Cappadocia Turkey Itinerary | How to Spend 3 Days in Cappadocia

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Last Updated on December 19, 2024 by sydabroad

Looking for the perfect Cappadocia Turkey itinerary? Then keep reading! 

I spent 10 days traveling around Turkiye, and Cappadocia was certainly a highlight. It’s a fairytale destination that I’m sure you’ve heard of because of the iconic hot air balloons. Well, I’m here to say that this destination is so worth the hype and is a place that everyone needs to experience at least once in their lifetime. 

You can’t visit Turkey without experiencing the beautiful city of Cappadocia and in this guide, I’m covering everything you need to know before you visit. I’ll share all you need to know about a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, where to stay, additional things to do in Cappadocia, where to eat, and important travel tips.

This post is about how to plan the perfect Cappadocia Turkey itinerary 

Visiting Cappadocia | The Basics 

Currency = Turkish Lira

The currency in Cappadocia, like the rest of Turkey, is the Turkish Lira (TRY). 

1 USD = 34.57 Turkish Lira

You will need cash in Cappadocia and the rest of Turkey. You’ll find some places that accept card payments – a few restaurants, tour experiences, and shops. However, many will only accept cash. 

For instance, on my hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, I paid my deposit with a credit card, but they requested the rest of the payment in cash on the day of the ride. 

ATMs are widely available around the city and will give you the option to withdraw Turkish Lira. You can also exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Avoid exchanging currency at the airport because the rate will not be great. 

I suggest carrying small bills and coins for tips, small purchases, and taxis. Also, keep a currency converter app handy (I love using XE) to check the latest exchange rates. 

Language = Turkish 

The official language in Turkey is Turkish. Turkish is widely spoken but you’ll find that English is common in hotels and some restaurants. 

Because of how touristy Cappadocia has gotten, tour guides and most service staff in Cappadocia are used to assisting non-Turkish speakers, so you won’t have an issue navigating as an English speaker in Cappadocia. 

Phone & Internet 

In more remote areas around Cappadoica, the phone service won’t be great. However, in the town of Göreme and other popular places, the service works fine. Most hotels and Airbnb will have wifi available. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget 

Cappadocia is budget-friendly for everyone. I love how affordable this place is to visit, even on a backpacker’s budget of $40 to $60 per day you can experience the magic of Cappadocia. Hikes in Rose or Pigeon Valley are free and so is watching the sky sprinkled with hot air balloons at sunrise. 

Moreover, a mid-range budget in Cappadocia is around $80 to $150 per day and a luxury budget is $200+ per day. 

Even if you are a budget traveler, I do suggest budgeting for a hot air balloon ride. Yes, it’s pricy (around €190) but so worth it. This was one of the best experiences of my life. More on booking a hot air balloon ride later in this guide. 

Tipping in Cappadocia 

Tipping is common in restaurants and for tour guides in Cappadocia. A tip of 5% to 10% is great. 

Can you Drink the Tap Water? 

The water is safe to brush your teeth with but do not drink the tap water. Buy plastic water bottles or use refillable bottles at filtered water stations. 

3 Days in Cappadocia | Overview 

Day 1: The Town of Göreme, Turkish Carpets, Göreme Open Air Museum, Red Valley or Love Valley | Day 2: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City, Sunset ATV Tour | Day 3: Uçhisar Castle, Turkish Hammam, Sunset Horse Riding 

The Ultimate Cappadocia Turkey Itinerary

Below you’ll find my Cappadocia travel itinerary perfect for anyone spending two to five days in Cappadocia. Feel free to rearrange these activities and adjust them depending on your preferences.

I’ve included a map later in this guide so that you can easily see where everything is in the region of Cappadocia. Alright, let’s get into this Cappadocia travel guide! 

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Day 1 | Arrival and Exploring

Arriving in Cappadocia

Depending on what time you arrive in Cappadocia, check into your hotel and hit the town. I suggest staying in the town of Göreme in a cave hotel. I’ll discuss where to stay in Cappadocia later in this itinerary. Try to arrive in Cappadocia as early as possible to make the most out of your time here.

