Things To Do
in Çankırı
Çankırı is a small and peaceful city located in the central part of Turkey. It is known for its rich history, with historical sites dating back to Roman and Byzantine periods. The city is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers, making it a great destination for outdoor activities.
Çankırı is also famous for its traditional handicrafts and local cuisine, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic Turkish culture.
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Evet" - Yes
- "Hayır" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the ancient Çankırı Castle, which offers stunning views of the town. Spend time exploring the castle’s history and architecture.
Head to the Çankırı Museum to learn about the region's past through its diverse collections. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café to taste traditional Turkish dishes.
Stroll through the old streets of Çankırı, taking in the charming architecture. For dinner, try a local restaurant specializing in regional cuisine.
Begin with a hike in the nearby Ilgaz Mountains, enjoying the fresh air and natural beauty. Take your time to capture stunning photos of the landscape.
Visit the Ilgaz National Park for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. Explore the park’s trails and enjoy bird watching or simply relax outdoors.
Return to town and unwind at a cozy café. Enjoy a warm drink while reflecting on your day in nature.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical heritage, with many ancient sites and monuments.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains and forests.
- Less crowded compared to major cities, offering a peaceful living environment.
- Affordable cost of living, making it accessible for residents and visitors.
- Local cuisine that features unique and traditional dishes.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger urban areas.
- Fewer entertainment and cultural activities available.
- Transportation options may be limited, impacting mobility.
- Potential issues with healthcare facilities compared to larger cities.
- Extreme weather conditions, including cold winters and hot summers.
Best Activities in Çankırı
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore beautiful natural landscapes and enjoy scenic hiking trails in Ilica Nature Park.
Discover the historical Çankırı Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Cycle through the picturesque Korganskiy National Park and enjoy the views of its diverse flora and fauna.
Take a guided tour to explore the stunning Karateke Canyon and witness its breathtaking natural beauty.
Experience a variety of bird species and the unique wetland habitat at Kızılırmak Delta Bird Sanctuary.
Tours
Uncover the best of Çankırı with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Çankırı
Visit one of these nice places.
Located on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area, great for photos.
A beautiful natural setting with a picturesque waterfall, perfect for photography and enjoying the scenery.
A historic wooden mansion with a scenic garden, offering a great vantage point for capturing the cityscape.
Food in Çankırı
Çankırı Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Çıngıl Mantı is a local specialty in Çankırı, consisting of small, handmade pasta filled with seasoned meat, served with yogurt and garlic-infused butter. It can be savored at traditional restaurants like Cemil Usta or Hayal Kahvesi.
Must-Try!
Güvec is a hearty Turkish stew made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, slow-cooked in a clay pot. It's a must-try dish found in many local eateries, including Güney Park Restaurant and Kervan Kebap Salonu.
Sütlü Çörek is a sweet pastry made with milk, sugar, and flour, often flavored with sesame seeds or nuts. It can be enjoyed at popular bakeries and dessert shops like Kahramanlar Unlu Mamülleri and Sekerci Mehmet Efendi.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Çankırı better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Çankırı Cumartesi Pazarı (Saturday Market) is a bustling hub of local delicacies, fresh produce, and street food. Visitors can savor a variety of snacks like simit (sesame bread rings), kebabs, gözleme (stuffed flatbread), and delectable Turkish sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Çankırı, it is important to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact during conversations. It is also customary to show respect to elders by using formal titles and addressing them with polite language.
Hospitality is a significant part of the culture in Çankırı. When invited to someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift for the host, such as sweets or flowers. It is also customary to remove shoes before entering a Turkish home.
When dining in Çankırı, it is respectful to wait for the host or the eldest person to start eating before beginning your meal. It is also polite to engage in light conversation during the meal and to express gratitude for the food and hospitality.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Çankırı with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Çankırı
Ensure a smooth experience
In Çankırı, Turkey, it is common to leave a small tip of around 5-10% at restaurants if the service charge is not included. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also appreciated but not obligatory.
Cash is widely accepted in Çankırı, especially for small purchases and in local markets. However, credit and debit cards are also commonly used, particularly in larger establishments and hotels.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Çankırı.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May) is a great time to visit Çankırı as the weather is mild and the surrounding nature blooms with colorful flowers.
Summer (June to August) is ideal for outdoor activities in Çankırı, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It's a great time for hiking, picnicking, and exploring the local sights.
Autumn (September to November) brings pleasant weather and beautiful foliage, making it a wonderful time for sightseeing and experiencing the fall colors of the region.
Winter (December to February) can be cold in Çankırı, but it offers a unique charm with snow-covered landscapes and the opportunity to engage in winter sports activities like skiing and snowshoeing.
Çankırı at Night
Hiking in Çankırı
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful valley along the Kızılırmak River, offering scenic views and various trails for hiking enthusiasts.
Located near Çankırı, this national park features diverse flora and fauna, with numerous hiking trails through lush forests and mountainous terrain.
Explore the historic trails surrounding Çankırı Castle, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
A serene plateau with trails that offer the chance to hike among wildflowers and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.
A cultural and historical hiking route that connects several notable landmarks, including the Büyük Cami, enhancing the hiking experience with local heritage.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Çankırı through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Çankırı by plane.
Located approximately 135 kilometers from Çankırı, Esenboğa Airport serves the capital city of Ankara and is one of the major international airports in Turkey.
About 170 kilometers from Çankırı, Kayseri Erkilet Airport serves domestic and international flights and is an important airport in Central Anatolia.
Situated around 120 kilometers from Çankırı, Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport caters to both domestic and international flights, especially for tourism purposes in the Cappadocia region.
Located approximately 110 kilometers from Çankırı, Çorlu Airport serves as an alternate facility for Istanbul and takes both domestic and international flights.
Around 190 kilometers from Çankırı, Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport is a regional airport that handles domestic flights and some limited international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Çankırı, constituting a significant portion of the population.
A minority group that contributes to the cultural diversity of the region.
A smaller demographic group, primarily residing in certain areas of Çankırı.
A small community with historical roots in the region, adding to the ethnic mosaic.
Includes various smaller ethnic groups and individuals from different backgrounds.
The Soul of Çankırı
Discover the essence of Çankırı through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Çankırı, with many local clubs and passionate fans supporting their teams.
Basketball has a significant following in Çankırı, with local teams participating in various regional leagues.
Volleyball is a popular sport among both men and women in Çankırı, with numerous clubs and community support.
Cycling is enjoyed both recreationally and competitively, with many scenic routes in and around Çankırı.
Athletics, including running and track events, has a developing scene in Çankırı, especially among schools and youth organizations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Çankırı.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many local restaurants and cafes offer flavorful vegetarian dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, eggplant-based specialties, and an assortment of fresh salads.
While vegan options may be limited, visitors can enjoy dishes like piyaz (bean salad), mercimek köftesi (lentil patties), and assorted vegetable-based mezze.
Some establishments in Çankırı provide gluten-free versions of traditional dishes, and gluten-free bread and pastries are available at select bakeries and specialty shops.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Çankırı with these cultural adventures.
