient city with fascinating history and beautiful views.

Guided Tour: Join a guided tour to explore the ruins and learn about their history.
Bring Water and Snacks: Pack water and snacks for a self-guided tour, as there may be limited options nearby.
Avoid Tourist Shops: Avoid shops at Birikan, as they may be overpriced or selling low-quality goods.

Beautiful madrasah with stunning architecture and intricate tile work.

Respect Cultural Norms: Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting the madrasah.
Avoid Tourist Shops: Avoid shops outside the madrasah, as they may be overpriced or selling low-quality goods.
Local Café Nearby: Visit a local café nearby for a cup of tea or coffee after your visit.