Essential things to see and do in Cappadocia, Türkiye

If you're thinking about what to see in Cappadocia, you should know that this famous destination in Türkiye is famous for its unforgettable balloon flights with panoramic views of its UNESCO World Heritage valleys. But the balloon ride is not the only thing what to do in Cappadocia, also stands out because in its valleys They hide numerous incredible rock formations, such as fairy chimneys, open-air museums and underground cities. troglodytes. Well, we are not going to tell you all its wonders in the first paragraph, below we share our list of things to do in Cappadocia in 2 or 3 days days, depending on the time you have. Here we go!

Next we share our list of Cappadocia essentials and what to do for free.

20 things to see and do in Cappadocia, Türkiye

First of all, let us tell you that if you want to discover the best places What to see in Cappadocia We recommend you spend a minimum of two nights and, therefore, two sunrises in Cappadocia. In this way, in Two days you will have enough time to soak up all the essential things to know in Cappadocia. Likewise, if you plan to do the balloon ride in Cappadocia you will have at least two opportunities to fly. So to the question how many days to travel to Cappadocia, we think two are enough. And now yes, let's get to the list!

1. Balloon flight, one of the best things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey

Without a doubt, the Balloon flight in Cappadocia is a once in a lifetime experience and, as we see it, one of the best things to do in Cappadocia. The landscape, already incredible from the ground, is brutal from the top. The rock formations of its valleys, fairy chimneys and the shadows that play with the light of dawn have made this one of the most exciting things we have done in our lives. Us We reserve the activity in this page and everything was great: Punctual pickup (5 in the morning), perfect and pleasant flight, great guide and transfers.

El flight lasts approximately one hour., but between the pick-up, the picnic, the technical and safety instructions and the final toast, it took 2 hours and 30. Prices vary. from €150 and up to €300, depending on the demand of the moment, since If there have been cancellations due to weather conditions the days before, the price increases. We recommend you check prices here for when you are going to travel and also book in advance. We also recommend you bring a travel insurance, we hire the IATI Mochilero and it covers accidents doing activities of this type. We have a 5% discount on all policies for being our reader and that you can review in the IATI page.

2. Goreme Open Air Museum, a unique place to see in Cappadocia

On the other hand, the best what to see in Göreme is the Outdoor museum and one of the first places to visit in Cappadocia. Located in the heart of the region, this museum transports you to the Byzantine era. Here, we were amazed by the rock-cut churches with frescoes inside. In addition to its historical importance, the museum itself is also a spectacle, with impressive rock formations characteristic of the Cappadocia what to see. You can't take photos inside, but we already had this one taken... Enjoy it!

• 💵 Göreme Museum Price 2023: €16,50 per person approx.. Does not include the Dark Church, you have to pay extra.
• ⏰ Göreme Museum hours: 08:00-19:00 (every day).
• 💡Wear appropriate footwear, you have to walk through certain areas that you can slip

3. Castle of Uçhisar, essential to see in Cappadocia, Türkiye

El Uchisar Castle is another visit in Cappadocia what to do without fail. This natural wonder, which is also the highest point in the region with 1330m, offers unique panoramic views. We can say that it is one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia. In addition to being a privileged observation point, the castle has a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that used to be rooms and warehouses in ancient times.

• 💵 Uçhisar Castle Price 2023: €4 per person approx..
• ⏰ Castle U scheduleçhisar: 06:00-20:00 (during daylight hours) every day
• 💡Wear appropriate footwear, you have to walk through certain areas that you can slip
• 💡Special site where to see the sunrise in Cappadocia with the balloons flying over the valleys. Also the sunset.

If you have time, you can also take a walk around the u valleyçfortress, access is free and you can do it on foot after your visit to Uçfortress Kalesi.

4. Pasabag Valley o Paşabağları, a unique landscape of Cappadocia to see

El Pasabag Valley o Paşabağları, also known as the monks valley, Is one of the Essential tourist places in Cappadocia. The fairy chimneys in this valley are particularly unique and among the tallest, with rocky 'hats' at the top. People say that Ancient monks chose this place for their spiritual retreat, finding refuge in the caves and natural tunnels of the chimneys. Hence it is also known by this name. In one of the three-headed fairy chimneys is a chapel built in the name of Saint Simeon.