Coffee in Göreme

We’re beginning this Cappadocia Turkey itinerary with coffee of course! I’m sure you’ve had a long morning of travel so head into town and stop at one of my favorite local coffee shops. 

I loved both La Petite Pause and The Goat. They have delicious iced coffee. You’ve got lots of exploring, so coffee is a great way to start this full day of activities!  

Explore the Town of Göreme

While you are here, explore the town of Göreme. Göreme is a town (the most visited town) in the region of Cappadocia. It’s where most people stay when they visit this beautiful region of Turkey. 

Göreme has a small-town vibe with local restaurants, boutiques, cozy cafes, and artisan shops. It’s also a great place to visit to pick up a souvenir or a gift. 

I suggest wandering around the winding streets, it’s so picturesque around every corner. I was obsessed with the town center of Göreme. 

Visit a Turkish Carpet Shop | Galeri Ikman 

Next, head to the iconic rug shop in Cappadocia, Galeri Ikman. I loved wandering around this stunning place, browsing the handmade rugs. 

This location has become popular for photographers and on Instagram in recent years. Because of this, they now charge a fee if you want a photoshoot here. 

However, a worker told me I could photograph the carpets. You just can’t have a full-on photoshoot without paying. Everyone that I met in the carpet shop was lovely and I enjoyed visiting. 

I didn’t pay for photos here but you can see all the beautiful shots on the Galeri Ikman Instagram page.

Göreme Open Air Museum

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock churches and monasteries. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cappadocia and costs 40 Turkish Lira to enter. 

Plan to spend one to two hours exploring the Open Air Museum. It’s not too far from the center of Göreme making it an easy place to visit during your three days in Cappadocia.  

Catch The Sunset at Red Valley or Love Valley  

Both Red Valley and Love Valley are a couple of beautiful areas in Cappadocia that have amazing viewpoints perfect for watching the sunset. If you’re up for it you can even hike to these viewpoints instead of taking a taxi. 

Try Traditional Pottery Kebab for Dinner 

Pottery kebab is a traditional dish in the Cappadocia region of Turkey and a must to try while you are here. There are many different places in Cappadocia to taste pottery kebab. I had it at Göreme Restaurant and it was absolutely delicious! 

Pottery kebab is traditionally lamb or beef slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot with tomatoes, onions, garlic, peppers, and Turkish spices inside. The pot is slow-cooked in an oven or over an open fire for hours making the meat tender and rich in flavor. 

The clay pot makes for a fun presentation, the waiter will bring the sealed clay pot to your table and crack it open onto your plate. It’s a warm hearty meal, perfect after a day of exploring. Many restaurants will also offer vegetarian pottery kebabs as well. 

Day 2 | Adventure and Scenic Beauty

Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

You simply cannot visit Cappadocia without experiencing a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. This is arguably the best place in the world to ride in a hot air balloon. I’ve done a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Egypt and although it was incredible, there’s just something so unique and special about the experience in Cappadocia. 

There are all sorts of tour operators that you can book your sunrise hot air balloon ride with. Most of them are very similar. I booked my flight with Travel Cappadocia which included transportation to and from my hotel and a certificate and celebration drink after landing. You can browse hot air balloon ride tours in Cappadocia here. 

Be prepared for an early morning. I got picked up around 4:20 AM but it was so worth it. They will drive you and your group to the balloons and then get you in the air in time for sunrise. 

Make sure you book this tour in advance, especially during high tourist season because they can book up quickly. I also suggest booking your hot air balloon flight on the first morning of your trip. 

This allows you extra time to do the tour in case the weather causes a cancellation. Don’t worry, your balloon tour will be bumped automatically to the next day if the balloons don’t go up for some reason the original morning you booked. 

For my tour, I paid an online deposit of €34, and the rest was paid in cash on the morning of my flight. I had the most amazing experience and couldn’t recommend it more.  

