Ankara Castle

Ankara Kalesi

Perched on a hilltop in Ankara's Old Town, this medieval fortress with Byzantine and Ottoman origins offers panoramic views of the city and houses a small museum. The surrounding area features restored traditional houses, handicraft shops, and restaurants in a charming historic quarter.

Things to do

• Explore the Castle Walls and Bastions — Walk the restored medieval fortifications and climb the towers for intimate views of the surrounding Old Town and modern Ankara below.
• Visit the Ankara Castle Museum — Tour the small museum housed within the castle displaying artifacts from Byzantine and Ottoman periods, including pottery, weapons, and historical documents.
• Wander the Historic Old Town Streets — Stroll through narrow lanes lined with restored Ottoman-era houses, many now converted into traditional restaurants and shops selling local crafts.
• Shop at Traditional Handicraft Stalls — Browse stalls selling hand-woven textiles, copperware, ceramics, and souvenirs crafted by local artisans throughout the castle quarter.
• Sunset Photography from the Castle Ramparts — Capture panoramic views of Ankara's skyline and the illuminated city at dusk from the elevated fortress vantage points.
• Visit Ethnography Museum in Nearby Citadel — Explore the adjacent ethnography museum showcasing traditional Anatolian crafts, textiles, and household items in a restored period building.

Food to try

• Ankara Tava — A sizzling clay-pot stew of lamb, onions, and peppers served at traditional restaurants throughout the Old Town quarter.
• Ankara Pide — Local boat-shaped flatbread filled with meat, cheese, or spinach, baked in wood-fired ovens and popular at street-level eateries near the castle.
• Kuzu Tandır — Slow-roasted lamb cooked in a clay oven, a Central Anatolian specialty found in family-run restaurants with historic stone interiors.
• Liver Kebab (Ciğer Kebab) — Grilled lamb liver skewered with spices and vegetables, a traditional Ankara street food served at casual dining spots in the Old Town.
• Turkish Tea and Baklava — Enjoy strong black tea paired with honey-soaked baklava at traditional teahouses overlooking the castle ramparts at sunset.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes — The castle sits on a steep hilltop with uneven cobblestone streets and multiple flights of stairs, requiring sturdy footwear for safe exploration.
• Visit During Weekday Mornings — Arrive early on weekdays to experience the Old Town with fewer crowds and better access to small family-run shops and restaurants that operate traditional hours.
• Respect Prayer Times at Nearby Mosques — The castle quarter contains active mosques; avoid entering during the five daily prayer times and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Bargain Respectfully at Shops — Haggling over prices is expected in handicraft shops and markets, but approach negotiations with politeness and genuine interest in the craftspeople's work.