Aksaray isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s the pulse of old Istanbul. Wander through its cobbled alleys where grilled kebabs sizzle, century-old coffee shops serve rich brews in red clay cups, and street art spills from alley walls. Every stone tells a story. This is where locals live, laugh, and linger—perfect for travelers seeking authentic moments beyond the postcard views.

This centrally located Istanbul gem puts you just minutes from the Blue Mosque and bustling bazaars! Perfect for those craving luxury & convenience, enjoy spa treatments, an indoor pool, and 3 chic bars to unwind. Grill under the stars at the picnic area or indulge in room service with minibars and free WiFi. Business travelers love the meeting rooms and airport shuttle, while the free breakfast buffet fuels your explorations. A true urban oasis with Turkish bath delights!








Everything you need to know about Aksaray
Ottoman Palace Hotel, located just a 5-minute walk from Akşemsettin Square, is a top choice for travelers seeking convenience and charm. This historic property blends Neoclassical architecture with modern amenities, offering rooms with panoramic views of the square's iconic mosaic fountain and cobblestone streets. The hotel’s central location provides easy access to major attractions like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus via free shuttle buses.
Guests enjoy complimentary Turkish tea and traditional pastries, enhancing their cultural immersion. Due to high demand—especially during summer—it’s recommended to book in advance. The hotel also features a rooftop terrace ideal for sunset views over the city skyline.
Near Akşemsettin Square, don’t miss the daily Islamic prayer experience tour, offering a respectful glimpse into local Muslim community life. Just steps away, Fatihi Bakery hosts hands-on workshops where visitors learn to craft traditional breads like baklava and kuru ekmek using century-old clay ovens.
On weekends, pop-up markets feature artisans showcasing handmade copperware, handwoven rugs, and Arabic calligraphy. For a deeper historical journey, join a guided bicycle tour along the Inner City Walls, starting at Akşemsettin Square and winding toward Hagia Sophia—approximately 2 hours long, revealing layers of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Istanbul heritage.
Istanbul Old Town Home, a family-oriented hotel just 100 meters from Akşemsettin Square, offers interconnecting rooms, a dedicated playroom, and a private courtyard for children to safely explore. Its proximity allows easy access to nearby landmarks like the Little Blue Mosque and bustling bazaars.
The breakfast buffet features authentic Turkish staples such as fresh fruit jams, local cheeses, and vanilla yogurt—nutritious and kid-approved. The hotel also provides a family-friendly tour package, including entrance tickets and audio guides, perfect for shared discovery of historical sites. All rooms include soundproof windows, ensuring quiet nights for parents and children alike.
Akşemsettin Palace Hotel is a top choice, housed in a 19th-century aristocratic mansion transformed into a luxury boutique retreat. Located steps from Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, it offers authentic Ottoman architectural details with modern comforts. Rooms feature handwoven carpets, antique furnishings, and private guided tours to explore the historic heart of Istanbul. The hotel’s central location ensures seamless access to iconic landmarks and local culinary experiences.
Yes, Akşemsettin Square is centrally located with excellent public transit access. Take the Tram T1 or Metro M2 line directly to "Akşemsettin Station," both stopping just steps from the square. Numerous bus routes also serve the area, and it's within a 30-minute ride from major attractions like Galata Tower and Bosphorus ferry terminals. Use an Istanbulkart for seamless transfers and discounted fares across all public transport modes.
Near Akşemsettin Square, participate in a traditional Turkish tea ceremony at a century-old teahouse, sipping aromatic mint green tea with homemade pastries. Join an Islamic art workshop to learn calligraphy or mosaic-making, often hosted by community-based organizations supporting local artisans. Additionally, visit the weekly Akşemsettin Night Market every Saturday, featuring local crafts, spice vendors, and live music—perfect for immersing in authentic Istanbul street culture.
While Akşemsettin Square is primarily historic, nearby Istanbul Archaeology Museums offer interactive exhibits designed for kids, turning ancient artifacts into engaging adventures. Just steps away, Sultanahmet Park features a playground, shaded walkways, and open green spaces ideal for families. Some hotels, like Akşemsettin Palace Hotel, provide welcome kits for children and curated family-friendly tours, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages.
Absolutely. The Akşemsettin Palace Hotel offers stunning backdrops with its Ottoman-era arches, intricate windows, and courtyards bathed in natural light. Capture the blue mosque’s morning reflections on the square’s cobblestones or the golden glow of Hagia Sophia at dusk against the old city skyline. Many rooms feature rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of rooftops and the distant Bosphorus, perfect for wide-angle and long-exposure shots.
Try Halki Kebap at a centuries-old eatery—known for its slow-grilled meat and signature marinade. Don’t miss the dried cheese pastry from Akşemsettin Bakery, served warm with fresh fruit and rose syrup. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee and rosewater-infused desserts while watching the lively square come alive with locals and visitors alike.
See what other travelers say about Aksaray

