Things To Do
in Alaca

Main attraction: Hittite-era ruins, restored mounds, bronze standards and museum displays provide dramatic ruins and close-ups of ancient artifacts.

Early-morning light across farmland and orchards offers wide-open landscape shots with soft colors and misty mornings in spring and autumn.

Narrow lanes, stone or timber houses, drying herbs and laundry — capture authentic rural life and portraits (ask permission first).

Colorful stalls, leblebi sellers and social tea gatherings are great for candid street and food photography.

Roasted chickpeas — Çorum is famous for them; buy from market stalls and shops as a snack or souvenir.

Must-Try!

Tiny Turkish dumplings typically served with yogurt and paprika butter; local versions are hearty and homemade in village lokantas.

Thin hand-rolled flatbread filled with spinach, cheese or minced meat, cooked on a sac (griddle) and common at breakfasts and street stalls.

A slow-cooked wheat and meat porridge often served at weddings and special occasions; you may find it in traditional eateries or at collective village meals.

Weekly market selling fresh produce, legumes, dairy, spices and leblebi; excellent place to try fresh flatbreads, gözleme and local cheeses.

Not formal markets but social hubs where you can sample breads, pastries and small plates while drinking çay and chatting with locals.

Greet with a firm handshake and eye contact; hospitality is important — if invited into a home accept tea and small offerings and remove shoes when requested.

Dress modestly, particularly when visiting mosques or conservative village areas: cover shoulders and knees; women may choose a headscarf in some contexts but it is not mandatory in secular public spaces.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially older residents and women. Respect local privacy and religious practices.

Accept small portions offered; it's polite to try local dishes. Use right hand for food when in very traditional households.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in small towns: leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, round up taxi fares, and give small tips to hotel staff for help with luggage or special service.

Turkish lira (TRY) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards are accepted in many restaurants and shops in town, but cash is essential for markets, small vendors and rural purchases. ATMs are available in town but may be limited in frequency — carry sufficient cash when venturing into villages.

Hot and dry on the plateau, with daytime temperatures often in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F). Bring sun protection and light clothing; mornings and evenings are more comfortable for exploring. Agricultural activity and outdoor markets are lively.

Mild days and cool nights; harvest season makes the countryside picturesque with changing colors and busy local markets. A good time for hiking and photography with fewer tourists.

Cold and often snowy, with temperatures below freezing at times — rural roads can be slippery and some services reduced. If visiting, dress warmly and check road conditions; snow creates dramatic archaeological site photos but accessibility can be affected.

Pleasant weather, blooming fields and orchards, and comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities. This is one of the best times to visit for mild temperatures and vibrant landscapes.

Vegetarian options exist (lentil soup, vegetable stews, gözleme with cheese or spinach, salads), but many dishes include meat or animal-based broths — ask the cook. Markets provide fresh produce for self-catering.

More limited: beans, lenses, fresh breads and some vegetable dishes are available but confirm butter or yogurt are not used. Carry snacks when travelling to rural areas.

Most meat served is halal in this predominately Muslim region; if you need certification, small local butcher shops can provide details.

Challenging due to reliance on wheat products (bread, bulgur, mantı). Opt for grilled meats, rice dishes and salads, and clarify preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination.