The Best Tourist Areas in Kayseri, Turkey

The city of Kayseri in Turkey is a fascinating destination, best known for the magnificent Erciyes Mountain ski resort and the historic Seljuk landmarks spread throughout its lively city center.

In this article, dear readers, we take you on a detailed written journey through tourism in Kayseri. Kayseri is a large industrial city located in Central Anatolia, Turkey, and it contains many historical monuments dating back to the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.

Kayseri is also the hometown of one of the greatest architects in history, Mimar Sinan.

The population of the city continues to grow steadily and currently stands at approximately 950,000 people in the urban center. Kayseri was also located on the historic Silk Road, with Karatay and Sultan Han caravanserais serving as important stops along this route.

The city fell to the Mongols in 1243. In the 14th century, it became the main city of the Turkmen Eretna Principality before passing to Ottoman control in 1397. After the Ottomans were defeated by Timur (Tamerlane) in 1402, Kayseri was annexed by the Karamanid Turkmen and later by the Mamluks of Egypt and Syria until it was reclaimed by the Ottoman Sultan Selim I in 1515.

South of Kayseri, in Develi, there are three important Seljuk buildings: the Great Mosque, the Tomb of Seyyid Şerif, and the Tomb of Develi. Nearby are the Sultan Marshes, home to many bird species, making the area attractive to both ornithologists and nature lovers.

Kayseri was also an important Christian city during the early years of the Byzantine Empire. One may recall Basil the Great, the fourth-century bishop who traveled throughout Cappadocia.

Located west of Cappadocia, the city lies at the foot of an extinct volcanic mountain, Mount Erciyes, which rises to 3,916 meters.

Tourism in Kayseri is especially popular during the winter months due to its ski centers, excellent ski slopes, and many pleasant hotels that meet the needs of skiers.

1. Erciyes Kayseri Ski Resort

Ski resorts across Turkey attract thousands of tourists, with snowfall ranging between 7 and 62 centimeters. The Erciyes Kayseri Ski Resort in central Kayseri Province is one of these major attractions.

It is expected to host more than two million tourists this year. Last year, the resort welcomed two million domestic and international visitors.

Murat Cahid Cıngı, Chairman of Kayseri Erciyes Inc., a company established by Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality to professionally manage the Erciyes Ski Center, told Anadolu Agency that more than 400,000 visitors have already visited the resort so far this season.

He added, “We expect 2.5 million tourists to visit Erciyes this year.”

The famous ski resort, surrounded by snow-covered slopes, has become even more attractive after being recently renovated by the municipality.

Covering an area of 25 square kilometers, the ski resort offers cable car lines extending 21,300 meters and capable of carrying 25,500 people per hour.

The total skiing area of the resort is 102 kilometers, featuring 34 different slopes.

Approximately 150 snow machines operate over an area of 2,000 square kilometers, supported by an artificial pond containing 235,000 cubic meters of water.

Skiers have the opportunity to enjoy skiing from altitudes ranging between 2,200 meters and 3,400 meters, depending on the level of difficulty.

The ski center is located on a volcanic summit at an elevation of 3,917 meters, offering breathtaking views from every direction.

The resort is situated at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters and is only 40 minutes away from Kayseri International Airport.

It is also possible to experience “cultural skiing” by visiting nearby Cappadocia, which is just one hour away from Kayseri.

Mount Erciyes offers a total of 150 kilometers of slopes at different difficulty levels, along with ideal surfaces and conditions for snowboarding.

2. The Fairy Chimneys

The famous “Fairy Chimneys” of Cappadocia are among the best tourist attractions in Kayseri’s surroundings. They present a surreal landscape of towering carved rock formations.

Their colors change with every sunset.

How did this strange natural formation appear?

The rock formations that made Cappadocia one of the most popular destinations in Turkey emerged through a geological process that began millions of years ago.

Ancient volcanic eruptions covered the region with thick layers of ash, which later solidified into a soft rock known as tuff. Over time, the natural forces of wind and water eroded the softer material, leaving behind only the harder structures that formed the fairy chimneys seen today, reaching heights of up to 130 feet.

However, it was human creativity that gave the fairy chimneys their magical beauty.

