Live Local in Ankara Kızılay: Explore Old Markets and Iconic Landmarks

If city centres had scents, Ankara Kızılay would smell like roasted chestnuts on a crisp autumn day - warm, familiar, and lively.

This is the heart of Ankara: where you’ll hear the laughter of young people spilling out of cafés, the chatter of street vendors selling baked simit pretzels, and the buzz of traffic that never quite fades. Kızılay isn’t just the heart of the Turkish capital - it’s where tradition and modernity share the same streets. Here, government buildings stand alongside vintage bookshops and artsy cafés alive with students, families, and curious travellers.

But what makes Kızılay truly irresistible isn’t just its convenience or historical side. From morning commuters to nighttime storytellers, this district has character.

At the heart of it all, Mercure Ankara Kızılay has a front-row seat to the capital. With its subtle Anatolian designs, rich textures, and rooms with panoramic views, the hotel blends sleek contemporary comfort with a local touch. It’s the perfect base to relax after busy days of sightseeing or attending meetings in the capital.

Ankara Kızılay is a great place to wander without an agenda so that curiosity can guide you, but even the most curious traveller needs a sense of direction.

This guide is your map to Kızılay’s defining experiences – from flavour-filled detours to enduring landmarks that capture its history and modern life. So, pick up a bag of warm chestnuts, lace up your comfiest sneakers, and set out to see Kızılay through the eyes of those who call it home.

Named after the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay Derneği), this lively district has long symbolised the social heartbeat of the capital. Once a modest area dotted with ministries and offices, Kızılay has transformed into a vibrant hub where the city’s character and modernity intertwine. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a Turkish coffee in the morning, then stumble upon a traditional market by sunset.

When you’re in town, it’s a great idea to first check out Kızılay Square, the district’s iconic centrepiece. Although some like to call it Ankara’s answer to Times Square, it’s best to keep your expectations in check - the buzz here is of a different kind. With its constant movement of pedestrians, buses, and taxis, it definitely embodies Ankara’s unique energy. Locals often use the square as a meeting point since it connects to nearly every major boulevard in the city, making it the perfect launchpad for exploration.

A few steps away, you’ll find Güvenpark, a small leafy refuge amid the urban bustle. Its well-known statue, the Güven Monument, stands as a proud tribute to Turkey's republican ideals. Office workers eat lunch here beneath the trees, students kill time between classes, and families stroll through its shaded walkways. It’s a great spot to sit back, people-watch, and absorb the gentle rhythm of Ankara life.

The best way to experience the city like a local is through its flavours and old town streets. Ankara Kızılay is a very family-friendly city, and local delicacies are definitely something everyone can enjoy.

While modern shopping malls and international food chains have made their mark, the true soul of Kızılay still shines in its old markets and street food. That said, it makes sense to begin at Sakarya Street, which is filled with restaurants, cafés, and street vendors. Here, the air is thick with the scent of roasted sweet corn and sizzling Kokoreç - a delicacy beloved by locals: it's stuffed lamb intestines grilled to perfection on a charcoal fire.

Vendors also line the sidewalks selling stuffed mussels, freshly pressed pomegranate juice, and tavuk pilav (chicken and rice served with pickles). For a true taste of Ankara, try Ankara Tava, a hearty dish of tender lamb or chicken baked with orzo and savoury local spices. It’s a delicious way to experience the city’s culinary soul. 

And, if you’re in the mood for shopping, Kızılay Mall is just a 5-minute walk from Sakarya. A few blocks away, you’ll find Yüksel Street, which also offers a blend of flavours and a lively atmosphere. Its cosy mix of old bookstores, shops, and art cafés makes it one of Kızılay’s most characterful lanes. Here, you'll also find the prominent (yet unofficial) Human Rights Monument, which is a bronze statue that depicts a young woman reading the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

As you're walking around, take a break at a börekçi (pastry shop) and grab a flaky cheese-filled börek, or try a menemen for breakfast (or brunch) at a café. Seriously, you don’t want to skip the menemen - it’s a traditional Turkish dish made of eggs, tomatoes, and sweet paprika peppers. In the evenings, Kızılay’s food scene shifts gears. Street vendors switch to serving steaming bowls of İşkembecisi (tripe soup), a hearty local comfort food great in fall and winter.

