Things To Do
in Ayaş
Ayaş is a small, quiet town in Ankara Province set on the Anatolian plateau, known for its mineral water tradition and agricultural landscape. The town blends timeless rural life with a few Ottoman-era buildings, local bazaars and thermal springs that attract visitors from the region. Ayaş serves as a relaxed base for exploring rolling vineyards, oak-covered ridges and nearby forests while being within driving distance of Ankara.
It offers a slow-pace, authentic Turkish small-town experience popular with day-trippers and people seeking countryside relaxation.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Ayaş and check into your hotel, soaking in the peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with traditional Turkish tea and fresh local pastries. Take a moment to explore the quaint village and its friendly locals.
Visit the historic Ayaş Mosque to admire its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Afterwards, roam through the village markets, where you can sample local delicacies and purchase handmade crafts. Engage with local vendors to learn more about their culture and traditions.
Dine at a family-run restaurant, savoring authentic dishes cooked using age-old recipes. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as villagers gather to socialize. Take a relaxing stroll under the stars, appreciating the tranquil ambiance of the countryside.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided hike through the lush hills surrounding Ayaş. Experience the stunning views and fresh air while discovering local flora and fauna. Capture some breathtaking scenery with your camera along the way.
After the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic overlook to replenish your energy. Spend some time relaxing and taking in the panoramic views of the village and distant mountains. Head back to town late afternoon and visit the Ayaş thermal baths, known for their healing properties.
Unwind with a soothing soak in the thermal waters as the sun sets, creating a magical atmosphere. Enjoy a light dinner at your hotel, sampling more local flavors. Conclude your day with a cultural performance showcasing traditional Turkish music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Cup of tea or coffee | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel / pension (per night) | $35-70 |
| 🚌Local bus / dolmuş ride | $0.50-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town atmosphere and friendly locals
- Close access to rural landscapes, vineyards and thermal springs
- Lower prices than major cities and relaxed pace
- Easy day-trip access to Ankara for city amenities
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions compared with larger cities
- Fewer accommodation and dining options than tourist centers
- Public transport options are limited—having a car is helpful
- Seasonal closures for some services in winter
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Ne kadar?" - How much?
- "Tuvalet nerede?" - Where is the restroom?
- "İyi akşamlar" - Good evening
- "Afedersiniz / Efendim" - Excuse me / Sir/Madam (polite attention)
Places to Visit in Ayaş
Visit one of these nice places.
Candid street photography of local life, colorful stalls and traditional storefronts—best in the morning market bustle.
Photograph the historic drinking fountains, water taps and small bottling points that highlight Ayaş’s mineral water heritage.
Sunrise and sunset shots over the Anatolian plateau with vineyards and fields in the foreground—excellent golden-hour locations.
Picturesque country roads lined with fruit trees, vineyards and rustic village houses—great for seasonal colors.
Capture Ottoman-era architectural details and community life around small neighborhood mosques and public buildings.
Food in Ayaş
Ayaş Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked meat and vegetable casserole baked in a clay pot; common in local lokantas and family kitchens.
Must-Try!
Thin hand-rolled flatbread filled with cheese, spinach or minced meat, usually cooked on a sac griddle and sold by street vendors or small cafés.
A simple scrambled egg dish cooked with tomatoes, peppers and spices—popular for breakfast and brunch.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market (pazar) where farmers sell fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, cheeses and breads—great for tasting local produce and buying picnic supplies.
Small vendors near the square selling gözleme, simit and tea—perfect for a quick, inexpensive bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly out of respect for local conservative norms—especially when visiting mosques and older neighborhoods. Women may prefer to carry a light scarf for mosque visits.
Remove your shoes when entering private homes and some traditional indoor spaces; when visiting a mosque, dress modestly and be mindful during prayer times.
Greet shopkeepers and neighbors with a friendly 'Merhaba' (hello) or 'Günaydın' (good morning). Elders are shown respect; a simple handshake and eye contact are appreciated.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders; avoid photographing inside mosques during prayers without permission.
Safety
Tipping in Ayaş
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: round up the bill or leave 5–10% in restaurants for table service; small change or rounding up is common for taxis and cafés. For hotel porters or guides, 10–20 TL (or equivalent) is appropriate depending on service.
Cash (Turkish lira) is widely used in Ayaş, especially for markets, small shops and local eateries; most mid-range restaurants and larger businesses accept cards but network connectivity can be spotty—carry cash for convenience. ATMs are available in town but may be limited; withdraw in Ankara if you need larger sums.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming countryside make spring ideal for hiking, flower photography and market visits; mornings can still be cool so pack layers.
Hot, dry days on the Anatolian plateau with cool evenings; bring sun protection and water—daytime outdoor activities are best early or late in the day.
Pleasant weather and harvest season for grapes and fruit; autumn colors appear in vineyards and orchards, offering good photography and farm-to-table produce.
Chilly to cold with occasional snow and frosty mornings; many outdoor activities are limited but the town is quieter and thermal spas are welcoming.
Ayaş at Night
Hiking in Ayaş
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of informal trails across the plateau and surrounding low ridges—good for short to half-day hikes with open views of farmland and sky.
Seasonal walking routes through local vineyards and orchards; best during spring bloom or autumn harvest for color and photo opportunities.
Within a reasonable drive are more forested areas and marked trails offering cooler, shaded hikes—suitable for day trips to escape summer heat.
Airports
How to reach Ayaş by plane.
Main international airport serving Ankara region, approximately 60–90 minutes by car from Ayaş depending on traffic; offers domestic and international flights and car rental services.
Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) are the major international hubs for many inbound flights; expect a 4–5 hour drive to Ayaş or a domestic flight to Ankara plus road transfer.
Smaller regional airport with some domestic connections; farther away but an alternative for travelers combining a visit to central Anatolia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of residents are engaged in agriculture, viticulture and small-scale farming; life follows seasonal rhythms tied to planting and harvest.
Like many rural towns, Ayaş has a noticeable proportion of older adults, with younger people often commuting to larger cities or moving for work.
Some residents commute to Ankara or nearby districts for work, while local entrepreneurs run shops, cafés and service businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport regionally—local amateur teams and enthusiastic community support for national clubs are common.
Traditional wrestling and rural sports are occasionally featured at festivals and village events.
Basketball is popular among youth and is commonly played in local sports halls and school gyms.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ayaş.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can find many vegetable dishes, lentil soup (mercimek çorbası), gözleme with cheese or spinach, and meze-style salads; ask about meat stock in soups. Many eateries will accommodate requests for meat-free options if you clarify.
More limited but possible: rely on salads, vegetable stews, lentil dishes, and bread—ask whether butter or yogurt is used. Bring snacks if you have strict requirements.
Challenging because breads, pastries and many staples contain wheat; grilled meats, salads and plain rice are safer choices—communicate needs clearly.