Great Weekend Routes Close to Nevşehir

Nevşehir is located in the heart of Cappadocia and has many natural and historical beauties waiting to be discovered. If you want to explore places close to Nevşehir, there are routes that will inspire you.

Kırşehir

With its peaceful atmosphere and historical charm, Kırşehir offers visitors a unique experience. This city, where green meets blue, is home to a rich cultural heritage, warm-hearted people, and unique flavors, promising unforgettable moments to those who explore it. Located in the heart of Anatolia, Kırşehir is a place where history and nature converge.

Kaman Historical City

Kaman is a history-rich district in Kırşehir. It has a fascinating past, spanning from the Hittite and Phrygian periods to Roman and Byzantine times. Notable landmarks include Kaman Castle, Külhüyük Mound, Suluhan, and the Church of the Virgin Mary.

Çiçekdağı Caravanserai

The Çiçekdağı Caravanserai, a prominent structure from the Seljuk era, has survived to the present day. As a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture, the caravanserai is an ideal stop for those wanting a historical and cultural journey.

Sarıkaya Caves

Sarıkaya holds a special place among Kırşehir’s natural beauties. The caves here feature traces of ancient history and stunning natural formations. Exploring these caves offers visitors a peaceful retreat into nature.

Mucur Rocks

The Mucur Rocks are among the most impressive natural formations in Kırşehir. Known for their historical traces and stunning natural beauty, these rock formations are also surrounded by walking trails, making them perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

What to Eat in Kırşehir

Kaman Mantı: Known for its delicious mantı, the Kaman district has many mantı restaurants. These traditionally prepared, fresh, and tasty mantıs are a must-try at local eateries.

Tarhana Soup: A traditional, nutritious, and flavorful soup, tarhana is freshly prepared at various restaurants across the city.

Kırşehir Tava: One of Kırşehir’s local specialties, this dish combines meat, vegetables, and spices. The tender meat and flavorful vegetables make it a must-try at many of the city's restaurants.

Madımak Dish: Often served at special events, madımak is a traditional dish that can also be found in select restaurants throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Kırşehir: 

Kayseri

With thousands of years of history, Kayseri is one of Anatolia's gems. Situated right next to Cappadocia, this ancient city has been home to various civilizations, from the Hittites to the Ottomans, and is one of Turkey’s key industrial and commercial hubs. Its historical richness, delicious cuisine, and natural beauty make it a true jewel of Anatolia.

Kayseri Castle

Kayseri Castle, one of the city’s landmarks, is a historic structure that stands in the city center. Dating back to the Seljuk era, the castle is in a strategic location, offering both historical insight and magnificent views.

Hunat Hatun Complex

An important cultural heritage from the Seljuk period, the Hunat Hatun Complex is a key landmark that reflects the historical fabric of Kayseri. The complex includes a mosque, a madrasah, a tomb, and a bathhouse, offering a closer look at the architecture and artistry of the Seljuk era.

Gevher Nesibe Museum

The Gevher Nesibe Museum, Turkey's first medical museum, is an essential part of Kayseri’s cultural heritage. It houses significant artifacts that shed light on the history of medicine. A visit here provides insight into medical history and Seljuk health culture.

Mount Erciyes

Mount Erciyes, one of Kayseri's most iconic natural beauties, is a popular destination for winter sports, thanks to its snow-covered slopes for most of the year. Here, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or simply soaking in the natural scenery.

Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls

Another natural beauty of Kayseri is the Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls, located about 50 kilometers from the city center. This peaceful site is perfect for a picnic or a refreshing swim in the cool waters.

Where to Eat in Kayseri

Özkonak Mantı Salons: To try Kayseri's famous mantı (Turkish dumplings), visit Özkonak Mantı Salonları. Here, you can enjoy fresh and flavorful Kayseri mantı as well as other local appetizers.

Mumbar Çarşısı: Famous for mumbar, a traditional Kayseri delicacy. This market is one of the best places to savor fresh and delicious varieties of mumbar.

Pastırmacı Hakkı: One of Kayseri's well-known spots for pastırma (cured meat). Here, you can find fresh and high-quality pastırma, as well as enjoy it in a sandwich.

Katmer Salons: To taste Kayseri's renowned katmer (a traditional sweet pastry), visit one of the many katmer salons across the city for a delightful break.

Lezzetci Mustafa: A popular restaurant for delicious kebabs and meat dishes, particularly known for its tandır kebabı (slow-cooked lamb) and testi kebabı (meat cooked in a clay pot).

Gubate Restaurant & Kahvaltı Evi, Moda Fırın & Patisserie: Ideal breakfast spots in Kayseri.

Where to Stay in Kayseri: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/kayseri-hotels

Ankara

Etnografya Müzesi

The Ankara Ethnography Museum hosts a rich collection showcasing various aspects of Turkish culture. Here, you can find intriguing items ranging from traditional Turkish handicrafts and clothing to weapons and household items.

