Çorum — Travel Guide

As Çorum is located in a continental climate zone, it presents a different face in different seasons of the year. The ideal time to visit the city is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these periods, the weather is neither oppressively hot nor freezing cold; moreover, nature displays itself in its most vibrant shades of green.

In summer, especially in July and August, temperatures rise considerably. If you want to visit open-air areas like Hattusa, choosing the early morning hours will both protect you from the heat and help you avoid crowds. In winter, the city is covered in snow; this is when the number of visitors is lowest. Winter can also be a reasonable option for those who want to visit museums and indoor venues, but visiting open-air areas like Hattusa in winter conditions can be tiring.

The Çorum Hittite Festival, held every year in July, is one of the city's most colorful events. A visit timed to coincide with the festival will allow you to experience the city's cultural atmosphere much more vividly.

The most common way to reach Çorum is by bus. There are regular bus services to Çorum from many major cities in Turkey. The journey from Istanbul takes approximately 7-8 hours. Many bus companies operate on this route, and it is recommended to check their websites for up-to-date information on ticket prices and schedules.

The nearest airport is Amasya Merzifon Airport, located approximately 67 kilometers from Çorum. After landing at the airport, you can reach Çorum by taxi or shuttle services. Ankara Esenboğa Airport is also an alternative option, from where it is possible to travel to Çorum by road.

For those who wish to travel by rail, there is also a train connection to Çorum. Train services operate via Ankara; however, the travel time may be longer compared to road travel. If you are coming with your own vehicle, the distance between Ankara and Çorum is approximately 230 kilometers, and road conditions are generally good.

Transportation within Çorum city center is quite easy. Municipal buses operate regular services to different parts of the city. Electronic card usage is common in public transport; full and discounted card options are available. We recommend checking the official channels of Çorum Municipality for current fare tariffs.

The city center is also of a scale that can be easily explored on foot. Çorum Castle, Clock Tower, arasta bazaars, and the museum are located close to each other; therefore, you can largely complete your city center tour on foot. Taxi services are also widely available throughout the city.

To reach distant points from the city center, such as Hattusa, renting a car or taking minibuses to Boğazkale district is the most practical solution. Minibus services to Boğazkale operate from the city center; however, learning the schedules in advance will help you plan your trip more effectively.

Hattusa: One of Çorum's, and perhaps Anatolia's, most important open-air museums, Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the 2nd millennium BC. This vast area, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses iconic structures such as the Great Temple, Lion Gate, Sphinx Gate, and Yerkapı. It is located in the Boğazkale district, approximately 80 kilometers from Çorum city center.

Çorum Museum: The museum, where Hittite-era artifacts are extensively exhibited, is located in the city center. Museum Card holders can enter for free. Opening hours are between 08:30 and 17:00.

Çorum Castle: Located on a hill overlooking the city, the castle draws attention with its historical walls and offers a beautiful viewpoint for city panoramas.

Clock Tower: One of Çorum's symbols, the Clock Tower is located in the city center and is an ideal spot for taking photos with its historical texture.

Dikiciler Arastası and Çöplü Arastası: These historical bazaars, dating from the Ottoman period, reflect the city's commercial and cultural heritage. They are ideal places to buy local products, especially roasted chickpeas (leblebi).

İskilip: The İskilip district, affiliated with Çorum, forms a separate travel route with its Ottoman-era castle and natural beauties along the Kızılırmak river. It is approximately 60 kilometers from the city center.

Murad-ı Rabi Grand Mosque: One of the city's historical mosques, this structure is an important religious site worth examining architecturally.

The undisputed star of Çorum cuisine is leblebi (roasted chickpeas). This crunchy snack, made from chickpeas, has become a symbol of Çorum and can be found in various types in every corner of the city. You can choose your favorite among yellow leblebi, white leblebi, and various spiced variants to take with you; it's almost impossible to leave Çorum without buying leblebi.

Other prominent flavors of the city include Çorum mantısı (dumplings), keşkek (a traditional dish of pounded wheat and meat), and the local çiğ börek (raw pastry). In the city center's restaurants, it is possible to taste homemade Anatolian dishes at reasonable prices. Çorum also has a well-developed breakfast culture, with local breakfast salons opening their doors from early morning.

The shops in the historical arasta bazaars are ideal shopping spots for both leblebi and local souvenir products like the Kargı knife. For dessert, you can try the local höşmerim (a cheese dessert) and various Ottoman sweets.

As Çorum is not a major tourist center, accommodation options are more limited compared to cities like Istanbul or Ankara; however, there are various hotel and guesthouse options available to meet basic needs. Hotels located in the city center are the most practical choice due to their walking distance to most of the attractions.

Budget travelers can find affordable guesthouses and small hotels in the city center. Mid-range hotels are concentrated on the city's main avenues. Those planning a visit to Hattusa can also find a few accommodation options in the Boğazkale district; this makes it possible to reach the site early in the morning before the crowds arrive.

It is recommended to make your accommodation reservations in advance, especially during the Hittite Festival period (July); occupancy rates in the city significantly increase during this time.

Çorum is a very budget-friendly destination compared to Turkey's major cities. Food, accommodation, and transportation costs are much lower than in Istanbul or Ankara.

Using a Museum Card for museum entrances provides significant savings; areas like Çorum Museum and Hattusa can be visited for free with a Museum Card. There is an additional fee for vehicle entry to Hattusa; we recommend checking the current tariffs before your visit.

Lunch in local restaurants in the city center can be quite affordable. Buying leblebi and other local products from the arasta bazaars is advantageous in terms of both quality and price. For those who prefer public transport, municipal buses offer an economical option.

The most valuable gift to take home from Çorum is undoubtedly leblebi (roasted chickpeas). With many varieties such as yellow, white, spicy, and cinnamon-flavored, leblebi is sold by weight or in packages in the city's historical arasta bazaars and central shops. Vacuum-packed products retain their freshness for a long time.

The Kargı knife is a traditional, handcrafted knife produced in Çorum's Kargı district. It is a unique option for collectors and those looking for souvenirs. Copperware products, local textiles, and handicrafts can also be found in the historical bazaars.

Dikiciler Arastası and Çöplü Arastası are the places that offer the most authentic atmosphere for shopping. Wandering through these historical bazaars is a delightful experience in itself.