Things to do & places to visit in Cappadocia, Turkiye

Lying in south central Turkey, the moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uchisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, used as hiding places by early Christians. Nearby Kayseri is the gateway to the area.

Cappadocia #4 destination in Turkiye 2023. The average rating score is 4.62 based on 41.8k traveler reviews, of 168 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Istanbul, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 8:14.

Top things to do (33)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Goreme National Park (4.172 reviews)
- Magical land
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • National Parks

We visited Goreme in Oktober 2019. It was part of our honeymoon trip and we are still sad because we didnt spent at least couple days more at this magical place. We have heard about is before we came, we saw photos and videos, but believe me you cannot describe how beautiful this place is. It is perfect in September or October to visit since during the summer it is too hot. You can stay at cave hotels, visit open air museum, take one of the tours to visit couple more villages and underground cities and learn more about their tradition, culture and history of course. Prepare yourself to wake up early in the morning and visit Point of View place (ask locals) about directions and enjoy the view over the valley lighten by morning sun and hot air ballons. See more..
5.0 MyTrip Travel & Tourism Agency (1.538 reviews)
- A very nice experience
Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Balloon Rides • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours

Cappadocia'n weather can be a bit unpredictable so balloon rides do get cancelled from time to time. Although that did not stop us from exploring this beautiful wonderland. We immediately booked a green and red tour on consecutive days after the civil aviation cancelled balloon rides and got a space with them for the same day. The pickup from hotel was on time for both days. They covered all points mentioned in the itiniary and even more. Our tour guide, Mr. Mustafa was a gem. He is really informative about the culture and history of the place. He was funny and the tour ended up being quite enjoyable with him. We recommend this company for immediate as well as planned bookings and do ask for Mustafa's tour. You will end up having a good time See more..
5.0 Turkiye Balloons (1.117 reviews)
- Baloons flight
Balloon Rides

Cappadocia is amazing! All the attractions there are good, but flying on baloons is the most breathtaking! We were lucky to have a good weather all three days we’re in Cappadocia. It may seem to be cold in the end of October, but if you dress yourself warm you’ll have a great experience. First day we flew on Turkiye Baloons baloon, there was four of us in one section inside the basket. It’s pretty comfortable, each of us could make as many photos as he wanted or just get pleasured with the skyline. On the highest point of our flight I made a proposal to my girlfriend, and of course she said ‘yes’! :) Seems to be one of the best places to make this. My big thanks to the crew of our flight — Sait Kaan and his colleague (unfortunately I don’t know his name). They were very kind and gentle, but also professional: the landing was so soft that reminded me a down bed :) See more..
5.0 Cemal Ranch (1.004 reviews)
- Amazing horse riding experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Explore Cappadocia on horseback with our highly recommended Cemal Ranch Horse Tours.Regardless of your age or riding experience our local expertise and well trained horses will make your visit memorable in every way! Cappadocia is called 'The Land of Beautiful Horses ' so what better way to experience this rare and stunning lunar like landscape than from the back of your very own local horse. Our ranch is in the heart of it all, just mins from the famous Panoramic Viewpoint and fairy chimney rock formations of Rose & Red Valley. Book 1 hr or 2 hrs, Romantic Sunset and Sunrise Rides - where Hot Air Balloons rise gently through the valley above you ! Fabulous once in a lifetime photo opportunities .We don't follow the crowds but ride the best trails through stunning 'fairy chimney' rock formations,local vineyards, caves,and the unique rock churches of Cappadocia. Full Day, Multi-day Rides & Groups by request Drinks & transport included. Cemal Ranch is family owned & operated See more..
5.0 Moonlight Horse Ranch (538 reviews)
- Amazing Sunset experience with moonlighthorseranch
Friday: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Moonlight Horse Ranch is a family owned and operated business, located in the centre of Goreme, Cappadocia. Join us for cappadocia horseback riding tours. During our horseback riding tours, You will explore sweeping valleys and reach hidden scenes that may be difficult to reach on foot. Sunset tour, 2 hours tour, 1 hour tour, sunrise / hot air balloon picture taking tour are our popular tours. Please dont hesitate to ask any questions you might have. You can send us an email or get in touch with us via whatsapp also. See more..
5.0 Rainbow Balloons (460 reviews)
- Amazing flight with great crew!
Balloon Rides

