Aksaray Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Located in central Turkey, Aksaray is a city that is rich in history and culture. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant local atmosphere. From its historical sites to its natural wonders, Aksaray has something to offer every type of traveler.
One of the main attractions in Aksaray is the ancient city of Nora. Dating back to the Hittite period, Nora is a fascinating archaeological site that showcases the remnants of an ancient civilization. Visitors can explore the ruins of temples, tombs, and a theater, and gain insight into the lives of the people who once inhabited this remarkable city.
For nature enthusiasts, Aksaray is home to the stunning Ihlara Valley. This breathtaking valley is known for its towering cliffs, lush greenery, and winding river. Hiking through the valley allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area and discover hidden churches carved into the rock faces. The tranquility and serenity of Ihlara Valley make it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
In addition to its historical and natural attractions, Aksaray is also known for its local cuisine. The city boasts a variety of traditional Turkish dishes, including the famous Aksaray mantı. This delicious dumpling dish is a must-try for food lovers, and can be found in numerous restaurants and street stalls throughout the city.
For those looking to experience the local culture, Aksaray is home to a vibrant market scene. The city's bazaars are filled with colorful stalls selling everything from spices and textiles to handicrafts and souvenirs. Exploring these bustling markets is a great way to interact with the locals and get a taste of everyday life in Aksaray.
Aksaray Attractions - What to See and Explore
Aksaray offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Aksaray Museum, Kültür Park, Aksaray University. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Aksaray – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Aksaray, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Mount Hasan, Sultan Han, Gümüşler Monastery (Niğde).
Best Time To Visit Aksaray
Learn when is the best time to travel to Aksaray weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Simit
Simit, gevrek, bokegh, or koulouri is a circular bread, typically encrusted with sesame seeds or, less commonly, poppy, flax or sunflower seeds, found across the cuisines of the former...
Bread
Dondurma
Dondurma is a Turkish mastic ice cream. It is similar to the Syrian dessert booza. Dondurma typically includes the ingredients cream, whipped cream, salep, mastic, and sugar.
Gözleme
Gözleme is a traditional savory Turkish flatbread and pastry dish. The dough is usually unleavened, and made only with flour, salt and water, but gözleme can be made from yeast dough as...
Dish
Etli ekmek
Etli ekmek is a pizza-like dish which originated in Konya in Turkey.“Etli ekmek” means "bread with meat" in Turkish. It is very common in cities in the central regions of Turkey. Etli ekmek...
Region: Aksaray