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Top 20 Things to Do in Cappadocia

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride

2. Fairy Chimneys

3. Goreme Open Air Museum

4. Rose Valley Hike

5. Climb Uchisar Castle

6. Stay at a Cave Hotel

7. Derinkuyu Underground City

8. Walk Around Zelve Valley

9. Ihlara Valley hike

10. Hike in Pigeon Valley

11. Sunset at Devrent Valley

12. Attend a Pottery Workshop

13. Watch the Turkish Night Show

14. Explore Kaymakli Underground City

15. Hair Museum

16. Walk Around Cavusin Castle

17. Visit Anti-Taurus Mountain

18. Watch The Sunset From Love Valley

19. Shopping at Avanos

20. Ortahisar Castle

Best 20 Things to Do in Cappadocia 2024: Discover the magic!

Q: What is Cappadocia famous for?

Cappadocia is famous for fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, hot air balloon rides, and underground cities.

Q: When should I visit Cappadocia?

The best time to visit Cappadocia is from April to June and September to October.

Q: What are the top attractions to visit in Cappadocia?

Goreme open-air museum, Uchisar Castle, Love Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and Pasabag are top attractions to visit in Cappadocia.

Q: What are the options for outdoor activities in or near Cappadocia?

ATV, hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, rock climbing, and trekking are some of the outdoor activities to try.

Cappadocia is a magical place in Turkey, filled with incredible sights and adventures waiting to be discovered. From its unique rock formations to its ancient cave dwellings, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this region.

One of the most famous things to do in Cappadocia is to take a hot air balloon ride. It is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Cappadocia.

One of the best places to visit in Turkey is exploring ancient cave cities. These underground cities, carved into the soft rock thousands of years ago, provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history. You can walk through the narrow tunnels, explore the carved rooms, and imagine what life was like for people who once called these caves home.

Cappadocia offers plenty of hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking opportunities for those who love the outdoors. You can check through the valleys, ride horses through the fairy chimneys, or cycle along the pathways, taking in the scenery along the way.

And only a visit to Cappadocia would be complete with tasting the delicious local cuisine. From stews and savory kababs to sweet pastries and Turkish tea, there is a variety of flavors to enjoy in this gastronomic paradise.

It’s a pack your bags, prepare for adventure, and get ready to fall in love with this magical corner of Turkey with Turkey Tour Packages!

Top 20 Things to Do in Cappadocia

Hot Air balloon ride
Fairy Chimneys
Goreme Open Air Museum
Rose Valley Hike
Climb Uchisar castle
Stay at a cave hotel
Derinkuyu Underground City
Walk around Zelve Valley
Ihlara Valley hike
Hike in Pigeon Valley
Sunset at Devrent Valley
Attend pottery workshop
Watch the Turkish Night show
Explore Kaymaklı underground city
Hair Museum
Walk around Cavusin Castle
Visit Anti-Taurus Mountain
Watch the sunset from Love Valley
Shopping at Avanos
Ortahisar Castle

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Cappadocia is the most sought-after destination in Turkey to experience hot air balloon rides. Hot air balloon ride is one of the safest forms of flight and this low-risk, thrilling activity in Cappadocia lasts for about an hour taking you on a bird’s journey. There are various tours available that offer spectacular views of the region’s volcanic spires, honeycombed hill formations, valleys, and caves. You can also include a light breakfast before cruising over the Fairy Chimneys or Goreme Valley.

Even if you don’t fancy flying, watching these balloons propelled by fire with the setting sun in the background is something that one should never miss during their Turkey trip. It is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia.

Location: Nevsehir, Turkey
Price: 140$ to 250$ per person
Timing: 5 AM to 8 PM

Suggested Read: Adventure Activities in Istanbul

2. Fairy Chimneys

The Fairy Chimneys, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is formed with thousands of unique rock formations created due to erosion of volcanic tough or soft rock. The fairy chimneys date back millions of years and resemble those conical tops resembling hats caps of basalt and can be as tall as 130 feet. They can be mushroom-shaped, pointed, and columnar.

Historically, people carved homes, churches, and even hotels into them. Today, they’re a major tourist attraction and symbol of the region. It is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia.

Location: Central Anatolia, Turkey

3. Goreme Open Air Museum

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is considered to be one of the best things to do in Cappadocia. These are rock-cut monasteries with beautiful frescoed walls and ceilings built by the Cappadocians in the early 10th century along with each with its church. Also, the Goreme Open Air Museum has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 and was one of the first two UNESCO sites in Turkey.

Location: Nevsehir province
Timings: 8:30 AM to 7 PM

Suggested Read: Travel Tips for Istanbul 2024

4. Rose Valley Hike

The Red Rose Valley in Cappadocia is known for the best sunset views. It is also famous for its moderate-level hiking trails that hikers of different proficiency levels can undertake. The valley is also great for exploring the cotton castles and the Cappadocia fairies. The loop trials of Rose Valley connect to the Red Valley trial. The hike starts from Buffe. The trip takes around 2 to 3 hours to complete and has beautiful views all along the way.

