Ankara, Turkey - Travel

In Ankara, the aroma of kebabs grilling fills the air. This popular street food is made by placing marinated pieces of meat on skewers. The meat is seasoned with spices like paprika, garlic, and oregano and then grilled over an open flame. The savory scent draws people in from every direction.

Located in the heart of the historic region of Anatolia, Ankara is the capital and the second-largest city of Turkey (Türkiye) after Istanbul. It embodies the main characteristics of Turkish culture, where modernity meets tradition, with its legal and economic institutions, religious sites, and entertainment venues. Formerly known as Ancyra (the Anchor), Ankara can also be described as the "anchor" of Turkey due to its vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its central position in Anatolia made Ankara a vital trading hub centuries ago, and it remains a prominent center of commerce and politics today. Home to over 4 million people, the city stands out as one of the top and most diverse tourist destinations, where the harmony of oriental rugs and modern glass buildings creates a unique concord.

Ankara Tours

Visiting Ankara offers an exciting mix of modern urban life and deep history, giving you a true sense of the capital of Turkey. You can browse prime tourist points, like the Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir) and the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus and Roma, highlighting the city's rich culture, diverse architecture, and important history. To get the most out of your visit, it helps to learn a little about Ankara’s history and local culture before you visit.

History of Ankara

The esteemed founding father of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, also named Mustafa Kemal Paşa (Pasha), made Ankara the heart of the Turkish resistance during World War I. With the founding of the Republic in 1923, Ankara was declared the nation's capital. The city’s history spans from its Stone Age origins to its role as Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman bases. Once a vital commercial hub on the caravan route to the East, Ankara today is a vibrant metropolis blending rich heritage with a lively cultural scene.

What to Do in Ankara?

Landmarks and Attractions in Ankara

Ankara is full of fascinating places to explore, catering to a variety of the city's significant history and culture. The major attractions, including historic sites, museums, castles, and bazaars, are concentrated in central districts like Bahçelievler, Ulus, and Kızılay.

Start at the Ankara Citadel (Hisar), where you can walk along ancient walls and towers with great views, while the nearby mosque Haci Bayram Veli Camii and its complex provide a glimpse into traditional Ottoman architecture. Absolutely visit one of the largest and most impressive mosques - the Kocatepe Camii.

For a stunning city view, head up to Atakule Tower (Atakule Alışveriş Merkezi), where you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Ankara. You can encounter contemporary art at CerModern, a 4500-square-metre exhibition hall and the largest modern art center in the country.

For a relaxing experience, check out the Hamam, a traditional Turkish bath. Likewise, Gençlik Park and Lake Eymir (Eymir Gölü) are great sites to relax and enjoy green space.

Finally, visit a charming Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi), known as a witness to Ankara's history and its faithful protector. From there, you can see the vintage, red-tiled housing in the historic town.

Ankara Museums

While Istanbul holds a leading position as Turkey’s cultural center, Ankara also affords a wide range of historical attractions, from ancient times to recent history.

Set within two astonishing Ottoman buildings and packed with incredible artifacts from ancient Anatolia, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi) is a must-see.

Those who seek a deep dive into local culture should head to the Ethnography Museum (Etnografya Müzesi), which displays the region's diverse traditions and crafts. The Rahmi M. Koç Museum offers an instructive insight into Turkey's fascinating transportation, communication, and industrial history. The Altinköy Açık Hava Müzesi, or open-air museum, is perfect for enjoying outdoor exhibits.

Don’t miss the Anıtkabir Museum, the key landmark in determining the Turkish nation and its nationality. It is a top highlight in Ankara dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, also serving as his mausoleum. This stunning site, within the grounds of a spacious park, features impressive monuments, interactive exhibits, and city landscapes. Here, you can watch the performances of traditional military marches and enjoy free entry to this essential destination for understanding Turkish history, culture, and identity.

Ankara Theatres

Ankara's theatre scene is colorful, varied, and enjoyable.

The State Theatre of Ankara (Devlet Tiyatrosu) is a main attraction, covering a wide range of plays from classic to modern.

The Çankaya Municipality Theatre also stands out for its lively shows and support for local artists.

For something a bit different, the Ankara Art Theatre (Ankara Sanat Tiyatrosu) presents unique and experimental performances.