• 💵 Zelve and Paşabağları 2023 price: €10 per person approx.. (includes the two natural spaces)
• ⏰ Hours: 08:00-19:00 (April 1 to October 31) and 08:00 to 17:00 (November 1 – March 31), open every day.
• 💡Wear appropriate footwear, you have to walk through areas where you can slip

5. Zelve or Selva Open Air Museum

Another things to see and do in Cappadocia is to travel the Zelve Open Air Museum, one of the largest troglodyte villages in the region. Muslims and Christians lived here until 1924. Along the path, you will see different cave churches, cave houses, dovecotes, places to store food and even a wine cellar carved into the rocks. It is a quieter and more authentic place to appreciate life in ancient Cappadocia, as it is less crowded than Göreme. Here highlights the Apple Church (Elmalı Kilise) with its impressive biblical frescoes. The schedules and prices are the same as those of the Paşabağları Open air museumWe remind you:

• 💵 Zelve and Paşabağları 2023 entry price: €10 per person approx.. (includes the two natural spaces)
• ⏰ Hours: 08:00-19:00 (April 1 to October 31) and 08:00 to 17:00 (November 1 – March 31), open every day.
• 💡Wear appropriate footwear, you have to walk through areas where you can slip

6. Devrent Valley or Imagination Valley, best places to see in Cappadocia

El Devrent Valley Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is another of the curious places to see in Cappadocia. It stands out for its peculiar rock formations that, with a little imagination, They can resemble animals, objects or people. It is an ideal place to walk and let creativity fly, identifying figures in the rocks. He access is free, but as in most places to visit in Cappadocia, we recommend you bring suitable footwear. Here we had to help some older ladies because they were wearing flat shoes and the ground is very slippery. It is very close to the open-air museums of Selve y Paşabağları.

• 💵 Price: free of charge
• ⏰ Hours: free access
• 💡Wear appropriate footwear, you have to walk through areas where you can slip

7. Love Valley or Valley of Love

The Love Valley or valley of love may evoke romanticism, but in reality it makes a direct allusion to the shape of these rock formations (with a certain similarity to the male member). These natural structures, the product of erosion over thousands of years, are a unique spectacle and some reach up to 40 meters in height. It's a stop essential to see in Cappadocia, especially for see the sunrise and appreciate the balloons flying. Of course, get ready to see "Instagram points" in every corner.

• 💵 Price: free of charge
• ⏰ Hours: free access
• 💡Bring warm clothes if you are going to see the sunrise, temperatures drop at dawn

8. Pigeon Valley or Valle de Las Palomas

For centuries, locals in the region have used pigeons and their droppings as a crucial source of fertilizer. As a result, you will find countless dovecotes carved into the rock that bear witness to the important role these birds played in the area's agriculture. The entrance is free and the area is open all day. There is a viewpoint with panoramic views of the Uchisar castle with several trees full of very instagrammable Turkish eyes. In the area there are also several souvenir shops where you can haggle and get a nice souvenir of your trip to Cappadocia.

• 💵 Price: free of charge
• ⏰ Hours: free access

9. Çavusin, another troglodyte village to visit in Cappadocia

El Çavusin village It is known for its historic houses and buildings carved directly into the rocks. The main point of interest here is the former Church of St. John the Baptist, dating back to the 5th century and offering panoramic views of the region. If we are honest, we only passed by with the car, since we had already visited Göreme, Zelve and Pasabag, we were a bit saturated hehe. This area is also known for its traditional ceramic shops. We leave you with this photo so you know what this place is like what to see in Cappadocia.

• 💵 Price: free of charge
• ⏰ Hours: free access
• 💡Wear appropriate footwear, the ground can be slippery

10. Three Beauties Viewpoint, more fairy chimneys to see in Cappadocia

El Three Beauties Lookout is one of the places what to see in Urgup, since it is just a few minutes away by car. Are three rock formations are a symbol of the region and myths surrounding Cappadocia. Do you want to know what is the legend about the Three Beauties? Apparently the daughter of the fairy sultan fell in love with a shepherd in Cappadocia and they married, having a son. The fairy sultan, not satisfied with this relationship, sent soldiers to separate them. The fairy daughter asked not to be separated from her family. Her wish was fulfilled and They transformed into three fairy chimneys, staying together forever..

