Kayseri, Turkey: cities, destinations and things to do

The province

Get to know Kayseri

Kayseri, the ancient Caesarea of Cappadocia, is a major commercial city in central Anatolia at the foot of Erciyes, an extinct volcano of 3,917 meters, the highest point in the region. Its airport is one of two that serve Cappadocia, and many travelers pass through the city on their way to Göreme.

The center has a dark basalt fortress, the Hunat Hatun complex and the Gevher Nesibe, a 13th-century former hospital and medical school that houses the Museum of Seljuk Civilization. Conical-roofed mausoleums, like the Döner Kümbet, are scattered around the city. The covered bazaar sells pastırma, cured meat coated with a fenugreek paste, and sucuk.

Erciyes has one of Turkey’s largest ski resorts, with chairlifts and slopes of various levels. To the south, Sultan Sazlığı National Park protects wetlands with migratory birds, and the Soğanlı valley in Yeşilhisar has rock-cut churches. Kültepe, the ancient Kanesh, was an Assyrian merchant outpost where thousands of clay tablets were found.

In Ağırnas, near Talas, is the house where Mimar Sinan was born, the architect of the great Ottoman mosques. At the table, Kayseri’s mantı, with dumplings so small several fit on a spoon, is served with yogurt and butter with pepper.

Destinations

1 destination in Kayseri

1 city

Cappadocia

Cities

1 cities in Kayseri in the guide

Kayseri Capital

Kayseri

Kayseri has its own urban itinerary on the eastern side of Cappadocia. The castle and the Archaeological Museum, the Gevher Nesibe medical complex converted into the Museum of Seljuk Civilizations, and the Hunat Hatun complex let you explore layers of the region’s history before heading to the valleys. Mantı and pastırma add the local cuisine to the visit.

When to go

April to June and September to October are usually good for the city and for Cappadocia. The ski season on Erciyes typically runs from December to March, depending on snow. July and August are hot during the day and cool at night; winter is generally cold, with snow.

Getting there

Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR), north of the city, receives domestic flights, mainly from Istanbul, and some international ones. Göreme is about 75 km from the airport, with shuttles and buses. Kayseri is also on the Doğu Ekspresi train route between Ankara and Kars, and has buses to destinations across the country.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Kayseri

Is it better to reach Cappadocia via Kayseri or Nevşehir?

Both airports serve the region. Kayseri usually has more flights and is farther from Göreme; Nevşehir-Kapadokya is closer but has fewer options. Compare schedules and transfer options before booking.

Can you ski on Erciyes when traveling from Cappadocia?

Yes. The resort is south of Kayseri and can be reached by car or organized tour. Equipment rental is available on site, and the season depends on snow.

What is Kayseri’s pastırma?

It is cured beef, pressed and coated with çemen, a paste of fenugreek, garlic and pepper. It is served in thin slices, at breakfast or with eggs, and sold in the bazaar shops.

Is it worth spending a day in Kayseri?

It’s worth it for those who enjoy Seljuk architecture and food. A day allows you to see the center, the museum and the bazaar. With more time, include the Soğanlı valley or Erciyes.

Tap a province to see its destinations. Limites: Natural Earth (domínio público). Ilhas do Mármara e dos Príncipes: geoBoundaries / © colaboradores do OpenStreetMap (CC BY-SA). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.