Final Fantasy VII - Side Quests

Near Cosmo Canyon is a forest called the Ancient Forest. This can only be accessed by Gold Chocobo or after beating Ultimate Weapon.

Chocobo are creatures that fill the role of Horses. They can be caught and trained to race and bred to create new variants.

The underwater wreckage of a Shinra transport which contains many interesting items and enemies.

During the course of the game, many choices lead to a date with a member of your party at the Gold Saucer.

Emerald Weapon is an optional Boss in Final Fantasy VII (N. American & European versions)

Yuffie is an optional character that has to be fought in battle then, using the right dialogue options, recruited to your party.

Shinra are attacking Fort Condor and you can help repel them; for a reward.

A huge amusement park south of Costa del Sol, run by a man named Dio. You come here a few times in story but can visit whenever you want.

The Kalm Traveller is a man who lives in the town of Kalm, north-east of Midgar. When Meteor is summoned, he will want to go on a journey but wants to trade some items.

Master Materia is a single Materia with all of the abilities of each Materia in its family. 

There are 4 caves that are hard to reach that contain a single, rare Materia requiring a Special Chocobo.

Ruby Weapon is an optional Boss in Final Fantasy VII (N. American & European versions)

There is a restaurant called Turtle's Paradise. They are holding a competition with some nice prizes.

Ultimate Weapon is an optional boss that, initially, you fight as part of the story, but do not defeat. You can continue the fight later though...

If you have Yuffie, you can visit the Battle Pagoda to fight several tough battles to get a big prize.