Live it up like a local – Ankara Guide

If you are in the planning stages of a holiday to Ankara and are looking for an authentic experience then enjoy our local guide to the city. The best way when travelling to a new destination and experiencing new cultures is to use input from those were born and raised there.

We asked local, Kale Kayhan Alpar (42, International Trade Consultant) for his favorite spots and city hangouts:

What is your favorite area in Ankara?

My top coffee spot is in Kavaklıdere District. Cafemiz is the first known café in the city, a popular venue for breakfast and lunch, especially at the weekends. Mado is one of the most widely known chains but the one that I love is located on Tunalı Street. It is a perfect spot for people watching and chilling. In summertime, just sit outside and taste the best traditional Turkish deserts, such as baklava and kadayıf, with tea or coffee on the side. On cold winter days, warm up with a cup of sahlep, a flour made from an orchid plant, mixed together with hot milk and served with cinnamon. This has been a known health remedy since ancient times.

…and lunch venue?

Ankara is best known for kebabs. If you are in Kızılay, you can taste the best döner kebab at Hosta on Sakarya Street. There are many fish sellers, restaurants and beer houses here too. Do not expect very luxurious service, but you can eat delicious food and local tapas (mezes) at reasonable prices.

What are the best shopping areas?

With 38 shopping malls, Ankara is a haven for shoppers. For international and domestic fashion brands, I tend to go to Armada, Kentpark and Cepa because they are very close to each other. The main downtown shopping avenues are Kızılay Street, Tunalı Hilmi Street and Arjantin Street.

Which local markets are the best to check out?

If you want to experience a nice dinner, accompanied by live traditional "fasıl" music, visit the restaurants in the Old City. Here, many old wooden Ottoman houses have been transformed into charming dining spots. Kınacızade and Zenger Paşa Konağı are the best places to get a feel for the mysterious atmosphere of old combined with new. Local dishes are served with Raki, a Turkish aniseed spirit, and a selection of local wines.

If you are at the end of a night out and find yourself hungry in the early hours of the morning, head to Beykoz İşkembecisi on Hoşdere Street. Open 24 hours, you can watch your meal being prepared in the open kitchen. Tribe soup, sheep's head, foot soup, and brain salad are my favorites, but I have to admit that it's not to everyone's taste! This restaurant has also a vast selection of Ottoman inspired dishes.

…and the best nightspots?

With a huge student population from the city's 18 universities, Ankara has a very colorful nightlife scene with many bars and clubs open until 4 am. A good central place to start the evening is on Bestekar Street, which has a great atmosphere. Tunali Street provides many nice places side-by-side to eat and drink, such as Hayyami Wine House. I prefer meeting with friends and drinking Turkey's famous beer "Efes" in Kıtır. It is one of Ankara's oldest beer houses, which also offers snacks, such as grilled sheep intestines and stuffed mussels.

We hope that these insiders' tips inspire your next holiday to Turkey. The Radisson Blu Hotel, Ankara is an urban oasis near the downtown area and old city, perfect for exploring both the historic and contemporary styles that blend together so well here.