2025 Derinkuyu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Attraction: Derinkuyu Underground City Address: Bayramlı, Niğde Cd.,Derinkuyu, Türkey Opening Hours: 8am to 6:15pm Derinkuyu underground city is an ancient multi-level underground city in the town of Derinkuyu in Turkey, it is approximately 85 metres deep. It is large enough to have sheltered as many as 20,000 people together with their livestock and food. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site. It is strongly recommended to visit this place if you are visiting Cappadocia. You can learn a lot of history about how people used to escape wars and how they lived under the caves. Tip: Mind your head as you walk as the paths and narrow and short. #timetotravel #turkey #cave #heritage

It was included in the Green Tour. It's amazing to see and imagine the underground city that was so large that more than ten thousand people could live there in the past... Of course, tourists can only see 10% of the total. It's a sad history of having to escape enemies, but there's a school, a kitchen, a ventilation shaft, and a stable. I'm amazed by the systematic appearance of the city. #June Travel Support Fund

It is a historical site where people hid and lived to escape the persecution of the Roman army. It is a large historical site that is as deep as an apartment building 21 stories deep and has a school and a wine cellar. It is difficult to walk around bending down, but it is worth a visit. It is like an ancient apartment building with 8 floors underground and it was so much fun to see. It was amazing to see the chapel and living room deep underground, and the air passage that also served as an elevator was amazing. There are several sections in the middle that are very narrow and you have to duck to get through. So I think it would be difficult for the elderly to go down that deep. #June travel support fund

A large underground city dug underground. It is known to have once been a place where Christians who fled from Arabs resided. Internal passages and ventilation shafts connect each underground floor, and there are churches, schools, bedrooms, kitchens, and wells. #June Travel Support Fund

Derinkuyu is a large underground city that has been dug underground like an anthill. It is known to have been a place where Christians who fled from Arabs once lived. Internal passages and ventilation shafts are connected to each underground floor, and there are churches, schools, bedrooms, kitchens, and wells. In preparation for enemy invasion, round wheel-shaped stones were installed in each passage to block the passages in case of emergency, and unique symbols were used to mark the paths so that intruders from outside would get lost, and there were many passages like a maze. According to the guide, The bathrooms were not inside for sanitary reasons. It is known to be 8 underground floors, and there are small holes for communication, and there is also a winery. Most cooking was done during dinner time. It is said that Derinkuyu became known when a farmer accidentally discovered it while chasing a chicken. #June travel support fund

Inside Derinkuyu, there are churches, schools, kitchens, wells, and warehouses. In particular, round wheel-shaped stone gates were installed to block passages in case of emergency to prevent intrusion from the outside. It has been open to the public since 1965, and only about 10% of the total area is currently open. The ventilation system inside is still functioning, showing how sophisticated the construction techniques were at the time. Derinkuyu was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, and is one of the must-see attractions for travelers visiting the Cappadocia region. #June Travel Support Fund

A huge underground city where early Christians built churches and houses underground to escape the persecution of the Roman Empire and lived in hiding. It is a huge underground facility with 8 floors underground that can accommodate up to 30,000 people. It is a must-visit course for group tourists, and depending on the time of day, it can be very crowded, and the underground paths are narrow and rough, so comfortable shoes that do not slip are essential. #June travel subsidy

I booked through Real Turkey. The balloon tour started with a pickup around 4 AM and returned to the accommodation around 6:30 AM. The flight time was approximately 1 hour! At first, when ascending into the sky, it was scarier than I imagined, but later, I enjoyed taking photos and the experience. (As of June 25, 2010, the cost was 105 euros, and payment via lira was also possible!) The Green Tour ran from 10 AM to 6:30 PM, covering valleys, mountain ranges, underground caves, and more. Lunch was provided during the tour. Essentials include a parasol, sunscreen, and water, as it requires more physical stamina than expected. If you prefer a comfortable tour over renting a car due to the distances involved, I highly recommend it.

📍Derinkuyu Underground City Bayramlı, Niğde Cd., 50700 Derinkuyu/Nevşehir, Turkey I took a bus to the underground ruins of the city of Derinkuyu. There is another underground city called Kaymakli, but I decided to go further away because I heard that it was overflowing with people from tours. At first, it was difficult to even move forward because of the large number of tour guests, but once the waves passed, I was able to calmly look around. Derinkuyu Underground City can be visited up to the 8th floor underground, and even though it is underground, it is a real city with living space, wineries, food storage, reservoirs, and even schools! The many passages that are spread out like a maze are just like an ant's nest. Many of the passages required bending down to move through, so my back hurts 💧 #AbsolutelyFreeTravel

