Cappadocia is located in the middle of Turkey and is most known for its spectacular views and hot air balloon flights. I won’t argue with this: the hot air balloons are by far the most popular attraction. However, many people think this is the only thing the area has the offer. Let me tell you: there are many other activities to do and places to visit. Here are the top things to do in Cappadocia.
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1. Hot air balloon flight
Cappadocia is listed as one of the best places in the world to fly a hot air balloon. In my opinion, this is worth the hype. If the weather allows it, each morning 150 balloons take off from the ground in and around Göreme.
The balloons only fly at sunrise, which means an early wake-up call but one that will be worth it. Depending on the time of sunrise and the location of your hotel, pick-up will be between 3:30 & 4:30 AM.
Not only are the views of Göreme town and the neighbouring valleys amazing, the many balloons around you make for a magical and fairytale-like experience. Honestly, this is the most incredible thing I’ve done/seen in my life. Therefore I would 100% recommend to add this destination and activity to your bucket list.
Tips when booking your flight:
TIP 1/ Book your hot air balloon flight in advance. This is the most popular thing to do in Cappadocia and places are limited. I booked my flight 2 months in advance, which is playing extra safe. However, booking a few weeks in advance should definitely be fine as well.
TIP 2/ Make sure to book your flight during the first morning of your stay. This gives you maximum flexibility if your flight would be cancelled and postponed to the next day.
TIP 3/ Research the company you want to fly with. Some hot air balloons have larger baskets than others. Depending on your budget and preferences, you might want to pay a little extra for a large basket with less people per basket cube. Generally, this is mentioned clearly on the companies website.
I went with Turquaz Balloons and would highly recommend them.
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2. Watch the hot air balloons take off at sunrise
Let me tell you, waking up early when in Cappadocia is an activity on its own. Something you have to do at least once is to watch the balloons take off at sunrise. Enjoying the panoramic views of Göreme with over 100 balloons flying in the air is a setting that can’t be explained in words or photographs, you must experience it yourself.
The best spots to watch:
- Your hotel terrace
- Göreme sunrise/sunset point (picture below)
- Hot air balloon take-off point
- Love Valley
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3. Enjoy sunset at a rooftop terrace
Many restaurants and cafes in Göreme offer some amazing viewpoints of the town. The surroundings offer some stunning views and the terraces are great to watch the sunset. Heading over to a rooftop bar and enjoying the sunset with a drink in your hand will make for an amazing activity to end your day.
Recommended rooftop bars:
- Dusk by Koza (€€)
- Seten Bar and Restaurant (€)
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4. Visit the Valleys
Cappadocia is most known for the hot air balloon flights and its spectacular landscapes with amazing rock formations, referred to as The Fairy Chimneys.
It’s recommended to visit at least a few valleys as they each have their own unique elements. The Valleys can be reached by taxi and by foot. If you like an organised tour, there are many companies in Cappadocia that offer a day trip that includes a visit to multiple Valleys.
Here are the Valleys (ranked) I visited during my stay:
- Pasabag Valley (paid entrance)
- Love Valley
- Rose Valley
- Pigeon Valley
- Goreme Open-Air Museum (paid entrance)
I honestly would recommend them all.
Other recommended Valleys to visit:
- Red Valley
- Zelve Valley
- Devrent Valley
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5. Enjoy the Turkish cuisine
The town of Göreme offers restaurants and bars around every corner. The options are endless and all the meals I had during my stay were exceptionally tasty! Here are some recommendations, make sure to save them.
Taste tasted myself:
- Seten Bar & Restaurant
- Dusk by Koza (drinks only)
- Fat boys
- Mozaik Restaurant
- SunShine Cafe
- Inci cave restaurant
Recommended by others:
- Dibek Restaurant & Cafe
- Old Cappadocia Cafe and Restaurant
- Top deck restaurant
- Crazy Ali Cafe
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6. Visit Göreme Panorama
A short taxi ride away from the centre of Göreme, you’ll find Göreme Panorama. This spot offers unreal views over the unique landscape and town of Göreme. There are a few souvenirs shops and restaurants in this area, but nothing too large or busy.
- Walking distance from Göreme centre: 30 minutes
- Drive from Göreme centre: 5 minutes
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7. Visit Göreme Open Air museum
Gorëme Open Air museum is one of the most popular sites to visit in Göreme. This spectacular collection of historical monasteries and cave churches is a must-see during your stay in Cappadocia.
There are many cave houses that can be entered as a visitor and a numerous amount of cave churches. The museum also includes impressive cave rooms that served as dining halls and sitting rooms.
Together with your entrance ticket, you can purchase an audio guide. If I were to go back, I’d opt for a tour guide (which is something I rarely do) to know more about the history and lifestyle behind this incredible site.
Entrance fee: 125TL (June 2022)
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8. Visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley)
In point 4, I already recommended to visit at least a few of the Valleys. Here, I’ll share my favourite Valley: Pasabag Valley, also referred to as Monks Valley. This unique spot can be found in Pasabag’s Fairy Chimneys.
Chances are you’ve already seen this place all over Instagram. These mushroom-shaped Fairy Chimneys make for a unique scenery you need to visit when in Cappadocia.
I recommend to get here before 10AM to beat the crowds. Afterwards, the big groups start to arrive. We were at this spot at 09:30 AM and had the place almost completely to ourselves for at least 15 minutes.
Entrance fee: 50TL (June 2022)
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9. Climb Uchisar Castle
Another spot that is worth your time is Uchisar Castle. This castle is a 10-minute (taxi) ride away from Göreme centre. Uchisar Castle used to be the heart of the defense against enemies because of its clear views over the surroundings.
The castle is open to visitors and becomes very popular at night to watch the sunset as it has the highest viewpoint in all of Cappadocia. There is a small entrance fee (50TL – June 2022) to go up. Openings hours are between sunrise and sunset.
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Are you planning a trip to Cappadocia? I’ll share an entire travel guide soon, so stay tuned! Follow me on Instagram to get notified every time I share a new blogpost.
Also read: The best photo spots in Cappadocia