Aksaray
Middle East, Caucasus and Central Asia · Turkey
Did you know?
- Mirror-like salt-lake visits work best in early summer, when shallow water can reflect the sky.
- A 1229 caravanserai sits 40 km west, linking the city to Silk Road travel.
- Künefe, beer-friendly cafés, and a riverside restaurant strip shape the evening food scene.
See also
Overview
Aksaray is an under-visited Central Anatolian stop where Seljuk monuments, caravanserais, and the Tuz Gölü salt lake reward a short stay. Use it as a practical base for Ihlara Valley, Güzelyurt, and Cappadocia scenery.
Languages: Turkish
Why go?
Aksaray is a highly underrated city in Central Anatolia, lively and authentic with barely any tourists, cheap accommodation, and countless interesting sights. It was on the Silk Road and has Seljuk architecture like caravanserais. Today it's an industrial town you pass through on the road to Cappadocia.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get in
The main bus station (otogarı) is 4 km west of town off D750/D300. Dolmuşes connect to the city center, possibly included in bus ticket. The former bus station (Eski Garaj) on Atatürk Blv is still used for dolmuş routes. Dolmuşes to local destinations like Güzelyurt and Ihlara depart from the Tuesday Market area.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
Renting a car is sensible, but hitchhiking is possible outside the city. Dolmuşes (shared vans) are the main local transport. The former bus station (Eski Garaj) is a hub for dolmuş routes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The salt lake (Tuz Gölü) is best visited in early summer when there is ankle-deep water for mirror reflections. The city can be visited year-round, but summers are hot and winters cold.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Hotels are concentrated near the center and along highways. Budget options include Üç Yıldız Otel (double from 800 TL), Grand Saatçioğlu Otel (double 800 TL), and Tezcan Otel. Grand Çakıroğlu and Melendiz Hotel are good for motorists.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
The riverside along Ebulfeyz Elçibey Cd is the main eating strip with choices like Sofra, Etci, Künefeland, and Has Döner. Try künefe at Künefeland. Many cafes serve beer, and Mert Birahanesi is a pub.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
See Seljuk architecture: Grand Mosque (1408), Zinciriye Medrese (1336), Red Mosque with leaning minaret. Visit the caravanserais: Sultan Han (1229, 40 km west) and Ağzıkara Han (17 km east, closed). Explore the salt lake (Tuz Gölü) north of town, best in early summer. Hike in Ihlara Valley near Güzelyurt. Climb Hasan Dağı volcano (3,253 m) from the north.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Aksaray is generally safe, but avoid stopping on busy highways like D750. Be prepared for strong winds on mountain hikes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connect
Aksaray and approach roads have 4G from all Turkish carriers. 5G has not rolled out yet in Turkey.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Day trips to Güzelyurt and Ihlara Valley (30 km SE), caravanserais like Sultan Han (40 km W), Tuz Gölü salt lake (40 km N), and Hasan Dağı volcano (30 km S). Also possible to visit Nevşehir, Göreme, Avanos (Cappadocia), Kayseri, Konya, Ankara.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Next destinations: Güzelyurt and Ihlara Valley for Cappadocia scenery; Nevşehir, Göreme, Avanos; Kayseri with citadel; Konya with Mevlani; Ankara to the north.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Grand Altuntaş Hotel
Smart comfy hotel on the highway to Cappadocia.
Recorded price: B&B double 1,500 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Grand Saatçioğlu Otel
Clean, comfy and central.
Recorded price: B&B double 800 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Grand Çakıroğlu Hotel
Clean modern hotel 3 km west of town, free parking.
Recorded price: B&B double 800 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Melendiz Hotel
Modern hotel with spa at north edge of town, convenient for motorists.
Recorded price: B&B double 1,000 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Otel Ahsaray
Smart clean hotel just off D750 junction.
Recorded price: B&B double 1,000 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Süvari Hotel
Comfortable and clean hotel with breakfast.
Recorded price: From €27 B&B
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Üç Yıldız Otel
Üç Yıldız means "three stars" which is about right. Very central, good value for comfort and welcome.
Recorded price: B&B double 800 TL
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Künefeland
Just a 4.1 rating on Big Brother, but definitely worth a visit with sweet, delicious and affordable Künefe.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
4G from all Turkish carriers; 5G not yet available.
Culture
Seljuk and Ottoman heritage; many mosques and medreses free to enter.
Safety
Generally safe; avoid stopping on busy highways like D750.
Transport
Dolmuşes (shared vans) are main local transport; hitchhiking possible outside city. Rent a car for convenience.
Weather
Best in early summer for salt lake. Summers hot, winters cold.