Looking for a fun night out immersed in Turkish culture? A Turkish Night is just the thing!
Cappadocia’s Turkish Night shows are evening dinner shows where you can enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine while watching various traditional dances and performances.
It’s touristy but also highly entertaining and a great way to experience local music and dance and even join in!
What to Expect
Most Turkish Night events take place in unique venues, often in cave restaurants or banquet halls carved into Cappadocia’s rocks, which adds to the atmosphere.
When you arrive, you’ll be seated at long communal tables or your table (depending on the venue), and the staff will start serving a full-course Turkish dinner.
Typically, the meal includes a spread of meze (appetizer dips and salads), warm entrees like pottery kebab or grilled meats, and dessert (baklava or fruit).
Many packages include unlimited local drinks – yes, that means flowing wine, beer, or even raki (the anise-flavored liquor) if you’re up for it.
As dinner gets underway, the show kicks off. You’ll see a showcase of dances from different regions of Turkey.
This often includes:
Folk dances – With colorful costumes, each dance tells a story or represents a Turkish region, like the energetic Black Sea dance or the graceful spoon dance from Central Anatolia.
Whirling Dervish performance – A Sufi spiritual dance where dancers spin continuously in white robes (usually done at the beginning in a more reverent tone, as it’s a religious ritual demonstration).
Belly Dance – Expect a talented belly dancer shimmering in sequins, who might even come to your table and invite a few guests up to learn a hip move or two! Don’t be shy – it’s all in good fun.
Turkish music – Live music is played throughout the show, and you might hear traditional instruments like the darbuka (drum) and zurna (reed flute).
Sometimes there’s even a comic sketch or a wedding dance demo where they playfully reenact a Turkish wedding scene with audience participation.
By the end of the night, it often turns into a bit of a dance party—everyone clapping along or getting up on their feet for a group dance line. It’s a lively, joyous atmosphere.
Check out the Nightlife in Cappadocia.
Timing of these shows
Turkish Night shows usually start around 8 PM and last about 2–3 hours. Hotel pickup/drop-off is often included when you book, so you don’t have to worry about transport (the venues tend to be short distances outside the town centers).
Top Turkish Night Show Experience
The Turkish night at a cave restaurant with dinner and drinks is the most popular experience. During this 3-hour long tour, you get the full show plus dinner and drinks.
For the ultimate adventure, consider a 2-day tour featuring a Turkish Night Show, an exciting ATV tour, and the scenic Red Tour for a perfect Cappadocia adventure.
If you’re staying in Ürgüp or Uçhisar, don’t worry – some tours offer pickups from all major Cappadocia towns.
Prices for a Turkish Night experience range from roughly ₺1500–₺2300 per person (about $40–$60), depending on inclusions. It’s reasonable for a full evening’s entertainment, including dinner, drinks, and a show.
You can book online in advance or ask your hotel to reserve – these shows do fill up, especially in peak season.
So, get ready for an evening of Turkish hospitality – feasting, music, laughter, and maybe even some new dance moves!
By the end of the night, you’ll be clinking glasses with new friends and humming Turkish tunes as you return to your hotel.
If you’re keen to secure a spot, check out this highly rated Turkish Night Show – and enjoy the celebration Cappadocia-style!
