Things To Do
in Sivrihisar
Sivrihisar is a historic town in central Anatolia, part of Eskişehir Province, perched on a fertile plain with rolling hills. Its old town is defined by stone houses, winding lanes, and a hilltop fortress offering panoramic views. The town blends Ottoman-era architecture with a lively market scene, where locals gather for tea and conversation.
Outside the center, rural villages and orchards contribute to a calm, authentic Turkish countryside experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Sivrihisar and check into your quaint hotel, enjoying the warm welcome from the locals. Stroll through the charming streets and absorb the unique architecture that echoes the town's rich history. Visit the nearby historical sites, such as the Ulu Mosque, to start immersing yourself in the culture.
Taste authentic Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant, where you can sample specialties like kebabs and pide. After lunch, explore the historical museums to understand the legacy of this ancient town. Don't miss the chance to interact with local artisans and witness their craft.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the quiet streets and experience the tranquility of Sivrihisar. Find a cozy café to sip on Turkish tea or coffee and engage in conversation with the welcoming locals. The evening can be capped off by enjoying traditional music performances, immersing yourself in the local culture.
Start your day by visiting the ancient castle that provides panoramic views of Sivrihisar. Wander through the intricately designed halls and envision the history that unfolded within those walls. Capture stunning photographs of the landscape from the castle's vantage point.
Visit the Ahi Evran Mosque and engage with its fascinating history, learning about the Ahi Brotherhood and their significance in Turkish culture. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local eatery where you can try the delicious local yogurt dessert. Take some time to roam the artisan workshops to see traditional crafts up close.
As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the town's skyline. Relax with a soothing ambiance and choose from a variety of authentic Turkish dishes. Engage in discussions about your day's experiences with new friends you have made in Sivrihisar.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🫖Turkish tea | $0.5-1 |
| 🥖Bread from bakery | $0.5-1 |
| 🧀Local cheese plate | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and architecture
- Authentic local experiences
- Affordable costs
- Walkable historic center
- Limited nightlife
- Language barrier in rural areas
- Public transport is relatively limited
- Extreme heat in summer
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Neredesiniz?" - Where is it?
- "Bu ne kadar?" - How much is this?
- "İngilizce konuşabilir misiniz?" - Do you speak English?
- "Yardım eder misiniz?" - Could you help me?
- "Affedersiniz" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Sivrihisar
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour views over the old town and surrounding farmlands from the hilltop fortress.
Narrow lanes framed by historic stone houses and archways ideal for atmospheric street photography.
Water reflections and silhouettes of bridges create serene compositions at dusk.
Quiet courtyards and intricate stonework offer intimate photography of daily life and architecture.
Food in Sivrihisar
Sivrihisar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted lamb with herbs, a regional favorite often cooked in local taverns.
Must-Try!
Turkish dumplings topped with garlicky yogurt and spiced butter.
Hearty bulgur pilaf with meat and peppers, a staple in Central Anatolia.
Delicate flatbread filled with greens or cheese, cooked on a saj.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic weekly market with seasonal produce, bread, simit, and everyday snacks.
Gözleme, roasted chestnuts, simit, and fresh fruit sold by friendly stallholders.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite “Merhaba” or “Selam” is standard; handshake is common among adults.
Dress modestly in rural areas and during visits to religious sites.
Ask for permission when photographing people, especially in villages; avoid taking photos inside mosques without consent.
Remove shoes when entering homes; be mindful of prayer times and be quiet in sacred spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Sivrihisar
Ensure a smooth experience
In sit-down restaurants, leave about 5-10% if service is not included. Round up for taxi drivers and hotel porters.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are increasingly common in towns and larger shops; some smaller vendors may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with cool nights. Hydrate, wear sun protection, and seek shade in the old town during peak heat.
Mild days with harvest activity; great lighting and fewer crowds.
Cold with occasional snow; layers and thermal wear recommended, river walks may be chilly.
Pleasant temperatures, blossoming trees, and cultural events begin; good for photography and walking.
Sivrihisar at Night
Hiking in Sivrihisar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic ridge trail offering views of the town and surrounding farmland.
Riverside route with gentle downs and shaded banks ideal for sunset photography.
Balanced mix of forest and meadow paths suitable for easy daytime hikes.
Airports
How to reach Sivrihisar by plane.
Major international and domestic hub about 150-180 km from Sivrihisar; numerous flight connections.
Regional airport serving domestic flights, approximately 120-180 km away depending on route.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Turkish residents, with rural communities surrounding the town.
Small presence of Kurdish and other minorities in the region; more visible in larger nearby cities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in town, with local clubs and matches on weekends.
Common recreational sport; community teams and school leagues.
Rural areas offer opportunities for riding and equestrian activities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sivrihisar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate by focusing on lentil stews, vegetable dishes, breads, and salads; ask about meat stock and broths.