Çorum is primarily known for its Phrygian and Hittite archaeological sites, its thermal springs, and its native roasted chickpea snacks known nationally as leblebi.

The name is of unknown origin and is first attested in Ottoman records about a Seljuk fortress, Çorum Kalesi, described by Evliya Çelebi.

As with most Central Anatolian and inland Black Sea towns, the population is largely conservative, leading to a generally more restricted nightlife that favors dry establishments, although there are some bars, pubs, and cafés that offer a mix of contemporary and traditional Turkish folk music.

As well as the archeological and other historic sites, the countryside surrounding Çorum offers many places for picnics, particularly near the Çomar reservoir or in the mountains around the province.

The old Ottoman houses, the 19th-century clock tower, and the Çorum Museum, which displays a range of artefacts from excavations in the region, are popular tourist attractions.

Originally home to about 20 tile and brick manufacturing facilities and 10 flour and feed mills, the city today produces a wide variety of products ranging from cement to automobile parts, refined sugar to dairy products, textiles to computer parts, and, more recently, poultry through chicken farming.