Kaymaklı Underground City - Underground poster
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Kaymaklı Underground City

4.7
·19k reviews·, Türkiye

Explore a vast, multi-level underground city carved into rock, once a refuge for thousands. A true marvel of ancient engineering in Cappadocia.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday crowds

CrowdMedium
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Kaymaklı Underground City - Underground poster

Kaymaklı Underground City

Best Time

Morning or late afternoon

Avoid midday crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a vast, multi-level underground city carved into rock, once a refuge for thousands. A true marvel of ancient engineering in Cappadocia.

4.7
(19k reviews)

"A wow experience and true marvel of ancient engineering throughout the narrow tunnels and caves."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The terrain is uneven and the tunnels are narrow. Good footwear is essential for exploring safely.

🤏 Be Mindful of Size

Passages can be very tight and ceilings low. If you're tall or claustrophobic, proceed with caution.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Labyrinthine Tunnels

The Labyrinthine Tunnels

Throughout the city

Wander through narrow, winding passages connecting ancient living spaces, kitchens, and stables. A true marvel of engineering.

TikTokInstagram
Ancient Living Quarters

Ancient Living Quarters

Various levels

Explore rooms carved into the rock, including kitchens, wineries, churches, and storage areas, offering a glimpse into past lives.

Instagram+1
Ventilation Shafts & Traps

Ventilation Shafts & Traps

Throughout the city

Discover ingenious ventilation systems and hidden doors designed for defense and survival in this ancient underground metropolis.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigate the Tunnels

Kaymaklı Underground City is a multi-level labyrinth. Be prepared for narrow passages and low ceilings; if you're claustrophobic, this might be challenging. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the ancient rock-cut rooms and tunnels. TikTokInstagram

Understand the History

This ancient refuge housed thousands for centuries, offering protection from invaders. While signage is present, consider a guided tour or pre-trip research to fully grasp the significance of the various rooms, from wineries to churches. InstagramReddit+1

Best Times

When
Morning or late afternoon
Why
Avoid midday crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Off-season (Spring/Fall)
Why
Fewer tourists, pleasant temps
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Get claustrophobic with me in Kaymakli underground city as I show you around Cappadocia, Türkiye
@historywithkayleigh
54.7K likes • 265K views

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The terrain is uneven and the tunnels are narrow. Good footwear is essential for exploring safely. InstagramReddit

🤏 Be Mindful of Size

Passages can be very tight and ceilings low. If you're tall or claustrophobic, proceed with caution. TikTokInstagram

kaymakli under ground city TURKEY #kaymakliundergroundcity #undergroundcity #turkey🇹🇷 #turquia
@luisitomastertoledo
21.7K likes • 935.2K views
I’m 172cm tall. I know when I was visiting Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City was on my list but I didn’t expect to feel this small in some of the caves and tunnels. A few tips if you’re planning to visiting as well 👇 👉 It’s a 30 minute drive. You can take a local taxi or join a tour. 👉 It’s a little hard to turn around once you enter so be prepared to do the full loop once you start. 👉 It t...
traveloneohone
10 likes • 4.4K views

📚 Research Before You Go

Limited information inside; enhance your visit with prior knowledge of the city's history. Reddit

🚗 Getting There

It's a 30-minute drive from Göreme. Taxis or organized tours are common options. Instagram

🏛️ Kaymaklı Underground City Cappadocia, Turkey • Location: About 20 km from Nevşehir, Cappadocia. • Structure: Built as a multi-level underground city, mostly spread out horizontally. • Levels: 4 levels are open to visitors today (but the city is believed to have up to 8). • Capacity: It could house 15,000–20,000 people along with their animals and food supplies. • Purpose: Used for protecti...
cappadocia.4k
90 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The terrain is uneven and the tunnels are narrow. Good footwear is essential for exploring safely. InstagramReddit

🤏 Be Mindful of Size

Passages can be very tight and ceilings low. If you're tall or claustrophobic, proceed with caution. TikTokInstagram

📚 Research Before You Go

Limited information inside; enhance your visit with prior knowledge of the city's history. Reddit

🚗 Getting There

It's a 30-minute drive from Göreme. Taxis or organized tours are common options. Instagram