Superb experience with this company!!!! We booked a balloon tour and it was worth every singe euro! It’s expensive, but an unforgettable memory! The pick was timely and professional. When we arrived at the take off area we’ve got clear instructions. While the balloon was prepared we could watch and it was nice. The crew was very professional, pilot and co-pilot had a high safety focus. Beside that they were explaining to location now and then. The pilot skills were magnificent! Very comfortable moves and low and high flying were done smoothly. The landing itself was the real moment of fame. The pilot managed to land the basket with ample help straightforward on the balloon truck’s car. After the flight there was a nice champagne celebration and we all got a little breakfast foodbag. Great views, great professional crew!! Thank you!!! See more..
5.0 Sultan Carpet (440 reviews)
- A Blast!!
Speciality & Gift Shops

Sultan Carpet shop established in 1989 and has been serving with the best way to the customers who come from all over in the world and has been in the same place and the same name for 29 years. See more..
5.0 Goreme Cappadocia Taxi (404 reviews)
- Private Tour Taxi
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Taxis & Shuttles

You can reach all kinds of transfers with a reliable and clean taxi in the Cappadocia region.Best regards See more..
5.0 Cappadocia Home Cooking (367 reviews)
- Perfect cultural experience
Friday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Cooking Classes

We renovated and restored our traditional stone arch house to accommodate the Cappadocia Home Cooking School and Restaurant, which is located in the small village of Ayvalı, just 10 km. faraway from Ürgüp. Cooking school run by a family, this is why we want you to feel that our home is your home. We want you to enjoy Turkish hospitality and tradition. We also use only natural fruits, vegetables and spices farmed in our own garden. Of course you get to savor of this authentic Turkish food in our restaurant, after we have prepared them together! We are living in a traditional stone arch house of Cappadocia, which we are lovingly restored to accommodate our family runs Home Cooking School. This could be also teaching recipes for lunch and dinner menus. Our home and cooking class is in a small Turkish style village which is located in Cappadocia. Also transport services are available from anywhere in Cappadocia. Small service fee apply. See more..
5.0 Kelebek Hamam & Spa (347 reviews)
- Cannot be beaten. Fabulous hammam and massage in a spotless environment with hugely skilled staff.
Friday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Hammams & Turkish Baths • Spas

Have had many hammam over the years, this is equal best with my regular in another area in turkey Scrupulously clean, very skilled ladies carried out the hammam, everything from the care and the temperature of the water used was perfect my other half usually won’t have one he can’t he bothered but as it’s a rainy day he said he would come with me and he’s floating on air. Moving onto the massage, wow just wow, It’s a strong massage but boy it’s fantastic. Feeling invigorated and very zen all at the same time Looks like a fab hotel - we are staying elsewhere but our hotel recommended this for the hammam and they were not wrong Go, enjoy, can’t recommend highly enough Thank you to the team at kelebek hotel spa for being so welcoming and giving us such a great experience. See more..
5.0 Helios Transfer (335 reviews)
- Proffesional and well spent money
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Bus Services • Taxis & Shuttles • Public Transportation Systems

Helios Transfer is a local Cappadocia company that offers shuttle & private airport services from Nevsehir (NAV) and Kayseri (ASR) airports. On request we can also arrange private transfers from other airports in Turkey. On your request, we pick you up from airport and deliver you to your hotel door step in Cappadocia and return. See more..
5.0 Tribal Collections Nomadic Rugs and Textiles (299 reviews)
- Best Authentic Rugs in Turkey
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Ruth Lockwood is the owner of Tribal Collections - a beautiful rug gallery in a restored cave house, in the village of Goreme, Cappadocia. Originally from NZ, and with 30yrs of expertise in Turkey, her gallery has an established reputation for integrity and quality and is a leading choice for those looking to learn, or to acquire, a beautiful hand-woven rug, flat-woven kilim or tribal weaving. Ruth can help you navigate the stunning styles, intricate designs and rich color palettes to find the rug that İs just 'right' for you and expresses your individuality. She buys at source and chooses each of her rugs personally so you can be assured of their quality & authenticity. You are welcome to spend time with her, browse and enjoy, or learn more about motifs, dyes and traditions that make every carpet unique. She has a wide-open door policy and fixed prices: making it easy for you to compare and importantly you know you are with a trusted professional who is passionate about rugs! See more..
5.0 Dowry Carpet Capadocia (252 reviews)
- Memorable experience
Speciality & Gift Shops