Last, but most definitely not least: those craving a deeper connection with Ankara’s old town, can take a walk (or a quick taxi ride) to Samanpazarı, one of the oldest market areas in the city. Brimming with tradition, this maze of narrow alleys and cobbled streets is one of the highlights of the area.

Tiny shops here sell everything, from handmade ceramics to Anatolian rugs and jewellery. The atmosphere here is pure nostalgia: part bazaar, part-time capsule. So expect to have a great time if you love local folklore and all things that are old and beautiful.

After sampling the city's mouthwatering delicacies and getting lost in local markets, it's time to check out Ankara Kızılay’s most important landmarks.

One of the architectural highlights of the city is the Kocatepe Mosque - which is visible from many of the panoramic rooms at the Mercure Ankara Kızılay. Built in 1967, the mosque’s iconic blue domes can be seen from almost anywhere in Ankara.

This magnificent mosque is designed to accommodate around 24,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest in the country. Inside, intricate Islamic calligraphy graces the walls, soft elegant carpets cover the floors, and golden chandeliers illuminate the vast ceiling. The architecture feels both grand and humble, spiritual yet welcoming. You won’t find photographs or paintings adorning the walls, only the beauty of Quranic calligraphy etched in gold.

When visiting, modest dress is the way to go. Women should cover their heads, and everyone should wear attire that covers shoulders and knees. You’ll remove your shoes at the entrance, stepping onto soft carpets that add to the mosque’s serenity. A respectful hush fills the air, a gentle reminder that this is a place of worship.

Local tip: make sure not to take pictures of worshippers without their permission. 

Just a 10-minute drive away, Anıtkabir is another monumental landmark which houses the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk - Turkey's first president. Its grand architecture and solemn atmosphere make it one of Ankara's most visited sites. It's a great idea to visit during sunset, when the golden light softens the warm-coloured stone columns and fills the ceremonial plaza with a serene vibe.

For a breathtaking panoramic view, head to the Ankara Citadel (Hisar), perched on a hill overlooking the city. It’s just a 12-minute drive from Mercure Ankara Kızılay. Although the uphill walk through its narrow, cobblestone lanes can be a bit of an exercise, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the red-tiled rooftops below. Nearby, you’ll find the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, a UNESCO-recognised collection that takes you on a journey through Turkey’s ancient past - from the Hittites to the Phrygians and beyond.

If you’re planning a longer stay and are drawn to history and architecture, our guide to Ankara’s architectural gems is a must-read.

When it comes to exploring the capital, few places are as convenient as Ankara Kızılay. The district doubles as the city’s main transport hub, so you definitely won’t get lost or stranded here.

The Kızılay Metro Station sits right beneath the square, connecting three major metro lines that stretch toward Anıtkabir, Ulus, Çayyolu, and Batıkent. For intercity travellers, Kızılay’s network of EGO buses, taxis, and shared minibuses (dolmuş) makes exploring straightforward and cost-effective. If you’re arriving from Esenboğa Airport (ESB), hop on the HAVAS airport shuttle - it’ll drop you in Kızılay in about 45 minutes.

Yet, despite all of these convenient transport links, the beauty of Kızılay lies in its walkability. When you’re ready to wander, just know that Güvenpark, Sakarya Street, and Samanpazari market are within walking distance of one another. So bring comfy shoes and let your curiosity guide you.

Kızılay Square and Güvenpark are great spots for first-time visitors who want to get a feel of the city’s pulse. For a blend of culture, history, and local life, be sure to check out nearby landmarks like Anıtkabir, the Kocatepe Mosque, and the Ankara Citadel.

By night, head to rooftop bars, explore local street vendors, or check out live-music venues around Yüksel Street to enjoy Ankara’s nightlife and culture scene.

Sakarya Street offers the best shops, while Samanpazarı nearby is perfect for antiques or handmade crafts. For modern shopping, the Kızılay Mall is just a short ride away.

Kızılay is a major transport hub with metro, bus, and taxi links to every part of the city. Most attractions are within walking distance, and using an Ankarakart simplifies travel on most public transport.

Anıtkabir, the Ankara Citadel, and the Kocatepe Mosque all offer insight into Ankara’s heritage. Each reveals a different layer of the city’s story: from the ancient civilisation of Anatolia to its Islamic heritage, and the founding of modern Turkey.