💰 Museum Pass Value

If you have a Museum Pass, entry is often included, saving you the entrance fee. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(19k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are consistently amazed by the scale and historical significance of Kaymaklı Underground City, marveling at the ancient engineering and the glimpse into past lives. The narrow, winding tunnels offer a unique, albeit sometimes challenging, experience. While some find the lack of detailed information inside a drawback, many agree it's a must-see highlight of Cappadocia. Reddit

"This place is amazing! Big underground city which have served people for over 2800 years. You get to see top 4 floors with numerous rooms, storages and passages. Temperature is stable at approx 18-20 degrees. Unfortunately there is nearly no information about the rooms, so you should do some reading online in advance or you can go for a guided tour (we were offered one for 65€ for 4 people, which I believe is a lot)."

Kajetan Narkiewicz

"This incredible multi-level city carved into the rock offers a fascinating glimpse into how people once lived, worked, and took shelter underground. The tunnels are narrow and winding, adding to the sense of adventure, and it's amazing to see rooms like kitchens, wineries, storage areas, and even ventilation systems that are still intact.
The site is well-preserved, and there’s enough signage to guide you through without feeling lost.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, and if you're claustrophobic, be aware that some passages are quite tight. But if you’re up for a bit of exploring, it’s absolutely worth it — a highlight of Cappadocia that you won’t forget. The price of the entrance is 1800 turkish lira, but if you want a guide in order to understand what you are looking at , it will cost you €60 (inside you will not find any information beside description of some of the room you are in) ."

caterina tedioli

"Incredible build under the ground, you will be lost into this labyrinth for around an hour.

You can aprk at the entrance of the site for 50TL. The entrance is included in the museum pass as well. You can get a guided tour for 60 eur that will last 45min to 1h."

Thomas L

What People Like

Incredible ancient engineering
Fascinating glimpse into history
Unique labyrinthine experience

What People Dislike

Narrow, low passages
Limited onsite information
Expensive guided tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kaymaklı Underground City is located about 20 km south of Nevşehir, and a roughly 30-minute drive from Göreme. You can easily reach it by taking a local taxi from Göreme or by joining one of the many organized tours that frequent Cappadocia. Instagram+1

Yes, there is parking available at the entrance of the site. The fee is typically around 50 Turkish Lira. Reddit

Absolutely! Kaymaklı Underground City is a popular stop on many Cappadocia day tours, often included in itineraries that cover other key sites in the region. Instagram+1

For visiting multiple underground cities like Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu, renting a car or hiring a private driver offers the most flexibility. Alternatively, many organized tours will handle transportation between sites. TikTok

While direct public transport might be limited, you can often find local dolmuş (minibuses) that travel between towns in Cappadocia, which could potentially get you close to Kaymaklı. However, taxis or tours are generally more convenient. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Kaymaklı Underground City is approximately 1800 Turkish Lira. However, if you possess a Museum Pass, entry is often included, which can be a cost-effective option. Reddit

It's generally not necessary to book tickets in advance for Kaymaklı Underground City, especially if you are visiting independently. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Reddit

Yes, the entrance fee for Kaymaklı Underground City is often covered by the Turkish Museum Pass, making it a great value if you plan to visit multiple historical sites in Turkey. Reddit

Kaymaklı Underground City typically opens around 8:00 AM and closes around 7:00 PM during the summer months, with slightly shorter hours in winter. It's always a good idea to check the latest hours before your visit. Instagram

Refund policies can vary, but generally, tickets purchased at the entrance are non-refundable. It's advisable to be sure about your visit before purchasing. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors spend about an hour exploring the accessible parts of Kaymaklı Underground City. The labyrinthine nature of the tunnels can make it feel longer, but the open sections are not excessively vast. TikTokReddit

Kaymaklı Underground City features very narrow passages and low ceilings, which can be challenging for those with claustrophobia. It's advisable to be prepared or consider skipping if you have severe anxiety. TikTokInstagramReddit

Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended due to the uneven terrain and narrow tunnels. Layers of clothing are also advisable, as the temperature inside remains a stable 18-20 degrees Celsius year-round. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are offered at the entrance. While they can provide valuable historical context, they can be quite expensive (around 60-65 Euros). Alternatively, you can research the history beforehand. Reddit

