Things To Do
in Çifteler
Çifteler is a small agricultural district in Eskişehir Province in central Anatolia known for wide steppe landscapes, farming communities and quiet village life. The town sits amid plains and low hills with seasonal streams and pockets of oak and juniper, giving it a rural, pastoral character. Çifteler’s pace is relaxed: a modest town center with local shops and weekly markets serves surrounding villages and farms.
It’s a good base for simple outdoor activities, local food experiences and short excursions toward Eskişehir and the Central Anatolian plateau.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Çifteler and check into your cozy accommodation, where local hospitality awaits. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll around the village to soak in the charming landscape and friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local café, sampling fresh bread, olives, and cheese.
Explore the stunning nearby natural attractions, like the beautiful valleys and rolling hills that surround Çifteler. Visit local artisans and craftsmen to see traditional Turkish pottery and textile-making in action. Take a peaceful hike, immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery and local flora and fauna.
Dine at a local restaurant serving authentic Turkish dishes, where you can savor the rich flavors of the region. Afterwards, wander through the village square, enjoying the lively atmosphere as locals gather for evening chats. Experience the warmth of Turkish hospitality by engaging in conversations with friendly villagers.
Start the day with a visit to the nearby historical site of the ancient ruins of Phrygia, rich in history and culture. Take a guided tour that unravels the fascinating stories behind this once-thriving civilization. Pack a light picnic to enjoy amidst the ruins, surrounded by centuries of history.
Head back to Çifteler for a cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare traditional Turkish dishes using local ingredients. Engage with local chefs and gain insight into the culinary practices of this vibrant culture. Enjoy the dishes you’ve prepared for lunch, tasting the unique flavors that define the region.
As dusk falls, make your way to a scenic viewpoint to catch the sunset over the valleys. Enjoy some fresh fruit and tea while taking in the stunning views and reflecting on your day. Return to your accommodations for a restful night, dreaming of the adventures yet to come.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🚌Local bus/minibus fare | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🥖Bakery goods / simit | $0.50-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic rural Central Anatolian experience
- Good for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and birdwatching
- Affordable local food and markets
- Close enough to Eskişehir for city excursions
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
- Few lodging and dining options compared with larger towns
- Public transport is limited; car recommended for exploring
- Seasonal extremes (hot summers, cold winters) can limit activities
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Ben vejetaryenim" - I am vegetarian
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Çifteler
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, traditional architecture and the town mosque with its minaret against wide Central Anatolian skies.
Wide-open fields of wheat and sunflowers (in season) make dramatic golden-hour landscapes and agricultural scenes.
Riverside scenes, reed beds and birdlife offer nature photography opportunities; look for reflections and morning mist.
Nearby villages have narrow lanes, stone walls and old farm buildings that are photogenic and show traditional rural life.
Food in Çifteler
Çifteler Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tiny Turkish dumplings typically served with garlic yogurt and spiced butter; look for homemade versions at family-run lokantas in town.
Must-Try!
Thin flatbread stuffed with cheese, spinach or minced meat and cooked on a griddle; widely available at markets and roadside stands.
Flatbread or pide topped with seasoned minced meat or cheese; a filling, inexpensive meal at bakeries and small pizzerias.
Simple sweet or savory baked goods sold at bakeries and cafes — great with morning tea or coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional outdoor market (pazar) where locals sell fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, olives and breads; best for sampling seasonal produce and gözleme stands.
Small eatery stalls on district roads offer quick home-cooked meals like soups, stews and çorba — try them for an authentic taste.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Merhaba' (hello). Handshakes are common between men; wait for women to offer their hand unless invited.
Dress modestly, especially in villages and when visiting mosques. Women should carry a scarf if entering religious sites.
Remove shoes when entering a home if hosts indicate; bring a small gift (sweets or pastries) if invited.
Be respectful during prayer times and Ramadan—avoid loud behavior near mosques and ask before taking photos of people.
Safety
Tipping in Çifteler
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected: leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included, round up taxi fares, and give small tips to hotel porters and housekeeping if satisfied.
Cash (Turkish lira) is king in Çifteler — many small shops and markets do not accept cards. Larger restaurants and hotels may accept cards; ATMs are available in town but withdraw cash before heading to villages.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers and green fields make spring one of the best times to visit; ideal for hiking and photography but expect occasional rain.
Hot, dry and sunny—temperatures can be high during the day. Plan outdoor activities for mornings or evenings and bring sun protection and water.
Cooling temperatures, harvest season and pleasant weather for outdoor exploration; fields change color and rural markets are lively.
Cold with possible snow and frost—roads can be icy. Dress warmly and check local conditions if traveling to upland trails or remote villages.
Çifteler at Night
Hiking in Çifteler
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Informal trails across the rolling agricultural plains offering gentle walking and wide vistas—great for sunrise or sunset photography.
Riverside paths and pockets of riparian vegetation with birdwatching opportunities and easy, level routes.
Connective rural routes between Çifteler and nearby villages are suitable for day hikes or cycling; routes are unmarked so use local directions or a GPS map.
Airports
How to reach Çifteler by plane.
A small regional airport serving Eskişehir with limited scheduled flights; from there it's a drive or bus connection to Çifteler (approximately 1–1.5 hours depending on route).
Major international airport in Ankara roughly 1.5–3 hours away by car depending on route and traffic; frequent bus and car options connect through Ankara and Eskişehir.
International gateways for many travelers; both are several hours away by road or accessible via high-speed train to Eskişehir plus onward bus/taxi; convenient for international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The core population is made up of farming households working cereals, sunflowers and livestock; they maintain rural traditions and seasonal rhythms.
Like many rural areas in Turkey, there is a notable older-age demographic as younger people move to larger cities for education and work.
Residents who commute to Eskişehir or run small shops, cafes and services in the town centre form a civic core and maintain local commerce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region; local amateur teams and village matches are common and draw community interest.
Horseback riding is enjoyed locally for leisure and for traditional uses on farms and plains; some local providers offer rides to visitors.
Traditional sports such as oil wrestling and rural athletic events appear at festivals in the province and neighboring districts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Çifteler.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; expect vegetable stews, lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), gözleme with cheese or spinach, salads and pilgrims' staples like bulgur pilavı. Communicate 'ben vejetaryenim' to clarify.
Vegan dining is more challenging in rural Çifteler but possible with soups, bean dishes, lentils, fresh vegetables and salads; bring snacks as options may be limited.
Most local staples are wheat-based (bread, bulgur, pastries). Gluten-free options are scarce — speak clearly about restrictions and carry alternatives if necessary.