5 days: the express version
A five-day route can work with two nights in Istanbul and two nights in Cappadocia, linked by domestic flights. You can see major Istanbul landmarks, enjoy the Bosphorus, then move into underground cities and Cappadocia’s valleys.
Why Cappadocia needs more than a sunrise
GoTürkiye itself publishes a 48-hour Cappadocia guide. Two full days gives you a realistic chance to see the landscape beyond the balloon photos: Göreme, an underground city, valleys, Avanos or Uçhisar.
7 days: noticeably better
With seven days, three nights in Istanbul and three in Cappadocia feels more balanced. You gain time for Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, a hammam or food experience, and more than one valley day in Cappadocia.
Build in weather flexibility
Hot-air balloon flights are weather dependent. A longer Cappadocia stay gives you more than one morning, which can matter if a flight is cancelled.
Our recommendation
Choose five days if time is limited and you are comfortable moving quickly. Choose seven if this is your main holiday and you want both destinations to feel complete.
What to do after you land
Istanbul has two major airports, so save the airport code as well as the hotel address. IST and SAW have different transfer patterns, and that matters after a long flight.
SIM / eSIM
Tourist SIMs are sold by Turkey's main mobile operators at the airports; Sabiha Gökçen's public arrivals area includes SIM purchase facilities. An eSIM installed before flying is the fastest way to have maps and ride apps ready immediately.
Money & cards
Cards are widely accepted in Türkiye, but some cash is useful. GoTürkiye notes that airports have exchange offices and ATMs. Exchange only what you need for the first day, then compare city exchange offices for larger amounts.
Airport taxi / transfer
Istanbul Airport (IST) has 24/7 taxi service directly from the arrivals floor. At Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), taxis and public transport are accessible from the arrivals hall. Use official ranks or recognized taxi apps, and keep your hotel address saved in Turkish.
Your first 15 minutes
Check whether your ticket says IST or SAW, turn on data, withdraw/exchange a small amount of TRY, then follow the airport signs to the official taxi rank, bus or metro connection you chose before departure.
Travel information can change. We review practical details regularly and recommend checking official sources again before departure.