The accessible parts of Kaymaklı Underground City include areas that served as living quarters, kitchens, wineries, stables, churches, and storage rooms. You'll also see ventilation shafts and defensive traps. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed inside Kaymaklı Underground City, but be mindful of the narrow spaces and other visitors. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to preserve the ancient structures. TikTok+1

Look for interesting architectural details in the carved rooms, the narrow tunnel perspectives, and the unique ventilation shafts. The contrast between the rock and any remaining ancient features can be striking. TikTok+1

Given the potentially low light conditions in the tunnels, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful. Wide-angle lenses can capture the confined spaces effectively. TikTok+1

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical and archaeological sites in Turkey. It's best to avoid flying drones to prevent any issues with authorities. TikTok

While not explicitly forbidden, it's polite to ask for permission before taking photos of other visitors, especially if they are prominent in your shot. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kaymaklı Underground City can be an exciting adventure for older children who enjoy exploring and imagining ancient life. The maze-like tunnels and hidden rooms spark curiosity. However, parents should be aware of the narrow passages and low ceilings, ensuring children stay close and are supervised at all times. TikTok+1

It's advisable to bring snacks and water, as facilities inside are minimal. Consider the child's temperament regarding enclosed spaces; if they are prone to anxiety in tight spots, this might not be the best experience. The historical aspect can be made more engaging by telling stories of ancient peoples seeking refuge. Instagram

🚶 Solo Travelers

Solo travelers will find Kaymaklı Underground City an intriguing solo exploration. You can set your own pace and delve into the history at your leisure. Joining a small group tour can be a good way to meet other travelers and gain insights without the commitment of a larger group. InstagramReddit

Be prepared for the physical aspects of the visit – comfortable shoes and awareness of the tight spaces are key. If you prefer a deeper understanding, consider booking a private guide for a more personalized experience, or thoroughly research the site beforehand to enrich your solo journey. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Kaymaklı Underground City offers good value, especially if you have a Turkish Museum Pass, as it often covers the entrance fee. Reddit If not, the individual ticket price is reasonable for the historical significance. Reddit

To save on guided tours, which can be quite expensive, do your research beforehand using online resources or guidebooks. This will allow you to appreciate the site's history and features without the added cost. Opting for local transport like dolmuş (if available and convenient) can also be cheaper than taxis or organized tours. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A History Carved in Stone

Kaymaklı Underground City is a testament to ancient ingenuity, originally carved by the Phrygians around the 8th-7th century BCE. It was later expanded by the Byzantines and early Christians who used it as a refuge from Arab-Byzantine wars and religious persecution. At its peak, it could house an estimated 15,000-20,000 people, along with their livestock. Instagram+2

The city is spread across multiple levels, with up to eight believed to exist, though only four are currently open to visitors. This multi-level structure allowed for a complex society to live hidden beneath the surface, complete with homes, churches, wineries, stables, and even communal kitchens. The sheer scale and the intricate network of tunnels are awe-inspiring, showcasing a remarkable level of planning and construction. Instagram+2

Exploring Kaymaklı offers a tangible connection to this ancient past. You can see the remnants of daily life, the defensive mechanisms like sliding stone doors, and the vital ventilation shafts that allowed for long-term habitation. It's a fascinating glimpse into a world where survival depended on clever engineering and communal living. InstagramReddit+1

Navigating the Underground Maze

The experience of walking through Kaymaklı Underground City is often described as entering a maze. The tunnels are narrow, and the ceilings can be quite low, leading many visitors to feel small and a bit disoriented. This is part of the adventure, but it's crucial to be prepared. TikTokInstagram+1

Comfortable, sturdy footwear is non-negotiable. The rock-cut floors can be uneven, and you'll be doing a fair amount of walking and ducking. If you are tall, be extra cautious and mindful of your head. For those who are claustrophobic, it's important to know that some passages are extremely tight, and it might be best to limit your exploration or skip it altogether. Reddit

While there are some signs indicating the purpose of certain rooms (like wineries or stables), the historical information within the city itself is limited. Many visitors find it beneficial to either join a guided tour for detailed explanations or do some research beforehand to fully appreciate the historical context and the ingenious design of this ancient underground settlement. Reddit

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