Breakfast at your Hotel

I arrived very early back at my hotel before 7 AM. This will give you the morning to enjoy breakfast at your cave hotel. Many hotels offer a delicious Turkish breakfast spread and you have to take advantage of it! 

After breakfast, if you need a nap, sleep for a couple of hours then get ready for the next activity of the day. 

Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City

Once you’ve napped, head to one of Cappadocia’s underground cities. Both Kaymakli and Derinkuyu underground cities are fascinating historical sites, each offering a unique experience. 

Kaymakli Underground City

This is the largest excavated underground city in Cappadocia known for its interconnected tunnels, living quarters, and storage rooms. This underground city is more spread out and easier to navigate compared to Derinkuyu. 

There are multiple floors open to visitors and it’s located about 20 minutes by car from Nevşehir. 

Derinkuyu Underground City 

Derinkuyu is the deepest excavated underground city with narrow passageways and tight tunnels. There are eight levels open to visitors and it could house up to 20 thousand people at one time. 

Derinkuyu underground city is about a 30-minute drive from Nevşehir and is the perfect place to visit for those seeking history and adventure. 

Sunset ATV Tour  

This is by far one of the best things to do in Cappadocia, Turkey. Booking a sunset ATV tour is a must. It’s a great way to explore the area and the ATVs are just so much fun to drive. 

These tours are very affordable and it doesn’t matter which company you book with, they will all take the same route. You’ll get to drive through Sword Valley and see the famous fairy chimneys. As well as a drive through White Valley, Love Valley, and Red Valley. 

You’ll end the tour at Rode Valley to watch the sunset. This is one of the best sunset spots in Cappadocia, it was absolutely amazing. 

There are various stops where you will get off the ATV to spend some time at the viewpoints. And at the final sunset viewpoint, you’ll be joined by hundreds of others also taking in the beautiful view on their ATV tour. 

Because there are so many ATVs it gets very dusty, bring a scarf to cover your face and mouth, and sunglasses to protect your eyes. Trust me, you’ll need them. 

Book a sunrise ATV tour in Cappadocia here!

Try Manti for Dinner or Traditional Turkish Meze

I’ll share more on where to eat in Cappadocia later in this guide, but I suggest trying manti (Turkish ravioli) or traditional Turkish meze. Both are delicious and a must to try while you are in Cappadocia. 

I had the Turkish ravioli at Afara Restaurant and it was wonderful. Paired with a glass of wine from the region, it was seriously the most amazing meal. There’s also a restaurant literally called “Turkish Ravioli Restaurant” in Gorme and it’s highly rated, so worth a try if you are looking for a good manti in Cappadocia.

Day 3 | Last Full Day of Exploring Cappadocia

Sunrise at Sunrise Point or your Hotel 

Even though you did your hot air balloon ride on the first morning, it’s still worth waking up at sunrise to experience the magic from a different perspective. Seriously it’s just as stunning watching all the hot air balloons fill the sky from below. 

Sunrise Point is a great place in Cappadocia to watch the hundreds of balloons take flight. If you have a rooftop at your hotel, this is also the perfect spot. My hotel had a nice rooftop and a little yard that made for an amazing place to watch the sunrise. 

Uçhisar Castle 

Next on this Cappadocia Turkey itinerary is a visit to Uçhisar Castle. This is not your typical castle, it’s a natural rock formation and the highest point in Cappadocia – an ancient fortress carved out of the rock. 

The area offers panoramic views of the region, making it the perfect spot for photographers, adventurers, and anyone looking to take in Cappadocia’s unique beauty. 

If you’re up for a hike, you can walk 5 km through the Pigeon Valley up to Uçhisar Castle. Otherwise, you can opt for a taxi. Once you arrive, you’ll need to pay 10 Turkish Lira to enter. 

Hammam or Turkish massage

After all the exploring it’s time to treat yourself to a traditional Turkish hammam or massage. No trip to Turkey is complete without a Hammam experience. 

