Sivas is a historic city in Central Anatolia, Turkey, renowned for its magnificent Seljuk-era architecture and its pivotal role in Turkish national history. Home to the Sivas Congress of 1919 — a critical event in the founding of the Turkish Republic — the city preserves some of the finest medieval Islamic monuments in Anatolia. The Buruciye, Çifte Minareli, Gök, and Şifaiye madrasas cluster in the city centre, while Divriği's UNESCO-listed Great Mosque lies within the province. At 1,285 metres elevation on the Central Anatolian plateau, Sivas offers an authentic, crowd-free alternative to Turkey's tourist-heavy western cities.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Kangal Fish Thermal Pools
Naturally heated pools where Garra rufa fish nibble dead skin — ticklish and memorable for children. Safe, shallow pools with attendants. 200–350 TRY/person (~$6–$10.50 USD).
Tecer Lake Picnic and Walking
A 25 km drive from Sivas; freshwater lake with flat paths, picnic spots, and child-friendly restaurants serving grilled trout. Perfect half-day for families.
Sivas Congress Museum
The building where Atatürk launched the Turkish independence movement; engaging for older children studying Turkish history. Audio guide in Turkish available.
Şifaiye Medresesi Courtyard
Open courtyard of the 1217 CE Seljuk medical school — children enjoy the open space and the carved stone decorations. No ticket required.
Sivas Culture Park (Kültür Parkı)
City park with walking paths, playgrounds, and tea gardens. Popular with local families for evening strolls and summer events.
Covered Bazaar Exploration
Children enjoy the sensory experience of the covered market — copper craftsmen at work, spice stalls, sweet shops with baklava samples.
Sivas Archaeological Museum
Hittite, Roman, and Byzantine artefacts; smaller and more manageable than major city museums. Under 12s free with Müze Kart or adult ticket.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Sultanhan Hotel Sivas
Kangal Balıklı Kaplıca Hotel
Sivas Köşk Hotel
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Turkish restaurants are highly family-friendly — high chairs are available in most sit-down restaurants, and portions are large enough to share
Children typically enjoy pide (flatbread pizza-style), lahmacun, and döner — widely available at all price points
Merkez Pastanesi (Bankalar Cad. No:8) has an excellent selection of sweets for children: baklava, ice cream, and fruit puddings
Tecer Göl Balık Evi (+90 346 300 1100) serves grilled trout and simple mezes — reliable and family-friendly with lakeside setting
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.