Turkey is one of the most fascinating countries, nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. It is the motherland for vibrant culture and rich history.
When you think of Turkey, we often only think of Istanbul, which is, by far, the best city. But is that it? Who is going to talk about the fantastic things to do in Cappadocia?
Cappadocia is located in central Turkey. When you enter, it makes you feel like stepping onto another planet. You get the unreal scenery that you thought never existed in this country.
The city is sketched with tremendous cone-shaped rocks, known as fairy chimneys. Then you have a whole new, unbelievable phenomenon: the underground cities and caves where people once lived.
And, of course, the hot air balloon makes thousands of people come to Cappadocia. However, here you will discover what else this city has to offer. From romance, adventure, and culture, I’ll make sure you do every unique thing in Cappadocia.
Here is Your List For the Best Things to Do in Cappadocia
No more gatekeeping, the great things you can experience here. When I asked people, they mentioned only three to four things to do in Cappadocia, but there are many more unique places to visit. So, let’s start!
Hot Air Balloon: Ride Over Cappadocia
- Location: Launch sites near Göreme and Çavuşin
- Cost: 10,000 INR – 25,000 INR per person
- Best Time: April to October (early morning)
If you are going to Turkey and miss the chance to do hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, it will leave you with regrets. Imagine flying above a surreal landscape as the sun rises, surrounded by several other giant balloons floating in mid-air.
This hot air balloon ride is also referred to as a flight, and it lasts about an hour. A representative will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel based on the operator you book.
And when you finish it, they end it with a celebration of champagne. For this extravagant experience, it’s pricey, but undeniably one of the most romantic things to do in Cappadocia.
This is the most magical moment you will ever experience. As I mentioned, several balloons are available, but you need to book early.
If you are in Cappadocia for 2-3 days, you need to book on the first day, preferably early in the morning, around 4 or 5 am. Due to weather conditions, the ride will be cancelled. So, even if you miss the first day, you will have 2 more days to reschedule.
Here are a few hot air balloon operators you can check out –
Hike the Red & Rose Valleys
- Start Point: Göreme or Çavuşin
- Cost: Free, but if you’re going on a tour with a group, the cost is approximately 2,300 INR.
- Best Time: Spring and Autumn
Hiking is a low-key yet amazing free thing to do in Cappadocia. And these Red and Rose valleys are the most favourite trails for tourists. It’s a spread-out landscape, so if you are going alone, try not to get lost on the trails.
Go to Rose Valley, which is connected to the Red Valley. Walking through the rock formations feels like you are in an adventure-action movie. If you are at the time of sunrise or sunset, you get to take some cinematic pictures of the place, and you too.
When you are here to keep you on track, there is an app called AllTrails. You can use this to stay in one direction and avoid confusion with the tone of the trails.
You can walk up the hills. You can see abandoned, crushed cave houses and a nice view of the entire valley from there.
Go Horse-Riding Through the Valleys
- Cost: Starts from 3,000 INR
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Cappadocia is known as the land of beautiful horses, and it’s the place where you will have a soulful experience. Sit on a horse and ride through serene trails, fairy chimneys, and panoramic viewpoints under the guidance of local trainers.
Many groups organise horse walk tours. And it doesn’t matter if you don’t know how to handle a horse; they will guide you through the process and accompany you for the tour.
Plus, many also have a photoshoot session. You can book just to take amazing photos or videos, and they will make sure they capture the best ones. The most important thing to note is that only individuals weighing 90 kg or less will be allowed to ride it.
Here are some of the best horseback riding experiences you can check out-
- Moonlight Horse Ranch
- Kapadokya At Turları
- Dalton Kardeşler At Çiftliği
- Bedir Han Horse Riding Centre
Cappadocia Turkish Night Show
- Cost: Approximately 5,500 INR per person
- Duration: 3-4 hours
These night shows in Cappadocia are a blend of culture and a modern party theme. The evening comes alive with folk dances, live music, belly dances and grand storytellings.
