Ankara

Ankara, Turkey - Complete Travel Guide

Ankara, Turkey's capital and second-largest city, offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern political significance. While often overshadowed by Istanbul's grandeur, Ankara has impressive museums, including the world-renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and serves as the heart of the Turkish Republic with its government buildings and embassies. The city sits on the Anatolian plateau at over 850 meters above sea level, providing a cooler climate and impressive views across the region. Beyond its political importance, Ankara surprises visitors with its rich cultural heritage, from the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus to the iconic Atakule Tower offering panoramic city views. The city's university atmosphere brings youthful energy to its streets, while traditional neighborhoods like Hamamönü showcase beautifully restored Ottoman architecture. Ankara provides an authentic Turkish experience away from the tourist crowds, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking to understand modern Turkey's roots.

Top Ankara

Ancient Citadel and Castle

Ankara's hilltop citadel offers spectacular views over the city and houses centuries of history within its walls. The fortress contains Byzantine and Ottoman-era buildings, traditional shops, and charming cobblestone streets. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, visit small museums, and enjoy traditional Turkish tea while taking in panoramic vistas.

Booking Tip: Entry is typically free, but guided tours cost around 50-100 TL. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Look for local guides who speak your language and can provide historical context.

World-Class Archaeological Museums

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations houses one of the world's finest collections of Hittite artifacts and ancient Anatolian treasures. This UNESCO-recognized museum takes visitors through 7,500 years of history with incredibly well-preserved artifacts. The nearby Ethnography Museum showcases Turkish cultural heritage and traditional arts.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs around 30 TL with discounts for students. Purchase the Museum Pass Ankara for 85 TL to access multiple sites. Audio guides are available for 15 TL and highly recommended for context.

Tour Anitkabir Mausoleum

This monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, is both architecturally impressive and historically significant. The complex includes a museum dedicated to Atatürk's life and the Turkish War of Independence. The changing of the guard ceremony and the peaceful grounds make this a moving experience.

Booking Tip: Entry is free but security is strict - no large bags allowed. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, and allow 2-3 hours for the full experience. Guided tours cost 80-150 TL and provide valuable historical context.

Traditional Turkish Bath

Ankara's historic hammams offer an authentic Turkish bathing experience in beautiful Ottoman-era buildings. These traditional baths provide relaxation and cultural immersion with professional massage services and traditional scrubbing treatments. Many hammams have separate sections or times for men and women.

Booking Tip: Prices range from 100-300 TL depending on services chosen. Book ahead for weekend visits and ask about package deals including massage. Choose established hammams with good hygiene standards and English-speaking staff.

Take Culinary Food Tours

Ankara's food scene reflects authentic Anatolian cuisine with specialties like döner kebab (which originated here), mantı dumplings, and local sweets. Food tours take visitors through traditional markets, family-run restaurants, and street food stalls. You'll taste regional specialties while learning about Turkish culinary traditions and local dining customs.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 200-400 TL per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book tours that include multiple neighborhoods and various food types. Look for small group tours (6-8 people) for a more personalized experience.

Getting There

Ankara is easily accessible via Esenboğa Airport, located 28 kilometers northeast of the city center, with direct flights from major European cities and domestic connections from Istanbul and other Turkish cities. The high-speed train (YHT) connects Ankara to Istanbul in about 4.5 hours, offering a comfortable and scenic alternative to flying. Intercity buses provide extensive connections throughout Turkey, with the main bus terminal (ASTI) serving as a major transportation hub. For those driving, Ankara sits at the intersection of major highways connecting all parts of Turkey.

Getting Around

Ankara's public transportation system includes an efficient metro network, buses, and dolmuş (shared minibuses) that connect all major districts and attractions. The AnkaryKart provides convenient access to all public transport for around 20 TL per day. Taxis are readily available and use meters, though ride-sharing apps like BiTaksi offer transparent pricing. The city center is quite walkable, especially around Kızılay and Ulus districts, while the metro efficiently connects the airport, train station, and main tourist areas.

Where to Stay

Kızılay (city center)

Çankaya (upscale district)

Ulus (historic area)

Kavaklidere (business district)

Tunali Hilmi (shopping and dining)

Bahçelievler (residential area)

Food & Dining

Ankara's dining scene celebrates authentic Anatolian cuisine with the city being the birthplace of döner kebab and home to excellent mantı (Turkish dumplings). Traditional restaurants in Ulus and Hamamönü serve regional specialties like Ankara tava (a local meat dish) and beypazarı kurusu (dried chickpeas). The Kızılay area offers everything from street food to upscale dining, while the historic covered bazaar provides authentic local snacks. Don't miss trying local sweets like Ankara simidi and visiting traditional tea houses for Turkish coffee and baklava. University areas offer budget-friendly options, while Çankaya district features international cuisine and trendy cafes.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Ankara is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for sightseeing. Summers can be quite hot and dry with temperatures reaching 30°C+, while winters are cold with occasional snow, making indoor attractions more appealing. Spring brings beautiful weather perfect for exploring outdoor sites like the citadel and Atatürk's mausoleum. Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, plus the advantage of harvest season in nearby Cappadocia if you're planning regional travel.

Insider Tips

Learn basic Turkish greetings as English is less common than in Istanbul - locals greatly appreciate the effort and are very welcoming to visitors who try to speak Turkish

Visit the trendy Hamamönü district in the evening when the restored Ottoman houses are beautifully lit and traditional restaurants come alive with local families dining

Take advantage of Ankara's high altitude location by packing layers - temperatures can drop significantly in the evening even during summer months