After a 14-hour bus journey we arrived in the Turkish city of Kayseri. I was exhausted and in a sour mood from having not slept on the bus. We were dropped at the main bus station and took the free shuttle into the city centre. Our first sighting was the Hilton; after that long trip I imagined hot showers and soft beds, but at 145 Euros per night for a single room it was well beyond our budget.
We eventually found a modest hotel for 90 YTL for two people, bed and breakfast included. Bags were dropped, heads hit the pillow, and we slept deeply. Waking at 1 p.m., I was keen to get out — I didn’t travel to Kayseri just to stay in a room.
Eating Out in Kayseri
We were more than ready for a proper meal; after two days of pastries it felt great to eat something substantial.
As we wandered the streets, one thing became clear: Kayseri has many fast-food and casual eateries. That’s not surprising for a busy commercial centre with a lively local population.
We stumbled upon Hizmet Et Lokanta, rushed in and ordered a mixed grill. Saying we were starving was a mistake — the platter that arrived could have fed four. It included chicken, chicken wings, lamb chops and Adana kebabs, all served with fresh salad, rice and bulgur. The portions were generous and the flavours satisfying.
Tourist Attractions
Heavy with food, we walked around the centre to get a feel for the city. In the town square we found a tourist information centre that listed local sights. The staff didn’t speak English, which is understandable since Kayseri is less frequented by international tourists.
Many attractions in Kayseri’s centre are free to visit. We explored the museum, Atatürk’s house, the old castle, ancient tombs and an underground bazaar. While wandering, we even had the chance to watch a film being shot on location — a neat, unexpected glimpse of local culture.
Nightlife in Kayseri
If you expect an active nightlife with plentiful alcohol, Kayseri may disappoint. After a long day I usually enjoy an ice-cold beer and a cigarette, but I couldn’t find any bars or shops selling alcohol. I settled for a Nescafé instead. Locals I met at the gym said the city is lively during the day but quiet at night.
If nightlife and partying are your priority, you might want to skip Kayseri. The limited availability of alcohol reflects local customs and can reduce social problems associated with heavy drinking — something I noticed while living in more tourist-oriented Turkish resorts where alcohol is readily available.
After little sleep and with no nightlife to explore, I was in bed by 9 p.m. Early the next morning, the mosque call to prayer woke me at 5 a.m. — our hotel happened to be right next to it. Making the most of the day, I was first down for breakfast and then caught up on emails and my blog. Soon I headed back out to continue exploring Kayseri and discover what else the city has to offer.