During the Roman period, persecuted Christians fled to Cappadocia, particularly to the town of Göreme, and soon realized that tuff was a flexible and practical material. The inhabitants began carving a network of handmade caves, living quarters, churches, stables, storage rooms, all hollowed directly into the soft rock.

Today, clear traces of past life can still be seen within this honeycomb-like rock network: stables with rings used to tie animals, walls with ventilation holes, and blackened walls that once served as kitchens.

Underground cities were also built due to the risk of discovery by enemy forces. Nearly ten stories deep and connected by narrow passageways, these underground cities could hide up to 10,000 people at the same time. Ventilation shafts and wells were cleverly disguised, while large stone doors were installed to protect the entrances.

3. Mazakaland Entertainment Center

Mazakaland, also known as Anatolian Wonderland, is one of the most complex investment projects of Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality.

Ten different activity areas have been implemented with a budget of approximately 300 million lira.

The Dean of Erciyes University’s Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences evaluated the contribution of Anatolian Wonderland to the city’s economy, confirming that such projects increase the city’s attractiveness and add social, cultural, and economic value to Kayseri.

Kayseri is a well-known city for its industry and trade. Industry and commerce are extremely important, but tourism is one of the best fields for promoting all other sectors of the economy.

In addition to tourism, the city stimulates the service sector, the financial sector, and the sale of traditional products such as pastirma and sucuk.

Mazakaland Anatolian Wonderland is a very important step in this field, offering sports activities, entertainment centers, and recreational areas that relieve urban stress.

This attraction center increases commercial interaction, as surrounding provinces connected through health, trade, and education maintain strong ties with Kayseri.

The goods produced and sold here add social, cultural, and economic value to the city.

Mazakaland Entertainment Center brings together various themes, including amusement parks, a zoo, a water park, sports fields, an ice-skating rink, horseback riding areas, a laser game center, social facilities, recreational zones, hobby gardens, a science center, and a mosque built with distinctive architecture.

Anatolian Wonderland is expected to attract approximately five million domestic and international tourists to Kayseri annually.

4. Kayseri Castle

Kayseri Castle remains relatively unknown within Kayseri tourism. It consists of two distinct parts: the inner castle and the outer castle.

It underwent major renovations during the 12th, 15th, and 16th centuries.

The castle is built from cut stone. The inner castle has an irregular rectangular shape and touches the northern wall of the outer castle.

The outer castle surrounds the city from the south and west. The northern walls of the inner castle are now in ruins. The walls of the outer castle extend south and west while enclosing the inner castle at the center.

The northern walls extending west from the inner castle begin at the entrance of the covered bazaar, cover the Roman cemetery, and reach the Duvönü neighborhood. In this section, the walls are supported by two square-shaped bastions, although they are not fully preserved.

The Painter’s Gate is located on the walls directly east of Hatıroğlu Mosque. East of Kayseri Lyceum, ruins indicate that the inner castle was once surrounded by a wall extending northeast.

One of the bastions, known as the Eroğlu Bastion, was built by Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad. Its construction techniques differ from those of the outer castle.

The northern and eastern walls are similar in structure, with lower levels formed by continuous round arches and an upper belt of shorter arches.

At the top of the walls are walkways and small openings used by soldiers to shoot arrows. The southern walls are built as plain walls supported by triple buttresses.

This bastion has a semi-circular plan and two floors, both covered with pointed vaults.

Its connection to the southern wall is no longer visible. In the 16th century, this bastion and the towers were used as prisons and government offices.

The second floor has not survived to the present day. The structure consists of four domed iwans covered with cross vaults.

5. Kadir Has Stadium

The most important criterion in determining the location of the stadium within the city was the rapid change of focal points in the fast-growing urban structure. In this context, the aim was to create a new social center by positioning the stadium approximately 7 kilometers away from the old city center.

The main structure of the stadium and the areas beneath the spectator seats are constructed from concrete. The concrete surfaces are solid and durable. Player locker rooms, warm-up areas, referee and jury rooms, press rooms of varying sizes, entrances, and VIP access points are all planned within the western seating area. Technical units and administrative offices are also located in this section. Strong, durable, and easy-to-clean aesthetic materials are used throughout these areas. Players access the field from this level.

All preparations were completed before the new season at Kadir Has Stadium, home of Kayserispor. With a capacity of 33,000 spectators, all seats were replaced in yellow and red colors.

