20 of the Best Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey

When planning your trip to Turkey, you’ll quickly discover that the best things to do in Cappadocia are unlike anything you’ll find anywhere else in the world. From surreal landscapes to bucket-list adventures, this region is pure magic- I mean, that's why we even chose to get married here!

Whether you're here to float above the fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon or explore ancient underground cities, Cappadocia is a dream destination that truly has something for every type of traveler. Each activity offers a blend of natural beauty, culture, and unforgettable memories.

To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a list of the top experiences you won’t want to miss—plus a few hidden gems you probably didn’t know about!

The 20 Best Things to Do in Cappadocia, Turkey

So, are you ready to experience all of the best things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey? Let's dive right in! 

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

No visit to Cappadocia is complete without a hot air balloon ride. Soaring above the surreal landscape at sunrise, you'll float over fairy chimneys, valleys, and cave dwellings in one of the most iconic ballooning destinations on Earth.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and hands down one of the best things to do in Cappadocia. Book in advance, especially during peak season, as this is one of the most popular activities in Turkey.

Pro Tip: Bring an Insta 360 Camera with an extra long selfie stick for a unique perspective!

Watch the Hot Air Balloons from an Epic Spot

If you’re not riding a balloon, the next best thing is watching them from one of Cappadocia’s panoramic viewpoints. Wake up early and head to places like Love Valley's sunrise point in Göreme or the roof of a cave hotel for a magical sunrise show. 

Watching the hot air balloons is a budget-friendly way to soak in the beauty of the region, and it's ideal for travelers looking for things to do in Cappadocia without spending too much.

⭐️ Fun Fact: Some hotels even have jacuzzis that you can watch the balloons from! (You'll have to reserve these in advance of course).

 Sleep in a Cave Hotel

One of the coolest accommodations in the world, Cappadocia cave hotels are situated directly into the swellings from hundreds of years ago! Staying in one adds a fairytale element to your trip, and is truly something to have on your Turkish bucket-list.

Many cave hotels offer terraces with balloon views, traditional Turkish breakfast spreads, and even private jacuzzis inside the cave rooms. It's both luxurious and uniquely local, making it an absolute must while visiting.

Explore the Various Valleys

Cappadocia’s valleys are unlike anything else on Earth. From the lunar-like terrain of Devrent Valley to the towering spires of Love Valley and the colorful rock formations of Rose and Red Valleys, each one offers something special.

Hiking through these natural wonders is one of the best free things to do in Cappadocia and gives you the chance to experience its raw beauty up close.

Here are some of the valleys in Cappadocia you won't want to miss out on:

• Love Valley: the most iconic valley in all of Cappadocia 
• Red Valley: a colorful valley that is incredible for sunset
• Rose Valley: adjacent to Rose valley with unique formations
• Pigeon Valley: known for its ancient pigeon houses and stunning views
• Devrent Valley: one of the most impressive valleys you can visit for free 

 Ride Around an ATV Tour

Other than hiking around on your own, one of the best ways to experience the unique valleys of Cappadocia is by going on an ATV tour. These one hour tours allows you to see a lot in a little time, with a splash of adrenaline.

When we were visiting tours were only about $15-20, but on Get Your Guide we actually found them for even cheaper!

Go Horse Back Riding Through the Valleys

Did you know Cappadocia means “land of beautiful horses”? One of the most authentic ways to explore the region is on horseback, and there are several ranches you can find in the region.

They offer trail rides through the valleys throughout the day and at sunset, combining adventure with breathtaking scenery. It’s peaceful, romantic, and an underrated highlight of any Cappadocia trip.

Here are several horse back riding tours you can find:

Have a Running Horse Photo Shoot

Dalton Brothers is one of the most famous horse ranches in Cappadocia, but they aren't just known for their horse back riding- they're also known for their unique running horse photo shoots! 

This unique experience blends local culture and photography, and is truly one of the coolest photo shoots you'll ever have- galloping horses are released around you as a professional captures the action.

It's one of the most visually stunning things to do in Cappadocia—and a great way to support local horse farms and photographers.

Want to book a running horse photoshoot? Send an email to make your reservation.

Visit the Vibrant Carpet Shops

Colorful Turkish carpets are an absolute icon of the region, and Cappadocia is full of vibrant showrooms and photo-worthy shops.

Some of the most famous are found in Göreme and Avanos, where you can shop or simply admire the craftsmanship. Some even offer short demonstrations on how the carpets are made! 

Our personal favorites (and the most Instagrammable ones) are Sultan Carpets and Galerie Ikman, both of which are in the heart of Goreme.

 Shop for Zultanite

Zultanite is a rare color-changing gemstone found only in Turkey, and Cappadocia is one of the best places to shop for it. Depending on the light, the gem changes to one of 5 different colors, and it really is my new jewelry obsession.