Is it not just an entertaining show. You will delve into the depths of Turkish culture through this night. The central star of this is the whirling dervishes. It is a dance that captivates your attention with its intricate spin steps and stunning costumes.
When attending a show, you will also be served some of the best food. You will enjoy a full-course meal, accompanied by desserts and unlimited drinks.
This is definitely one of the unique things to do in Cappadocia. If you want to attend this, you can check out a few of the Cave Restaurants. You can either contact a restaurant directly to book or join a tour.
| What are Whirling Dervishes?
Whirling Dervishes, aka Sufi Whirling and each of the spins is called “sema. This dance is a profoundly spiritual activity. And when they spin, it denotes the soul is on a spiritual journey to be in union with God and also to find inner peace. |
Here are the places you can choose for watching Turkish dance-
- Saruhan Kervansaray
- Evranos Restaurant
- Uranos Sarikaya
- Yaşar Baba
Pottery Making in Avanos
- Cost: Approximately 1,500 INR per person.
Visiting Cappadocia and only doing the famous things is very touristy. If you are someone who wants to experience authentic, laid-back activities, then try pottery making in Avanos.
Here, you have the opportunity to learn about the unique techniques and their history. All the clay used here is sourced from the Kızılırmak, also known as the Red River, which is one of the longest rivers in Turkey.
Most of the workshops are conducted by the families; they organise them at their homes. With patience, they will teach you how to handle the clay, spin the wheel, make it into an object, dry it, and also colour it.
This is one of the offbeat things to do in Cappadocia, which is away from many of the famous, rushy attractions. You can also purchase ceramic items as souvenirs or anything else that catches your interest.
Go on an ATV Tour in Cappadocia
- Cost: Approximately 500 INR per person for a 1-2 hour ride.
If you are an adventure seeker, there is nothing that beats the excitement the speed gives. This ATV ride provides exactly that. You can speed through the air and wild landscapes of Cappadocia.
You can either take a 2-3 hour ride or opt for a full-day excursion. The expert who is most likely to be a local will guide you through each step. There are many packages, but early in the morning is my favourite time.
You will be taken to the ATV drive base early in the morning. And the thrill of the riding journey started even before the sunrises. Then you will witness the first light, leading to some of the hidden gems.
Climb Uchisar Castle
- Location: Village of Uchisar
- Cost: 450 INR
- Time: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm (Closed on Mondays)
Uchisar Castle is built from a volcanic rock formation that was carved into a massive citadel in the past. If you plan to climb, be sure to warm up and stretch, as it can be pretty challenging.
There is a great deal of history involved here, so I’ll keep it brief for you. Back in the 2nd millennium BC, it was the time of the ancient Hittites. But eventually, the reign passed to the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, Mongols, and Ottomans. Through all the rules, this Uchisar Castle still stands even now.
Each of them left a lasting significance in the castle, using it as a defence & refuge base, a communication & trade centre, and it is now a historical monument.
Visit Göreme Open Air Museum
- Cost: 2,000 INR per person
- Time: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
This is a museum formed out of volcanic rocks. And inside there are 30 cave churches and chapels, where you can see beautiful frescoes/paintings. The paintings on the rocks depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of Christianity.
When you receive the ticket, an audio guide will be issued. So, at each spot you visit, you’ll gain insight with background audio. However, you can also choose a guided tour for a more interactive experience.
This is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you need to visit to understand Cappadocia’s religious significance. This museum, being a sacred place, has a few requirements when you go.
Dress by covering your knees and shoulders, which applies to both men and women. You can take pictures, but in the restricted area, you are strictly not allowed. Just keep this in mind and respect the rules.
Visit Derinkuyu Underground City
- Cost: Approximately 1,500 INR per person
- Time: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
When you think you have had enough hikes and sunset views, Cappadocia introduces mysterious things. Derinkuyu is an underground city, and it’s the deepest one, with 85 m below.
