What there is to do in Cappadocia: the major sights, local experiences and the practical detail you need to plan around them.
Things to do
Major attractions matter, but so do timing, price, accessibility and whether an experience actually deserves part of your trip.
Museum
A Ministry-run rock settlement 2 km east of Göreme town and 13 km from Nevşehir, where monastic life is recorded from the 4th to the 13th century. According to the Ministry it holds churches painted directly on the rock or in fresco-secco, including the Dark Church, Elmalı, Çarıklı and Tokalı, and opened to visitors in 1967. The museum is a separate entity from the surrounding UNESCO property.
Archaeological site
A Ministry-run underground settlement in Kaymaklı, about 20 km from Nevşehir, carved into tuff and listed as a component of the UNESCO property. Eight levels are recorded and four are lit and open to visitors. The Ministry describes low, narrow and sloping passages, stables on the first level and kitchens, storerooms and wine-pressing rooms lower down.
Archaeological site
A Ministry-run site in the Avanos district made of the three Zelve valleys, a village that was inhabited until 1952, and the Paşabağları fairy chimneys, one of which has a chapel and cell attributed to Saint Simeon. Two of its churches are closed for restoration.
Continue planning
Eat like you understand the place
What to eat and drink in Cappadocia, from signature dishes and local drinks to markets, dietary needs and restaurant etiquette.
Know before it happens
Common scams, tourist traps and avoidable problems in Cappadocia, with practical advice on how travelers can recognize and avoid them.
Bring home the right things
What to buy in Cappadocia, where to shop, typical prices, authenticity advice and which souvenirs are genuinely connected to the destination.
When to go
A month-by-month guide to weather, crowds and seasonal conditions in Cappadocia, and how to choose when to go.
Family travel
What to know about visiting Cappadocia as a family.
Travel for more people
Accessibility information for Cappadocia, including walking difficulty, wheelchair access, transport, stairs, seating and sensory considerations.
After dark
A practical introduction to nightlife in Cappadocia, including nightlife areas, atmosphere, late-night considerations and safety.
Money & budgeting
What a trip to Cappadocia costs, including typical daily budgets, transport, food, attractions, payments and common money mistakes.
Complete destination guide
