Discover Cappadocia, Turkey, famous for its “fairy chimneys” and hot air balloons. This guide covers what to expect, how to get around, where to eat, stay, and explore. Don’t miss our top taxi driver recommendation!
What to Expect in Cappadocia, Turkey
In this popular tourist spot, nearly everyone spoke English, and each restaurant had an English speaker and menu. Still, learning a few basic Turkish phrases, like “merhaba” for hello or “teşekkürler” for thank you, is always a nice touch.
Turkey uses the Lira since they’re not in the EU. Currently, 1 Lira is about $0.075 USD. We often just moved the decimal one place to estimate prices (e.g., 20 Lira is roughly $2 USD). Cappadocia’s costs were especially low compared to the US and Istanbul.
Most places accepted credit cards, so we didn’t need to carry much cash. Still, it’s smart to keep some Liras for cabs, tips, or cash-only shops.
Plenty of ATMs in the city offer better rates than the airport. Don’t forget to inform your bank about your travel to avoid account holds.
We visited in late November and enjoyed sunny days and cool nights, perfect for a jacket. Daytime was comfy with long dresses or jackets.
However, we’d love to visit Cappadocia in summer for the sunny pool weather. If possible, try to go in spring or summer.
Islam is the main religion in Turkey, so you’ll hear calls to prayer five times daily. Feel free to wear your usual clothes around town.
Journeying from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Fly from Istanbul to Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport for about $50 roundtrip. Turkish Airlines has flights every morning and evening during the week, and three options on weekends. The flight is just 1 hour 10 minutes, making it the best travel option unless you’re planning a road trip to enjoy sights along the way.
How to Get Around Cappadocia
Göreme is super walkable, so you won’t need cabs or buses. We felt safe exploring, even at night.
Our hotel connected us with Hüseyin, an incredible cab driver who made exploring Cappadocia a breeze.
Affordable, flexible, and utterly reliable, we trusted him so much we even left our luggage with him during dinner. He kindly offered to take photos of us at each destination. Highly recommended!
You can’t go wrong with Hüseyin! Contact him on WhatsApp at +90 554 283 30 56 and mention Katya & Kavya sent you. 😊
Discover Dining Delights in Cappadocia
Reserved Restaurant & Lounge
Our favorite Cappadocian meal was a hidden gem recommended by our taxi driver, Hüseyin, and it was amazing.
I devoured a Chicken Wrap with Dates and we split some delicious apps like muhammara, pistachio cheese dip, and halloumi. You’ll need a cab from Göreme to get there. Check out their menu and Instagram!
Address: Aşağı, Adnan Menderes Cd. no 50 -1, 50240 Uçhisar, Nevşehir, Turkey.
Millocal
Hüseyin suggested another great spot, perfect for daytime with stunning Cappadocia views through open windows.
They serve Turkish cuisine (lots of meat), and we enjoyed the service and ambiance! It’s a bit outside Göreme, so a cab is necessary. Check the full menu and their Instagram here.
Tekelli Mah. Karlık Sok. No:30, Uçhisar, Nevşehir 50240, Turkey
Mozaik
We stopped by for afternoon tea and loved the vibe and service. If you’re staying in Göreme, this spot is super easy to reach on foot!
Seten Restaurant
Unfortunately, I’d suggest avoiding this restaurant. While it’s great for views, the food was the most disappointing we had in Turkey. The service was good, but the food quality just didn’t match up.
More Must-Try Restaurants in Cappadocia
We were in Cappadocia for just a few days, so we couldn’t try everything. Here are a few more recommendations from reviews and locals.
Seki
Recommended by local Hüseyin, Seki, inside Argos in Cappadocia, Uchisar, offers diverse dishes from cold starters to slow-cooked meats, vegan options, and local produce.
As Cappadocia’s most awarded restaurant, it’s praised by outlets like Condé Nast and boasts views of Uchisar Castle. Check the lunch and dinner menus. Address: Aşağı, Argos in Cappadocia, Kayabaş Sk. No: 36, 50240 Uçhisar, Nevşehir, Turkey.
Pumpkin Göreme Restaurant And Art Gallery
Hidden in a Göreme cave, Pumpkin is cozy and intimate. Be sure to book ahead—it’s popular! They offer a fixed menu but can cater to vegans and vegetarians upon request. With nearly 300 reviews, they boast a 4.7-star rating. Address: Isali Mah, Iceridere Sk. No:7-A, Goreme, Turkey.
The Grape
Located in Imperial Cave Suites, Göreme, breakfast is set for two. Dinner includes starters like chicken meatballs, fried cheese balls, plus salads, pastas, burgers, and meat mains.
