Things to do in Kayseri

Kayseri Castle

Kayseri Castle is built from the volcanic rock characteristic of the Cappadocia region. The Sahabiye Madrasa inside has been converted into a space selling books, postcards, and stationery, adding a unique charm.

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Türkiye

Erciyes Ski Resort

Erciyes Ski Resortis located in Kayseri Province, central Türkiye, situated at the foot of the famous Mt Erciyes in the Cappadocia region, and is just approx. a one-hour drive from Kayseri city. Mt Erciyes reaches an altitude of approx. 3,916 m, and its magnificent mountain scenery and pristine snow quality add a unique charm to the skiing experience. This is a well-known ski resort in Türkiye with exceptionally long ski runs. The ski season lasts from early December each year to mid-to-late March of the following year, providing ample time for ski enthusiasts to enjoy the slopes. The ski runs are designed to cater to all skill levels, featuring both wide, gentle beginner slopes and steep, thrilling advanced runs, suitable for all types of skiers to enjoy. In addition to traditional skiing, visitors can also experience a variety of snow activities such as snowmobiling and sledding. The resort is equipped with a modern lift system, including chairlifts and gondolas, which can efficiently and conveniently transport skiers to the start of each run. In addition, the resort offers ski equipment rentals, a professional ski school, restaurants, cafes, and a variety of accommodation options, fully meeting the vacation needs of visitors.

Kayseri Bazaar

Mazakaland Entertainment Center

Cumhuriyet Meydanı

Kadir Has Stadium

This is a multi-purpose stadium in Kayseri where games are often held.

2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia

Cappadocia in the early morning is worth waking up for. The sky gradually brightens from deep blue, hot air balloons rise slowly among the valleys, and the first ray of sunlight sweeps across the rock walls, tinting the extraordinary rocks, villages, and distant mountains before you with warm colors. As your field of view opens up bit by bit, the roads and houses on the ground become tiny, while the rolling valleys reveal outlines rarely seen in daily life. Riding a hot air balloon is a unique way to enjoy Cappadocia. The flight experience here also presents different scenery depending on the takeoff area. We offerGöreme, Soğanlı, and IhlaraThe hot air balloon rides in the three regions range from the classic fairy chimneys and clusters of hot air balloons to quiet countryside valleys and natural views where canyons and rivers intertwine, allowing you to choose the aerial journey you want to begin based on your own expectations. Goreme | Encounter the classic Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia scene If what you long for is the scene in photos where hot air balloons dot the sky and strange rock valleys spread out below, Goreme is a choice worth prioritizing. It is known for its iconic "fairy chimneys" and undulating rock formations, where rock pillars, ravines, and villages interweave with one another. When the morning light falls, the textures and colors of the rock walls become even more vivid. Goreme is usually a relatively concentrated hot air balloon flight area. Its appeal lies both in the scenery below and in the colorful balloons that set each other off in the sky. For travelers visiting Cappadocia for the first time and hoping to experience the classic hot air balloon atmosphere, this place is very representative and is also suitable for capturing what you see along the way in travel photos. Soğanlı | Experience the countryside and history in a tranquil valley Soanli is far from the bustle of Goreme, revealing another side of Cappadocia through its open valleys, ancient villages, and rock-cut ruins. In the view here, natural landforms and traces of human life are interwoven: villages are scattered among the rocks, and ancient rock-cut structures remain on the hillsides, giving the valley a sense of distant timelessness. This region usually has fewer hot air balloon rides, and the experience atmosphere is quieter. It is suitable for travelers who enjoy countryside scenery, want to slow down the pace, or have already experienced Goreme and want to understand Cappadocia from a different perspective. Ihlara | Enjoy canyon and valley views from the air The distinctive feature of Ihlara lies in the natural landscape formed by the canyon, rock walls, and riverside vegetation together. It has a different topographic layering from Goreme: deep valleys, winding rivers, and the surrounding open terrain set each other off, revealing another rich side of Cappadocia. If you prefer canyon scenery, enjoy observing changes in terrain, or hope to experience a relatively quiet flying atmosphere, you might consider Ihlara. Its appeal comes more from the contours, colors, and sense of space of the valley itself, making it suitable for visitors who want to keep their attention on the natural scenery. When traveling from the Goreme area, the drive to this region is usually longer. Each of the three regions has its own characteristics: Goreme is suitable for visitors who yearn for classic fairy chimneys and clusters of hot air balloons, Soğanlı is suitable for visitors who enjoy quiet countryside and ancient villages, and Ihlara is suitable for visitors who prefer canyon and river valley views. Choosing the scenery you most want to see is also part of this journey. After landing, explore Cappadocia in more ways After the aerial journey ends, Cappadocia still has many landscapes worth getting close to. A variety of surrounding activities such as horseback riding, ATV off-road adventures, and vintage car rides let you move from overlooking from high above to heading deep into the valleys, experiencing this land at different paces. Horseback tour | Follow the valley path and slowly enjoy the scenery along the way Follow the pace of the horses as rock walls, dirt paths, and distant mountains gradually unfold before your eyes. The joy of horseback riding lies in slowing down the rhythm of travel and feeling the wind, the light, and the scenery along the way in the valley. Travelers who love nature and wish to experience the atmosphere of Cappadocia's valleys can set aside some horseback riding time in their itinerary. ATV off-road adventure | Ride through the valleys for a more dynamic Cappadocia experience To add more energy to your trip, you can choose an ATV off-road adventure. Traveling over undulating roads, you'll get a close-up feel of the rocky terrain and open valleys, and the scenery along the way keeps changing as you move forward. Compared with quietly sightseeing, ATV places more emphasis on participation, making it suitable for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want to add fun to their journey. Classic car tour | Let vintage vibes blend into your travel photos Take a vintage car ride to enjoy the scenery of Cappadocia along the way and add a touch of retro charm to your journey. The classic car body and the unusual rock valleys complement each other, offering a distinctive visual appeal whether you are capturing moments with your companions or taking travel photos with local character. Travelers who love photography and value the travel atmosphere can add the vintage car experience to their itinerary. You can choose different combinations of hot air balloon rides and surrounding activities based on your length of stay and personal preferences. Greet the morning light in the sky at dawn, then ride horseback into the valleys, explore the terrain by ATV, or take a vintage car ride to capture travel photos, making every experience a new perspective for discovering Cappadocia.

No. 16 of Ski Resorts in Türkiye

Erciyes Kayak Merkezi

Erciyes Kayak Merkezi is a major winter tourist destination in the Hagiral region of Kayseri Province, Turkey, and a popular destination for skiers from both home and abroad. Located at the foot of the majestic Erciyes Mountains, its altitude ranges from approximately 2200 meters to over 3400 meters. With its superior natural conditions and comprehensive facilities, it has become one of the most advanced alpine skiing centers in the country. The ski resort boasts over 100 kilometers of slopes, covering different difficulty levels suitable for beginners to advanced skiers, and is equipped with nearly forty modern mechanical lifts and cable car systems, allowing easy access to various slopes. The center also offers night skiing programs, providing a unique night skiing experience under illumination at specific times, giving the ski resort a special charm under the stars. In addition to skiing itself, Erciyes Kayak Merkezi also offers professional lessons and equipment rental services, providing guidance for skiers of all skill levels, whether they are beginners or looking to improve their techniques.

Kayseri Zoo

Bestepe Picnic Area