10 Things To See When You Visit Cappadocia, Turkey 

Plan Your Next Trip to Cappadocia With This Guide 

FAIRY CHIMNEYS, HOT AIR BALLOONS, AND MORE

My first real glimpse at Cappadocia was through the lens of famous photographers and videographers posting Instagram content. From the ancient carved rock valleys to the billows of colorful nylon floating through the air during sunrise and sunset, I was mesmerized. Before I could even read the caption or research what the name of this place was, I knew that this location had officially taken the top spot on my bucket list. If you are looking to visit Cappadocia, this guide is a great place to start when planning what to do on your trip!

1. Ride a Hot Air Balloon

While you may have ridden in a hot air balloon before, this popular excursion is like a right of passage for travelers when it comes to this region. Every sunny morning and evening, hundreds of vibrant balloons come out and dot the horizon, creating the view you see above. Even if you can only do a few things in Cappadocia or are only there for a short period of time, this is a must-see and do. 

Unfortunately, when Dorian and I went, we had planned to ride a balloon during sunrise through the company Hot Air Ballooning Cappadocia. When we woke up at 4am to leave for the ride, it was pouring rain. Luckily, most of the balloon companies do not penalize riders for the weather and will instead help you to reschedule for another day or give you a refund. In our case, we were only in Cappadocia for one more day and it rained that morning as well, so our only choice was to opt for a refund. Because of this, I would definitely suggest scheduling a balloon ride for right when you arrive in Cappadocia, so you have a few days buffer if there is inclement weather. 

2. Walk through the Göreme Open-Air Museum

Homes, churches, and cities- you name it, and this region’s ancient citizens likely created it out of organic rock during the 8th and 7th centuries BC. At the Open Air Museum, visitors can simply pay 100 Turkish lira (approximately $7) and adventure on foot through the ancient village created by Cappadocian stone and volcanic rock, decorated with delicate frescos. Make sure to bring a water bottle and prepare yourself for climbing up countless steps (but trust me, it’s worth it)! 

3. Stay in a Cave Hotel

If you are staying in Cappadocia for more than a day, it's no question you have to stay in a cave hotel. Fortunately, there are a range of options to choose from. Whether you are looking for something affordable and close to the city center or a luxury stay with a breathtaking view towards the top of the hotel grid, Cappadocia offers it all.

Dorian and I really wanted to experience two different types of accommodations, which is why we decided to stay in the Taskonaklar Hotel Cappadocia for our first night, and the Zara Cave Hotel for the next 3 nights.

4. Hike Through Valleys

From Red Rose Valley and Love Valley to Pigeon Valley and Meskindir Valley, explorers can trekk through any of the region's many valleys and find cave dwellings, bridges, and more! If you do opt for adding a hike or two into your trip to Cappadocia, make sure to look into hiring a guide, or going on a group tour. Cappadocia gets very hot in the summer and can reach temperatures of up to 88 degrees Fahrenheit in July or August. Take a look at Expedia, Viator, and/or Airbnb to see your hiking experience options, and choose one within your budget! I suggest also looking for something that is refundable if it rains or storms.

5. Sample the Street Food

From charred corn to lamb meat on a stick, you can walk up to any restaurant, stand, or cart off the street and taste some delicious local dishes. Turkey has a reputation for bringing Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Central Asian, and Europe cuisines into one, making this country’s food stand out among the rest. Some of our favorites included simit (a round pastry covered in sesame seeds that resembled and tasted like a bagel), multiple different types of meat, and, of course, Turkish delight. 

6. Buy a Rug and Take Photos at Galerie İkman

Prior to visiting Cappadocia, I saw this rug store and pictures of couples posing on the intricate designs E V E R Y W H E R E. I put it on my list, and almost forgot to visit it. Thankfully, on our third day in this region, we were strolling through the city and came upon the name of this store and I thought it sounded really familiar. Once we went in, we were immediately greeted by a pug puppy and the owner, who was just beginning a photoshoot with a group of girls. He told us to come back later and that we could either pay $10 and be able to take our own unlimited pictures, or to schedule a photoshoot with him for $100+. We decided to go back to our room, change our outfits, and go back for a photoshoot. During this time, we enjoyed learning about the history of the store, how it had been in the family for generations, and how he was a photographer. Overall, the photos he took ended up STUNNING and I would highly recommend it if you really want cool, traditional-looking photos that capture one thing Turkey is known for- rugs! His Instagram is linked here if you are interested. 

7. Schedule a Sunrise/Sunset Meal

Dorian and I decided to do one of each, and both were reserved with the wonderful Taskonaklar Hotel Cappadocia! On our first night's stay, we ate a delicious 3-course dinner with a view during sunset. Then, in the morning, I had planned for a special surprise for Dorian (he LOVES sunsets and sunrises). We woke up at 5am and were picked up by two hotel staff members. They then drove us through the valley to a spot where they had already make up a giant breakfast, complete with three different types of homemade jam, two types of fresh bread, hard boiled egg, and, of course- a big pot Turkish tea. We sat on giant pillows covered in blankets and watched in awe as we saw balloon after balloon begin to rise, each carrying about 15 people. To this day, we both agree that even though this experience was around $125, the breakfast sunrise was our favorite part of the trip and one of the best "dates" we had ever had.

8. Look for Turkish Souvenirs

Hand-painted ceramics, Turkish delight, a personal tea set with Turkish tea, and Evil Eyes/Turkish Eyes all make great souvenirs to bring home to loved ones. These items show a piece of Turkish culture, and are not too expensive!

I went home with about 25 small items including $1 canvas tote bags, magnets, coasters that were 4 for $1, ceramic bowls, and a spoon holder for all of my aunts and uncles at $2 each from Cappadocia.

9. Visit the Uchisar Castle

This piece of Cappadocian history dates all the way back to the beginning of the East Rome Time between 15th and 16th centuries. It was created and utilized as a defense method to prevent attacks from the enemy, and be able to see the enemy coming from a higher ground. Today, visitors can walk to the top and see all of the city!

10. Enjoy Ice Cream and a Show!

When you order an ice cream at home, you are simply handed a cup or a cone with the cold custard, and then you're free to eat it. In Cappadocia…. let’s just say that’s not exactly how it goes. Take a look at the video above to see why I refer to the simple task of buying ice cream in Turkey as “ice cream and an unexpected show”. 

Plan Your Visit to Cappadocia!

The Middle East is more than just simply a region of rice and spice; it’s lively street markets with foods you would never be able to say or spell again, vibrant trinkets, and friendly locals. Turkey is no exception, and Cappadocia is a distinctive gem known by global travelers for its fairy chimneys and famous rug stores. Make sure to plan your visit using this guide, or contact me if you have any questions! 

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