The Dowry Carpet, offers to guests that hand made Carpets, Kilims and Sumaks. There are lots of unique significances on them. Actually the funniest thing is trying to estimate what they looks like. Please do not hesitate to visit us to get only some information without buying anything. Because our purpose is not only selling something, we're also glad to explain you our culture! See more..
5.0 Doğa Binicilik Merkezi (228 reviews)
- An amazing experience ! Must try when in Cappadocia
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Join us to discover Cavusin Village, Love Valley, Red Valley, Rose Valley and Swords Valley with our trained most beautiful horses in the region and professional team... See more..
5.0 CappaTaxi (224 reviews)
- Cappa Taxi's, the absolute best way to get around when you're in Cappadocia.
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Taxis & Shuttles

It is a family company that provides daily car service with driver in the city and extra-city airport service in the Cappadocia region. See more..
5.0 Panoramic Cave Spa (200 reviews)
- The best Yildiz
Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Hammams & Turkish Baths

We are doıng a massage more than 5 years our all terapist are profesıonal thank you for chosıng us panoramiccave spa See more..
5.0 Kleos Tourism &Travel (160 reviews)
- Staff Tour
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Balloon Rides • Sightseeing Tours • Private Tours • Archaeology Tours

We went in an amazing tour provided by this agency. As the aim of the tour was to meet some important spots from Cappadocia and this way improve our staff knowledge, we had an excellent attention from the company. An special mention should be done about Mrs. Simone and Mr. Ömür who organized everything. As a manager from the department I would like to say thanks for their staff. The car was comfortable and the driver was professional, the itinerary was adapted according to our necessities and thats made us really glad. Once you come to Cappadocia just choose the private tour from KLEOS tourism because they are 100% able to customize your Cappadocia trip and make it by the way you want! Once again, thanks to Ömür, Simone, our driver Mustafa and also to Ugur, the guy who attended us in the Carpet store that we visited and explained everything about the carpet production. See more..
5.0 Kapadokya Onyx (154 reviews)
- Best Art work shop in Kappadokia
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Kapadokya yöresine ait Onyx taşından hediyelik eşyalar ve ev ürünleri satan butik bir mağaza. Gösterişten uzak ve fiyatları ile asla cebi yakmayan ve sattığı ürünlerine her daim en uygun fiyat garantisi sunar. İşletmenin sahibi 35 yıllık Onyx taşı ustası Alpaslan Çelebi'dir. See more..
5.0 Ürgüp Hamam & SPA (149 reviews)
- Just do it.
Friday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Hammams & Turkish Baths • Spas • Thermal Spas

Turkish bath in Ottoman culture. Same mission since 1726. The only historical bath of the Cappadocia region. traditional full body scrub and relaxing foam massage on hot marble. All wold massages. business that pays attention to ethical rules. Certified lady and gentelman therapists who are experts in their profession. Cleanliness and hygiene are very important to us. hygiene inspections are carried out by a world-renowned company. Moreover; Quality service owner, lavanda luxury spa & beauty company See more..
5.0 Chez Hakan - The Pottery Shop (138 reviews)
- ❤️
Friday: 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Pottery workshop See more..
4.5 Goreme Open-Air Museum (6.933 reviews)
- Amazing experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Start your exploration of Cappadocia at this UNESCO World Heritage Site—a magnificent valley filled with rock-carved churches and monasteries. Built during the Byzantine period, this historical settlement was a home to monks and a pilgrimage destination. Be awed by the intricate construction of the cave rooms and churches etched into the honeycomb landscape. The museum’s highlight is the Dark Church which is decorated with brilliantly colored frescoes that have been carefully preserved. Visit in the early morning for fewer crowds and join a guided tour to learn more about the site’s history and architectural secrets. A separate ticket is required for the Dark Church. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Pigeon Valley (2.275 reviews)
- Beloved By Humans and Pigeons Alike!
Historic Walking Areas

As the name suggests, Pigeon Valley is a breathtaking stop to make on a tour of Cappadocia…whether you’re human or pigeon. The amount you can see from the panorama is simply stunning—one of the locations in the park that offers some of the most variety of rock formations to spot of any other viewing point. Your eyes won’t be disappointed. Check it out! See more..
4.5 Fairy Chimneys (2.039 reviews)
- Amazing
Geologic Formations

