Ayhan Mortepe in Ankara, Çankaya: 6 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Ankara

Must-try foods in Ankara

• Ankara Tava
  Ankara TavaThe city's signature dish, this slow-cooked masterpiece features bone-in lamb (traditionally shoulder or ribs) baked over a bed of buttery orzo or rice. As it roasts in a stone oven, the meat's juices drip into the grains, creating a rich, smoky flavor profile that is distinct from standard stovetop pilafs.
• Ankara Döneri
  Ankara DöneriUnlike the minced meat versions found elsewhere, authentic Ankara Döner is made from high-quality, thinly sliced 'yaprak' (leaf) meat, usually beef or a lamb-beef mix. It is traditionally grilled over wood fire and served without heavy sauces to let the natural, oak-charred flavor of the meat shine.
• Ankara Simidi
  Ankara SimidiA staple street food that is thinner, smaller, and crispier than its Istanbul counterpart. It is famous for being dipped in cold grape molasses (pekmez) before being heavily coated in roasted sesame seeds and baked at high temperatures, giving it a characteristic dark, mahogany color and deep crunch.
• Çubuk Turşusu
  Çubuk TurşusuGeographically protected pickles from the Çubuk district of Ankara. These pickles are renowned for their crispness and the specific blend of vinegar, garlic, and local herbs used in the brine, which locals claim is unmatched anywhere else in Turkey.
• Beypazarı Kurusu
  Beypazarı KurusuA traditional, double-baked dry buttery biscuit from the historic Beypazarı district. Infused with cinnamon and butter, these hard, crunchy snacks have a long shelf life and are the quintessential accompaniment to a glass of strong Turkish tea.
• Kokoreç
  KokoreçA beloved late-night street food made of seasoned lamb intestines and sweetbreads wrapped around a skewer and grilled horizontally over charcoal. In Ankara, it is often finely chopped with tomatoes and spices and served in a warm half-loaf of bread.

Trip guide

• About Ankara
  About AnkaraAnkara, the capital of Turkey, is situated in Central Anatolia and serves as a site of continuous habitation dating back to the Bronze Age. The city’s historical heritage includes artifacts and structures from the Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Persian, Greek, Galatian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Ankara is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant for exploring outdoor sites like Anitkabir. Summers (July and August) can be uncomfortably hot and dry, while winters are often freezing with significant snowfall. Peak tourist season occurs in late spring and early autumn, so visiting in the late fall or early spring offers fewer crowds and lower prices.
• Getting around
  Getting around Ankara

  • Intercity High-Speed Train (YHT) Ankara is a central hub for Turkey's high-speed rail network, offering fast connections from Istanbul (approx. 4.5 hours), Konya, and Eskişehir to the modern Ankara Gar station.
  • Airport Shuttle and Public Bus From Esenboğa Airport, travelers can reach the city center via Havaş shuttle buses to AŞTİ terminal or the 442-K public bus, which runs to Kızılay Square in about 30-50 minutes.
  • Metro and Ankaray Light Rail The city features an efficient underground network consisting of the Metro and Ankaray lines; visitors can use a rechargeable AnkaraKart or contactless credit cards for easy fare payment.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Purchase a reloadable AnkaraKart at metro stations to use the integrated bus, metro, and light rail systems efficiently.
  • Always use the BiTaksi app to book licensed taxis with upfront fare estimates or ensure the driver turns on the meter to avoid overcharging.
  • Accept offers of tea in shops or homes as a gesture of hospitality, but remember to remove your shoes before entering a local's residence.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Ankara

  • Turkic World Tourism Capital 2026: Ankara is hosting a year-long program of festivals, exhibitions, and workshops celebrating Turkic heritage and shared culture.
  • Ankara Metro M4 Airport Line: The newly opened extension significantly reduces travel time between the city center and Esenboğa Airport.
• Ankara İl Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü↗
  Ankara İl Kültür ve Turizm MüdürlüğüThe official tourism and culture portal for Ankara, managed by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.