17 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey (+ Itinerary & Map)

Cappadocia, a captivating region in central Türkiye (Turkey), is one of those places that feels almost too magical to be real. Known for its sunrise hot air balloon rides, whimsical fairy chimneys, and ancient underground cities, it’s a destination that belongs on every traveller’s bucket list. After spending a week exploring this region, it didn’t take me long to realise that Cappadocia is SO much more than just the balloons.

In this guide to the best things to do in Cappadocia, I’ll take you through the dreamlike landscapes, cave hotels, local food spots, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make this region truly unforgettable.

You’ll also find tips on how to get around, how long to stay, and the best times of year to visit – everything I wish I knew before planning my trip.

What makes Cappadocia so special is the mix of history, thrilling adventure activities, fascinating architecture and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the ancient underground tunnels of Derinkuyu, watching hundreds of hot air balloons float by you in Göreme, learning pottery making in Avanos, or hiking among the fairy chimneys in Love Valley, every corner of Cappadocia feels like stepping into another world.

Floating above Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and valleys was truly a dream come true. I’ll never forget the feeling of soaring hundreds of feet in the air, as the golden morning light warmed my face and spilled across dozens of hot air balloons drifting around us.

If riding in a hot air balloon in Cappadocia is on your “things to do before I die” list – then keep reading for my advice on how to make this a reality.

Firstly, it’s worth noting that the balloons don’t take flight every single day. The wind conditions have to be perfect in order for the Civil Aviation Authority to give the green light, so flights are often confirmed just the night before. If the winds are too strong or visibility is low, the balloons stay grounded for safety reasons.

This is why I recommend visiting Cappadocia for at least 4 nights, so you have at least 4 mornings and 4 opportunities to experience this bucketlist activity.

I recommend booking your hot air balloon ride as soon as you know what dates you’ll be travelling to Cappadocia. It’s best to book this activity on the first morning of your trip in case it needs to be rescheduled. Check out my guide on the best months to visit Cappadocia.

At sunrise, hundreds of hot air balloons lift off over the valleys, providing the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot. Some of the best views are actually from the rooftops of cave hotels in Göreme, which makes staying in one essential if you want those perfect sunrise shots without having to leave your pyjamas.

Check out my guide for Cappadocia hotel recommendations with rooftop access and balloon views.

Inside Uchisar Castle, a maze of tunnels, rooms, and secret passageways were carved into the rock, creating a mini city that once housed hundreds of people.

Today, you can climb right to the top for panoramic views over Göreme, Pigeon Valley, and, on a clear day, all the way to Mount Erciyes – an extinct volcano that shaped this surreal landscape millions of years ago.

The climb to the top is a bit steep, so wear appropriate shoes, but it’s absolutely doable and worth any quad-burning effort.

If you’ve got your rental car sorted, then I recommend visiting before all the tour groups arrive. Sunrise and sunsets are the best times to visit Uchisar Castle, which is open 7 am – 9 pm daily.

Entry costs 320 TL (6.50€), and it’s easy to visit as part of the Cappadocia Red Tour, which also includes other nearby highlights like Zelve Open Air Museum and Pasabag Valley.

Despite its humorous nickname, Love Valley is incredibly scenic; it’s one of the best viewpoints to see the hot air balloons take off during sunrise. The area also has a few romantic legends attached to it, including stories of star-crossed lovers from rival Cappadocian tribes who met here in secret.

At the Love Valley Lookout, there’s a small café at the top where you can grab a Turkish tea or fresh pomegranate juice while you enjoy the views. There are various heart-shaped arches and colourful backdrops you can take photos with. You can pay a small fee to get a photo printed and framed, which makes for a lovely souvenir to take home.

From the viewpoint, you can hike down into the valley itself, following winding trails between the rock formations for a closer look at their sheer scale. It’s a peaceful walk, especially early in the morning before the tour groups arrive.

Love Valley is about a 10-minute drive from Göreme, you’ll need to pay 50 Turkish Lira (€1) to park your car.

Alternatively, I recommend booking the Cappadocia Red Tour, which includes a stop at Love Valley, hotel transfers and visits to the most popular landmarks in Cappadocia.

Dating back to the 10th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once home to monks who turned these rock formations into chapels, monasteries and living quarters. Inside, you’ll find beautifully preserved frescoes painted in deep reds and blues, some of which are over a thousand years old.

The highlight here is the Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise), a small 11th-century chapel tucked deep inside the rock, famous for having some of the best-preserved Byzantine frescoes in Cappadocia. Because it has so few windows, sunlight never damaged the artwork, which is why the blues and reds still look unbelievably vivid today.

As this is one of the most popular places to visit in Cappadocia, I recommend going in the morning before the tour buses arrive. ​​Göreme Open-Air Museum is open every day between 8 am – 6 pm.

Entry costs 20€, and there’s an additional small fee (6€) to access the Dark Church, which I personally wouldn’t skip.

