Things To Do
in Sivas

A local style of meatball seasoned with regional spices; commonly served with rice or bread and available in traditional lokantas and kebab houses.

Must-Try!

Tiny filled dumplings served with garlicky yogurt and a buttery paprika sauce — a must-try in any Central Anatolian city.

A flaky layered pastry often enjoyed with kaymak (clotted cream) and honey or sugar; popular as a breakfast or dessert item.

A local green (used in stews or as a sautéed side) that features in regional seasonal cooking — commonly found at village tables and traditional restaurants.

Traditional market stalls selling spices, dried legumes, fresh produce, cheeses, and local sweets — great for sampling small bites and buying regional ingredients.

Weekly neighborhood markets where vendors sell fresh vegetables, herbs, breads and simple street snacks like gözleme (filled flatbreads) and roasted corn.

Remove shoes and dress modestly when entering mosques; women may be asked to cover their heads with a scarf in some places. Keep voices low and be respectful during prayer times.

A handshake is common among men; use the right hand for giving/receiving items. Address older people with respect and accept offers of tea or hospitality politely.

Sivas is more conservative than coastal tourist centers — avoid overly revealing clothing, limit public displays of affection, and follow local norms, especially in rural areas.

Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and in rural communities. Be cautious when photographing near military or sensitive infrastructure.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants leave around 5–10% for good service, round up taxi fares, give small tips to hotel porters and housekeeping. For very casual cafés and tea houses tipping is less common.

Turkish lira (TRY) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops; smaller vendors, bazaars and rural businesses prefer cash. ATMs are available in the city center; notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.

Hot, dry and sunny with daytime highs often in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F). Evenings are often pleasant and ideal for outdoor dining; bring sun protection and light layers.

Crisp, cool air with colorful landscapes—perfect for hiking and photography. Temperatures drop quickly in the evening; pack a warm jacket and waterproof layer for occasional rain.

Cold and snowy—Sivas experiences harsh winters with freezing temperatures and frequent snow. Roads can be icy; winter clothing, sturdy boots and flexible travel plans are recommended.

Blooming fields and mild temperatures make spring an attractive time to visit; occasional late snow or rain can occur, so bring layers and a light raincoat.

Mountain trails north of Sivas offering steppe-to-mountain scenery, wildflowers in spring and panoramic views — ranges of difficulty from day hikes to longer treks.

Gentle walks around the hot springs and rural landscape near Kangal, suitable for nature observation and photography.

Trails and country roads around Divriği let you explore rural architecture, small villages and the countryside near the UNESCO mosque complex.

Open-air hikes across Anatolian plateaus provide solitude, birdwatching and wide vistas — prepare for exposure, wind and temperature swings.

The majority of the population; traditional Anatolian culture shapes language, cuisine and daily life.

There are Kurdish and other minority communities in the wider province, contributing to cultural and linguistic variety.

Cumhuriyet University brings a young population and student culture to the city, influencing cafes, nightlife and services.

Large numbers of people in the province live in villages and engage in farming and pastoralism, preserving traditional lifestyles.