Ankara

Exemplary Personal Safety

Ankara is remarkably safe and peaceful; pickpocketing rates are much lower than in most European capitals. Just take the usual precautions at night in lonely areas of Ulus.

Respect for National Symbols

There is deep reverence for Atatürk and the national flag. Showing disrespectful attitudes toward national monuments or civic images is punishable by law.

Traffic and Pedestrian Crossings

Drivers rarely yield to pedestrians at crossings. Always use the overpasses or underground pedestrian tunnels on major avenues such as Atatürk Bulvarı.

Dishes You Must Try

Taste the 'Ankara Tava' (tender oven-baked lamb with orzo pasta), the 'Ankara Simidi' (darker and crunchier thanks to molasses) and the famous veal 'yaprak döner' at the classic restaurants of Ulus and Çankaya.

Tea Culture (Çay)

Tea served in a tulip-shaped glass is a constant sign of welcome. If you are offered tea in a shop or craft workshop, there is usually no obligation to buy; it is an act of hospitality.

Inland Fish Restaurants

Despite having no sea, Ankara is famous for hosting some of the best fresh fish restaurants in Turkey (thanks to diplomatic demand and direct logistics connections for first-thing-in-the-morning delivery).

How to Get from Esenboğa Airport

The HAVAŞ shuttle buses and the EGO 442 express public bus lines economically connect the airport with the high-speed train station (YHT), Kızılay and the AŞTİ terminal in about 45-60 minutes.

Ankarakart Card and Payments

Use the rechargeable 'Ankarakart' card for the metro, urban cable car and municipal buses. You can also pay directly by tapping contactless bank cards for a small additional fee.

High-Speed Train Connection (YHT)

Ankara YHT Garı station connects the capital with Istanbul in just 4 hours and with Konya in under 2 hours. It is a comfortable, very punctual alternative to domestic flights.

Traveling by Dolmuş

White or blue minibuses (dolmuş) complement the network where the metro doesn't reach. You pay in cash directly to the driver (or pass it through other passengers), stating your destination.

Visiting Anıtkabir

Dress soberly and respectfully. Avoid rowdy behavior or loud laughter in the Court of Honor and in front of Atatürk's tomb; the site is almost sacred to the country.

Entering Mosques

In active mosques such as Kocatepe or Hacı Bayram, remove your shoes on entering, wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and women must cover their heads with a scarf outside prayer times.

Tipping (Bahşiş)

In table-service restaurants it is customary to leave between 5% and 10% of the bill if service is not already explicitly included.

Personal Identification

By national law, security forces may ask for identification at random checks; always carry your physical passport or a clear copy with you, along with your visa if applicable.

Tobacco and E-Cigarettes

Smoking is strictly prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, on transport and in restaurants. The sale and advertising of vapes is heavily restricted.

Tap Water

Municipal tap water is treated but has a high limescale content and a chlorinated taste; locals usually drink bottled spring water.

On-Duty Pharmacies (Nöbetçi Eczane)

Regular pharmacies close in the early evening and on Sundays, but there are always 24-hour on-duty pharmacies designated on a rotating basis. Each pharmacy displays in its window a list with the nearest on-duty pharmacy.

Sunset at the Citadel

Climb to the upper bastions of Ankara Kalesi just before sunset. You will hear the call to prayer ('ezan') echo in staggered waves across the dozens of mosques on the plateau as the sky turns purple.

The Turkish Breakfast Ritual (Serpme Kahvaltı)

On weekend mornings, head to the gardens of Hamamönü or the terraces of Çankaya to order a full Turkish breakfast made up of more than 15 small dishes with local cheeses, jams, eggs with 'sucuk' and unlimited tea.