These rock formations were shaped over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and erosion, leaving behind towering spires that some claim Gaudí took inspiration from in his architectural creations.

Back in the 4th century, Christian monks carved small chapels and living spaces for hermits into these formations, including one dedicated to St. Simeon, who lived a life of solitude right here among the rocks.

The walking paths at Pasabag Valley are easy to navigate and loop around several of the valley’s tallest chimneys, so you can wander at your own pace and admire the different shapes – some even look like mushrooms or giant stone hats.

Be sure to wear trainers/shoes with decent grip, as you can actually climb inside a few of the chimneys. It was absolutely surreal standing in the tiny carved-out home of a monk who lived here more than 1,600 years ago.

I arrived in the morning just as the tour buses started to trickle in, so I’d recommend coming early or close to sunset for fewer crowds and softer light for photos. Pasbag Valley is open Summer 8 am – 7 pm during Summer (Apr 1 – Oct 1) and 8 am – 5 pm during Winter (Oct 1 – Apr 1).

Tickets cost 12€ to enter the site, and the same ticket can be used to access Zelve Open Air Museum at no extra cost, so I recommend visiting both on the same day.

An easy way to see them both is to book the Cappadocia Red Tour, which includes hotel transfers and visits to the most popular landmarks in Cappadocia.

It’s thought these underground labyrinths were first dug out by the Phrygians in the 8th century BC, and later expanded by early Christians seeking refuge from Roman persecution.

As you enter Derinkuyu, you’ll step back in time as you wander through the narrow passageways and peek into the old kitchens, chapels and ventilation shafts, imagining how daily life used to be all those centuries ago.

Tickets to access the ancient city of Derinkuyu cost 13€.

For the easiest way to visit Derinkuyu, book this Cappadocia Green Tour, which includes entry to Derinkuyu and pick up/drop off at your hotel – along with other Cappadocia highlights like the Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery.

Kaymakli, just 15 minutes from Derinkuyu, is smaller but equally fascinating, with long tunnels and stone doors that could seal off entire levels. Archaeologists believe up to 3,500 people once lived here, complete with stables, churches, kitchens, and even wineries carved deep into the volcanic rock.

Tickets to visit Kaymakli cost 13€. If you’re even slightly claustrophobic, heads up, as some of the passages are barely wide enough for one person.

The most popular dishes in this region are Testi Kebab, a slow-cooked meat stew, Manti (also known as Turkish Ravioli), which are tiny Turkish dumplings topped with yoghurt and spicy butter sauce, and Nevşehir Pan, a hearty local dish with tender meat, vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, named after the province’s capital. You’ll also find plenty of mezze platters, grilled meats, and baklava dripping with honey.

During my time in Cappadocia, I had the pleasure of sampling some of the best local cuisine at local cafes and restaurants with gorgeous views of fairy chimneys in the distance.

I’m not exactly an experienced rider, but there were at least five guides accompanying our group who constantly made sure we were comfortable every step (or trot) of the way.

For experienced riders, there’s an option to book a private tour where you can set the pace of your ride and explore a wider area at your own rhythm.

Pottery making in Avanos is a tradition passed down through generations. Families have been shaping, spinning, and firing clay since the Hittite era (we’re talking around 2000 BC), and many of the town’s workshops still use traditional foot-powered wheels to create everything from ornate vases to everyday tableware.

The local artisans are masters of their craft and make the whole experience so much fun, demonstrating centuries-old techniques before letting you try your hand at the wheel. I was surprised by how therapeutic it felt to mould the clay, completely losing track of time as I got covered head to toe in it.

Before it became a UNESCO World Heritage site, Zelve was home to a mixed Christian and Muslim community that lived side by side for centuries. Dating back to the 9th century, the settlement once had homes, churches, stables, and even a small mosque, all built into the rock.

It was eventually abandoned in the 1950s due to erosion, but the ghostly caves and fairy chimneys that remain are breathtaking to wander through. It’s quieter than the more famous Göreme Open Air Museum, which makes it an amazing spot to explore without the crowds.

It’s a 20-minute drive from Göreme or 15 minutes from Avanos. Tickets cost 12€ to enter the site, and the same ticket can be used to access Pasabag Valley, which is 5 minutes away, so it’s worth visiting both on the same day. 

You can visit Zelve Open Air Museum as part of the Cappadocia Red Tour, which also includes other highlights like Uçhisar Castle and Love Valley.

Run by the İkman family for generations, the shop has become a cultural landmark, showcasing handwoven Turkish carpets that represent centuries of Anatolian artistry. Every rug tells a story, with patterns inspired by local folklore and symbols of protection, fertility, and love.

My friends & I booked to do a photoshoot in Galerie İkman’s magical courtyard, where walls, floors, and ceilings are covered in hundreds of rugs, in rich reds, golds, and blues. It costs 15€ to have access to this area for 15 minutes, which I split between friends.