Radiant heaters were installed to minimize the effect of cold weather on spectators. The stadium, which draws attention with its aesthetic structure, is heated from below and automatically stabilized at +4 degrees Celsius, ensuring snow melts and preventing the field from freezing during cold weather, thanks to its drainage system.

A significant portion of the stadium’s exterior is illuminated using an LED lighting system.

The Atatürk Sports Complex, which includes Kadir Has Stadium, also features an Olympic swimming pool, a gym with a capacity of 1,000 people, a grass football field seating 1,500 spectators, an athletics track meeting international standards, and three tennis courts.

The stadium is located within a sports complex built on an area of 196,000 square meters and includes 52 lodges, one café with a capacity of 80 people, one restaurant seating 100 people, and a shopping center covering 5,000 square meters.

6. Imagination Valley

Imagination Valley in Cappadocia, also known as Devrent Valley, is a beautiful valley filled with unique rock formations, many of which are said to resemble animal shapes.

It is one of the most popular tourist areas. Uçhisar is another nearby town that can be considered as an option, but Göreme remains by far the most popular choice. Göreme is crowded with hotels, restaurants, and cafés, while Uçhisar is slightly quieter.

The distance from the center of Göreme to Imagination Valley is 9 kilometers, and the drive takes approximately 18 minutes.

There are other transportation options in Cappadocia, which will be explained in detail below. However, walking and hiking are recommended, as there is much to see along the way to each attraction, and locals are often willing to drop you off along your route.

Most tourists come to Imagination Valley to take playful photos pretending to balance a rock on their fingertips or in the palm of their hand. I believe it should be included in some tours, as there were many tour buses stopping briefly, allowing passengers to take photos before continuing on their way. It was honestly quite amusing to watch. I even had my friend Khabib join in the fun.

Imagination Valley is also known as Imaginer Valley. Although there are no cave churches here like in other valleys, there are many unique rock formations that will spark your imagination. It is said that several formations resemble animals such as camels, snakes, seals, and dolphins. There is certainly one camel-shaped rock near the road, which has been fenced off and appears to be the star attraction of Imagination Valley.

7. Archaeological Museum

History and Features: Steps were taken to collect museum artifacts before 1920, and they were stored at Kayseri High School. However, serious efforts began in 1930 when the Seljuk-era building Huand Hatun was restored and converted into a museum.

As the number of artifacts increased, they were exhibited until 1938, when the museum was officially opened to the public.

When excavations at Kültepe resumed in 1948, it was decided to build a new museum to house the findings. Construction of the new building began in 1965 and was completed in 1969.

Archaeological artifacts were transferred to the new building, while ethnographic works from the Turkish-Islamic period remained in the old museum.

Kayseri Archaeological Museum, located in the Gültepe district, opened in 1969 and consists of two exhibition halls along with administrative and technical offices.

The larger hall contains prehistoric ceramics, stone and bone artifacts, examples from Kültepe excavations, tablets, Hittite works, statues from Kululu, patterns, and inscriptions. In the corridor connecting the two halls, findings from the Hittite period are displayed.

The smaller hall contains Phrygian, Roman, and Byzantine ceramics, glass and metal objects, statues, inscriptions, styles, and small items arranged chronologically.

In the museum garden, there are lion statues brought from Güludağ, sarcophagi, capitals, statues, reliefs, and building stones.

This museum, officially established in 1969, had functioned as a museum since 1938. It houses tiles, wooden and metal objects, manuscripts, inscriptions, carpets, copper items, clothing, jewelry, embroidery, and other ethnographic works from the Seljuk, Beylik, and Ottoman periods.

8. Anatolian Wonderland

Anatolian Wonderland is a World Heritage–level site and a government-supported tourism zone in Kayseri, comparable to Ephesus as a tourism center.

Descending from the high Anatolian plateau into these valleys feels somewhat like falling into the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland. This comparison is not entirely inaccurate, as there are underground cities descending up to 40 meters below the surface, filled with communal areas and defensive positions. These cities were mainly built by early Christians to hide first from the Romans and later from Turkic peoples arriving from the vast Asian steppes.

It is said that in Göreme, the Virgin Mary may have spent her final days, and that early Christianity might not have survived had it not flourished here.

