12 Best Things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey

Dreaming of your perfect Cappadocia getaway? You’ve come to the right place!

Cappadocia really is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences…unless you keep coming back again and again (which you probably will), and it basically turns into your weekend escape. Jokes aside, we absolutely love this region in Turkey. The whole place feels straight out of a fantasy movie, the food is amazing, and the hot air balloon rides really are as magical as everyone says. 

We’ve rounded up our favorite things to do in Cappadocia, from ATV safaris and horseback riding to hiking through valleys, underground cities, cave churches, and all that surreal scenery in between. So let’s get into it! 

Things to do in Cappadocia

1. Discover Cappadocia’s highlights on a private, customizable tour  

If you want to avoid large tour groups in peak season but still see Cappadocia’s landscapes, this private full-day tour is a great option. Your driver picks you up from your hotel in a spacious, air-conditioned van (no need to worry about meeting points), and together with a guide, you visit the main valleys around Göreme, with lots of history along the way. We absolutely loved seeing those famous fairy chimneys and cave dwellings up close!

This is an 8-hour tour, so the earlier you start, the better. We began at Göreme Panorama, then headed to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region, where we explored old troglodyte rooms and spotted pigeon houses. 

Next was Kaymakli Underground City (not the most ideal place if you’re claustrophobic), followed by the Göreme Open Air Museum, where we got to see lovely 11th-century frescoes. Keep in mind that entrance tickets to museums and sites are not included in the tour price. We ended with a walk through Devrent Valley, known for its lunar landscape and animal-shaped rocks.

By the time we were done, we sat down for lunch (at your own expense) with authentic Turkish food and a bit of conversation about local culture. You finish with a stop at a carpet workshop, which is super interesting to see, but they will try to sell you something, so just let your guide know if you’d rather skip that part. 

If you’re looking to explore Cappadocia at your own pace with a fun guide, without the crowds, this full-day private tour (and yes, you can choose where you want to go) is a really great option. 

2. Go on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise 

If you do one thing in Cappadocia, make it this hot air balloon sunrise ride. It was easily one of the highlights of our trip. Yes, we had to wait two days for the weather to cooperate and wake up at 4:30 am, but when you know what’s coming, you don’t even think twice about getting out of bed.

Once we were picked up from the hotel, everything ran smoothly. It was still dark when we arrived at the take-off spot, where coffee, tea, biscuits, and crackers were waiting for us (very much needed at that hour). We were surrounded by giant balloons, and watching them slowly inflate in that almost otherworldly setting was something else. As the light started to come up, more and more balloons appeared in the distance, all colorful and impossible to stop looking at.

Then it was time to get on. We ended up in a basket with about 20 people and our pilot, Fatma, who was amazing. Take-off feels a bit scary at first (especially if you’re not great with heights), but once you’re up there, surrounded by balloons and those unreal views, you completely forget about it. Watching the sunrise from up there…it really is one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments.

We spent about an hour in the air, waving at other balloons, snapping way too many photos, and just taking it all in. Landing was just as exciting; it came with a little champagne toast and a medal to mark the flight. We absolutely loved this tour and, judging by the THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews, we’re not the only ones!

Related Read: Want help choosing the right flight? Read our guide to the best hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia to compare companies, flight types, prices, and what to expect before booking.

3. Watch the sunrise

If you don’t feel like taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, or you’ve already done it, watching the balloons drift across the sky is still one of the best things to do here. A really easy way to catch the view is from your hotel’s rooftop terrace (most of them have one).

You’ll see hundreds of balloons lifting into the sky, and together with the lunar landscape, it feels a bit surreal. Just keep in mind they don’t go up every day because of the weather, but even without them, sunrise over Göreme is still worth waking up early for.

Another option is this viewpoint just outside Göreme, known as Aşıklar Tepesi (Lover’s Hill), the highest and most popular spot in town. Try to get there a bit early, as it fills up quickly with couples, families, photographers, and you might even spot a bride and groom taking photos (imagine how those turn out).

If you’re not much of a morning person, sunset here is just as beautiful. It’s about a 20-minute uphill walk (nothing too intense) or a quick 5 to 10-minute taxi or scooter ride. There are a few vendors at the entrance and exit, and yes, don’t skip the tornado potato, you’ll probably want one on the way down.

