Things To Do
in Nevşehir
Nevşehir sits in central Anatolia as the gateway to Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes. The town blends history with a modern, friendly Turkish atmosphere and serves as a base for exploring fairy chimneys, cave churches, and underground cities. Cappadocia's valleys and open-air museums are easily reachable from Nevşehir, making day trips convenient.
The area offers warm hospitality, distinctive pottery traditions in nearby towns, and a steady rhythm of markets and tea houses.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful Turkish breakfast at a local café, where you can enjoy fresh bread, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese. After breakfast, wander through the narrow streets of Nevşehir's historic center, taking in the stunning architecture and unique rock formations. Don't miss visiting the impressive Nevşehir Castle, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding region.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring traditional Anatolian dishes, continue your exploration by visiting the local museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the Cappadocia region. Spend some time shopping for handmade crafts and souvenirs from local artisans in the bustling market. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a leisurely walk to the nearby fairy chimneys, marveling at their otherworldly shapes.
In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated landscape. Experience traditional Turkish music and dance performances that showcase the cultural heritage of the region. End your day with a stroll through the charming streets, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic town.
Rise early to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking Cappadocia landscape. As you ascend, watch the sunrise paint the sky with vibrant colors while floating above fairy chimneys and ancient cave dwellings. Enjoy the serene beauty of the valleys below, capturing stunning photographs from high above.
After your balloon ride, celebrate your adventure with a champagne toast and a light breakfast provided by your tour operator. Spend the afternoon visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you can explore rock-cut churches adorned with ancient frescoes. Take your time to appreciate the artistry and the historical significance of these remarkable sites.
Return to your accommodation to rest and refresh after a thrilling day. For dinner, indulge in a traditional pottery kebab at a local restaurant, where the dish is cooked in a sealed clay pot and served with great flair. Conclude your evening with a stroll around the town, enjoying the cool night air and the twinkling stars above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/Tea | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Hotel room (per night) | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- extraordinary Cappadocia scenery within easy reach
- friendly locals and strong hospitality
- well-preserved cave hotels and unique cuisine
- easy day trips to Goreme, Avanos, Ürgüp, and underground cities
- peak-season crowds can be busy, especially in summer
- some sites require advance bookings and driving times can be longer than expected
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Burası nerede?" - Where is this place?
- "İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Nevşehir
Visit one of these nice places.
A UNESCO site with cave churches and frescoes perched in a rocky hillside.
Panoramic views over Cappadocia from the tallest rock-cut fortress.
A scenic valley famous for dovecotes and soft tints at sunrise.
Stunning fairy chimney formations—great for sunrise or sunset photography.
Tall mushroom-shaped chimneys with a dramatic landscape.
A colossal rock-cut fortress offering an overlooking vantage point.
Ancient subterranean city with winding tunnels and rooms to explore.
Food in Nevşehir
Nevşehir Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature Cappadocian dish where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot, cracked open at the table.
Must-Try!
Tiny dumplings filled with spiced meat, topped with yogurt and garlic sauce.
Similar to testi kebabı, often cooked in a clay vessel in traditional ovens.
Thin stuffed flatbread–savory or sweet–grilled over a hot pan.
A tangy yogurt and cereal soup popular in the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, olives, and homemade jams; great for an authentic breakfast scene.
Grab simit (sesame bagel), börek slices, gözleme, and ayran from street vendors for a quick meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Turkish hospitality is warm; a handshake or light kiss on both cheeks is common among friends. Remove shoes when entering someone’s home unless asked otherwise.
Offering and accepting tea is a social gesture; expect to be offered tea at many shops and homes.
In rural areas and religious sites, modest dress is appreciated; shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting sacred places.
Always ask before photographing people, especially in market or rural settings.
Safety
Tipping in Nevşehir
Ensure a smooth experience
If service charges are not included, consider 5-10% in restaurants. Small tips to hotel porters and guides are appreciated. Taxis rounding up to the nearest lira is common.
Cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants; cash in Turkish Lira is handy for markets and small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming valleys; carry a light layer for cool mornings and variable showers.
Hot days and cooler nights; bring sun protection, stay hydrated, and book early-morning balloon rides.
Pleasant weather and autumn colors; ideal for hiking and photography with softer light.
Cold with possible snow; some outdoor sites may have limited access, but cave hotels provide warmth and atmosphere.
Nevşehir at Night
Hiking in Nevşehir
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike through pastel-colored rock formations and vineyards, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
A mix of smooth paths and rocky sections with panoramic views and unique sunset colors.
A river gorge with shaded trails and rock-cut churches; doable as a half-day hike from nearby towns.
Gentle, iconic rock chimneys along a tranquil trail with wide-open viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Nevşehir by plane.
A regional airport serving Cappadocia with domestic connections; typically a 40-60 minute drive to Göreme, Ürgüp, or Nevşehir town.
A larger airport with more international and domestic flights; about 70-90 minutes by road to the Cappadocia region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily ethnic Turkish with rural and agrarian communities surrounding the towns; a growing number of families in service and tourism roles.
A mix of domestic travelers and international visitors attracted to Cappadocia's landscapes and cave hotels.
Some expatriates work in hospitality and cultural centers within Cappadocia; English is commonly used in tourist services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Turkey, including Nevşehir; local clubs and informal leagues are common in towns.
Played in schools and community centers; tournaments and pick-up games occur seasonally.
Public courts and clubs provide opportunities for lessons and play.
A traditional activity in Cappadocia, with guided rides through valleys and vineyards.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nevşehir.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common: lentil soups, bread with dips, grilled vegetables, stuffed peppers, and çoban salad. Request no meat in dishes and ask for yogurt or cheese-based plates.