You can find it in plenty of jewelry stores throughout the region—just be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity.

Have an Iconic Photo Shoot

Cappadocia is Instagram heaven, and a professional photoshoot can take your travel memories to the next level. There are several themed options to choose from, but these are a few of my personal favorites:

• Flying Dress Photo Shoot: the most glam addition for some truly epic shots
• Photo Shoot with a Classic Car: the perfect way to add a unique pop of color
• Secret Cave Photo Shoot: let the professionals bring you to their top secret spots!

Pssst! Did you know that we also offer our very own flying dress photo shoots in NYC? It's another great addition to your bucket list next time you're in the big apple!

Here are some Flying Dress Photo Shoots in Cappadocia you can sign up for:

 Relax at Some Turkish Baths

After all the hiking and exploring, a traditional Turkish bath (hammam) is the perfect way to unwind. Many spas in the area offer scrubs, massages, and steam rooms in stunning cave settings. This cultural ritual is a must-try, especially if you’ve never done it before. You can find public hammams, but a lot of the best hotels in Cappadocia also have their own included!

 Check Out the Underground Cities

Hidden beneath the surface, Cappadocia’s underground cities are truly one of the most fascinating attractions in Cappadocia.

Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are the most well-known, with multi-level tunnels once used for shelter during invasions, and you can also check out Ozhanik Underground City.

Not only are they really cool places to check out in Cappadocia, but they are a great escape from the summer heat or the rain.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

 Explore the Secret Caves

Beyond the open-air museums and main attractions, there are countless hidden caves tucked into the valleys of Cappadocia. Some are ancient homes, while others are abandoned churches or tunnels. No matter what though, there are so many to discover!

Hiring a local guide can help you uncover these off-the-beaten-path treasures, offering a more adventurous take on the best things to do in Cappadocia.

 Climb Uchisar Castle

This massive rock fortress is the highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the valleys and fairy chimneys below. Climbing to the top only takes about 10–15 minutes, and you can also enjoy a few exhibits inside, as well as a unique dining experience in one of the rooms leading up to the top.

 Learn About Pottery in Avanos

The town of Avanos sits along the Kızılırmak River and is famous for its pottery traditions. It's unlike any other town in Cappadocia, and has a unique and authentic feel.

Visit the incredible pottery museum, browse the various shops, or pop into one of the workshops to watch a demonstration or try your hand at the wheel. Many places allow you to create your own souvenir, which is a fun, hands-on way to connect with local culture and bring a part of Cappadocia home with you.

 Watch a Traditional Whirling Dervishes Show

Looking for a fun cultural experience while in Cappadocia? Don't miss out on witnessing one of the whirling dervishes shows! They even have a few of them inside caves with a traditional Turkish dinner included.

Here are some of the coolest Whirling Dervishes shows in Cappadocia to experience:

 Take a Trip to Ilhara Valley & Selime Cathedral

Ilhara Valley is a lush canyon carved by a river, perfect for a scenic hike through nature and history. Along the way, you'll find churches carved into the cliffs and some beautiful scenery.

At the end of the valley sits Selime Cathedral, one of the largest rock-cut religious sites in Cappadocia. This day trip is a great way to escape the crowds and see another side of the region.

Here are some tours that go to Ilhara Valley:

 Do a Day Trip to Tuz Lake

Tuz Lake, or Salt Lake, is located about two hours from Cappadocia and is a really unique piece of nature for your Turkish bucket list. Depending on the time of year, you can experience striking white deposits, or a perfect reflection from the shallow water reflecting the sky. We have even seen pictures of the lake having pink water at times!

This is a fun addition if you're looking for unique things to do in Cappadocia beyond the usual hotspots, and is definitely a bucket list spot if you are a photographer.

 Go Skiing at Mt Erciyes

Would you believe us if we told you that yu can experience skiing and snowboarding in Turkey? If you're visiting Cappadocia in winter, consider a day trip to Mount Erciyes, one of Turkey’s top ski resorts located just 90 minutes from Goreme. It’s a surprising option for snow lovers and adds variety to your itinerary—proof that there are great things to do in Cappadocia in winter too!

Here are some great ski excursions you can take to Mt Erciyes:

So are you ready to experience some of the best things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey? There are truly so many incredible ways to enjoy this magical destination, and we're so excited to share more with you.

Want to learn more about traveling in Cappadocia? Don't miss out on our other Cappadocia guides coming up! Also don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get all of our weekly updates, and for exclusive discounts on our shop!

Ready to start planning an epic trip to Cappadocia? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers custom travel planning services, carefully designed to create you the perfect itinerary. Want to learn more? Start by sending us an email for your free consultation!

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