Things To Do
in Gülşehir

Gülşehir sits in the heart of Cappadocia, surrounded by rugged rock formations and fertile farmland. The town offers a calm base for exploring nearby valleys, cave churches, and scenic viewpoints. Its friendly locals, traditional stone houses, and windswept landscapes give visitors a sense of everyday Anatolian life.

While quieter than Göreme or Ürgüp, Gülşehir provides authentic experiences, delicious food, and easy access to the broader Cappadocia region.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration of Gülşehir
morning
:

Arrive in Gülşehir and settle into your accommodation, taking in the charming atmosphere of this small town. Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Turkish pastries and tea. Stroll through the quaint streets, admiring the unique rock formations and friendly locals.

afternoon
:

Visit the stunning Gülşehir Uçhisar Castle, where you can explore the ancient cave dwellings and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring delicious kebabs and fresh salads. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the nearby fairy chimneys in the Devrent Valley, capturing incredible photographs of these natural wonders.

evening
:

Return to Gülşehir for dinner at a family-run eatery, where the aroma of home-cooked Turkish cuisine fills the air. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk around the town square, immersing yourself in the local culture and perhaps even joining a friendly game of backgammon with the residents. As night falls, relax at your accommodation and reflect on your first day in this captivating region.

day 2
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience
morning
:

Wake up early for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, including fairy chimneys and rose-colored valleys. As you float above the ancient rock formations, the sunrise paints the sky in mesmerizing hues. After landing, celebrate with a traditional champagne toast and snacks before returning to Gülşehir for breakfast.

afternoon
:

Spend your afternoon exploring the Zelve Open-Air Museum, where you can wander through the incredible rock-cut churches and ancient cave dwellings. Enjoy a picnic lunch among the serene landscapes, taking in the striking natural beauty that surrounds you. Continue your exploration by visiting Pasabag Valley, known for its remarkable mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to Gülşehir for dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant, where you can try regional specialties such as manti (Turkish dumplings) or testi kebab. Afterward, consider attending a Whirling Dervishes performance for a truly immersive cultural experience. End your day relaxing with a warm cup of Turkish tea at a café, soaking in the tranquil ambiance of the town.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee or tea$1-3
🚌One-way local transport$0.50-1
🛌Budget hotel per night$25-60
🧀Grocery staple (bread, milk, eggs)$1-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich history and welcoming locals
  • Proximity to Cappadocia’s landscapes and cave sites
  • Limited nightlife within town boundaries
  • Occasional crowds in peak season nearby
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Affedersiniz" - Excuse me / Pardon
  • "Neredesiniz?" - Where are you?
  • "Türk lirası ile ödeyebilir miyim?" - Can I pay in Turkish Lira?
  • "İngilizce konuşabilir misiniz?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Could you help me?

Places to Visit in Gülşehir

Visit one of these nice places.

Gülşehir Castle Ruins

Ruins perched on a hill offering sweeping views of the town and surrounding valleys, especially stunning at sunset.

Kızılırmak River Banks

Easy riverside promenade with golden hour reflections and birdlife; good for long-exposure water shots.

Old Town Stone Alleys

Narrow lanes with whitewashed and blackened stone houses, ideal for texture-rich street photography.

Countryside Viewpoints

Elevated terraces overlooking the vineyards and hills surrounding Gülşehir for panoramic Cappadocian landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Gülşehir

Cappadocia’s cuisine blends Central Anatolian staples with seasonal produce; expect lamb, vegetables, yogurt, breads, and dairy, often enjoyed with ayran.

Gülşehir Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Testi Kebabı (Pottery Kebab)

A slow-cooked meat and vegetable stew sealed in a clay pot; the pot is cracked open at the table for a dramatic presentation.

Must-Try!

Mantı (Turkish Dumplings)

Delicate dumplings topped with garlic yogurt and pepper oil.

Gözleme

Savory stuffed flatbread cooked on a griddle; filled with cheese, spinach, potatoes or meat.

Sac Tava

A traditional pan-cooked grilled meat dish served with onions and herbs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Gülşehir Weekly Market

Seasonal stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, olives, bread, and local snacks; a great place to sample street foods.

Street Food

Simit (sesame rings), gözleme stalls, and roasted chestnuts appear along town lanes, especially on market days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Gülşehir experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and autumn are mild and comfortable for outdoor exploration, while summer can be very sunny and dry.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and conversation

Greet with a handshake and a smile; a little small talk about family and health is common.

Dress and modesty

Dress modestly in public places and especially when visiting mosques; shoulders and knees should be covered.

Respect for elders

Show respect in social interactions; allow elders to speak first and use polite forms of address.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people or private property; some interiors may restrict photography.

Safety Guide

Safety

Petty crime is relatively low in town; always guard valuables in crowded areas. Use sunscreen in summer and carry water; watch footing on uneven stone streets after rain. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for police or medical assistance. When driving, be mindful of rural roads and farm traffic.

Tipping in Gülşehir

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants a 5-10% tip for good service is common; small tips for hotel staff and guides are appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash (Turkish Lira) is widely accepted; many places also take credit/debit cards; some markets and small vendors may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot, dry days with intense sun; carry water, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Expect dry air and clear skies with dramatic blue horizons.

Spring

Mild temperatures with blooming wildflowers; great time for hiking and photography, though rain is possible in spring showers.

Autumn

Pleasant temperatures and harvest season; comfortable for walking and outdoor exploration; evenings can be cool.

Winter

Cold with possible snow and icy mornings; some outdoor trails may be less accessible; indoor attractions and cozy cafes are ideal.

Nightlife Guide

Gülşehir at Night

In Gülşehir, nightlife is low-key, with cozy tea houses and small meyhanes where locals chat late into the evening. For more lively options, head to nearby towns in Cappadocia, where bars and live music are available, especially on weekends. Many visitors enjoy stargazing from quiet viewpoints after dark.

Hiking in Gülşehir

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ihlara Valley (near Cappadocia region)

A longer, scenic hike through a river gorge with cave churches; available for day trips from Gülşehir.

Vales of the Cappadocia region

Rugged hills with rock formations and viewpoints suitable for day hikes; ideal for photography and sunrise shoots.

Airports

How to reach Gülşehir by plane.

Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV)

Closest airport with domestic and limited international connections; about 45-60 minutes by car to Gülşehir.

Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)

Major regional airport with more flight options; about 1 hour 15 minutes by road.

Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)

Large international hub; drive is roughly 3-3.5 hours to the Cappadocia area.

Getting Around

Walkability

Gülşehir is compact with many sights reachable on foot from the town center; some streets are steep and cobbled, so wear comfortable shoes. Plan longer treks if you want to reach viewpoints on the outskirts.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Predominantly ethnic Turkish locals, with families contributing to a stable, agricultural and service-based economy; small seasonal workers and visitors in the area.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport; local clubs and informal play are common in parks and schools.

Transportation

Traffic

In town, traffic is light and parking is usually available near the center. Regional roads connect Gülşehir to Nevşehir and other Cappadocian towns; dolmuş minibuses offer affordable transport between towns and villages.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Gülşehir.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be prepared meat-free by asking for vegetables, yogurt-based sauces, and bread; look for mantı without meat and mezze platters.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics in Gülşehir for routine care; for more serious conditions, the larger city of Nevşehir has hospitals and specialists. The 112 emergency number is used countrywide; carry any necessary medical documents and insurance information when traveling.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide