1 Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride

One of the most iconic experiences in Cappadocia is taking a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys and vast valleys. The sight of dozens of balloons floating in the early morning light is truly surreal. The view is extraordinary and ballooning here is very safe. The rides start very early in the morning, allowing you to catch the sunrise from a unique vantage point. Read everything about hot air ballooning in Cappadocia in my detailed post.

2 Watch the balloons in the morning

Watching the balloons float across the valleys is equally beautiful from the ground. You should dedicate at least one morning to see it from this perspective. There are sunrise viewpoints on Google maps you can walk to in Göreme and in Cavusin, or you can watch it from the balcony of your hotel. The most famous hotel for instagram photos is Sultan Cave Suites, but unless you want the whole photo prop with the fake breakfast, you don’t need to pick the hotel with the “best view”, any hotel with a balcony will do, the view is the same. If you consider staying outside of Göreme, I really recommend Seki Cave Suites hotel in Cavusin, where you can walk directly onto the hill behind the hotel where other people hike to take great photos. You could also opt to start your hike in Rose and Red valley in time for the balloons, but this means waking up very early.

3 Explore the Open-Air Museums

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Göreme Open-Air Museum is an essential stop for understanding Cappadocia’s rich history. The site features rock-cut churches with stunning frescoes that date back to the 10th century. Visiting this complex is as essential to a Cappadocia itinerary as seeing the balloons at sunrise, and gives a fascinating glimpse into the monastic life of the past.

Another impressive historical site is the Zelve Open-Air Museum, which offers a less crowded but equally interesting experience. Here, you can explore a network of caves and tunnels used by early Christians as a hiding spot from persecutors.

4 Visit the Underground Cities

Cappadocia hosts several underground cities, with Derinkuyu and Kaymakli being the most famous. These cities were used by early Christians as refuges and could house thousands of people. Exploring these subterranean complexes is a unique adventure and offers insight into the ingenious survival tactics of ancient civilizations.

5 Hike (or ride a horse) in the Valleys

Cappadocia’s landscapes are perfect for hiking. Not only because you get to see the beutiful rock formations from up close, but also because hiking lets you get away from the tourist hordes and have a completely different, peaceful and local experience exploring unmarked cave houses and temples (some of them intact with colorful frescoes!), and lookout points where you will be completely alone. You can read about hiking in Cappadocia in detail (with maps and detailed descriptions) in my post about the top 2 routes. You can also go for sunrise or sunset horse riding in the valleys, another great experience to see the unique landscapes.

6 Enjoy a traditional Turkish Night

Experience Cappadocian culture with a night of traditional Turkish music and dance. Many local restaurants and hotels offer Turkish night shows, where you can enjoy folk dances, belly dancing, and sometimes even participate in the festivities. I had a great time in Seyyah Han in Cavusin – didn’t book a table in advance but the owner was so kind he asked his friends to make room for me:) The food was great, and the voice of the lady singing was so beautiful I ended up making and embarrassing amount of videos…

7 Stay in a Cave Hotel

For a truly unique experience, spend a night in one of Cappadocia’s cave hotels. These hotels are incredibly atmospheric while offering all the modern comforts. Most people opt to stay in Göreme (the tourist center in Cappadocia valley), but I wanted to stay a bit out of the crowd (and closer to the hiking trails in Rose and Red valley), so I opted for Seki Cave Hotel in Cavusin. I can really recommend this hotel – the rooms are beautiful, breakfast is very good and the sunrise view is great not only from the hotel, but also from the hill behind it where you can just directly walk up from your room.

8 Capture the Panoramic Views from Uçhisar Castle

Uçhisar Castle provides one of the highest viewpoints in Cappadocia, offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and villages. The climb to the top is worth it for the breathtaking panorama that stretches out below you. You can combine visiting Uchisar castle with a day of hiking in nearby Pigeon and Love valley – both valleys are stunning and represent two iconic local landscapes.

9. Pottery and Carpets in Avanos

The town of Avanos is famous for its pottery and ceramic art, a tradition that dates back to the Hittites. Visit a pottery workshop to see the craftsmen at work or try your hand at the potter’s wheel. The town is also known for its beautiful handmade carpets, another of Turkey’s rich artisan traditions.

10. Eat great food

It’s Turkey after all. Restaurants I’ve tried and can highly recommend in Göreme are Old Cappadocia and Fat Boys (both famous for the “pottery kebab”, which is lamb chops served in a flaming clay pot) and Dibek where you get to sit on colorful pillows on the ground (don’t leave without ordering the mezze platter). In Cavusin you can try Seyyah Han (with amazing live music on some nights and a great view) and the hilariously named Cappa Gusto with great food and a modern interior.

How Much Time You Need

To fully experience Cappadocia, you should ideally plan for at least three to four days. This duration allows you to explore its stunning landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, underground cities, and, of course, take a hot air balloon ride without feeling rushed.