Red Rose Valley is one of the top Things to do in Cappadocia. You can drive straight to the Red Valley sunset viewpoint to enjoy stunning views or hike up and down the hills of the Red Rose Valley soaking in the surrounding beauty.

Location: Nevsehir, Turkey
Price: 1$
Timing: 8 AM to 7 PM

5. Climb Uchisar Castle

Uchisar Castle is a natural rock formation, from which a castle is carved and offers some of the best views from the tip. The castle has a network of tunnels, rooms, and caves that you can explore to learn more about the rich history and unique architectural heritage.

The Uchisar Castle is a UNESCO-listed castle, situated in the stunning Uchisar VIllage in Cappadocia. The castle is around 60 meters high and consists of around 300 stairs to reach the top. The climb itself is fun, and you will come across numerous fancy stores, cafes, and art galleries.

Location: Nevsehir, Turkey
Timings: 7 AM to 8 PM

6. Stay at a Cave Hotel

Cappadocia is home to several natural rock-cut caves that have been preserved over the years and turned into houses, churches, and hotels. This out-of-the-box experience of living in an authentic cave, with a luxurious environment is only possible in Cappadocia. These suites are comfortable, luxurious, and equipped with all amenities. The cave suites are set in the natural environment of the city. It is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia.

Location: Nevsehir, Turkey
Price: 200$ onwards

7. Derinkuyu Underground City

Derinkuyu Underground City, the deepest underground place in the Cappadocia region, goes down to almost 85 meters. This brilliantly created city is a gigantic zig-zag of cave-like rooms that also offers an impressive ventilation system, secret entrances, and connecting passageways. A genuine city, this underground wonder also comprises churches, schools, wine cellars, and much more.

This underground city has passages, tunnels, stepped pits, and corridors that link family rooms and communal spaces that are well-planned with wells, chimneys for air circulation, niches for oil lamps, stores, water tanks, and stables where people and their cattle can stay protected for months from enemy attacks. Even more interesting is that there are even places to safely protect the corpses until they can be found in a suitable place to be buried later.

Location: Nevsehir Province, Turkey
Price: 6$
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM

8. Walk Around Zelve Valley

Situated between Ürgüp and Avanos in Cappadocia, Zelve Valley is one of the region’s last-abandoned monastic valleys. It dates back to the Byzantine era and has been turned into an open-air museum. Belonging to the pre-iconoclastic times, it is spread out across three valleys and is visited for its unique architecture.

The Zelve Valley monastery complex features four churches Direkli, Balikli Kilise, Üzümlü Kilise, and Geyikli Kilise, some caves, rooms, fairy chimneys, a mill, passages, dovecotes, and even a few houses. These churches, unlike others in Cappadocia, do not have frescoes. There are several trails all around, which make it easier to explore this attraction and there is also a tunnel that connects two of the three valleys.

Location: Avanos, Turkey
Price: 2$
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM

9. Ihlara Valley hike

This gorge located in the Cappadocia has been formed over several thousand years by the Melendiz River. It is known for its hiking trails and several churches, the 14 km long valley has some of the most stunning viewpoints and is said to be one of the favorite spots among monks for their recreational purposes. It is one of the top places to visit in Cappadocia.

There are more than a hundred ancient cave churches in this canyon which you visit during the nature walk. About 16 of them are still intact with beautiful paintings inside them making Ihlara Valley one of the most unique places to visit in Cappadocia. It is one of the best things to do in Cappadocia.

Location: Guzelyurt, Aksaray, Turkey

10. Hike in Pigeon Valley

The famous Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia is best known for its hiking trail, a key highlight of any Turkey trip. The trail can commence in either Uchisar Town or Goreme Town, taking you through thick forests of trees and several caves. The Pigeon Valley used to have a large number of pigeon holes built into the walls for the domestication of pigeons. They were not only used by the dwellers here for their meat and manure, but also for message delivery, and sacrifices. At one end of the valley, you will find some cafes where you can relax and enjoy a refreshing bite before heading on.

Location: Nevsehir, Turkey

Suggested Read: Restaurants in Turkey

11. Sunset at Devrent Valley

Devrent Valley Also known as Imaginary Valley or Pink Valley, the valley is one of the top things to do in Cappadocia, offering a refreshing break from cave church visits and underground city explorations. you will find a range of naturally formed pillar-like structures and rock formations. Get adventurous by trying out quad biking to explore the area or you can even try horse riding or a jeep safari. The valley offers stunning views of the sunset and is an ideal place for photography.

Location: Avanos, Nevsehir, Turkey

12. Attend a Pottery Workshop

In Cappadocia, you can find pottery workshops scattered across various towns and villages, offering visitors the chance to engage in this traditional craft. Avanos is one of the primary locations. It sits on the Kızılırmak River, where red clay, ideal for pottery, is abundant. Other places include Goreme, Urgup, and some other smaller villages. Many workshops and studios line the streets, offering hands-on experiences. These workshops often welcome visitors and offer hands-on experiences, demonstrations, or guided sessions for pottery enthusiasts.