Set on Atatürk Boulevard, the Ankara State Opera and Ballet (Devlet Opera ve Balesi), hosting impressive performances of traditional and modern operas and ballets, is another major highlight.

Whether you like classic plays or new, innovative shows, Ankara’s theaters have something for you.

Entertainment, Parks, and Shopping in Ankara

Parks of Ankara

Due to its semi-arid climate, Ankara isn’t naturally a green city; however, extensive efforts and botanical interventions have made it one of the top cities to enjoy outdoor activities.

Ankara’s parks are a refreshing escape from the urban landscape.

Gençlik Park, centrally located, is perfect for leisurely walks and family outings, featuring beautiful fountains and a small amusement area for kids.

Altınpark provides a wide range of activities, including playgrounds, a mini train, paddle boats, and a science museum, making it an ideal place for family picnics and fun.

Ahlatlıbel Atatürk Parkı is a spacious park great for picnics and sports, with numerous cafes and scenic spots adding to its appeal.

Dikmen Vadisi Park is a thriving green retreat in a valley, popular among joggers and walkers for its beautiful walking paths.

Gökkuşağı Parkı stands out with its mountain coaster ride and BBQ areas, providing a fun outing despite its urban setting. Kuğulu Park, known for its charming stone paths and artificial lake, is a serene point for peaceful strolls and bird-watching.

Lastly, Botanik Parkı is perfect for romantic walks and quiet picnics with its blooming flowers and cozy corners, while nearby Atakule Mall delights shoppers with its convenient amenities.

Shopping in Ankara

In Ankara, shopping enthusiasts will find diverse options for all tastes and needs. The Cepa Shopping Mall (Cepa Alışveriş Merkezi) is one of the largest in the city, selling everything from textiles to house appliances, cinema, banking, and health services.

Armada Shopping Mall (Armada Alişverİş Merkezi) features an impressive array of products and quality brands.

Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi, lined with shops and cafes, is adjacent to Kuğulu Park, where swans swim in a picturesque creek.

For a more traditional experience, Suluhan Çarşısı proffers a charming bazaar atmosphere with beads, hobby items, and a cozy café serving delicious patlıcanlı gözleme.

ANKAmall Alışveriş Merkezi is the largest mall in Ankara, with multiple levels of international and domestic stores; it's slightly outside the main tourist area but accessible by affordable taxis.

Nişantaşı Pazarı is an indoor market that operates on specific days, featuring clothing, glassware, and food items.

For a unique and authentic shopping adventure, Limon Bazaar provides a variety of jewelry and piercing services, while Sobacı Bazaar is perfect for a nostalgic trip through Ankara’s market scene.

Food in Ankara

One might assume monochrome dishes dominate Ankara's dietary sustenance. Though if the phrase 'tell me what you eat, and I will tell you who you are' holds true, it certainly does in Ankara, where the cuisine is as multifaceted and eclectic as the soul of this capital of different colors. Here, the scents of kebabs grilling diffuse with the enticing aroma of tender meat and vegetables of Beypazarı Güveci. Yet you can easily encounter Pizza joints and börek bakeries at every step.

Turkish Cuisine

Ankara's culinary scene is defined by combining traditional Turkish dishes and local specialties. Its food features classic items such as kebabs, köfte, Şiş köfte, and mezes. Other staples include pilaf, dolma, börek, and pide. Hearty stews like keşkek and various soups also play a significant role in the local cuisine, allowing for an authentic Turkish dining experience. Baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough and nuts, adds a delightful finish to many meals.

From historic streets to bustling bazaars, one can hear the sound of knives throughout the city preparing kokoreç, with notable kokoreç spots like Kitir, Pikolet Piknik, and Kokoreçci Atila being outstanding. Moreover, Turkish cooks often barbecue whole lambs, a three-hour process resulting in a unique gastronomic spectacle.

Vegetarian Restaurants

Despite its meat-centric reputation, Ankara also has several vegetarian-friendly options. You can enjoy cheese börek or vegan spinach börek as a snack or part of breakfast. For a more substantial meal, try ezogelin çorbası, a lentil soup with rice and bulgur; poğaça; potato gözleme; barbunya pilaki, Turkish-style borlotti beans; or falafel. Additionally, tourists can find in Ankara only vegetarian cafes, restaurants, and bars such as Junk Vegan, Gabo Kitchen, and Terradan Vegan Pub & Mutfak.