A traditional Turkish hammam entails a steam room for relaxation followed by a full body scrub down, a foam massage, and finally, you’ll sip tea and unwind in a relaxation area. 

A a couple of good hammams in Cappadocia are Kelebek Turkish Bath and TanTan House Cappadocia. I ended up going to TanTan House Cappadocia and getting a Turkish massage which was amazing. I had Turkish tea and time in the steam room followed by a full body massage, a facemask, and then a shower. 

Book a hammam experience in Cappadocia here!

Sunset Horse Riding in Cappadocia 

Another amazing experience in Cappadocia is a sunset horse ride. This is an unforgettable yet affordable experience in Cappadocia. 

The ride will last about two hours and includes pickup and drop off from your hotel, a tour through the beautiful valleys of Cappadocia on horseback, and a stunning sunset. You will have experienced instructors to help you if you need them. 

Book a horse riding tour in Cappadocia here. 

Optional: Retro Car Tour in Cappadocia

If horse riding isn’t your thing, opt for a retro car tour. You’ll notice all sorts of retro cars around the city. The cars make for a fun way to get around Cappadocia and of course, are an amazing photo op. 

You can rent one of these cars on your own or book a vintage car tour. Renting a car gives you flexibility and opting for a tour is nice if you want more of a guided experience. 

Where to Eat in Cappadocia, Turkey

• Dibek: A traditional cave restaurant that’s over 475 years old.  
• Turkish Ice Cream: You’ll see ice cream stands in town and you have to try traditional Turkish ice cream, it’s delicious! 
• Henna Hotel Rooftop Bar: For good cocktails and the most stunning view.  
• Göreme Restaurant: Delicious pottery kebab and traditional dishes. 
• The Goat: For coffee. 
• Tast of Moms: For traditional gozleme (Turkish crepes).  
• La Petite Pause: Another cute cafe and coffee shop.  
• Afara Restaurant: I had delicious manti here. 

Map | Cappadocia Turkey Itinerary

FAQs About Visiting Cappadocia

Where is Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is a region located in central Turkey, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. It spans several provinces, with Nevşehir being the largest city. 

The heart of Cappadocia’s tourism lies in the charming town of Göreme. Göreme is famous for its unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, and boutique cave hotels, making it the most popular base for exploring the region. 

How to get to Cappadocia? 

By Plane 

If you are visiting from another country or on a tight schedule and would like to get to Cappadocia as quickly as possible, traveling via plane is the best option. You will fly into Nevşehir or Kayseri. 

If you’re traveling from another country, you may have to connect in a larger city such as Istanbul or Antalya before taking a domestic flight to the Cappadocia region. 

Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) is located about 40 minutes from Göreme, this is the closest airport to Cappadocia. It’s tiny but offers convenient domestic flights.

On the other hand, Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) is situated about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Göreme, you’ll have more domestic flight options here as this airport is larger than NAV. 

You can arrange private transfers, shuttle services, or car rentals from either airport. I suggest contacting your accommodation to arrange airport transport for you. 

When I was leaving Cappadocia, I flew out of Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV). My hotel arranged an airport shuttle for me at a very affordable price.  

By Bus 

Another common way to travel to Cappadocia is by bus. This is popular if you are coming from other Turkish cities such as Istanbul or Antalya. The bus network around Turkey is honestly pretty good.

I took a bus from Antalya to Cappadocia with Flixbus and it was a smooth ride. It was long (around 8 hours) but it was a comfortable ride. The buses in Turkey are also very affordable, so if you are on a budget, this is definitely the best option. 

Book your buses in Turkey with Omio. 

How to get around Cappadocia? 

If you’re planning on staying in central Cappadocia, Göreme (which I suggest you do), a majority of attractions are within walking distance. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops in town that you can walk to.

If you have an activity scheduled, the tour operators typically always provide transportation to and from your hotel which is great for those activities that are a drive away. Keep in mind that Cappadocia can be quite hilly, especially if you are looking for hidden viewpoints.

