Aksaray is a mid-sized city in Central Anatolia, set on the Melendiz river at around 980 m elevation, with Mount Hasan rising beyond it. Long a stopover on the Silk Road, it holds pre-Ottoman monuments and early Republican government buildings gathered around its main square, and it makes a practical base for the surrounding Cappadocia sights.
For a visitor, the city is easy to read: the historic core clusters around the centre, with the Grand Mosque, the covered market, the medrese and the hamams all close together, while newer hotels sit on the highways that ring the city — the D300 toward Cappadocia and the D750 junction. This guide covers which parts of the city to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Aksaray
1. City centre (around the Grand Mosque)
This is the most convenient base for a first visit. The Grand Mosque, the Red Minaret Mosque, the Zincirye Medresesi, the Kurşunlu Mosque, the Kapalı Çarşı and the hamams are all within the centre, and the main square with its early Republican buildings is here too. You will find central, comfortable places to stay, some within a short walk of the mosque.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone without a car, since the sights are on your doorstep and the bus station road is reachable. Expect some city noise in the core, and note that a couple of the central options sit just off the main streets rather than directly on them.
2. The highway edges (D300 and D750 junctions)
Aksaray's newer and larger hotels are strung along the roads at the edge of town — on the D300 toward Cappadocia to the northeast, and around the D750 junction. These are modern, motorist-oriented places, often with parking, and one has a spa.
This area suits drivers and travellers breaking a journey, since you can pull in, sleep and continue toward Nevşehir, Ihlara or Konya without crossing the city. The trade-off is that you are away from the historic centre and will need a car or taxi to reach it.
3. West of town (toward the bus station road)
There is a cluster of clean, modern accommodation a few kilometres west of the centre, near the road to the bus station, with free parking. It is quieter than the core and convenient if you are arriving or leaving by bus.
It suits budget-conscious and independent travellers who value parking and easy road access over walking distance to the monuments. You will rely on transport to get into the centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: basic but acceptable guesthouses and small hotels, including some very central ones, offering simple rooms and breakfast at low rates.
- Mid-range: clean, comfortable modern hotels, both in the centre and on the highway edges, generally with breakfast included and often with parking.
- Splurge: the smarter, larger hotels on the Cappadocia highway and at the D750 junction, with more facilities such as a spa and a fuller range of services.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in the city centre around the Grand Mosque. It puts the main monuments, the covered market and the hamams within walking distance, and it is the easiest base if you are arriving without a car. Choose the highway edges instead only if you are driving through and want parking and quick road access.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Aksaray?
The nearest airport is Kapadokya Nevşehir Airport (NAV), about 62 km from the city. By road, Aksaray sits on the D300 and D750, which is why several hotels cluster at those junctions.
Should I stay in the centre or on the highway?
Stay in the centre if you want to walk to the mosques, medrese and market. Stay on the highway edges if you are driving and want parking and a quick onward route toward Cappadocia, Ihlara or Konya.
Is Aksaray a good base for Ihlara Canyon and the caravanserais?
Yes. Ihlara Canyon lies about 40 km southeast and the Sultan Han caravanserai about 40 km west, so the city works well as a base for day trips in either direction.
What is there to see close to the centre?
The Grand Mosque, the Red Minaret Mosque, the Zincirye Medresesi, the Kurşunlu Mosque, the Kapalı Çarşı, the hamams and the Azmi Milli Museum are all in or near the centre, along with the Kültürpark.
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