My stay at Beethoven Premium Hotel in Istanbul was absolutely fantastic! The staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help. The breakfast was a highlight: fresh fruit, homemade pastries, hot coffee, and a great mix of local and international options. Everything was well-prepared and plentiful. The hotel’s location is excellent—just a short walk from major attractions and public transit, making it easy to explore the city. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, and a welcoming atmosphere made this a truly memorable experience. I’ll definitely be returning next time I visit Istanbul.

This is a great hotel if you know what to expect. Located in the lively Lalali district of Istanbul, mornings can be quite noisy due to the nearby cargo market starting early. The hotel isn’t fancy—don’t come here expecting luxury finishes—but the location more than makes up for it. Just a 3-minute walk to the T1 tram station, making access to other parts of the city incredibly easy. The real highlight? The rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views over Istanbul—perfect for breakfast. Every day, two seagulls would fly by and seem to watch us enjoy our meal, adding a charming local touch. Staff are warm and welcoming, always ready to help. If you're looking for convenience, authenticity, and a genuine slice of daily life in Istanbul, this place delivers without compromise.

Staying at Villa Sphendone Suites in Istanbul was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the metro, making it super easy to explore the city’s top attractions. The room was spotless, beautifully decorated, and spacious enough to feel truly comfortable. I especially loved the breakfast—fresh, delicious, and full of variety, giving me a great energy boost for the day ahead. The host was incredibly warm and welcoming, always ready to help with tips or recommendations. It felt more like staying at a home away from home than a hotel. Every detail was thoughtfully done, and the overall experience was outstanding. Highly recommend this gem to anyone visiting Istanbul!

The Nova Plaza Orion Hotel is absolutely perfect for my trip! It's located in such a convenient spot—just a short walk from the airport shuttle stop, making my journey stress-free. The room was stylish and modern, with excellent comfort and a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff were incredibly polite and welcoming, always ready to help with a smile. Everything about this stay exceeded my expectations—cleanliness, location, service, and value. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Istanbul. It’s truly a 10/10 experience!

This hotel is absolutely fantastic! The location is unbeatable—public transport options like the metro, tram, funicular, and ferry are all just a short walk away. Historic landmarks are also within easy walking distance, making it perfect for exploring the city on foot. There’s an incredible variety of dining spots nearby, with something to suit every taste and budget. The staff are incredibly attentive and friendly, always going the extra mile. Daily cleaning keeps everything spotless and tidy, and the rooms are thoughtfully equipped with everything you’d need for a comfortable stay. Every detail feels well considered, and I can’t recommend this place enough—it’s a true gem in Istanbul.