4. Experience the “Red Route” of North Cappadocia

If you only have one day in Cappadocia, this full-day Red Tour is a really easy way to see a lot without overthinking it. It works even better if you pair it with a balloon ride in the morning. The group is small (no more than 15), so it feels a bit more personal and relaxed. Just make sure to have a proper breakfast, as lunch might not be until around 2 pm. Pickup is also easy, with a super comfortable van (USB chargers included!).

This tour covers the main Red sights, starting at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region, for those wide, panoramic views. From there, you head into Göreme National Park and the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery complex with churches over 1,000 years old. You’ll have enough time to walk around and see the frescoes up close.

A quick stop at Love Valley is perfect for photos of the famous fairy chimneys before heading to Monks Valley, where you can climb through rocks of every shape and size. 

Next is Avanos for a well-deserved traditional lunch (included), plus a stop at a pottery workshop where you can watch the process or even attempt to make a pot from local red clay yourself. The day ends at Devrent Valley, where the rock formations look like animals (you’ll start seeing shapes everywhere).

For a one-day visit, this tour covers a lot without feeling rushed.

5. Enjoy a cultural dinner and show at a cave restaurant  

How often do you visit Cappadocia? So while you’re here, try a bit of everything and add this Turkish Night dinner to your list. From the moment they picked us up to when they dropped us off, everything ran smoothly.

We walked into the cave restaurant, grabbed a great table near the stage, and almost immediately the food started arriving (felt like VIPs all night long). First came the cold starters, which we are suckers for, especially Greek and Turkish ones like ezme (spicy tomato dip) and dolma (stuffed grape leaves), then a main, usually lamb with rice, which is what they typically serve at a Turkish wedding. As for the drinks, yes, they kept coming too, including raki (not really for us, but when in Turkey…).

And while you’re enjoying all of this, the folklore show kicks off, and the energy stays high all night. We absolutely loved the folk dancers, but the Sufi whirling dervish performance is what made us pause for a moment. Then the belly dancing starts, and yes, they’ll get people involved (we didn’t expect to join in, but it was actually super fun).

All in all, this was such a great time, and we recommend it to everyone. It’s interactive and a nice break from all the sightseeing. Plus, with pickup and drop-off sorted, you can just relax and enjoy the night.

6. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum

If you still have the time, another spot worth adding is the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. It dates back to the Byzantine period, when monks lived here, and it became a popular pilgrimage site. This isn’t really your typical museum; it’s more like a whole valley filled with rock-carved churches and monasteries, and you can explore it all in one place. 

There are said to be around 350 churches and chapels in the region, with about a dozen part of the museum itself. What you might appreciate even more is the Dark Church, where the frescoes are some of the best preserved in Cappadocia (extra fee, but worth it).

Keep in mind that the paths here are mostly dirt and pebbles, with a few stairs and climbs. I’d definitely go with good shoes and a hat or sunscreen in summer. That said, it’s best to go early or later in the day to avoid the crowds. Entry is around €20 (free with the Museum Pass), and it’s open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

7. See South Cappadocia with the Green Tour

There’s more to Cappadocia than its rocky areas. This small group tour that also includes Ihlara Valley is great when you feel like seeing a different side of Cappadocia (and finally some greenery). 

To start, you make a quick stop at the most popular viewpoint, Göreme Panorama. Then you head to the underground city (if you skipped it before, this is your chance to brave it). From there, you spend about 45 minutes at Selime Monastery, which we absolutely loved. It’s the biggest rock-cut structure in Cappadocia, which once served as a hub for both religious and daily life.

After that, Ihlara Valley is where things start to feel a bit different. It’s huge and green, but you only walk a small section, enough to see caves and old dwellings carved into the rock. It’s actually really cool seeing everything from down in the valley. 

Then comes lunch, right by the river in little huts, sitting Turkish-style (cross-legged), which makes the whole experience feel even more local (and yes, the photos are great too). By this point, you’re well into the day, but it really doesn’t feel like it. To wrap things up, there’s a quick stop at Pigeon Valley for photos, followed by an onyx workshop at the end. Be warned, you might end up buying something (and that’s not necessarily a bad thing).

If you have a bit more time in Cappadocia and want to see a different side of it, this tour is 100% worth it, and with THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews, it pretty much speaks for itself.

8. Get off the beaten path on an ATV excursion

If you’ve never ridden a quad bike before, this is your moment. This small-group ATV tour makes exploring the Sword, Rose, and Love Valleys absolute fun! Plus, you get to cover a lot in a short time, so it’s perfect if you have just two days in Cappadocia. 

