Things To Do
in Sungurlu
Sungurlu is a small town in Çorum Province, located on the central Anatolian plain. It blends agricultural life with a warm, down-to-earth local culture and a compact town center that’s easy to explore on foot. The town serves as a quiet gateway to rural Çorum, offering markets, mosques, and traditional houses set against open fields.
Visitors come for authentic Turkish hospitality, manageable day trips, and simple, flavorful local cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Sungurlu and settle into your accommodation. Spend some time exploring the town center, where you can soak in the local atmosphere and enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café. Visit the nearby market to experience the vibrant colors and scents of Turkish produce and handicrafts.
Take a leisurely stroll to the historic Sungurlu Clock Tower, an iconic landmark that offers a great view of the town. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant specializing in regional cuisine, sampling dishes like Testi Kebab. Conclude your afternoon with a visit to the Sungurlu Museum to learn more about the area’s rich history.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in one of the local parks to relax and take in the scenery. Enjoy dinner at a traditional Turkish restaurant, experimenting with more local favorites. To conclude your evening, take a walk through the town under the stars, perhaps ending with a sweet dessert from a local patisserie.
Begin the day with a visit to the ancient ruins of Roman-era structures just outside Sungurlu. Engage with a local guide who can provide insights into the history and architecture of the site. Capture photographs of the stunning landscapes surrounding the ruins, which are an essential part of the region’s heritage.
Return to town for lunch, and afterward, delve into the local craft scene with a workshop on pottery or weaving. This interactive experience will give you a firsthand look at the cultural practices that have sustained the community for generations. Visit small artisan shops to see local craftspeople at work.
Join a cultural evening event featuring traditional Turkish music and folk dancing. Experience the rich sounds and rhythms that are characteristic of the region. Enjoy dinner with new friends, discussing the day's experiences over a glass of local wine or tea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚇One-way local transport | $1-2 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-2 |
| 🏨Hotel (per night, budget) | $25-60 |
| 🛒Groceries (monthly) | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and authentic hospitality
- Compact town center that's easy to explore on foot
- Accessible countryside for day trips and outdoor activities
- Limited nightlife and international dining options
- Smaller selection of services compared to larger cities
- Some sights require longer drives to nearby cities
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Nerede?" - Where is it?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "İngilizce konuşabilir misiniz?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Sungurlu
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow lanes, traditional stone houses, and soft morning light create timeless street photography moments.
A tranquil riverside path with reflections of fields and sky, ideal for serene landscape shots.
A vantage point on the town’s outskirts offering sweeping views of the farmland as the sun sets.
Food in Sungurlu
Sungurlu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting chickpea soup enriched with roasted chickpeas, commonly served with bread.
Must-Try!
Tiny Turkish dumplings served with garlicky yogurt and a spiced butter sauce.
A slow-cooked wheat and meat dish often shared at gatherings, rich in flavor and tradition.
A thin filled pastry (often cheese or spinach) cooked on a flat pan; a popular street-food option.
Lamb or beef thinly sliced and stir-fried with peppers and tomatoes; a hearty staple in Central Anatolia.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market held on specific days where locals buy fresh produce, legumes, nuts, herbs, and homemade specialties like leblebi.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly 'Merhaba' with a smile is standard; handshakes are common, and close acquaintances may greet with light cheek kisses in some contexts.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques: shoulders and knees should be covered; remove hats and follow local guidelines.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people; avoid photographing private moments or families without consent.
Safety
Tipping in Sungurlu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but modest; 5-10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; rounding up taxi fares is common.
Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are increasingly common in larger establishments; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; great for walking and market visits, with occasional showers.
Hot and dry; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated, and seek shade in the town squares.
Harvest season brings clear skies and harvest colors; comfortable temperatures for outdoor exploration.
Cold with possible snow; layer up and be prepared for chilly evenings; some outdoor trails may be limited.
Sungurlu at Night
Hiking in Sungurlu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle 2–5 km route along the river with farmland views and potential birdwatching.
Moderate 6–10 km route offering viewpoints over the rural Çorum province.
8–12 km loop through villages and upland fields, with opportunities to meet locals and learn about farming.
Airports
How to reach Sungurlu by plane.
Major international gateway about 150-180 km from Sungurlu; easiest access via road or express bus to reach the town.
Smaller provincial airport about 170-210 km away; connections mainly to Istanbul and Ankara.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Turkish rural families with multi-generational households.
Students from nearby towns and agricultural/service workers contributing to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local games and clubs are common in nearby cities.
Played in schools and community centers; local tournaments occur seasonally.
Reflects regional cultural traditions; events may be seasonal in nearby areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sungurlu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for meat-free dishes like lentil soup, vegetable stews, grilled vegetables, and vegetarian meze; clarify broths and sauces contain no meat.