Things To Do
in Çankırı

Çankırı is a historic city located in central Turkey, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It boasts a blend of ancient ruins, traditional architecture, and stunning landscapes. The city is surrounded by the Çankırı Mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Visitors can explore local markets, indulge in delicious cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of its residents.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the City and Cultural Heritage
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Çankırı Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city. Explore the ancient walls and learn about its historical significance.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a local restaurant and then head to the Çankırı Museum to discover artifacts from the region's past, including Roman and Byzantine relics.

evening
:

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city center, followed by dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant, sampling local specialties.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
morning
:

Begin your day with a hike in the nearby Ilgaz Mountains, taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots.

afternoon
:

After your hike, visit the historical Bolu Abant Lake for some relaxation and photography opportunities.

evening
:

Return to Çankırı for dinner and experience the local nightlife at a cozy café or tea house, enjoying traditional Turkish tea or coffee.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a restaurant$10
Cup of coffee$2
🍕Slice of pizza$3
🚌Local bus fare$1
🏨Night in a hotel$35

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and history.
  • Beautiful natural surroundings and outdoor activities.
  • Friendly and hospitable locals.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Less tourist infrastructure compared to larger cities.
  • Language barrier may exist for non-Turkish speakers.
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Evet" - Yes
  • "Hayır" - No

Places to Visit in Çankırı

Visit one of these nice places.

Çankırı Castle

An ancient fortress that provides stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes, perfect for capturing the sunset.

Ilgaz Mountains

A breathtaking natural area ideal for nature photography, featuring lush greenery and wildlife.

Historic Mosque of Çankırı

A beautifully preserved mosque showcasing intricate architecture, ideal for architectural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Çankırı

Çankırı offers a delightful gastronomic experience with unique flavors and traditional dishes that reflect the region's culture.

Çankırı Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Çankırı Tava

A local specialty, this dish consists of lamb or beef slow-cooked with onions and spices, served with rice.

Must-Try!

Börek

A savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat, perfect for a snack or light meal.

Kuzu Tandir

Slow-roasted lamb cooked with aromatic herbs, often served at special occasions and gatherings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Çankırı Market

A bustling local market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and street food vendors selling delicious snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Çankırı experiences a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F), while winter temperatures can drop below freezing. Spring and autumn are mild with comfortable temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Rainfall is moderate and mostly occurs in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time; greetings are often accompanied by a warm smile.

Dress Modestly

While Çankırı is relatively liberal, dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, is recommended.

Hospitality

Turkish people are known for their hospitality; it is polite to accept offers of tea or coffee when visiting someone's home.

Safety Guide

Safety

Çankırı is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Basic precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and being aware of your surroundings. It is also advisable to keep valuables secure and not to display them in public areas.

Tipping in Çankırı

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

It is customary to leave a 10% tip in restaurants if service is not included; rounding up the bill is also appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, and major credit cards are also used in most establishments, though smaller shops may only take cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it a great time for outdoor activities and photography.

Summer

Hot and dry weather dominates, ideal for hiking in the mountains but ensure to stay hydrated.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage provide a picturesque setting for exploring the city and its surroundings.

Winter

Cold weather with potential snowfall creates a magical atmosphere, especially in the mountains, perfect for winter sports.

Nightlife Guide

Çankırı at Night

Çankırı's nightlife is modest compared to larger cities, with a few cafés and bars offering a relaxed atmosphere. Many locals enjoy socializing in tea houses, where they can play games and discuss daily life. There are occasional live music events and cultural performances, especially during the summer months, providing opportunities for entertainment.

Hiking in Çankırı

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ilgaz Mountain National Park Trail

This trail offers a moderate hike through stunning forested areas, with opportunities for wildlife spotting and beautiful vistas.

Kızılırmak River Trail

A scenic riverside hike that follows the meandering Kızılırmak River, perfect for a leisurely walk and photography.

Airports

How to reach Çankırı by plane.

Çankırı Airport

Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center, Çankırı Airport offers limited domestic flights and is primarily used for regional travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

Çankırı is a walkable city with many attractions located within a short distance from each other. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. However, some attractions may require transportation due to their distance from the main urban area.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Turkish

The majority of the population identifies as ethnically Turkish, contributing to the local culture and traditions.

Kurdish

A significant minority, the Kurdish community adds to the cultural diversity of Çankırı, particularly in language and cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer

Soccer is the most popular sport in Çankırı, with local teams and community matches drawing enthusiastic crowds.

Wrestling

Traditional Turkish wrestling is a culturally significant sport, often showcased during local festivals and events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Çankırı is generally light, making it easy to navigate the city by car or on foot. Public transportation consists of local buses that connect various parts of the city and its surrounding areas. Biking is also a viable option for those looking to explore at a leisurely pace.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Çankırı.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, including lentil soups and vegetable stews.

Halal Standards

Most restaurants adhere to halal dietary laws, ensuring meat dishes are prepared according to Islamic guidelines.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access in Çankırı is adequate, with several hospitals and clinics available for residents and visitors. Emergency services can be reached through the local hospitals, and pharmacies are common in the city. It is advisable for travelers to have travel insurance to cover any potential medical expenses.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide