Turkey · 2026 itinerary
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.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
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) →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) →Diker Çay Bahçesi · ££
Asian restaurant · ££
Deeper Into Aksaray
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.
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.
Catlagin Yeri
Belisirma Restaurant
Final Favourites & Departure
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.
Gregorius
Birolun Yeri
Getting Around Aksaray
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.
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.
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.
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.