1-2 Days | If you are short on time, you can still catch the highlights. Start with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, then visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and take a quick hike through Love Valley or Pigeon Valley. You can also squeeze in a visit to an underground city like Kaymakli or Derinkuyu.

3-4 Days | This timeframe allows for a deeper exploration of Cappadocia’s unique attractions. You’ll have time to enjoy a more relaxed balloon ride, visit multiple valleys like Ihlara and Red Valley, and take day trips to local villages such as Avanos or Çavuşin.

How to get there

By Car | If you prefer the flexibility of driving, Cappadocia is easily accessible by car from major cities. The drive from Ankara takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, while the journey from Istanbul is around 8 hours. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the region’s unique landscapes at your own pace, from the fairy chimneys to the hidden valleys.

By Plane | The easiest way to get to Cappadocia is by flying into either Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). Both airports are well connected to major cities like Istanbul, with frequent domestic flights available. Kayseri Airport is about 1 hour away from the heart of Cappadocia, while Nevşehir is around 30 minutes. From either airport, you can take a shuttle service, taxi, or rent a car to reach your accommodation.

By Bus | Long-distance buses are a popular and affordable way to travel to Cappadocia from major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya. The journey from Istanbul to Göreme takes around 10-12 hours, while buses from Ankara take about 4-5 hours. Bus services arrive at either Nevşehir or Göreme, and from there, you can easily reach local hotels by taxi or shuttle.

Where to stay

In a cave hotel! Cappadocia is famous for its unique cave hotels, offering a blend of luxury and authenticity. Popular areas to stay include Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar. Göreme is central and offers a variety of accommodations from budget hostels to luxury cave hotels. Ürgüp is known for its boutique hotels and fine dining options, while Uçhisar provides stunning panoramic views and a quieter atmosphere. My favorite place to stay a little off the (more) beaten track is Cavusin. I stayed at Seki Cave Suites and couldn’t have had a better experience. Be sure to book your stay well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak seasons (you’ll also get a better price if you book earlier).

If you rather fancy staying in Göreme, where the action is, here are a few great places I recommend:

Budget | Coco Cave Pension is an excellent choice for budget travelers looking for a clean, friendly, and affordable place to stay in Göreme. This family-run guesthouse offers dormitory and private rooms, a cozy common area, and an outdoor pool. It’s conveniently located just a short walk from Göreme’s town center, making it easy to explore the surrounding area on foot.

Midrange | Sultan Cave Suites is a popular midrange option offering an authentic cave hotel experience without breaking the bank. Situated on a hill in Göreme, this hotel offers stunning views of the valley and the hot air balloons in the morning. Each room is uniquely designed within the rock formations, and the rooftop terrace is perfect for taking in the breathtaking Cappadocian landscapes.

High-End | For a luxurious stay, the Museum Hotel in Uçhisar is an unforgettable experience. This award-winning hotel is built into a cliff and offers cave rooms furnished with antiques, giving it the feel of a living museum. The hotel provides stunning views over the valley, an infinity pool, a gourmet restaurant, and top-notch service. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a high-end, indulgent experience in Cappadocia.

Cost of travel

Transportation Costs | The cost of getting to Cappadocia depends on your departure point. Domestic flights from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevşehir range from $30 to $100, depending on the season and how early you book. Shuttle services from either airport to your hotel cost around $10 to $15 per person. If you opt to travel by bus from major Turkish cities like Istanbul or Ankara, ticket prices typically range from $15 to $30, depending on the bus company and the level of comfort.

Accommodation | Cappadocia offers a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets. Budget travelers can find hostels and guesthouses for as little as $20 to $40 per night. Mid-range boutique hotels, including the famous cave hotels, range from $70 to $150 per night. For a luxurious experience, upscale cave hotels with panoramic views or spa services can cost upwards of $200 to $500 per night, especially during peak season.

Food and Drink | Dining in Cappadocia is relatively affordable, with many local restaurants offering traditional Turkish meals at reasonable prices. Eating at a local eatery or café will typically cost around $5 to $10 per meal. A meal at a mid-range restaurant, with drinks included, can range from $15 to $30 per person. For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay $40 to $80 per person.

Activities | One of the biggest expenses in Cappadocia is the famous hot air balloon ride, which can range from $150 to $250 per person, depending on the company and the time of year. Entrance fees for attractions like the Göreme Open-Air Museum cost around $10 per person. Guided tours, whether hiking, visiting underground cities, or exploring valleys, typically range from $40 to $100, depending on the length and inclusions of the tour.

Overall Budget | For budget travelers, it’s possible to enjoy Cappadocia with daily expenses of $50 to $80 per day if you stay in budget accommodations, eat at local restaurants, and avoid expensive activities like balloon rides. A mid-range experience, including a hot air balloon ride, will typically cost around $150 to $250 per day. For a more luxurious experience with high-end accommodations and dining, expect to spend upwards of $400 per day.