Görme Engelli Müze Eğitim ve Deneyim Alanı

In order to make museums accessible for visually impaired individuals, replicas of the artworks are touchable, audio descriptions are available, and innovative technologies are used to provide a holistic experience. This experience space, located at the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, is a must-visit. It’s a museum where art is made accessible to individuals with visual impairments. Don’t forget to call ahead and make an appointment before visiting.

Anıtkabir

The magnificent atmosphere of Anıtkabir offers visitors the opportunity to be intertwined with history and feel the respect for national unity. This site is not only dedicated to Turkey but also to the global struggle for freedom and independence. At the entrance of Anıtkabir, monumental Lion's Road sculptures stand, leading into a vast area. The corridors surrounding the mausoleum house valuable documents, photos, and items that tell the life of Atatürk and the modernization process of Turkey.

Hamamönü

Hamamönü, one of Ankara's historical neighborhoods, is known for its cobbled streets, traditional houses, and boutique shops. As you stroll here, you can discover local handicrafts, sit in quaint cafes, and take a journey into the city's past.

Atatürk Orman Çiftliği

Located just outside the city center, this expansive farm is known for its natural beauty and various activity opportunities. You can take bike tours, relax in picnic areas, and visit the animals on the farm.

Ankara Kalesi

Located in the historical center of the city, Ankara Castle dates back to Ancient Rome and offers an important historical site with a panoramic view of the city from a high vantage point. If you want to explore the streets around the castle and enjoy the city's scenery, be sure to climb up to the castle.

Where to Eat in Ankara?

Ankara Tava is one of the city's essential regional dishes. Made with lamb, this dish includes onions, garlic, tomatoes, peppers, vermicelli, and spices, creating a unique flavor. It’s a must-try for visitors to the city. To taste Ankara Tava, be sure to visit Meşhur Tavacı Recep Usta.

When it comes to Aspava in Ankara, the first place that comes to mind is Meşhur Özçelik Aspava.

One of the regional delicacies of Ankara cuisine is bulgur pilav. The best place in the city to enjoy this dish is Çukurağa Sofrası. You can have it with dishes like Adana kebab and Çukurağa Special.

Ankara Kebab is a kebab made with beef, served with a stuffing of rice pilaf with pistachios and liver, along with eggplant, onions, and garlic. Both its flavor and elegant presentation make it a frequent presence at local tables. The best place to try Ankara Kebab is Hacı Arif Bey, where visitors can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.

Ankara Simidi is a must-have for breakfast in Ankara with its crispy texture. You can enjoy the warm, fresh taste of Ankara simidi at the famous Meşhur Ankara Simitçisi.

Tamtak Tirit is one of the lesser-known local delicacies of Ankara, not widely recognized in other regions.

Where to Stay in Ankara:  https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/ankara-hotels

Sivas

A city with thousands of years of history and stunning natural beauty, Sivas is a true gem. It attracts both history and nature enthusiasts with its mystical atmosphere, offering unique experiences in every season. Exploring historical sites, finding tranquility in nature, and tasting local delicacies make Sivas an ideal destination.

Sivas Archaeology and Ethnography Museum

Located in the city center, this museum showcases archaeological artifacts from various periods of Anatolia, including Hittite, Phrygian, Roman, and Byzantine. The museum also holds ethnographic objects that reflect Sivas’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital

Situated in Sivas’s Divriği district, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most significant Seljuk structures in Anatolia. Built in the 13th century, the mosque and hospital complex are known for their intricate woodwork and decorative motifs. The site once functioned as a mosque, medical center, and even a psychiatric hospital.

Kale Mosque and Gök Medrese

Located in the historical center of Sivas, these Seljuk-era structures are architectural gems. Kale Mosque’s interior decorations are considered a prime example of Seljuk artistry. Meanwhile, Gök Medrese, a grand and iconic building in the city center, is noted for its impressive design.

Şifaiye Medrese and Çifte Minareli Medrese

Commissioned in the 13th century by Sultan II. Izzeddin Keykavus, Şifaiye Medrese once functioned as a healing center and is now used as the Sivas Ethnography Museum. Çifte Minareli Medrese, known for its twin minarets, is one of the city’s most iconic structures.

Gürün Seven Lakes

Located in Sivas’s Gürün district, the Seven Lakes (Yedi Göller) area is known for its breathtaking natural scenery. With walking trails, picnic spots, and camping opportunities, this destination is perfect for nature lovers.

Zara Castle

Situated in the Zara district, this Byzantine-era castle is an important historical landmark. Thanks to its strategic location, the castle was once a significant defensive stronghold.

Where to Eat in Sivas

Cızbız Köftecisi: Famous for its Sivas-style meatballs called "cızbız," this restaurant is known for using quality meat to create delicious flavors.

Sivas Pide Salons: Sivas pide, a regional specialty often prepared with minced or diced meat, can be enjoyed at various pide salons around the city.

Çemenzoğlu Baklava: Known for its traditional, delicious baklava, Çemenzoğlu Baklava is the perfect stop for those with a sweet tooth.

Where to Stay in Sivas: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/