Magical Experiences as a Solo Traveler in Cappadocia

Hot Air Balloon Ride

You can’t go to Cappadocia without experiencing a Hot Air Balloon ride. The amazing photos of the hot air balloons rising with the sunset on Instagram definitely made Cappadocia a place to go to. I booked my flight with a Guvercin Balloon partner. They pick you up from your hotel and provide you with snacks and champagne after the flight. I would definitely recommend bringing a jacket because it gets a little chilly.

Carpet & Rug Shopping

Turkey is well known for its textiles, especially for their carpets and rugs. Whether you plan on buying one or just want to browse, there are plenty of options in Cappadocia. If you want to do a full-on photo shoot, some shops will take you to a set up where you can take photos for a fee, which is a great option for a solo traveler. Sultan Carpets is known for this. I bought a beautiful runner and pillowcases for a great price at Seven Brothers Carpet. The owner was so friendly and offered me tea while I was looking at different rugs. It is a custom to drink tea in the shops to chat and bartering is welcome unless stated on a sign outside of the door. If you want to buy a rug, most shops will ship it back home for you or back it tight to fit in your luggage.

Uchisar Castle

If you are staying in Uchisar or Göreme, you should check out Uchisar Castle. It’s an easy bus ride from Göreme and has some beautiful panoramic views of the valley when you go to the top of the castle. There were some people who demonstrated how they cooked inside the castle. When you are done exploring the castle, you can check out the restaurants nearby.

Göreme Open Air Museum

Just a 15 minute walk outside of Göreme, you can check out the Göreme Open Air Museum. It has these amazing rock-cut churches with famed frescoes. The churches date back to the early days of Christianity, and you can see the amazing paintings inside. It’s definitely a place to check out on a four day stay in Cappadocia.

Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley is located outside of Uchisar in Cappadocia. There are holes in the rock that homes for pigeons. It is where the locals used to collect poop for fertilizer. It’s a nice area to hike and you get a nice panoramic view where you go to park. When you are done, you can check out a local winery by the entrance.

Turkish Bath & Hamman

A big tradition in Turkey is a Turkish Bath and Hamman. There are some great options in Cappadocia if you need time to whine down. Each place has its own spa packages. They typically involve exfoliation, body masks, a soap massage and a normal massage. The set up varies depending on the spa, but it is traditional for men and women to be separated. I definitely recommend the Panoramic Cave Spa & Private Turkish Hamman. You can get a nice meal after your spa day with a great view of Cappadocia.

Day Trips:

In Cappadocia, there are three main day trips that you can do. You can do the Red Line, Green Line and Blue Line tours. You can sign up for them ahead of time on Viator. I booked the Green Line tour through my hotel. My guide was very knowledgeable, and I got to see the Göreme Panoramic View and Pigeon Valley, as well as being able to explore the Underground City and the Ihlara Valley.

One Way Cafe

If you want to have a fun evening with live music, food and drinks, you should check out One Way Cafe. It has a great ambiance with semi outdoor seating. It’s a great place for a night cap if you want to get a drink and enjoy music as a solo traveler in Cappadocia.

Wood Fire Barbeque

If you want great food with large portion sizes, you definitely should check out Wood Fire Barbeque. The staff is so friendly and you can’t go wrong with any of the food. You get complimentary apple tea and fruit. This is a great lunch spot since it’s close to all of the local shopping.

Inci Cave Restaurant Göreme

I definitely recommend Inci Cave Restaurant Göreme if you want to experience a cool dining experience inside of a cave. It’s a popular restaurant in Göreme where you need to make a reservation, and can be located near the city center. The lamb chomps were delicious and I had a great experience with the staff.

Sun Shine Cafe

You can’t go to Turkey without experiencing some great tea and baklava. This cafe was located across the street from my hotel. It had delicious baklava and tea. It was an easy spot to pick up a quick snack while exploring Cappadocia as a solo traveler.

Mimoza

This place is worth checking out if you want a local experience. The prices are lower than most restaurants in the area, especially in the center of Göreme. When you are walking by, you typically see local men playing games on the tables. This would be a great spot if you want some tea for a night cap.

My Mother’s Restaurant

In Cappadocia, there are a plethora of rooftop restaurants. If you want to experience a cozy and local vibes restaurant, I definitely recommend My Mother’s Restaurant. It’s a little off the beaten path with a cute rainbow staircase leading up to the terrace. The staff was so attentive and the pottery kebab was delicious. You get a great view of Cappadocia, too. I would go there for dinner when Göreme is all lit up.