Great Weekend Routes Close to Nevşehir

Sometimes there is no need to travel far. Around Nevşehir, there are small towns, lakeside villages and historic streets that you can reach in a few hours. When you're looking for a breathing space away from the city crowds, these close routes are good for you. There are some things in life that are as beautiful as taking a coffee break in an old stone mansion in one place and meeting the evening by watching the sky in another. If you want to do yourself such a favor this weekend, we have compiled a list of addresses that will inspire you.

Kırşehir

Kırşehir is a city that soothes the soul with its quiet and calm atmosphere. Located in the heart of Anatolia, this land tells a different story in every corner with its thousands of years of history. With its nature, warm-blooded people and local delicacies, everyone who comes here feels at home in a short time. With its tombs on one side, green countryside and clear skies on the other, Kırşehir is good for everyone who stops by.

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.

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 Underground City

Located in the Mucur district of Kırşehir, this underground city is a mysterious world where people used to take shelter hundreds of years ago. As you wander through narrow tunnels, stone stairs and small rooms, it is impossible not to feel the traces of the past time.

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.

Kayseri

Kayseri is a unique place in the middle of Anatolia, with its deep-rooted history and vibrant city life. With a history stretching from the Hittites to the Ottomans, it hides a different trace in every corner. The majestic silhouette of Erciyes on one side and the fairy tale view of Cappadocia on the other is right around the corner. Not only for its history, but also for its delicious food, bustling bazaars and friendly people, Kayseri is one of the cities that attracts everyone who stops by. You can trace the past and feel the vibrancy of the present.

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.

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Ankara

Ankara is not only the capital of Turkey, but also a city that has witnessed many stories for centuries. It has a completely different spirit with the silence of Anıtkabir, the stone streets of Hamamönü and the calmness of Kuğulu Park. Modern streets on one side, historic inns, museums and old Ankara houses on the other. A city that makes you feel good even in a crowded city, a city where past and present live side by side in every corner

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 the oldest settlements in Ankara, gives you the feeling of traveling back in time with its narrow stone-paved streets, restored historical mansions and traditional texture. As you walk here, you are greeted by the light filtering through the wooden bay windows of old Ankara houses, people taking a breather by the historic fountains and small shops displaying handmade products. This neighborhood, every corner of which smells of history, is a nice stop for those who want to take a break from the crowds of Ankara and feel the traces of the past.

Atatürk Orman Çiftliği

If you are looking for a pleasant place where you can be alone with nature without going too far from the city center, you can go here. With its large green areas, ponds and walking paths, it is a popular destination for those who want to relieve the tiredness of the week. You can rent a bicycle and take a tour in nature, have a picnic by the lake or visit the cute animals on the farm. This area, which also offers a pleasant day for children, is one of the rare places where you can breathe without escaping the city.

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.

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Sivas

Sivas, right in the middle of Anatolia, is one of the cities that is good for you with its deep-rooted history and unspoiled nature. Time seems to flow a little slower here. You feel the traces of the past while visiting the madrasahs, mosques and caravanserais dating back centuries. Every season takes on a different beauty with its slightly misted streets on cold winter mornings, lush green plateaus in summer and clean air. Seeing the building where the historical Sivas Congress was held, admiring the stonework of Divriği Great Mosque or sunsetting the day on the shore of Hafik Lake are just a few of the beautiful things to do here. Not to mention the local delicacies served with warm tandoori bread. If you're ever in Sivas, it's not just a stopover, it's a warming respite.

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

Standing like a hidden paradise in Gürün district of Sivas, Seven Lakes is one of the indispensable addresses for those who want to be alone with nature. The greenery as far as the eye can see, the clear water and the sounds of birds are really good for you. Especially in spring and summer, it is an unforgettable experience to hike around the lakes, have a picnic by the lake or set up a tent and spend the night under the stars. The road is a bit winding but the view when you arrive makes you forget all your tiredness. For those who want to relax with silence and the smell of nature, Seven Lakes is like Gürün's hidden treasure. It is one of those rare places where you can take a thermos of hot tea with you and sit by the lake for a long time, away from the city crowds and alone with the sound of nature.

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.

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