In Uçhisar, after returning from the local bus and walking about two kilometers, visitors encounter highly attractive hotels carved into rock, featuring domed rooms.

Uçhisar is quieter than nearby Göreme, which is often filled with young tourists, frequently Americans and Japanese, visiting as part of mini Eastern European tours that include hot air balloon rides.

Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality will implement the “Anatolian Wonderland Land” project across an area of 714,000 square meters, featuring amusement parks, a zoo, horseback riding, sports fields, aquariums, an ice-skating rink, and a water park.

The project is being carried out in a 714,000-square-meter parking area in the Kumarlı district. It includes an amusement park, playgrounds, zoo, equestrian facilities, sports fields, aquarium, ice rink, and water park. The amusement park will be divided into four sections: Entertainment World, Anatolian Turkish Civilization, African Civilization, Far Eastern Civilization, and Ancient Roman Civilization. Each section will reflect the decor, sculptures, and names of its respective civilization.

9. Kıranardı Recreation Area

The new Kursieri area, covering 1,100,000 square meters, is located within Kayseri’s city forest. With barbecue areas, camellias, specially designed walking paths, social facilities, sports fields, parking areas, and restaurants, Kıranardı Recreation Area is the greatest companion of Kayseri residents during hot summer days.

At the same time, it offers both daytime and nighttime attractions with views of Mount Erciyes and panoramic sights of Kayseri.

It is a complex of facilities where children and adults can enjoy themselves, get close to animals, and participate in various sports activities. There is also a picnic area.

Opened for public use, the area includes a massive and visually impressive waterfall, a park with 100 barbecue units, parking for 300 vehicles, two children’s playgrounds, two basketball courts, and accommodates an average of 50,000 visitors daily.

Visitors can spend time in cafés and restaurants.

The park appeals to all age groups, especially couples seeking greenery, elderly visitors looking for peace and fresh air, housewives wanting a break from home, and even pet owners spending time with their dogs. Children enjoy unforgettable and entertaining play areas. In short, the park serves everyone.

Kıranardı Recreation Area is a state-managed park and is considered cleaner and healthier than other picnic areas.

Kayseri Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Özhaseki increased green space per person from 2 square meters to 10 square meters, meeting international standards.

10. Kayseri Grand Mosque

Located in the center of Kayseri next to the Grand Bazaar, the mosque is known as the “Grand Mosque” as well as “Ulu Mosque” or “Sultan Mosque” in various sources.

It was built by Danishmend ruler Melik Muhammad Ghazi and repaired in 1206 by Muzaffer al-Din Mahmud, the son of Melik Muhammad Ghazi’s sister. Atsuz Elti Hatun, daughter of the same family, repaired Gülük Mosque during the same period.

The only inscription remaining today is the restoration inscription on the outer wall near the entrance, which reads: “This mosque was restored by Muzaffer al-Din Mahmud.”

The mosque was damaged during the major earthquake of 1716 and remained in ruins for five years. In 1723, it was repaired, the collapsed minaret cone was rebuilt, and the damaged dome and minarets were restored.

Built on a rectangular plot measuring approximately 30 by 50 meters, the mosque has a very simple exterior appearance.

It is believed to have been converted from an old church or palace due to the Roman and Byzantine columns used in its construction. Similar reuse of architectural elements can be seen in many mosques across the region.

Ulu Mosque is 47.5 meters long and 27 meters wide and contains two domes—one in front of the mihrab and one in the center. The mihrab dome with four rectangular windows is believed to have been built together with the mosque, while the central dome may have been added later.

The mosque is thought to follow Seljuk architectural plans in which the central section was left open and illuminated.

11. Kayseri Zoo

At Kayseri Zoo, the first animals were introduced to the 10,000-square-meter zoo located within the Anatolian Wonderland complex.

Although the idea of placing a zoo near a parliamentary park may seem unusual, it has become an important attraction.

Today, we explore a location slightly away from the city center, yet easily accessible by public transportation. Simply take the tram toward İldem and get off at Harikalar Diyarı station. On your left, the amusement park immediately catches your eye. Cross the road and enter the Wonderland.

The complex consists of several buildings and areas, with the amusement park being the most striking feature. Opened in 2013, it was the first theme park in Anatolia. It was named after Mazaka, the ancient city established at the foothills of Mount Erciyes.