We stayed at this flat in Istanbul for a week and absolutely loved it. The apartment was charming, cozy, and instantly felt like home during our entire visit. I was working remotely part-time from the space, and the Wi-Fi was consistently fast and reliable—no buffering or drop-offs, which made video calls and work tasks stress-free. It’s also perfectly located—super central to all the attractions we wanted to explore, whether by foot or public transit. Everything we needed for a comfortable week-long stay was thoughtfully provided: kitchen essentials, clean linens, ample storage, and quiet surroundings. The hosts were attentive too—they checked in occasionally just to make sure everything was going well, which added a personal touch. Honestly, this place exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for a welcoming, well-equipped, and conveniently situated apartment in Istanbul, this is a top pick. Would definitely recommend and plan to return.

Staying at Albatros Premier Hotel was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right next to Istanbul's most popular attractions, making it incredibly easy to explore the city on foot. Upon arrival, we were pleasantly surprised with a room upgrade, and the space was more than comfortable for our needs. Even after check-out, the staff kindly allowed us to store our luggage at reception, giving us the flexibility to enjoy lunch nearby before heading to the airport. Every detail felt thoughtfully arranged. With such a prime location, excellent service, and fantastic value, this hotel truly stands out. If you're looking for a reliable, central stay without breaking the bank, I highly recommend Albatros Premier Hotel.

Staying at Hotel Sirius İstanbul was an absolute delight. Located just a short walk from the metro, getting around Istanbul was incredibly convenient. Despite being a brand-new hotel opened in 2023, it feels polished and spotless—every corner is clean, and the staff are always on hand with a smile. The English-speaking team went above and beyond to help with taxi arrangements and room service requests. But what truly stood out was the breakfast. A fantastic variety of options, including a deliciously spicy omelet that packed a punch. And the cherry juice? Absolutely refreshing and a standout favorite. This place delivers comfort, quality, and hospitality—all at a great value. I’d definitely stay here again.

I was truly impressed by my stay at Lir Residence Suites Long Stay. Despite being located near the bustling and noisy Taksim Square, the room was incredibly quiet and spacious—perfect for unwinding after a busy day exploring Istanbul. The interior design is modern and well thought out, with ample storage and comfortable furnishings. It’s ideal for long-term guests or anyone seeking peace and convenience in a vibrant city setting. The proximity to public transit makes getting around effortless. Overall, this place exceeded my expectations—seriously top-notch, and I’d definitely return.

Stayed here twice and couldn’t be happier. The room was spacious with a great layout, and the staff went above and beyond—so friendly and helpful. On my second visit, I was upgraded to a better room and treated to a delicious complimentary dessert that actually tasted better than what you’d find at a local shop! The only minor downside is that it’s a bit of a walk from the metro station—about 8 to 10 minutes—but honestly, it’s totally manageable. The neighborhood is quiet, safe, and full of charm, with plenty of cafes and local spots nearby. A short ride or a quick taxi gets you anywhere you need to go. Overall, an excellent value and a truly enjoyable stay—I’ll definitely come back.

Staying at Muyan Suites was an absolutely delightful experience. The staff were incredibly welcoming and friendly, going the extra mile to make us feel at home—especially when they kindly lent us a power adapter for our phones. The rooms were spotlessly clean and well-maintained, and we appreciated being able to choose from available room options upon check-in, which added a nice personal touch. The breakfast buffet was a real highlight—fresh, varied, and delicious. From local specialties to international favorites, every bite was satisfying. Located in a convenient part of Istanbul, it’s easy to explore the city by public transit. Overall, this place offers exceptional value and hospitality. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul and looking for a comfortable, hassle-free stay.

Staying at Faros Hotel Old City was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—just a short walk from major attractions and right next to the tram stop, making exploration effortless. The staff went above and beyond with their kindness and helpfulness; every interaction felt warm and genuine. From recommendations to local tips, they made our trip so much easier. The room was clean, well-appointed, and had a charming old-town vibe that added character to our stay. It’s clear this hotel takes pride in hospitality. If you're looking for a comfortable, central base in Istanbul with excellent service, this is it. Highly recommend!
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