Fair warning, though, it does get dusty. Like really dusty. So bring sunglasses and a bandana to cover your mouth and nose, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. If not, you can always grab what you need at the quad safari shop before you start.

Our group had around 7 bikes, and riding out together in a line looked seriously cool (slight Mad Max vibes, not gonna lie). You’ll usually ride two people per bike unless you ask to go solo. Halfway through, there’s a quick stop for coffee or tea, and along the way, you pass horses (if you’re lucky) and some pretty unreal scenery.

The best part? You don’t need any experience, just a bit of courage and an adventurous spirit (so, bring it with you). It’s also great for kids (14+), so it works well for families too. One tip, though, try to take it all in with your eyes and not just your phone, and definitely don’t attempt to take photos while driving.

Best of all, you’ll be picked up from your hotel, and you can choose from several tour times: in the morning, afternoon, or at sunset. 

9. Go hiking

You really can’t get enough of Cappadocia. Even if the landscapes start to feel a bit repetitive, every corner reveals something new and unique, and a lot of it is best discovered on foot. If you’re determined to hit your step count even on vacation (we get it), you definitely won’t be disappointed with what you see along the way.

Here’s where we suggest hiking:

• Rose Valley -This is your classic Cappadocia hike. You’ll walk through those soft pink rock formations, hidden cave churches, and winding trails that glow at sunset (so it’s best to be there about 30 minutes before to catch the golden hour). For more enthusiastic hikers, you can combine this one with Red Valley for a longer loop. 

• Red Valley – Right next to Rose Valley, this area has deeper red tones and more dramatic ridges. The viewpoints here are some of the most photographed in Cappadocia, especially in the evening. It takes about 2 to 5 hours, or around 14 km (about 9 miles) if you do the full Red and Rose Valley loop. 

• Pigeon Valley – This trail connects Göreme to Uçhisar and is lined with ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. It’s a pretty easy walk and a great option if you want something low-effort but still beautiful. 

• Love Valley – Famous for its tall, pillar-like fairy chimneys (you’ll immediately see why it’s called “Love Valley”), this is a great spot for a 2-hour walk. It’s a relatively easy hike and is often done as a scenic walk between Göreme and Uçhisar. 

10. Ride horses through fairy chimneys at sunset

Cappadocia is also called the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” and this horseback riding tour is a great way to experience it. This ride starts with a hotel pickup and takes you out to a local ranch. After a quick briefing, you hop on and follow your guide through the gorgeous valleys. 

Best part? You don’t need any experience, as the guides are super helpful and keep things easy, so even if it’s your first time on a horse, you’ll be just fine (we did say bring your courage earlier on).

Just don’t expect to be racing through the valleys like a cowboy! This is more of a slow, relaxed ride (which honestly works better for taking it all in). You’re up close to the rock formations, fairy chimneys, caves, dwellings, and trails you’d normally just walk past, and it feels a bit more special seeing it all from the back of a horse.

At the final stop, a sunset viewpoint, you’ll end up snapping lots of photos, and you’ll have the chance to grab a drink. Keep in mind there’s a 90 kg (about 200 lbs) weight limit, and comfortable clothes and shoes will make the ride much more enjoyable. 

11. Explore Cappodocia’s valleys in a jeep safari 

For those who prefer adrenaline-packed mornings (or a different kind of romance at sunset), this Jeep safari around Cappadocia is one to look at. It takes you off-road into spots buses and cars simply can’t reach, which already makes it feel a bit more adventurous and special.

Your driver picks you up from your hotel (don’t you love that convenience!), and from there on, it’s pure fun. Expect to make plenty of stops at popular valleys like Pigeon Valley, Pancarlik Valley, and Rose Valley (around 20 minutes each), which gives you time to explore and take photos. One of the big highlights is catching the hot air balloons at sunrise, but from quieter viewpoints, away from the main crowds.

Your group is small, usually up to 8 people, something we’re sure you’ll appreciate. It’s also pretty accessible, even for families with kids (although you might have to hold younger ones in your lap). Along the way, you get to climb into old cave houses and see parts of the valleys you wouldn’t normally reach on your own.

It’s not extreme, but it’s definitely more fun than just walking around all day. If you want something a little different and don’t mind a bit of dust, this is a great way to mix things up. Don’t just take our word for it – check out the glowing 5-star reviews here, and you’ll see why people keep recommending it.