The park has four main sections inspired by civilizations. In the Anatolian Civilization section, visitors can see the Trojan Horse; in the Ancient Roman section, the Roman Colosseum. The other civilizations represented are Africa and the Far East. Of course, there are also roller coasters and other attractions.

The park closes during winter, but indoor ice skating rinks, sports facilities, and a laser game building remain open.

This comprehensive center was opened on the last day of 2016 and is still considered new. The total cost was 52 million Turkish lira.

12. Seljuk Museum

The complex attracts attention with its simple architecture and is one of the most important structures in Anatolian architectural history.

Although it underwent partial repairs during the Ottoman period, extensive restoration began in the 1960s after significant damage. Since 1980, it had been used by Erciyes University as a Medical History Museum. In 2012, the building was handed over to the municipality, and work began to establish the Seljuk Museum.

Construction and content preparation continued intensively for two years. Eventually, this major project—representing an important part of local and global cultural heritage and the city’s historical values—was transformed into a museum and opened to the public on February 21, 2014.

The museum follows a thematic approach focusing on medieval Anatolia and Seljuk civilization. One section introduces Seljuk culture, while another focuses on healing and medicine.

In the Seljuk Civilization section, themes include “Seljuks in Kayseri” and “Seljuks in Anatolia.” In the medical section, topics include diseases, treatment methods and tools, scholars, pharmacy, water and health, music therapy, and color therapy.

In addition to historical artifacts, the museum features interactive visual and technological areas, allowing visitors to listen, experience, practice, and learn using modern tools. There are also cartoons and games for children, as well as concerts and cultural events.

13. Kayseri Seyirtepe

Come and enjoy the view, but do not forget to keep the area clean. Do not throw your waste over the balcony. The more pollution increases, the greater the harm. This city is pure.

From the hilltop, you will see greenery and flowers inviting everyone, and you will certainly want to return again.

It is the only place where you can find peace of mind and feel relaxed on any day.

If you plan to eat ice cream, be aware that prices are high. Two ice creams, a Fanta, and iced tea cost 53 Turkish lira, equivalent to 18.30 euros.

14. Mix Kayseri Life Center

Mother’s Day, celebrated on the second Sunday of May, is marked with special events at Mix Kayseri.

Mix Kayseri, the first life center in Kayseri, organizes activities throughout Mother’s Day week, especially between May 8 and May 14. Residents can enjoy yoga sessions, morning sports, art workshops, simit-making workshops, and chocolate workshops.

During the day, sourdough and bread-making workshops are organized with mothers, while children’s yoga and “Mothers’ Pizza” events take place later.

Officials emphasize that sourdough and bread workshops will be held for the first time in Kayseri, along with surprise gifts offered through a prize wheel.

With its modern architectural design and green spaces, Mix Kayseri offers visitors comfort both indoors and outdoors throughout the day, supported by a consistent digital theme focused on entertainment and leisure.

15. Kayseri Cappadocia Adventure

Accompanied by a professional tour guide, visitors explore historical sites in Cappadocia, including Red and Rose Valleys, Esentepe, Great Pigeon Valley, Avanos, Kaymaklı Underground City, Devrent Valley, Paşabağ, Göreme Open-Air Museum, and Uçhisar Rock Castle.

Transportation and museum entrance fees are included. An optional luxury hot air balloon ride before sunrise is also available.

Cappadocia is Turkey’s fairy-tale kingdom.

Shaped initially by volcanic eruptions and erosion, local inhabitants and religious refugees transformed the terrain into an impressive network of rooms, tunnels, and underground cities over thousands of years.

There are many hot air balloon tours to choose from, depending on personal preferences such as flight duration, balloon capacity, and cost.

This historic region of Turkey contains many beautiful valleys, including Pigeon Valley and White Valley, but the most sought-after attraction—after transportation—is the hot air balloon.

The most efficient way to reach Cappadocia from Istanbul is by plane, followed by a minibus or rental car. Turkish Airlines operates daily flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia via Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport.

The minibus ride takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on destination, and can be arranged through accommodation providers for a fee of 25 to 35 Turkish lira.

For those serious about photography, renting a car at Cappadocia Airport is recommended, as it provides greater flexibility, especially for sunrise views over the valleys.