"I want to take you to romantic Turkey" – Cappadocia brings this lyric to life! A must-do experience when visiting Turkey is the hot air balloon adventure in Cappadocia. ✨ Why Cappadocia is Unmissable: ✅ Planetary-Level Wonder: A 3-million-year-old volcanic "lunar landscape" with fairy chimneys, cave churches, and underground cities – every shot looks like an alien blockbuster! ✅ The Ultimate Hot Air Balloon Experience: The world's most beautiful ballooning destination! Hundreds of balloons take flight at sunrise, painting the sky with romance against the dawn glow 🎈 ✅ Dual UNESCO Heritage: Recognized as both a Cultural and Natural World Heritage site, featuring millennia-old frescoes and 8-story underground cities brimming with mystery 🚀 Recommended 3-Day Itinerary Day 1: Cave Hotel + Sunset Ceremony Stay in a Rock Palace: ✅ Luxury Option: Cappadocia Cave Resort (~¥2300/night) with 5-star cave spa and terrace wine views of surreal rock formations ✅ Budget-Friendly: Dervish Cave Hotel (¥800+/night) with stone-walled rooms and rooftop balloon viewing platform – perfect for photos Sunset Chasing: 🌄 Uçhisar Castle: 360° panoramic views as sunset turns "fairy chimneys" rose gold Day 2: Hot Air Balloon + Green Tour 5:00 AM Balloon Ride: ⚠️ Book 1 month ahead! Choose 16-person baskets (¥1100-1800) for 60-90 minute flights, avoiding crowded large baskets 📸 Photo Tips: Wear bright sweaters/long dresses – corner basket spots are most photogenic! - Green Tour (¥400+): → Derinkuyu Underground City: Explore 8-level tunnels of ancient Christian refuge → Ihlara Valley: 4km riverside hike discovering cave churches → Selime Monastery: Star Wars filming location with breathtaking cliffside monastery Day 3: Red Tour Photography + ATV Adventure - Red Tour Self-Drive (¥350/day private car): 💖 Love Valley: Must-photograph "stone forest" viewpoint with sci-fi landscapes 🖼️ Göreme Open-Air Museum: 30 cave churches with millennia-old frescoes (₺300 entry) 🏺 Avanos: DIY pottery! Turkish blue ceramics make perfect souvenirs - ATV Sunset Tour: 💥 Ride through Rose Valley (¥150/2h), chasing sunset through red rock canyons – absolutely epic! 💡 Practical Tips 🔸 Transport: ✈️ Istanbul→Kayseri (cheaper) or Nevşehir (closer) airports, ¥150/person hotel transfer. 🚗 Join day tours for Red/Green routes – easier than self-driving and includes lunch/entry fees 🔸 Money-Saving: 💸 Book balloons early – Cool Destinations offers ¥1140 early-bird deals (vs ¥1800+ walk-in). 🍴 Avoid tourist traps – try Testi Kebab (₺200 claypot meat) and rice pudding in Göreme town

#HawaiiFlightEvent Derinkuyu Underground City was one of the tourist destinations that was really loved by locals. I recommend that you visit it at least once. The underground city that I visited while traveling to Goreme! It was a Turkish culture that I couldn't see in Korea.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The underground city I visited on a trip to Goreme! It was a Turkish culture that I had not seen in Korea. I visited the underground city during the Green Tour, and even if it was not a tour, it was a famous place that many locals visit!

#HawaiiFlightEvent I went on a trip to Goreme and visited the underground city. It was a Turkish culture that I couldn't see in Korea. I visited the underground city because it was part of the Green Tour scheduleㅜ It was a fun place with a lot to see beyond my expectations.

#HawaiiFlightEvent The underground city I visited on a trip to Goreme! It was a Turkish culture that I had not seen in Korea. The underground city was one of the Green Tour itineraries, and it was more fun and there was more to see than I expected! Maybe because there was a guide, I was able to understand it well, which was nice.

Never thought this view will occur in-front of my eye. It is like the picture in story tale. Very impressive

I wonder if you can imagine 50,000 people living in this underground ancient city thousands of years ago? And this underground ancient city is even 12 floors deep, we stay in this underground world twenty-four hours a day! 🤯 Walking in more like an underground maze, the route is very complicated, following the bag if you have a walk can easily get lost. There is a kitchen, living room, bedroom, even a church inside - it can be said that the development is very mature. I heard that this underground ancient city was built to escape war and plague, to protect their clan. 🤯🤩 💰Average consumption per person: ~$200 #globaltravel

