Things to do in Cappadocia
Discover the best attractions and experiences Cappadocia has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore Cappadocia's ancient landmarks carved from volcanic rock and the region's underground refuges.
Derinkuyu Underground City
A vast multi-level underground complex carved from volcanic tuff, used as a refuge in ancient times.
Uchisar Castle
A towering rock fortress offering panoramic views of Cappadocia from its summit.
Pasabag (Monks Valley)
Famed for its towering fairy chimneys and ancient cliff dwellings, great for photography and short hikes.
Museums
Dive into Cappadocia's culture and crafts at locally focused museums.
Ürgüp Museum
Ethnographic and archaeological exhibits highlighting the region's history.
Güray Ceramic Museum (Avanos)
A ceramics museum in Avanos displaying traditional pottery alongside contemporary ceramics.
Avanos Hair Museum
A quirky collection featuring thousands of hair samples and their stories.
Religious Monuments
Rock-cut churches and monasteries reveal centuries of faith carved into stone.
Selime Monastery
A vast rock-cut monastery at the Ihlara Valley’s edge with impressive chambers.
Dark Church (Karanlık Kilise), Göreme
One of the area’s most richly frescoed cave churches.
National & Theme Parks
Protected landscapes and national parks offer dramatic scenery and hiking routes.
Göreme National Park
UNESCO-listed landscape of fairy chimneys, cave churches, and sweeping valleys.
Ihlara Valley
A lush river gorge renowned for its canyon scenery and rock-cut churches.
Red Valley & Rose Valley
Sunset-friendly valleys with colorful rock formations and scenic trails.
Neighborhoods
Bases to explore Cappadocia’s towns and their unique charms.
Göreme
Village center known for cave hotels, shops, and viewpoint sunsets.
Ürgüp
Historic town with traditional architecture and local dining.
Avanos
Pottery town on the Kızılırmak River; craft studios and riverside walks.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy stunning scenery and gentle hikes without entering paid attractions.
Love Valley hike
Follow scenic paths among towering fairy chimneys and rolling hills.
Pigeon Valley overlook
Walk or overlook from vantage points along the valley.
Red Valley sunset viewpoints
Watch the rocks glow gold as the sun sinks behind the chimneys.
Gastronomy
Savor Cappadocia’s distinctive flavors and regional wines.
Testi Kebabı
A clay-pot slow-cooked meat dish sealed and opened at the table.
Mantı
Turkish dumplings topped with yogurt and paprika butter.
Gözleme
Thin dough stuffed with cheese, spinach, or potatoes, cooked on a griddle.
Cappadocian wine tasting
Sample local wines from the region's vineyards.
Nightlife
Cave-side evenings and cultural performances add a splash after dark.
Turkish Night Show in a cave restaurant
Live music, dancing, and traditional performances in a cave setting.
Cave bar evenings with local music
Atmospheric venues around Göreme offering relaxed, seasonal performances.
Entertainment
Memorable experiences that showcase Cappadocia’s landscape from above and across valleys.
Hot air balloon ride
Soar at sunrise for panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and valleys.
ATV/Quad biking tour
Adventure ride through rugged trails around the valleys.
Horseback riding tour
Trail rides through Love Valley and surrounding scenery.
Sports
Active ways to experience Cappadocia’s terrain.
Hot air ballooning
Calm ascent for breathtaking aerial views and unique photography.
Horseback riding
Longer rides through valleys, guided by local riders.
ATV/Quad biking
Fast-paced exploration of rocky trails and scenic panoramas.
Off the Track
Hidden gems and lesser-known spots for a different perspective.
Cavusin Village
Historic cave houses and churches tucked into a quiet hillside.
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
Elaborate rock formations resembling animals and figures.
Soğanlı Valley
Peaceful valley with fewer crowds and ancient cave churches to explore.