• 💵 Price: free of charge
• ⏰ Hours: free access

From our point of view, it is not the best viewpoint to see in Cappadocia, in fact, we found it quite dirty. However, If you happen to be passing through, you can come and see the three beauties up close, since access is quick and easy by car..

11. Red Valley or Red Valley, where to see the sunset in Cappadocia

El Red Valley It owes its name to the pink and reddish tone of its rocks, especially visible during sunset. It is a perfect place to go hiking and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Cappadocia. Many of the Locals and visitors to the area come here with their tables and chairs and have a picnic with views of the sunset.. We took some snacks and it was a beautiful moment.

• 💵 Price of access with car: €0,50
• ⏰ Schedule: from 8:00 to 18:00 every day
• 💡 Bring some snacks or drinks to watch the sunset And if you have a sarong or blanket to put it on the floor and enjoy. Being a paid place, for only 50 cents you can see a more relaxed sunset.

If you want to know what to see in Cappadocia in one day or even two, save this itinerary, known as red route or red tour with the first ten essentials. We know that the balloon trip is not for everyone and that it is normally done on the second day, since it is done at dawn. Keep in mind that in many of the open-air museums you can easily spend two hours in each one. Now let's go with some places to see included in the green tour or green tour and that we only recommend expanding if you are looking for what to do in Cappadocia in 2 days or 3.

12. Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, two underground cities to see in Cappadocia

There are two main underground cities in Cappadocia: Kaymakli y Derinkuyu. Both are built at several levels underground and served as shelters against invasions in ancient times. Kaymakli, the one we visited, has 8 levels, which 4 are open to the public. Here they highlight their areas of storage, stables, ventilation tunnels, rooms and there is even a church. On the other hand, Derinkuyu is the deepest, reaching up to 85 meters deep. It is impressive to think that these cities could house thousands of people for months. They recommended us to the hotel visit one of the two, since they are similar.

• 💵 Kaymakli Price: €10 per person approx.
• ⏰ Hours: from 8:00 to 18:00 every day
• 💡Not recommended for people with claustrophobia. I personally got quite overwhelmed seeing so many people under the ground walking through caves and narrow passages. Wear appropriate footwear, the ground can be slippery

13. Ihlara Valley Hiking, Things to Do in Cappadocia

El Ihlara Valley It is an impressive canyon with a river running through it, and is lined with rock churches and troglodyte settlements. With around 100 churches carved into the rocks and numerous walking trails, is a perfect place for lovers of nature, history and hiking. Anyway, you should know that This Ilhara is just over an hour from Göreme and about 50 minutes from Kaymakli. Likewise, to the car journey you must add the time to explore its trails. Therefore, We only recommend it if you are looking for what to see in Cappadocia in 3 days or more.

14. Selime Cathedral, another place to see in Cappadocia and surroundings

You will find the Cathedral or Monastery of Selime at the end of the Ihlara Valley about 10 minutes by car. Is the largest rock religious monument to see in Cappadocia and, despite being called a "cathedral", it never had a bishop. Inside, you can see frescoes and rooms carved directly into the rock. We did not have time to go, since the We started the second day of our trip with the balloon flight and we were quite tired from getting up early..

Here the well-known green route ends, now we are going to mention some of the essentials of the blue route or blue tour. Are places to see in Cappadocia in 5 days or more, since they are not the most important. Even so, since we did not go to Ihlara Valley, we did go to the Theodora monastery.

15. Mustafapase

Mustafapaşa It is a charming town what to visit in Cappadocia. Here you will find a mix of Greek and Ottoman architecture, cobblestone streets and old houses. It is a less crowded stop, making it perfect for those looking for tranquility and a less touristy stop. Of course, we do not consider it one of the must-sees in Cappadocia.

16. Theodora Monastery

Although in ruins, the Theodora Monastery however preserves frescoes and architecture of Cappadocia. Its elevated position offers panoramic views that complement the visit and history of the area. From here we recorded the closing of our visit to Cappadocia and you will be able to see it in the video of the trip soon. You had to pay a small access fee to the locals, but we don't remember the amount. Although it is not essential, it can be one of the places what to see in Cappadocia and surroundings if you have more time.

