Last reviewed: · Prices in Turkish Lira (₺ TRY) and Euros (€ EUR) are approximate and for orientation only.
Why visit Çankaya (Ankara (68))
Çankaya (Ankara (68)) is a metropolitan hub (büyükşehir / i̇l) in Ankara Province (Central Anatolia & Cappadocia Region), Türkiye, with a population of approximately 914,501 at an elevation of 1099 m. Çankaya is a key destination and district in Ankara Province (Central Anatolia), positioned at 1099 m elevation and 8.2 km from Ankara YHT Garı & Başkentray.
Getting to Çankaya & local transit
From Istanbul & Ankara: Accessible via TCDD YHT high-speed rail, domestic flights through Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), and intercity coaches.
Nearest Airport & Rail Hub: Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) (8.2 km) · Rail / Intercity Bus: Ankara YHT Garı & Başkentray.
Recommended Transit & Museum Cards: Contactless city transit card & Museum Pass Türkiye (€165). Compare fares with our TCDD YHT Rail vs. Flight Calculator, Istanbulkart & City Transit Calculator, and Museum Pass Türkiye Calculator.
Top things to see & do in Çankaya
- Çankaya Merkez Çarşısı & Historic Mosque
- Çankaya Kent Müzesi & Cultural Square
- Ankara Regional Bazaar & Tea Gardens
- Çankaya Panoramic Viewpoint & Park
Neighborhoods & quarters
Çankaya Merkez (Old Quarter)
Historic quarter, local bazaar, and dining district in Çankaya.
Cumhuriyet Meydanı & Bazaar District
Historic quarter, local bazaar, and dining district in Çankaya.
Yeni Mahalle & Promenade
Historic quarter, local bazaar, and dining district in Çankaya.
What to eat in Çankaya — Local Specialties & Turkish Culinary Guide
Dining in Çankaya reflects the culinary heritage of Central Anatolia & Cappadocia, combining fresh market produce, wood-fired pide and kebabs, cold olive-oil meze, and traditional Turkish tea house culture.
Signature Local Dishes
Çankaya Must-Try Specialties
- Traditional regional kebabs, wood-fired pide & seasonal meze
- Turkish breakfast (serpme kahvaltı) & Rize black tea
- Cappadocia Testi Kebabı (Pottery Kebab) — Slow-simmered lamb, garlic, and tomatoes sealed inside an Avanos clay jug and cracked open tableside.
- Kayseri Mantı & Konya Etli Ekmek — Tiny hand-pinched beef dumplings topped with garlic yogurt and sumac-mint butter, plus razor-thin Konya flatbread.
- Eskişehir Çibörek & Ankara Tava — Crimean Tatar crispy half-moon meat pastries and slow-roasted lamb over pilaf.
Central Anatolia Regional Cuisine
Regional Staples & Drinks
Cappadocia Testi Kebabı (Pottery Kebab) (Slow-simmered lamb, garlic, and tomatoes sealed inside an Avanos clay jug and cracked open tableside.) Kayseri Mantı & Konya Etli Ekmek (Tiny hand-pinched beef dumplings topped with garlic yogurt and sumac-mint butter, plus razor-thin Konya flatbread.) Eskişehir Çibörek & Ankara Tava (Crimean Tatar crispy half-moon meat pastries and slow-roasted lamb over pilaf.)
Local Drinks: Cappadocia Emir & Kalecik Karası Volcanic Wines, Salep with wild orchid root & cinnamon, Köpüklü Susurluk/Anatolian Ayran
Where to Eat in Çankaya: Lokantas, Meyhanes & Markets
Explore the central çarşı (market quarter) of Çankaya alongside regional culinary landmarks including Kayseri Pastırmacılar Çarşısı, Konya Bedesten Bazaar, Ürgüp & Avanos Weekly Markets for local cheeses, olives, spices, and freshly baked simit and pide.
Recommended Dining Areas: Kayseri Pastırmacılar Çarşısı · Konya Bedesten Bazaar · Ürgüp & Avanos Weekly Markets
Local Turkish Drinks & Pairings: Cappadocia Emir & Kalecik Karası Volcanic Wines · Salep with wild orchid root & cinnamon · Köpüklü Susurluk/Anatolian Ayran
Dining Etiquette & Ordering Tips: In Türkiye, midday esnaf lokantası (tradesmen's restaurants) display bubbling trays at the counter where you can order half-portions (yarım porsiyon). Evening meyhanes and ocakbaşı grill houses serve cold meze first; bread and tulip-glass Rize black tea (çay) after meals are typically complimentary. Use our Turkish Phrasebook & Restaurant Allergy Show-Cards to order confidently in Turkish.