Things To Do
in İskilip

İskilip is a charming town located in the Çorum Province of Turkey, renowned for its rich history and traditional cuisine. The town is famous for its unique İskilip dolması, a rice-stuffed dish that reflects the region's culinary heritage. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and historical sites, İskilip offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking an authentic Turkish experience.

With its friendly locals and vibrant culture, visitors will find plenty to explore and enjoy.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Historical Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the İskilip Castle, perched on a hill offering panoramic views of the town and its surroundings.

afternoon
:

Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Temple nearby, followed by a leisurely stroll through the town's historic streets, taking in the traditional Ottoman architecture.

evening
:

Dinner at a local restaurant to try İskilip dolması, followed by a visit to a traditional tea house for a relaxing evening.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin with a visit to the İskilip Museum to learn about the town's rich history and culture.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Çorum Forest for a picnic and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, with opportunities for hiking.

evening
:

Enjoy a cultural performance or music night at a local venue, experiencing the lively atmosphere of İskilip.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a local restaurant$10
Coffee$2
🚕Taxi ride (short distance)$3
🛒Groceries (weekly)$30
🏨Budget hotel per night$25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural and historical heritage.
  • Delicious local cuisine.
  • Friendly and welcoming locals.
  • Limited nightlife options.
  • Public transportation can be infrequent.
  • Language barrier for non-Turkish speakers.
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Nasılsınız?" - How are you?
  • "Evet" - Yes
  • "Hayır" - No

Places to Visit in İskilip

Visit one of these nice places.

İskilip Castle

This historical castle offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for sunset photography.

Çorum Forest

A beautiful natural setting with vibrant greenery and scenic trails, ideal for nature photography.

Town Square

The lively town square is a great spot to capture the essence of İskilip life and its friendly locals.

Culinary Guide

Food in İskilip

İskilip is a food lover's paradise, renowned for its traditional dishes and vibrant culinary scene.

İskilip Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

İskilip Dolması

A unique rice-stuffed dish that combines spices and minced meat, often served with yogurt.

Must-Try!

Köfte

Grilled meatballs made with ground meat, herbs, and spices, a staple in Turkish cuisine.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

İskilip Market

A bustling market where locals sell fresh produce, spices, and traditional snacks.

Street Vendors

Various food stalls offering quick bites like simit (sesame bread) and döner kebab.

Climate Guide

Weather

İskilip experiences a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making them the best seasons for outdoor activities. Average summer temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F), while winter temperatures can drop to -5°C (23°F).

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A firm handshake is common, and it is polite to greet elders first.

Dress Modestly

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.

Hospitality

If offered food or drink, it is polite to accept, as hospitality is highly valued.

Safety Guide

Safety

İskilip is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, common safety precautions should be observed, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping valuables secure. It’s advisable to have travel insurance and familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers.

Tipping in İskilip

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

It is customary to leave a tip of around 5-10% in restaurants if the service is satisfactory.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, though credit cards are becoming more common in larger establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make spring an excellent time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Summer

Hot and dry, summer is ideal for exploring the local cuisine and enjoying refreshing drinks.

Autumn

Cooler weather and beautiful fall colors provide a picturesque backdrop for photography and hiking.

Winter

Cold and occasionally snowy, winter offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying hearty local dishes indoors.

Nightlife Guide

İskilip at Night

İskilip's nightlife is relatively low-key compared to larger cities, with a few local cafes and tea houses open late. You can enjoy traditional Turkish music and dance in some venues, creating a cozy atmosphere for socializing with locals.

Hiking in İskilip

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kızılırmak River Trail

A scenic trail along the Kızılırmak River, offering beautiful views and opportunities for birdwatching.

Çorum Plateau Trail

This trail provides a more challenging hike with stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape, suitable for experienced hikers.

Airports

How to reach İskilip by plane.

Çorum Airport

Approximately 40 km from İskilip, Çorum Airport offers limited domestic flights, primarily connecting to major Turkish cities.

Getting Around

Walkability

İskilip is a compact town, making it quite walkable. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance, and the streets are generally safe and pedestrian-friendly. However, some areas may have steep inclines, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Turkish Citizens

The majority of the population consists of Turkish citizens, who predominantly speak Turkish and follow traditional customs.

Tourists

In recent years, İskilip has attracted a growing number of domestic and international tourists, especially those interested in cultural tourism.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is the most popular sport in İskilip, with local teams and matches drawing community support.

Wrestling

Traditional Turkish wrestling events are occasionally held, showcasing local talent and culture.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in İskilip is generally light, making it easy to navigate by car or on foot. Public transportation options include minibuses that connect İskilip with nearby towns, but schedules can be irregular. Biking is also a popular option for locals.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting İskilip.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many local restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to ask for specific preparations.

Halal Availability

Most food in İskilip is halal, but confirm with restaurants if unsure.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities in İskilip include a state hospital and several private clinics. Emergency services are available, but for specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities. It's advisable for travelers to have health insurance and know the location of the nearest medical facility.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide