Göreme Open Air Museum — Attraction in Avanos

Definitely the place to visit when in Cappadocia! We visited at the end of the day (just before 6pm) and were the last people to be admitted. As such we did not have much time to spend, however, we were not met with congestion and loads of tourists around and we got great sunset views! We decided to get a tour guide for 25 euros (discounted price as we were last and he would not be spending much time with us) who was courteous and eager. Nevertheless, I have to admit his knowledge was not extending beyond the information we could find on the signs outside each monastery, church and monument. So it was a little waste of money, but a great company nonetheless! Tips: (1) go either first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon - but allow yourself time for visiting all places of interest. (2) do your research with hiring a tour guide and ensure you find someone knowledgeable with good reviews online. The price can always be negotiated on the spot depending on the type of tourist you are - wanting pics and a story for your friends and family or wanting the full blown historic facts tour with a bit of the rest too! (3) DO NOT TAKE PICTURES IN CHURCHES WHERE NOT ALLOWED- I could not stress enough how hostile the staff/security are when they see you holding a phone, camera upon entry. We had a terrible experience with a particular security staff who did not speak a word of English and was shouting and threatening us for making the mistake of walking in with the camera on after taking pics outside. They are rude, (clearly) dislike tourists (and their job as they appeared bored to say the least) and you won't be able to win an argument with them. (4) wear comfortable shoes as some of the points of climbing are slippery. Comfortable clothing and a hat are also recommended. Take your bottle of water too as there is a cafeteria only at the...

A Long-Time Visitor’s Honest Review of Cappadocia (2025) This review is about my overall experience of Cappadocia over the years. I first visited in 2016 and instantly fell in love with the place. Since then, I’ve returned six times. Back then, it was peaceful, authentic, beautiful, and very affordable, with far fewer tourists.

Unfortunately, things have changed a lot over the years. As of 2025, Cappadocia has become a major tourist hotspot. While increased tourism isn’t necessarily bad, it has brought negative side effects. The area, especially Göreme, now feels like a money-making machine. Prices have skyrocketed due to high demand, and what used to be a quiet village with just a few restaurants and cave hotels is now packed—restaurants on top of restaurants and hotels on top of hotels. The charm and authenticity that once made Göreme special have faded.

I’ve also noticed massive price inflation. Items that cost 10 lira in a local grocery store elsewhere are now being sold for four to five times the price in tourist-heavy areas. It’s disappointing to see this kind of exploitation. Even prices for tours and attractions, which used to be listed in Turkish liras and were quite affordable, are now often quoted in Euros, with significant hikes in recent years.

If you’re planning a trip to Cappadocia, I highly recommend staying or dining in Urgup instead of Göreme. Urgup still holds on to its authentic charm and remains more budget-friendly, likely thanks to the presence of local universities and colleges, which help keep prices reasonable for both locals and visitors. It’s truly sad to see how greed has changed this beautiful region. I still love Cappadocia, but I miss the version of it that felt genuine,...

Visited the museum right after I checked into my hotel in Capadócia. It was something that I had done research on when searching for things to do in the town. Walking toward the entrance, there are many shops and restaurants in case you are hungry or thirsty before or after your visit. The entrance fee was 20 euros, but free/cheaper for Turkish nationals, which I find unfair. You have the option to also pay in Turkish Lira. After entering the museum grounds, I was quickly approached by a guide offering his service, which he quoted me and my wife 30 euros to tour with us and provide information. I respectfully declined and he let me go with no hassle or difficulty, which I appreciated. Unfortunately for us, there weren’t a lot of information guides/posters around the museum that offer insight and information on the grounds and its history. It’s a museum that limits you to only take pictures and see with your own eyes the many cave churches on the grounds. After leaving the park/museum and walking towards town, I noticed MANY caves easily accessible on the side of the road that allows anyone to enter for FREE. After realizing this, I wished that I had known, because the only thing that I gained from paying 20 euros to enter the museum were a couple of pictures of the church caves form the outside (since you’re not allowed to take pictures inside), and pictures inside regular caves in which I could have gotten for free just 200 Metres down the road from the museum entrance. Personally speaking, I think paying 20 euros is way too much for the 30-1 hour experience inside the museum grounds. If you’re interested in seeing the artwork on the walls inside the churches, that would be you’re only benefit from visiting...