You can pay extra to have the very talented photographer, Suleyman Ikman, take some professional shots with you. He can even arrange to do some epic aerial photography and drone videos of you, too!

Suleyman was incredible and gave directions for us on how to pose; he knew all the angles. I highly recommend booking a private photoshoot for engagements and brides & grooms.

Beyond the photo ops, I really enjoyed learning about the traditional weaving techniques and the time that goes into making each piece, with some rugs taking months to finish. Another highlight is meeting the owner, Mr. İkman himself, who was incredibly accommodating and shared lots of fascinating stories with us during our visit.

Afterwards, you’ll visit Pasabag (Monks Valley), where towering fairy chimneys rise and were once home to hermit monks who carved small chapels and living quarters into the rock. You’ll have time to take as many photos as you please before making a pit stop in the town of Avanos.

The Cappadocia Red Tour is an easy, all-in-one option if you want to see Cappadocia’s highlights without dealing with the logistics of hiring a car or navigating dusty roads yourself. Hotel transfers + lunch are included within the tour price, so all you have to do is simply show up… though I recommend bringing a water bottle & suncream with you!

Shortly after, the tour makes a stop at Derinkuyu Underground City. This is one of the deepest in Cappadocia, an ancient maze of tunnels, kitchens, and chapels carved out thousands of years ago.

Lunch is included at a “floating” riverside restaurant in Ihlara Town, where you can dip your feet in the stream while tucking into grilled meats and meze.

The Cappadocia Green Tour is ideal if you want to mix a bit of adventure with culture and a side of nature, without having to plan any of it yourself.

Summer (July to August) can also be a good time to visit if you don’t mind the heat, as temperatures can soar up to a sizzling 35°C (95°F).

The advantage of visiting in the summer is the longer daylight hours, which allow more time to explore. However, it’s also the peak tourist season, so popular spots will be crowded, and accommodation prices are usually higher too.

Winter (December to February) offers a completely different experience in Cappadocia. The region can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, and occasional snowfall transforms the landscapes into a winter wonderland.

Winter can be a magical time to visit if you’re prepared for the cold and want to see Cappadocia from a different perspective. Plus, winter is off-season, meaning fewer tourists and lower prices.

Though it’s worth noting that January & February are the worst months to see the hot air balloons in Cappadocia, with high cancellation rates.

January & February are the worst months to see the hot air balloons in Cappadocia, as these months have the highest cancellation rates. Do note, if your flight gets cancelled, the tour company will offer you a replacement flight for the next available morning, or you will receive a full refund.

I recommend you give yourself a minimum of at least four to six mornings on your trip to Cappadocia for the best chance of seeing the balloons or going on a balloon ride. Make sure to book your balloon ride as soon as you know your travel dates, as flights can get booked up quickly in peak months.

Cappadocia is usually a destination most people will only visit once in their life, so it makes sense to give yourself the best chance to witness the jaw-dropping balloons. 5 nights in Cappadocia = 5 mornings and 5 chances to see the balloons fly.

There is truly nothing like seeing hundreds of balloons take flight at the same time and there’s simply nowhere else in the world you can experience something like this. Plus, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Cappadocia, so trust me, you won’t run out of ideas for the week.

Note: Kayseri has more frequent flights from Istanbul and other major Turkish cities. Once you arrive at either airport, you can take a taxi to your accommodation in Cappadocia.

If you don’t plan on driving, then you can absolutely get around Cappadocia without a car. Note: a lot of activities in Cappadocia have transfers from/to your hotel, which are included in the price of your tour.

While you could easily book both the Cappadocia Red Tour and the Cappadocia Green Tour, which will cover the main highlights in just two days, this itinerary is designed for travellers who prefer to explore at their own pace – without the crowds and chaos of group tours.

Base yourself in Göreme, the best area for balloon views, cave hotels, and easy access to Cappadocia’s top sights. Ideally, stay in a cave hotel where you can watch the balloons take off straight from your terrace.

After snapping a few photos, grab a drink at one of Göreme’s rooftop bars (I recommend Seten) to watch the sunset over the fairy chimneys.

For dinner, head to Helke, one of the best restaurants in Cappadocia with creative Turkish dishes, chic interiors and stunning views.

Afterwards, drive or join a tour to Avanos, a riverside town known as Turkey’s pottery capital. Take part in this pottery workshop where local artisans will show you how to use a traditional foot-powered wheel.

It’s surprisingly relaxing, and you’ll walk away with your own slightly wonky (but totally charming) souvenir.

In the evening, join a sunset horse-riding tour through Rose Valley, where the rocks glow pink and orange in the fading light.

Finish your trip with a special dinner at Lil’a Restaurant at the Museum Hotel, one of the most romantic dining spots in Cappadocia. Or, for something more laid-back, enjoy a glass of local wine while watching the sunset from Uçhisar.