The "Green Route" one-day tour of Cappadocia took me deep into the secrets of this magical land, exploring spectacular canyons, mysterious underground cities, and magnificent natural landscapes. Although there are red and blue line itineraries in the area, the green line covers the most magnificent natural scenery and cultural history, which left a deep impression on me. Early in the morning, we first came to Derinkuyu Underground City, which is the deepest underground city in Cappadocia. Walking into the narrow passage, it’s as if you’ve traveled back in time hundreds of years. This was once a refuge built by Christians to escape persecution. There are churches, storage rooms, ventilation shafts, etc. in the underground city. The structure is complex and ingenious, which makes people marvel at the wisdom and perseverance of the people at that time. Next, we head to Ihlara Canyon, one of the most beautiful canyons in Türkiye. I walked along the stream, flanked by towering rock walls and lush green vegetation, a stark contrast to the rest of Cappadocia’s dry and desolate landscape. Walking on the quiet trail, feeling the breeze on your face, you can occasionally see ancient churches and murals hidden in the rock walls, which makes this journey even more mysterious. After lunch, we went to the Selime Monastery, a majestic monastery carved directly into the rock. Standing on a high place and overlooking the entire canyon, you have a broad view and can almost feel the tranquility and piety of the monks who once practiced here. Finally, the tour guide took us to a viewing platform to admire Cappadocia's unique Pigeon Valley. This place is full of small holes that were carved by people in the past to raise pigeons, and now it has become a paradise for photography enthusiasts. The rocks were painted in warm hues at sunset, a perfect end to the trip. This green line trip made me deeply realize that Cappadocia is not just about hot air balloons and strange rock formations, it also has rich history, culture and magnificent natural scenery. If you want to explore more unknown secrets, the Green Line is definitely a route worth experiencing.

#Overseas travel The most mysterious and amazing experience I had during my trip to Cappadocia was the Derinkuyu Underground City! This is a huge underground city that goes down to about 8 floors deep. It was built as a refuge for ancient people to escape external invasion and war, and later, during the Roman Empire, it was a place where early Christians hid to escape persecution by Islamic forces. I was really surprised by its size, as it could accommodate up to 20,000 people. The passages that got narrower as you went down were impressive. Even one person could barely pass through, and even then, you had to crouch down. It was so dark and narrow that you couldn't tell where anything was, and it was so stuffy. Nevertheless, I could feel the amazing architectural skills of ancient people who lived there, having a kitchen, a chapel, a wine cellar, and even a ventilation system. I felt that it wasn't just an underground space, but a huge city, and it's said that it hasn't been fully excavated yet. Derinkuyu was one of the places where you could most vividly experience the unique history and culture of Cappadocia. If you want to get a glimpse of the hidden ancient life, be sure to stop by! #Cappadocia #CappadociaTravel #TurkeyTravel #Turkey #TurkeyTravelRecommended #Turkiye #TurkiyeTravel #DerinkuyuUndergroundCity #Derinkuyu

#100TravelStyles Going to the Underground City Derinkuyu Personally, it was my first time experiencing an underground city since I was born, and I felt a little suffocated to the point where I couldn't breathe well, whether it was due to lack of oxygen or claustrophobia First of all, I had a lot of thoughts, starting with how people lived here There are still many places that haven't been excavated I toured for about an hour, but my back hurt so much ㅎ It was really hard for me personally, but I felt like it was worth going once~ #Turkiye #Cappadocia #Derinkuyu #DerinkuyuUndergroundCity #UndergroundCity

Cappadocia, Turkey, is renowned for its unique and breathtaking landscapes, and the best way to take in its beauty is by floating above in a hot air balloon. The surreal rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and fairy chimneys make it feel like you’ve entered another world. A hot air balloon ride is one of the most magical and unforgettable experiences in Cappadocia. ### **History of Cappadocia and Ballooning** Cappadocia’s history is as rich as its landscapes. The region is home to ancient civilizations and is known for its vast underground cities, rock-cut churches, and unique geological formations shaped over millions of years by volcanic activity and erosion. Hot air ballooning began here in the 1980s, and since then, it has become one of the most sought-after activities for travelers worldwide. ### **Tips for an Unforgettable Balloon Ride** - **Book in Advance**: Cappadocia’s hot air balloon rides are in high demand, especially during peak seasons. It’s highly recommended to book your ride in advance to secure a spot. - **Early Morning Flight**: Most balloon rides take place at sunrise, offering the best lighting to see the colors and shadows of the landscape. Be prepared for an early start, but the stunning views are well worth the effort. - **Dress in Layers**: Mornings in Cappadocia can be quite chilly, especially at higher altitudes. It’s a good idea to dress in layers so you can stay warm during the ride. - **Photography**: Bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning scenery. Many companies offer professional photo packages, but you’ll want your own snapshots of the magical views. ### **Travel Tip** After your balloon ride, take time to explore other attractions in Cappadocia, such as the **Göreme Open-Air Museum** and the **Derinkuyu Underground City**. These are essential stops to truly understand the region’s rich history and culture. #CappadociaHotAirBalloon #MagicalCappadocia #BucketListExperience #FairyChimneys #ExploreTurkey #TravelGoals #Wanderlust #100waysoftravel