You can also use taxis to get around and the best way to book a taxi from my experience, is to have your hotel arrange you a taxi or a driver. This way you’ll be using a trusted company with fair prices. 

How many days do you need in Cappadocia Turkey? 

I suggest at minimum two nights and ideally three. You want to give yourself enough time to experience the hot air balloon ride at sunrise. 

At times, depending on the weather, the balloons don’t go up for safety reasons. If this is the case at the time of your balloon flight, then they will bump your flights to the next morning. 

Aside from that, you really want to have three days in Cappadocia to experience all that this unique region has to offer. Go explore the town of Göreme, visit a carpet shop, book an ATV tour, and ride horses at sunset. There’s plenty to do in this area for three days. 

Is 3 days enough in Cappadocia? 

Yes! This will give you enough time to experience the best of Cappadocia without squeezing too much into each day. Although, if you have 4 or 5 days in Cappadocia, you’ll certainly have enough to experience. 

Three days in Cappadocia allows you enough time in case your balloon flight is canceled on the first day. And obviously, you’ll see all the other amazing things in Cappadocia. 

Which month is best for Cappadocia Turkey? 

The ideal time to visit Cappadocia is during the shoulder season which is April, May, September, and October. However, I visited in August and had a wonderful time. It was extremely hot in August though, so if you want to avoid the heat, don’t visit during summer.  

It does snow in Cappadocia, so keep this in mind if you plan to visit during the winter or the spring. It gets extremely cold so be prepared for this weather if you visit from December to March. 

Should I spend more time in Cappadocia or Istanbul? 

This depends on what you are looking to experience. Istanbul is a bustling city that would take months to explore. You’ll need at least a week to explore the highlights of Istanbul. 

On the other hand, Cappadocia is a more unique and relaxing destination. For those looking for a laid-back vacation outside of a city, then Cappadocia is the place to spend more time. 

If sightseeing is your top priority, spending more time in Istanbul just makes the most sense because there is so much to see in the city. In terms of sights and things to do, there is less in Cappadocia. 

Do balloons fly every day in Cappadocia?

Yes, however, this is weather-dependent. The balloons will not fly in stormy weather or rain. An hour before takeoff they will do a weather check to plan the flight.  

Is Cappadocia worth the hype?

Absolutely! Cappadocia is such a magical and unique destination. There’s nowhere else in the world like it. After traveling to over 50 countries, Cappadocia is a place like no other I have experienced. 

The hot air balloon ride itself was worth a visit to this stunning region. Everything about Cappadocia is amazing and well worth adding to your bucket list. 

Is a balloon ride in Cappadocia worth it? 

Yes, 100% You can’t leave Cappadocia without riding a hot air balloon at sunrise. It’s as if you’re in a movie. 

Where to stay in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia is technically a region and the main town where people stay is called Göreme. I suggest finding a hotel, Airbnb, or hostel here. Cappadocia is famous for its cave hotels which are so cool and unique to the region, so if you can, stay in a cave hotel! 

There are so many amazing accommodation options in Cappadocia but I’ve listed some of my favorites below. 

Seven Rock Cave | Surprisingly enough Cappadocia does have hostels! If you are alone and looking to meet people, a hostel is your best bet. Book Seven Rock Cave here. 

Alâ Stone Hotel | I stayed here and it was perfect. The property was a short walk from town and I had the most amazing view of the balloons in the morning. The staff was very accommodating, and they offered laundry service for an affordable fee. Not to mention, they had the cutest kitten that lived there and I was obsessed. Check availability here. 

Cappadocia Cave Suites | This is another highly rated cave hotel in Göreme. They offer free breakfast, and wifi, and have the most beautiful rooftop terrace for watching the balloons at sunrise. Check availability here.

I hope you enjoyed this Cappadocia Turkey itinerary! If you have any questions about planning your trip to Turkey, comment below or DM me on Instagram! 

Recommended Tours in Cappadocia

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