This was once a place where 20,000 people lived. It was their literal home with food, clothes, and livestock. It was built from the formation of rocks in the 7th century BC by the Phryians.
Later, around 780 AD, it was primarily a place of refuge during the Arab and Byzantine wars. And all the underground cities like this were mainly a safe place for the Christians from the Ottomans.
Over the years, this city was abandoned and rediscovered. Inside, you can find a staircase, vineyards, a chapel, and so many things you wouldn’t believe this place has.
However, it is now preserved as one of the main historical sites and is open to the public, allowing people to learn more about the history and witness how people lived centuries ago.
Try Turkish Bath
- Cost: Starts from 5,000 INR for around a 1.5-hour bath session
Tryng the Turkish bath, which is known as the Hammam, is the best thing to do. After a day of exploration in Cappadocia, this bath will leave you feeling luxurious.
This bath was a traditional ritual of the Ottoman Empire. This is not only a place where people go to cleanse their bodies; it is also a place where they can find spiritual renewal. This is a spot for hanging out and a hub for cultural gatherings.
Even before the Ottomans, the Romans had a concept of bathhouses, known as thermae. The Ottomans later continued that as Hammam. It then became an Islamic tradition, encompassing not only physical cleanliness but also the approach of spiritual purification.
Now, these baths are open to all to experience the traditional style of life. I’ll give you a few places in Cappadocia you can go to for a relaxing bath.
- Hamam Turkish Bath (Ürgüp Şehir Hamamı)
- Reborn Spa Cappadocia & Private Turkish Bath
- PRIVATE TURKISH SPA & Panoramic Spa
- Elis Hamam
Stay in Cave Hotels
- Cost: 6,500 INR to 15,000 INR per night
Imagine waking up in a room carved into stone, surrounded by rustic lanterns and arched ceilings. Cave hotels are a Cappadocia speciality, blending modern luxury with ancient architecture.
These boutique stays often include terraces with hot air balloon views, Turkish breakfasts, and even in-room fireplaces.
Some of the best include Aydinli Cave Hotel, Museum Hotel, and Sultan Cave Suites. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a unique travel experience.
Staying at Cave Hotel when going to Cappadocia is on everyone’s wishlist. It is a unique and rare experience that can not be found anywhere.
Booking standard hotels with white walls and a balcony is fancy. However, staying here is a memorable experience; with its ancient architecture, stone-carved rooms, rustic lanterns, and arched ceilings, it is both thrilling and offers comfort and stunning views.
You wouldn’t believe that when you come and stand on your balcony, you can see hot air balloons flying. This view is not something to be captured in pictures, so let me share some of the best hotel recommendations with you.
Explore Kaymaklı Underground City
- Cost: 1,400 INR
- Time: 8:00 am – 07:30 pm
There is another underground city, Kaymaklı, in Cappadocia. While there are many underground cities, only a few of them are open to the public and marked as tourist attractions.
This city is 85 meters deep with eight floors, but only four of them are accessible to visitors. Inside, you can see water wells, a church, ventilation shafts, storage rooms, stairs, and multiple rooms that were used by the people who once inhabited the area.
Let’s understand the backstory of this city. It was founded by Christians around the seventh century BC, and they used it as a refuge base rather than a happy home. Even in the 14th century, this city was still a refugee spot that was protected from the Turkish Muslim rulers.
In later years, the city was abandoned and then rediscovered in 1964. Now it’s preserved by the government, and that takes us back to the horrific incidents of how people lived to save their lives.
Visit Pasabag
- Entrance Fee: 1,220 INR, which also includes parking.
- Time: 08:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Pasabag is also known as Monks Valley, where you can see some of the iconic fairy chimneys. And one in Pasabag is not just random rocks; they are naturally shaped into a giant mushroom. They are tall, and some have very pointed tops, while others have conical tops.