It is part of museum pass, and if you have one, you get free entry. It is very vast place, and each rock formation are astounding!!! Some places are paved well, some are how the nature created. So it is highly recommended to wear something easy to move and walk. See more..
4.5 Uchisar Castle (1.721 reviews)
- Amazing from distance, closeup and top
Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves • Castles

Two castles you must visit in Cappadocia are Uchisar and Ortahisar. Both of them are amazing with a slight advantage of Uchisar imo. Uchisar castle is a short 10-15 min drive from Goreme. It's an amazing sight seen even from a distance, and while you're driving becoming more and more spectacular as you approach. Climbing it requires your good abilities with steps, uneven terrain, narrow passages, etc...but worth every effort as the views from top are amazing. It is not included in the Museum Pass, but I really cannot understand people (specially westerners) here complaining on couple Euros fee, as everything here is so cheap, much less than it'd cost in Europe or US. See more..
4.5 Güllüdere Vadisi (1.570 reviews)
- An Amazing Place on Earth
Spent 1-2 hours Valleys

The Rose Valley/Güllüdere Vadisi is located in between Göreme and Avanos Towns in the City of Nevşehir. If you are in the Region of Cappadocia, it is worth to visit and make a trekking there. You can access to the valley either via Cavusin Village or via the highway from Goreme to Avanos. The colour of the soil is rosy in the valley. You will enjoy the take many photos. If you make a visit in summer time, the best time for visit can be the sunset time. Some hot balloon tours also make a flight over the Rose Valley. Enjoy your time at the Rose Valley :) See more..
4.5 Ihlara Valley (1.254 reviews)
- A peaceful trip
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Valleys

If you are interested in nature and hiking, I recommend you not to leave Cappadocia Region without seeing Ihlara Valley. It is one of the longest valleys on earth. You may walk around 4km along the valley. You will pass Belisırma after 3km and finally you will meet Selime Monastry. You don't need get back to the begining. You are already tired So green, so peaceful. Not only a beautiful scenery but also a very old settlement. Don't worry the stairs are not that much long Have a nice day in green See more..
4.5 Derinkuyu Yeralti Sehri (1.214 reviews)
- Unique as can be
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Caverns & Caves

At one time up to 20,000 people lived in this underground city carved 18 storeys deep into the Cappadocia earth. Today, 8 floors of rooms, tunnels and passageways are open for public viewing. See more..
4.5 Cappadocia Cave Dwellings (1.090 reviews)
- Shouldn't pay for a tour
Caverns & Caves

Is sad to see how little people enjoy from cappadocia when just doing tours. I walked 17km at least everyday and saw so much. All the valleys and many caves that are not commercial. There are many caves like this where they make you pay to visit, like the Uchisar, for example, but all cappadocia is full of free caves to visit. See more..
4.5 Pasabag (1.044 reviews)
- Great Views!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Geologic Formations

This area looked really busy when we first arrived but once we got through the shopping area out into the valley people were much more spread out. Really cool rock formations it was great to just walk around and take it all in. Steep uphill walk to a great viewpoint of the area. Very worth the climb. We spent an hour here exploring. Great to pick up some cold water from the shops when leaving and toilets were 3 lira. Please keep your ticket for here as it also gets you entry into Zelve which is 100% worth a visit. See more..
4.5 Kaymakli Underground City (881 reviews)
- NOT for people with Claustrophobia, panic attacks or on the larger side
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

It was fun for me and my friends since we came during low season so there aren’t much crowding situation. I would strongly suggest do not come here if you are claustrophobic, have panic attack or if you are a larger person. I would imagine it would be difficult to breath or if you will get stuck in the tunnel. There is no way to go backwards to exit once you are in the tunnel since there will be a line of people behind you waiting for you to get through. It was very scary. I try to stay far away from people to leave some room in front of me so I am not directly walking behind another person otherwise I would most likely have panic attack. There was a larger gentleman in our group and he insist to go, he had to crawl on the floor the entire time in the tunnel and I saw him sat down struggling for air once exit. Other than the small tunnel thing, the rooms are kinda fun to hangout and explore. The whole thing takes about 45min-1hour to get through. See more..