Aksaray 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Aksaray: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Aksaray Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)

A 13th-century Seljuk mosque with intricate stonework and a large courtyard. Still in active use, so visitors should dress modestly and avoid prayer times.

🕐 Daily 24 hours (prayer times may restrict non-worshipper access; best 08:00-18:00)

Free entry

💡 Go early morning to see the light through the stained-glass windows. The surrounding bazaar has cheap tea stalls.

Hotels near Aksaray Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) →
Afternoon
Egri Minare (Crooked Minaret)

A leaning Seljuk minaret from the 13th century, tilting noticeably due to foundation subsidence. It stands alone on a small plaza, free to approach and photograph.

🕐 Always visible (unlocked outdoor site)

Free entry

💡 Best viewed from the north side at sunset. Nearby simit sellers charge half the price of tourist areas.

Hotels near Egri Minare (Crooked Minaret) →
Evening
Where to eat

Diker Çay Bahçesi · ££

Asian restaurant · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Aksaray

Morning
Zinciriye Medrese

A restored 14th-century Seljuk theological school with an open courtyard and vaulted rooms. Now used for art exhibitions and occasional concerts.

🕐 Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00, Mon closed

💡 Check the municipal noticeboard for free concerts on weekends. The medrese's rooftop has decent views of the city.

Midday
Somuncu Baba Tomb & Mosque Complex

A 14th-century complex honouring the Sufi saint Somuncu Baba. Features a small mosque, tomb, and peaceful courtyard with Quranic inscriptions. Modest dress required.

🕐 Daily 08:00-19:00 (reduced hours during winter)

💡 Free drinking water from the courtyard fountain. Locals leave offerings – avoid stepping on prayer rugs inside the tomb.

Evening
Dining tonight

Catlagin Yeri

Belisirma Restaurant

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Aksaray City Park (Şehir Parkı)

A well-kept municipal park with walking paths, duck pond, and shaded benches. Popular with families and joggers. Free entry; picnic allowed.

💡 The eastern section has a small free open-air gym. Bring water – the cafe near the pond overprices drinks.

Final meal

Gregorius

Birolun Yeri

Getting Around Aksaray

Aksaray City Taxi From 30 TL 8 min

Use the yellow 'Taksi' line at the otogar. If your luggage is bulky, this beats the dolmuş. Confirm the meter is running – some drivers will try a flat rate of 60 TL; insist on meter.

Şehir İçi Dolmuş (Local Minibus) From 5 TL 10 min

Ask the driver for 'Kayabaşı' or show the hotel name. Dolmuşlar follow fixed routes but stop anywhere – flag one down near the terminal. Exact change preferred.

Havaş Airport Shuttle From 50 TL 90 min

The Havaş drops you at the otogar. From there, take a local dolmuş (minibus) marked 'Şehir Merkezi' for 5 TL to Kayabaşı area. Don't wait for a taxi – the dolmuş runs every 15 minutes and takes 10 minutes.

Aksaray Airport Taxi From 600 TL 60 min

Agree on the fare before you get in; official taxi rank at airport arrivals gives fixed rates. Avoid unofficial drivers near the exit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Aksaray?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Aksaray Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Aksaray?

See our full best time to visit Aksaray guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Piri, Kervan Pansion-Camping, Abaylar Otel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.