17. Ortahisar, more places to see in Cappadocia

Ortahisar is famous for its rock fortress, the largest in the region. This natural fortress, carved in a gigantic volcanic rock, it has been used as a refuge and defense point since ancient times. Ortahisar retains an authentic charm, with narrow streets and traditional houses that seem to emerge from the rocks. Here, the atmosphere is calmer and less touristy, allowing for a more intimate experience. Furthermore, we have read that it has underground warehouses, where lemons and oranges are preserved during the winter. Despite being on the blue route, it is very close to Göreme and here you can enjoy sunsets like the one we show you below.

On the other hand, below we share more plans to do in Kapadoya that you can visit if you have more days during your trip.

18. Avanos, another town in Cappadocia to see

This picturesque town is located on the banks of the Red River or Kızılırmak River, the longest in Turkey. It stands out for its ceramic and pottery workshops, where you can learn about the ancient art of mold the red mud of the river. One of the things what to see in Avanos is the suspension bridge, you can also take a gondola route along the river or enjoy a traditional meal with views of the river. It is a town with less international tourism, more local tourism and quite quiet. But, as we say, if you have time it is one of the places to visit in Cappadocia and is just 15 minutes by car from Göreme.

19. Watch the balloon takeoff in Cappadocia

If you are not going to do the balloon flight, One way to experience this activity up close is to go to the takeoff site and watch them fly.. Another option is to stay in a hotel that has a good rooftop to watch them fly at dawn. We had enough of an early morning, but if you want to enjoy this picture or are a photography lover, sign up. this location to enjoy the views of the balloons.

20. Turkish Food and Restaurants in Cappadocia

There is no doubt that Turkish gastronomy is one of the country's main attractions, which is why we share some of them with you. restaurant where to eat in Cappadocia. Since we stayed in Ürgüp, we did not have the opportunity to try restaurants in Göreme, but note these two options, both wonderful.

• Prokopi Restaurant. Here we had dinner one of the two nights with views of illuminated Ürgüp, we recommend the typical Turkish meze. Price per person approx €25
• Restaurant appetite. They had a kind of tasting menu with several traditional dishes for €25 per person. Both the service and the location were great.

If you are looking for cheap restaurants in Cappadocia, we recommend going to Avanos or Ortihasar, two less touristy towns.

Where to stay in Cappadocia

There are three main areas to stay in Cappadocia: Göreme, Ürgüp y Uchisar. Main places to visit in Cappadocia They are relatively close to each other by car (approx. 20 minutes or half an hour). Therefore, if you have a rental car, you can choose practically any hotel in Cappadocia of these towns. As you may know, this area of ​​Türkiye is famous for its cave hotelsAs well as hotels with views to see the balloons fly at sunrise and/or sunset. Next, we share some recommendations and where we stay.

Göreme is Most popular destination to stay in Cappadocia and therefore, the most touristy. Is Known for proximity to major attractions. The previous hotel in the photo is Kayatas Cave Suites and it is one of the options with views. It has more than one 8,5 on Booking from more than 1.800 reviews. We invite you to take a look or you can see other options below.

Ürgüp We believe that it is one of the best areas to stay in Cappadocia, ideal if you want a balance between comforts and getting away from the masses. We stay here, in the Aja Cappadocia Cave Hotel. The truth is that he was very well connected and close to things to do in Cappadocia. We always could Easy parking, the hotel team was super friendly and the Turkish breakfast amazing.

For those looking hotels in Cappadocia traditional events (and expensive), Uchisar It is ideal, since there are several boutique hotels here with panoramic views of the valley where the balloons fly. Here is the most luxurious hotel in Cappadocia: Museum Hotel. Belongs to the group Relais & Chateaux and part of its facilities are inside the historical ruins of one of the places to visit in Cappadocia.

Finally, you should know that there are more options where to stay in Cappadocia , the Avanos y Ortahisar. They are perfect if you are looking accommodation in Cappadocia less touristy. Finally, if you want to enjoy the culture and tradition of the area, Mustafapaşa It will offer you a more authentic vision of Cappadocia. As you can see, each place has its charm and it all depends on your budget, as well as what you prefer for your holidays in Cappadocia.