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon and Cave Experience: On the second day, fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia (one-way ticket costs around 1000-1200 lira). Upon arrival, first experience the hot air balloon ride, which is the most famous activity in Cappadocia, costing around 2500-3000 lira. The early morning flight offers a breathtaking view of the stunning rock formations. Then visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, with an entrance fee of about 300 lira, to admire the ancient cave churches and frescoes. For lunch, you can dine at a cave restaurant, with an estimated cost of about 80-120 lira. In the afternoon, head to the underground city (such as Derinkuyu Underground City), with an entrance fee of about 100 lira, to explore these shelters built by ancient residents. For dinner, it is recommended to try Cappadocia's traditional pot stew, costing around 100-150 lira. The budget for the second day is approximately 4000-4500 lira.

#JulyTravelSupportEvent TheUnimaginable📍DerinkuyuUndergroundCity It's really big, and inside, there's a chapel, school, restaurant, bedroom, kitchen, stable, warehouse, storage, etc., all of which are well-equipped, and it's so well-preserved that you can still guess what it looked like! I wondered how they lived in this dark place, but it was amazing.

#July Travel Support Event 📍 Bayramlı, Niğde Cd., 50700 Derinkuyu/Nevşehir, Turkey ⏰ Every day 8:00 AM - 8:45 PM A memorable tourist destination, Derinkuyu Underground City. This is where early Christians hid to escape religious persecution, and it is a huge underground city with a depth of 85m and 8 underground floors.

#JulyTravelSupportEvent Places to visit in Derinkuyu 🏡 Derinkuyu Underground City Derinkuyu Yeraltı Şehri The entrance fee is not cheap, but it is understandable when you see the scale..! I listened to the explanation while looking around, and it was a place that gave me a lot of thoughts.

#July Travel Support Event UNESCO World Heritage Site Derinkuyu. A huge underground city. It is so large that about 30,000 people can live there. If you go down to the underground city, you can see traces of people living there if you follow the maze-like paths in the dark caves. It is not recommended for the elderly or those with claustrophobia to visit because there are many stairs and it is narrow.

As I descended into the depths of Derinkuyu Underground City, I was immediately transported back in time. Carved into the soft volcanic rock beneath the Cappadocian landscape of Turkey, this ancient subterranean marvel unveiled secrets of a bygone era. With each narrow passageway and low-ceilinged chamber, I marveled at the ingenuity and resilience of the people who once sought refuge here. From the intricate ventilation shafts to the elaborate network of rooms and tunnels, it was a testament to human adaptability and innovation. As I explored further, imagining the lives of those who once called this underground city home, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of awe and reverence for the ancient civilizations that thrived in this remarkable underground labyrinth.#nature #turkey #cappadocia

#EuropeanTravel #DerinkuyuUndergroundCity #Turkiye I arrived at Derinkuyu, but there were only a few houses, so I thought I had come the wrong way.. The moment I bought a ticket at the ticket booth where there were a few shops and went in, it was so deep and long like a maze.. I think I understood why it was called a city. Derinkuyu is a famous underground city located in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It is one of the large underground cities built during the Middle Ages, and was mainly used by Christians to escape the persecution of the Roman Empire. This underground city, consisting of a huge cave where thousands of people could breathe for several days, is divided into several floors and includes living quarters, restaurants, churches, schools, and other living facilities. Also, like other underground cities in Turkey, the tunnels and passageways are connected to each other, allowing movement within the city.

#2024wish In 2024, I would LOVE to return to Derinkuyu underground city! 🌆 And yes — it is LITERALLY an entire city underground! Complete with places for cooking, toilets, and even graveyards, your mind will be BLOWN by Derinkuyu! 🤯 To be honest, it was a bit scary for me! I can be a bit claustrophobic, but I found that things were spacious enough for me to move comfortably. 👍🏼👍🏼 Tickets can be bought on-site, and the entire underground can be explored in as little as 30 minutes—or for however long you can stay down there for! 😬 I still have SO many questions, like why did they build it, and how? How long did people live there for? ❓ This is totally a bucket-list experience, and I hope I can visit again in 2024 to get answers to all of my questions about Derinkuyu! 😃 #turkey #bucketlistreboot #travel