Coffee Houses, Bakeries, and Patisseries

The Turkish coffee culture is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Coffee houses in Ankara are popular gathering spots where people from diverse backgrounds converge to socialize, relax, and engage in conversations. Bakeries are celebrated for their masterful creations of baklava and börek, where each pastry, with its delicate layers and rich fillings, tells a story of tradition, history, and artistry.

City Transport in Ankara

Public Transport

In Ankara, travel is a seamless part of daily life, with an array of well-developed and affordable public transportation options that make navigating the city swift and comfortable. From its modern and efficient metro system to the historical insights provided by the Museum of the History of Transportation and Communication (Rahmi M. Koç Museum), Ankara boasts a contemporary convenience and copious transportation heritage, ensuring that exploring the sights is easy and enriching.

To get around Ankara, you need an Ankarakart, a rechargeable, contactless smart card. It can be obtained from bus card vending machines at metro stations or selected shops and kiosks. A refundable deposit is required, and credit can be added at these locations or through the mobile application.

Buses and Shuttles

Buses and shuttles run from early morning until late evening, with waits of 5 to 15 minutes. A standard bus fare is about 10 Turkish lira (approximately $0.37), and a trip to the outskirts costs around 15 TRY (about $0.56). The city’s modernized fleet makes commuting easy and accessible.

Metro

Established less than thirty years ago in 1997, the Ankara Metro features a comprehensive network with 56 stations across several lines, providing extensive coverage throughout the city. Each ride costs 10 Turkish lira (approximately $0.37), regardless of distance. The metro system handles around 300,000 passengers daily, making it a vital part of Ankara's public transportation infrastructure.

Taxis

Around 7,700 taxis serve Ankara, transporting tens of thousands of people daily. While hailing a cab on the street isn’t always ideal in an unfamiliar city, various taxi applications—both local and international—such as BiTaksi, iTaksi, and Uber make it easy to book a ride. Additionally, in recent years, Ankara has introduced official taxi stands with small driver offices, offering a higher level of service.

Car Rental

Prices ranging from $20 to $50 for car rentals are easily accessible in Ankara. You can find rental agencies in major tourist spots like airports, large hotels, and central districts. To use the service, you must be at least 21 years old, though some agencies may require a minimum age of 25. If your driver’s license isn’t in the Latin alphabet or English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is necessary; otherwise, a standard driving license will suffice.

Other Modes of Transport

Like other contemporary cities, Ankara embraces eco-friendly transportation options, from bicycles to electric scooters. The capital has developed an infrastructure and dedicated lanes for these modes, especially in its more advanced areas. For bike-sharing, the app Bişiklet is at your service, while Scooty and Lime cater to scooter needs. In addition, you'll find other alternatives such as shared minivans (Dolmuş), trams, and funiculars.

How to Get to Ankara ?

The most practical way to reach Ankara is by taking an international flight to Esenboğa Airport (ESB), the primary airport serving the city. Located about 28 kilometres from the city center, ESB operates a range of flights and services. For more adventurous commuting, you can drive or take a bus/train from Cappadocia, which takes about 4 hours and offers picturesque sceneries. Alternatively, traveling from Istanbul provides a sociocultural sense, with the route passing through villages, diverse landscapes, and agricultural settings.

Languages Spoken in Ankara

While Turkish remains the predominant language in Ankara, spoken by nearly 100% of the population, English is commonly used in tourist areas, bazaars, shopping malls, and other key destinations. Due to various diaspora communities, you might also hear Kurdish, Arabic, and Georgian in certain parts of the city.

Currency in Ankara

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish lira (TRY), available in both banknotes and coins forms across various denominations. Exchanging money is straightforward, with numerous banks and currency exchange offices in Ankara. Major currencies such as U.S. dollars, Euros, and British pounds are commonly accepted for exchange, along with other foreign currencies.

Security in Ankara

Ankara is a safe and welcoming travel destination known for its orderly atmosphere and hospitality towards visitors. The local authorities ensure public safety, and the city is generally calm and secure. Vacationers are encouraged to stay alert, keep an eye on their belongings in crowded areas, and use licensed taxis for transportation.

While Ankara's tap water is considered safe, tourists may prefer bottled water for added assurance. Overall, Ankara offers a comfortable and friendly environment where travelers can explore landmarks with peace of mind.