Location: Nevsehir Province, Turkey
Price: 6$
Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM

13. Watch the Turkish Night Show

A Turkish Night Show in Cappadocia offers a variety of performances such as the lively and colorful “Haley” dance or the “belly dance”. Some shows include the Sufi ritual of the Whirling Dervishes. It generally includes a lavish dinner buffet or set menu. These shows are typically held in various venues, including restaurants, cultural centers, or entertainment establishments.

When in Cappadocia, inquire at your hotel, check with local tour operators, or ask at tourist information centers for recommendations or information about Turkish Night Shows. These shows are popular among tourists and are often well-advertised, making it relatively easy to find one during your stay in Cappadocia. It is a unique things to do in Cappadocia at night.

Location: Nevsehir Province, Turkey
Price: 15$

14. Explore Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli Underground City is a unique Things to do in Cappadocia. It is an ancient subterranean complex carved into volcanic rock. If you want to submerge yourself in the natural wonders of Kaymakli City, it is a must-visit travel destination. This ancient city is carved deep into the volcanic rock. When traveling to the Kaymakli Underground City, do visit multi-level living spaces and tunnels, displaying the toughness and creativity of its ancient inhabitants.

Location: Sehri Belediye Caddesi, Turkey
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM

Suggested Read: Things to do in Istanbul

15. Hair Museum

The weirdest museum in the world, the Hair Museum is located in Avanos. With samples from 16,000 women visitors worldwide, this museum is a must-have things to do in Cappadocia for free. The walls and ceilings have been marked with hair donations from visitors with their details attached to them.

The story is that the creator, Chez Galip’s friend gave away a lock of her hair as a goodbye gift, and the story has continued for many of the visitors that followed. There is no entry fee to the Hair Museum. In addition, the first visitor who enters the museum in June and December gets the chance to choose ten hair samples, and these ten people then get a free trip to the city.

Location: Avanos, Turkey
Timing: 9 AM to 8 PM

16. Walk Around Cavusin Castle

Cavusin is a village in the Cappadocia region that is divided into two parts – the new village and the old village. The old Greek village of Cavusin is one of the unique things to do in Cappadocia.

The village is extremely popular for its cave homes which are now deserted after the rock boulders started falling from the rock. The 5th-century church of Saint John the Baptist, situated in Cavusin is the key attraction here that looks larger than many others in the region. The frescoes on the walls of the church depict scenes from the Bible.

Location: Avanos District, Turkey
Price: 1.28$
Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM

17. Visit Anti-Taurus Mountain

The Anti-Taurus Mountains is a mountain range running northeast from the Taurus Mountains in Cappadocia. It is covered in snow during most seasons. During spring, the melting snow forms many lakes. These lakes, as well as the Kapuzbasi Waterfall, are Unique Places To Visit In Cappadocia in the mountain range with stunning views. It is also popular for camping. The most common camping areas are Sarimemedin Yurdu, Sokullupinar, and Yedigoller.

Location: Eastern Turkey

Suggested Read: Photography Spots in Istanbul

18. Watch The Sunset From Love Valley

Love Valley is the best unique places to visit in Cappadocia. It is a natural wonder known for its Phallic-shaped rock formations. It took millions of years to shape this geographical site, as it is all done by volcanic eruptions and erosion. The site is named the Love Valley because of its romantic ambiance that evokes the feeling of love in travelers. If you are an adventure seeker, go hiking or trekking at the Love Valley for a quick adrenaline rush. The Cappadocia Love Valley also has one of the most beautiful sunset views and is especially popular amongst couples for proposals.

Location: Nevsehir province

19. Shopping at Avanos

Avanos is a town near Cappadocia, which offers a refreshing break from barren hills, cave churches, underground cities, and fairy chimneys. The town, a key highlight is it is set on the banks of Kizilirmak, the Red River, and is inhabited by people living in restored stone houses.

Avanos thrives with pottery as the main livelihood of the people here. From interesting lay ashtrays and mugs to ornate plates and chess sets, the people here sell many potteries which are great picks for souvenir shopping.

Location: Nevsehir, Turkey
Timing: 8 AM to 7 PM

20. Ortahisar Castle

Situated in the town of Ortahisar, a 10-minute drive from Goreme, Ortahisar Castle is one of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia. With amazing views stretching from Uchisar to Goreme, surrounding markets, and lots of photo opportunities, this castle is the perfect way to spend a leisurely day.

Location: Nevsehir, Turkey

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q:What is Cappadocia famous for?

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Q:When should I visit Cappadocia?

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Q:What are the top attractions to visit in Cappadocia?

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Q:What are the options for outdoor activities in or near Cappadocia?

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