Kayseri is a major city in Central Anatolia renowned throughout Turkey for its exceptional cuisine — particularly pastırma (cured beef), sucuk (spiced sausage), and the city's famous mantı dumplings. Dominated by the snow-capped cone of Mount Erciyes (3,917 m), one of Turkey's best ski resorts, Kayseri blends Seljuk and Ottoman architectural heritage with a dynamic modern economy. The city served as the ancient capital of Cappadocia under the name Caesarea and preserves a wealth of medieval monuments including the Kayseri Citadel, the Hunat Hatun Complex, and the Döner Kümbet mausoleum.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Pastırma
Vacuum-packed for travel; available at Kazancılar Çarşısı; price 300–800 TRY/kg (~$9–24 USD)
Sucuk
Spiced beef sausage; vacuum-packed; 200–500 TRY/kg (~$6–15 USD)
Kayseri Kilim / Carpet
Hand-woven geometric kilims from local workshops; price from 500 TRY for small kilim (~$15 USD)
Pekmez (grape molasses)
Thick Anatolian fruit syrup; 50–150 TRY per jar (~$1.50–4.50 USD)
Copper and brassware
Hand-hammered copperware from Grand Bazaar smiths; coffee sets 300–800 TRY (~$9–24 USD)
Evil Eye (Nazar Boncuğu)
Blue glass protective amulets; 20–200 TRY (~$0.60–6 USD) depending on size
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Grand Bazaar (Bedesten)
Carpets, copperware, spices, food
Kazancılar Çarşısı
Pastırma, sucuk, cured meats
Çarşamba Pazarı (Wednesday Market)
Fresh produce, clothing, household goods