This place looks like a project done by nature. As nature has attempted to sculpt a fantasy tower out of the earth, it has succeeded in drawing many people to this place.
Christian monks used to live inside these rock formations in the past. And now, it is a tourist attraction. You can walk through and around the fairy chimneys where the ancient people once lived.
You don’t need to hike or go on an adventurous journey to explore the place; you can just drive to the exact place and step into the mystical world.
My advice is to visit early in the opening hours for the perfect photoshoot light and fewer crowds. Take some snacks, water, and also carry less so you can walk around with no burden.
Wine Tasting
- Cost: Starts from 5,000 INR
We are only familiar with cave hotels, balloon rides, and hikes. However, wine tasting is not well-known to many tourists, which makes this experience even more local. And it is the most fun and fancy activity to do.
Cappadocia is a region where viticulture and grape cultivation are primarily practised. And there are many vineyards with a variety of grapes, and here are some major ones-
- Kalecik
- Okuzgözü
- Bogazkere
- Narince
- Emir
Each of these grapes is unique in its taste, and storing it in a refrigerator at 10 degrees can enhance its flavour. While there are 16 different varieties of grapes, studying each one and tasting it requires time and physical presence at the vineyards.
When you go, they will take you through the wine-making process and explain the techniques used in each step. And if you are in Cappadocia in the month of September, you can attend the Ürgüp Grape Harvesting Festivals.
Here, all the wine intellectuals come and enjoy the wine samplings, folk dances, parade, and have so much fun.
Here are a few wine tasting places you need to go to
- Efendi Wine House
- Gülor Wine Cave House – Cappadocia
- Gülbağ, Ürgüp Şarap Tadım Evi – Wine House
- Salkım Şarap Evi | Wine House
- Red Red Wine House
Local Cooking Classes
Have you seen all the colourful Turkish food that is plated beautifully? It is the prettiest thing. One, it makes you feel that you just don’t want to eat. Second, you will continue to admire it when it’s placed in front of you.
If there is a change to be made, don’t you want to try it? These cooking classes are a lot of fun, interactive, and allow you to mingle with the locals.
When you book a cooking class, you will learn how to cook a recipe in one of the host’s homes. They will discuss their traditions and share many of the fun stories they have. When it comes to cooking, unlike other regular classes, you will be directed to do everything from scratch.
The process begins with shopping for the required vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients. And the session ends with all of you dining together, sipping Turkish tea and a full-course meal.
Conclusion
In Cappadocia, you get to live in a fairytale of mystical beauty. It is a place infused with great, rich culture, adventurous activities and romantic settings. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or a partner, you’ll find a wide range of activities here.
For an experience that is so rare and magical, don’t miss this city. You see all the sunsets and sunrises anywhere you stay, and every corner gives you the best views.
I know Cappadocia is running through your mind day and night. So, instead of making the city allure you, go on a trip quicker and start having fun.
Frequently Asked Questions on Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey
When can you visit Cappadocia?
April and May, as well as September and October, are the best times to visit Cappadocia. During this time, the weather is neither too cold nor too hot, allowing you to adapt to the climate without significant impact.
Is it safe to try hot air balloons in Cappadocia?
These hot air balloons are safer to fly than most other forms of flight. It is less scary, so even kids can go on these rides.
Are there any things to do in Cappadocia at night?
Cappadocia is a magical land, and at night, it goes beyond magic and offers an enchanted feel. You can have a fancy dinner in any of the cave hotels. Or attend a Turkish cultural night to see traditional dance, or head to one of the nightclubs.
Can you visit Cappadocia in winter?
Yes, there are many things to do in Cappadocia in winter. And this time, the place turns into a winter wonderland with a snow-covered valley. If you can handle the cold, it can be one of the best vacation days you will have.
Where to stay in Cappadocia?
There are five significant areas in Cappadocia. While Göreme is the most popular among all, there are Uçhisar, Avanos, and Ortahisar. And each one offers a different staying experience.