12. Relax in a Hamam or Turkish Bath

After all the hiking and exploring around Cappadocia, a Turkish bath (hammam) is not just necessary, it’s essential. You’ll find tons of places in Cappadocia offering traditional hammam experiences, and Scout’s honor, it’s one of the best ways to wrap up a long day or an exciting vacation. 

Your typical hammam ritual starts in the sauna or steam room to open up your pores. Then comes the scrub, where a therapist uses a traditional exfoliating glove on a heated marble platform (say goodbye to every bit of dry skin you’ve ever had). After that comes the best part: the foam massage, and yes, all the tension instantly melts away. 

By the end of it, you feel ridiculously relaxed. And of course, things usually finish with herbal tea in a quiet lounge area while you slowly return to reality.

There are quite a few options in town, but Hamam Turkish Bath (Ürgüp Şehir Hamamı) is one of the more popular ones. Keep in mind that if you don’t book a private session, men and women use separate areas. Towels or sheets are provided, and you can also bring swimwear or shorts if you feel more comfortable.

We’d absolutely do this again! 

Related Read: Ready to turn these ideas into a full trip? Check out our detailed Cappadocia itinerary with all our favorite tours, restaurants, and travel tips.

Where to Stay in Cappadocia  

Cappadocia is one of those rare destinations where where you stay is just as memorable as what you do. Göreme is widely considered the best base, thanks to its central location, easy access to hot air balloon viewpoints, and the incredible cave hotels that turn a stay into an experience in itself. Sleeping in a carved-out rock room is something truly unique and absolutely worth adding to your trip.

To help you choose the right place, we’ve rounded up three great cave hotel options to suit a range of budgets and travel styles.

Charming Cave Hotel – $$$

Charming Cave Hotel has been run by the same family since 1820, and you notice it right away. With just 16 rooms, it’s small and personal, so you feel at ease from the start. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the main street, which means you can head into town anytime you like.

Every detail is well thought out, but breakfast is what really stands out. You can watch the owner’s mom make fresh gözleme by hand and wait impatiently to try one. Not to mention the terraces, which are some of the highest in Göreme and make a real difference, especially at sunrise when the balloons rise across the valley. 

Just keep in mind it’s on a hill, so getting back up takes a bit of effort. Prices usually start from around €155 to €300 per night. Reserve this luxury cave hotel in Cappadocia here!

Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel & SPA – $$ 

Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel & SPA is our favorite spot and the place we chose for our stay. Right in central Göreme, it offers so much that it’s hard to capture in a few words, and it doesn’t feel like a mid-budget place at all. For starters, there are artifacts everywhere, so if you’re into art and history like we are, you’ll keep noticing something new (but old), no matter where you look.

There are two pools, one outdoor and one indoor, designed to resemble ancient Roman baths, and it’s a great way to cool down after a long day out. In the garden, there’s even a free wine tap, which we definitely made good use of.

Keep in mind that there are quite a few stairs and uneven surfaces, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility difficulties. Prices typically start around €140 per night and can climb quickly during peak dates. Book your stay in Anatolian Houses Cave Hotel & Spa here!

Shoestring Cave House – $

Shoestring Cave House offers a great location right in town, yet it’s quiet enough for a good night’s sleep. You can step out and be in the center within minutes, then come back anytime to switch off, especially on the rooftop terrace, where a bar and pool await. If you’re an early bird, you can watch the hot-air balloons float across the sky, an almost surreal view to go with your morning coffee.

Breakfast is self-serve, with a wide, fresh variety and both indoor and outdoor seating. Rooms here are comfortable, and the bathrooms have heated floors and towel warmers. If you need to step outside the room, there are plenty of other spots beyond the pool area to sit and relax.

Finally, the staff and hosts are easy to communicate with and can help arrange airport transfers and all your tours. Rates usually range between €45 and €225 per night. Book your budget cave hotel here!

Want more great options? Check out all the hotel options for Göreme here!

Related Read: For a more in-depth look, including unique stays, luxury options, and hidden gems, be sure to check out our detailed guide to the best cave hotels in Cappadocia.

Thanks for reading!

Cappadocia is one of those places that feels almost otherworldly from the moment you arrive. With its surreal rock formations, sunrise skies filled with hot air balloons, and unforgettable cave hotels carved right into the landscape, it’s a destination that stays with you long after you leave.

Before you go, don’t forget to browse our other Middle East travel guides here for more inspiration, tips, and itinerary ideas to help you make the most of your trip. We’ve also linked some of our most popular blogs below to help you plan your next adventure!

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