How to get around Cappadocia

The ideal is to rent a car. As you may have seen, there are many essentials in Cappadocia and Traveling them by public transport or on organized tours limits you quite a bit if you only have a few days. The rental car is not very expensive and the distances to travel between each point are fairly short. Therefore, the cost of gasoline will not be very high. It cost us about €100 for two days and we spent €17 on gasoline. You can see all the rental car offers at this page, including local companies. If you prefer to go in an organized group, write this down Cappadocia tour in 2 days.

How to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Türkiye

One of the most frequently asked questions among travelers visiting Türkiye is How to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia? Since normally we all arrive in the country through one of the airports in Istanbul. By the way, if you still don't know what places to visit in this city, we will tell you in the article about what to see in Istanbul. Therefore, below we share the different ways to travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia and how to get there depending on the time and budget you have.

By plane, the fastest way to travel to Cappadocia

The fastest way to travel to Cappadocia It's by plane and that's what we did. There are two main airports in Cappadocia: Kayseri Airport (ASR) and Nevsehir Airport (NAV). He Neveşehir airport is closer to Goreme, about 40 minutes and it was the one we chose. We flew with Turkish Airlines. The flight takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes, and once there, you can rent a car or hire a transfer service. You can consult the transfer prices on this page, it costs about €45 each way (2023).

By bus, the cheapest option to get to Cappadocia

How to get to Cappadocia, Türkiye, without spending a lot? The bus is a more affordable alternative. The journey takes about 10-12 hours, but Turkish buses are quite comfortable and offer services such as WiFi and snacks. Several companies operate night routes, allowing you to save on accommodation and maximize your time.

How to go to Cappadocia by car

If you're looking for how to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia With flexibility to make stops, renting a car is ideal. The distance is approximately 730 km and will take you around 8-10 hours, depending on the stops you make. Although it is longer, this trip will give you the opportunity to discover other places how to go from Cappadocia to Pamukkale or Ephesus, other essential things to visit in Türkiye. However, this is only possible for those who have more time to explore the country.

How to travel to Cappadocia with an organized tour

For those who prefer an experience without complications or extra costs, there are numerous organized tours including transport from Istanbul to Cappadocia. This option usually includes accommodation, some meals and excursions to the main points of interest. We share some with you organized tours to travel to Cappadocia:

• Cappadocia express from Istanbul
• 6 days through Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus

In summary, how to get from Istanbul to Cappadocia It depends on your budget, time and personal preferences. Whether you choose by air, road or an organized tour, Cappadocia awaits you with its charm and mystery.

Video of the best places to visit in Cappadocia

If you don't feel like reading all of our Cappadocia guide, we have a video summary of the places to visit in Cappadocia in 2 days with the route we took. The video also includes restaurants, prices of tourist places and tips for your trip. You have this video and all the videos from the trip to Türkiye in our Youtube.

5% discount on your travel insurance to Cappadocia and Türkiye

Whenever we go on a trip outside the European Union we recommend take out travel insurance that covers possible medical expenses, accidents, flight delays, luggage damage. The company specialized in travel insurance with which we booked is IATI and We have achieved a 5% discount for all our readers and on all policies. In this case, yesI'm going to do the balloon flight too, we recommend the IATI Backpacker, since it covers this type of risk activities. You can calculate the price based on the number of days already with the discount in this link.

5% discount on your eSIM with unlimited data in Türkiye

Finally, if your telephone company does not have roaming, we invite you to take a look at the wireless plan options. unlimited data offered by Holafly in Türkiye. Holafly offers an eSIMS with unlimited data in practically all destinations and it is super convenient and easy to use. Travel Cappadocia on your own is a great plan, but we believe that it is essential to have data during your trip to be able to use the translator, see maps, attraction schedules, search for restaurants, etc. We also have a 5% discount for you on any plan and any destination. The discount will be applied at the end of the reservation. You can see all the plans and prices here.

We hope that our contributions have been helpful and if you still have questions, leave us a comment. Have a good trip!

Ruth González

Hello! I am Ruth, Canarian with a traveling soul. With training and experience in the tourism and digital marketing sector. In this blog I tell you all the tips you need to get to know the most authentic side of Gran Canaria on your own. I also share my travel guides to all the places in the world that I am visiting so that you can discover the destinations like a local and save time planning. In addition to traveling, I love gastronomy and sports. I run and hike in the mountains with my “dog-children” (Silver and Plata). In all these adventures my partner accompanies me, Jorge, which you will also see a lot on this blog.