Check out their full breakfast and dinner menus. Address: Gaferli Mahallesi Aydinkiragi Mevkii, No:34, 50180 Nevşehir, Turkey.
Top Accommodation Choices in Cappadocia
Budget Friendly: Local Cave House Hotel
A budget-friendly choice, especially in summer for pool access. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Enjoy a daily breakfast buffet with various options and hot drinks. Rooms start at just $41/night.
Mid Range Charming Cave Hotel
Located in Göreme, this 3-star hotel offers stunning town views and hot air balloon sightings. With an impressive 4.9-star Google rating and prices from ~$88, it’s a great mid-range choice. Guests rave about the breakfast, and the rooftop is reportedly less crowded than Sultan Cave Suites for balloon watching.
Higher End: Sultan Cave Suites
This 4-star hotel is perfect for stunning hot air balloon views, exclusive to guests. Rates start at $117/night, and it boasts a 4.5-star rating on Google. Check out their Instagram!
Luxury: Museum Hotel
Discover a luxury cave hotel in Uchisar with 30 unique rooms and suites, some featuring jacuzzis. Rates start at $300+/night, and each room boasts stunning Cappadocia views and priceless antiques. This 4-star gem averages 4.6 stars on Google.
What to Do in Cappadocia
In Göreme
Here are some great spots to explore if you’re staying in Göreme.
Sultan Carpets
Established in 1989, this store offers beautiful rooms adorned with ornate Turkish carpets and lights. For a small fee, you can even have a unique photo shoot inside.
Watch The Hot Air Balloons from a Cave Hotel
In Cappadocia, I was disappointed we missed the famous hot air balloons due to weather. It’s a reminder that social media isn’t always real—once, I took a photo for an influencer, and later saw they’d added hot air balloons to it!
To catch the stunning views at Sultan Cave Suites, wake up at sunrise (check the time beforehand). Visiting during the off-season means fewer crowds.
Journey to the Summit of Aydin Kiragan
Near our hotel, I hiked a short 10-15 minute trail to a viewpoint for incredible Göreme sunset views. Signs guide the way, and the locals are very helpful if you need directions. Address: Unlu Sk. 20A, 50180 Nevşehir Merkez, Nevşehir, Turkey.
Driving Distance
Instead of traditional (red, green, blue) tours, hire Hüseyin or a local cab driver. It’s cheaper, flexible, and personalized. Plus, you’ll get insider tips on extra stops.
Here are the site names and photos for you to check out!
Uchisar Castle
Uchisar is home to Cappadocia’s highest point. For a small fee, you can hike to the top. We skipped the hike, so can’t comment on its worth, but the views from below were stunning.
Tekelli, Uçhisar, Nevşehir, Turkey 50240
Kapadokya Seramik
Our driver brought us to a pottery store where we learned the (surprisingly tough) art of wheel throwing. Kavya and I tried making our own pieces, gaining newfound respect for the craft! They even had glow-in-the-dark ceramics, which looked awesome in the dark.
Address: Cumhuriyet, Göreme Yolu No:71, Avanos, Nevşehir, Turkey.
Love Valley
Cappadocia’s iconic rock formations are a must-see! Snap some Insta-worthy pics on the swings or heart-shaped bench and don’t miss making a wish at the wish tree. Enjoy the view from above or hike down for a closer look.
50180 Göreme, Nevşehir, Turkey
Zelve Open Air Museum
I loved exploring this spot, seeing where ancient civilizations lived. You can walk through most of the museum with signs explaining the purpose of each room.
Aydınlı Mahallesi, Yavuz Sk. No:1, Aktepe, Avanos, Nevşehir, Turkey, 50180
Pigeon Valley
Nestled near Uchisar Castle, this spot offers stunning valley views. True to its name, watch as pigeons fill the sky for a spectacular sight!
Address: Aşağı, Adnan Menderes Cd. No:50, 50240 Uçhisar, Nevşehir, Turkey
Fairy Chimneys in Pasabagi Valley
Cappadocia’s famous “fairy chimneys” are best seen off-season or early to avoid crowds. Entry is free, and hiking up the mountain offers stunning valley views.
Address: Zelve Yolu, 50500 Çavuşin, Avanos, Nevşehir, Turkey
Derinkuyu Underground City
Explore this ancient underground city from the 8-7th century BC, which once housed up to 20,000 people. It served as a refuge for Christians during invasions.
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Beware if you’re claustrophobic; the tunnels are quite narrow and low. However, clear signs will guide you through the tour to the entrance or exit.
Bayramlı Mahallesi, Niğde Cd., 50700 Derinkuyu, Nevşehir, Turkey.
Hope you loved this guide to Cappadocia! Got questions?
Have an amazing trip!
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