Cappadocia

Turkey, Europe

Cappadocia, a surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and ancient rock formations, is famous for its hot air balloon rides offering breathtaking views at sunrise, its UNESCO-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum showcasing rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes, and the unique cave hotels where guests can immerse themselves in the region's history. The blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage makes Cappadocia an unforgettable destination for adventurers and romantics alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Region

Vibe

History

Airport

Erkilet

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Hot Air Balloon Ride

Experience breathtaking views from a colorful balloon.

Booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Göreme Open-Air Museum

Discover ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes.

No booking required
3

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike in Ihlara Valley

Embark on scenic hikes along lush valleys and rivers.

No booking required
4

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Uchisar Castle

Climb to the top for panoramic views of Cappadocia.

No booking required
5

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Explore Kaymaklı Underground City

Discover fascinating subterranean dwellings and tunnels.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley)

See stunning fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.

No booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Attend a Whirling Dervishes Show

Witness the spiritual dance of the Sufi mystics.

Booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste Local Cuisine

Savor traditional dishes like testi kebab and manti.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Low

LGBTQ+ safety score

-10 (#143 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Turkish Lira

Majority religion

Muslim

Language

Turkish

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Lamb

Tender meat from lamb, often grilled. (National dish)

Kebap

Grilled meat skewers, popular in Turkey.

Baklava

V

Sweet pastry filled with nuts and syrup.

Meze

VE

A variety of small dishes served as appetizers.

Turkish Delight (Lokum)

VE

Gel-like sweet made with starch and sugar.

Phrases to learn

English

Turkish

Hello

Merhaba

(Mehr-hah-bah)

Yes/No

Evet / Hayir

(Eh-vet / Hai-uhr)

Thank you

Teşekkür

(Teh-she-kyoor)

Excuse me

Affedersiniz

(Ah-feh-dehr-seen-ez)

How much?

Ne kadar?

(Neh kah-dar)