Audio Guide of Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli Underground City is generally open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the high season (April-October) and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the low season (November-March). You can get there by dolmuş (minibus) from Nevşehir or Göreme, or join an organized tour that includes it. For more details on how to get there, you can check Goreme.com.

Admission to Kaymakli Underground City usually costs around 60-75 TL (Turkish lira) per person, although prices may vary. Children under 6 years old usually enter free of charge. There are not usually specific discounts for students or seniors, but you can check updated official prices at the ticket office or on the website of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Normally, a full visit to Kaymakli Underground City takes between 1 and 1.5 hours. This gives you enough time to explore the levels open to the public, understand the layout, and appreciate them without rushing. If you hire a guide, the visit may take a little longer, as they provide detailed explanations.

Kaymakli is one of the largest and most complex underground cities in Cappadocia, serving as a refuge for thousands of people during invasions and persecutions, especially in the Byzantine period. It stands out for its sophisticated ventilation systems, wine cellars, kitchens, stables, and churches carved into the rock, showcasing the ingenuity of its ancient inhabitants in extreme living conditions.

The best time to visit Kaymakli is early in the morning, just after opening, or late in the afternoon before closing, to avoid the large tour crowds. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer more pleasant weather and fewer tourists than summer, which is the high season.

Unfortunately, Kaymakli Underground City is not accessible for people with reduced mobility or strollers. The route involves descending uneven stairs, narrow tunnels, and low ceilings in some areas, which makes moving through it difficult for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility. Good physical condition is recommended.

Very close to Kaymakli is Derinkuyu Underground City, another impressive underground city that is deeper than Kaymakli. In addition, the whole Cappadocia region offers incredible landscapes with its fairy chimneys, valleys such as Ihlara Valley and Pigeon Valley, and charming towns like Göreme, Ürgüp, and Uçhisar, ideal for walking and hiking. For tours in the area, you can look at Cappadocia Balloons or local agencies.

Yes, I recommend wearing comfortable clothes and suitable footwear, as the ground can be uneven and slippery. If you are claustrophobic, keep in mind that some sections are low and narrow. It is very useful to hire a local guide at the entrance to understand the history and function of each space, as internal signage is limited. Also, bring a bottle of water with you, especially in the warmer months.