Ankara
Photo by ekrem osmanoglu on Unsplash
Updated, Jun 2023
City
The Turkish capital, Ankara, is a historic and culturally significant city. It functions as the nation’s political, economic, and cultural hub and is located in the centre of the country.
The ancient Roman Temple of Augustus and the magnificent Ataturk Mausoleum, which honours the creator of modern Turkey, are only two of the city of Ankara’s historical landmarks. Rolling hills, rocky terrain, and the Angora River all make up the city’s varied geography.
Visitors can check out local markets, museums, and bustling neighbourhoods. Ankara is a city with good access to the air, rail, and road for travellers.
Best time to Visit to Ankara is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) months when the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer crowds.
Getting In & Around
Getting in
Ankara Esenboga Airport:
address: Balıkhisar Mh., Özal Bulvarı, Akyurt/Ankara, Turkey, web: www.esenbogaairport.com, phone: +90 3125904000, Bus: Shuttle bus to AŞTİ Bus Terminal 18 TL, bus line 442 for 8 TL Taxi: 150 – 200 TL
Getting around
There is a robust public transport infrastructure in Ankara, comprising networks for the metro, buses, and trams. EGO buses and the Ankara Metro offer easy access to the city’s numerous neighbourhoods and attractions, facilitating exploration for both locals and visitors.
public transportation tickets are available in the form of single-journey tokens or electronic cards known as Ankarakart.
The cost of a single-journey token varies based on the distance traveled, ranging from 3 to 5 Turkish Lira (TRY). The Ankarakart is a reloadable contactless smart card that offers discounted fares compared to tokens.
The card itself costs 7 TRY and can be loaded with credit for multiple trips. It can be purchased and recharged at vending machines at metro stations or authorized resellers. Note that fares and pricing may be subject to change, so it’s best to check for the latest information.
See & Do
Anitkabir (Ataturk’s Mausoleum)
This mausoleum is dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Visitors can explore the museum and learn about Ataturk’s life and legacy. Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays), Tickets: Free, Address: Mebusevleri, Anıttepe 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Website: www.anitkabir.com.tr, Phone: +90 312 231 37 00
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
This museum features artifacts from various civilizations that have lived in Anatolia, dating back to prehistoric times. Opening hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays), Tickets: 90 TL (approx. $11), Address: Kale Mahallesi, Gözcü Sokak No:2, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Website: www.anadolumedeniyetlerimuzesi.gov.tr/en, Phone: +90 312 324 31 60
Ankara Castle
This medieval castle sits atop a hill in the center of Ankara, offering panoramic views of the city. Visitors can explore the castle walls, towers, and museums inside. Opening hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Tickets: 15 TL (approx. $2), Address: Kale, Hisar Cd., 06640 Altındağ/Ankara, Website: www.ankarakalesi.org.tr, Phone: +90 312 311 34 56,
Kocatepe Mosque
This mosque is one of the largest in Turkey and is an impressive example of Ottoman architecture. Opening hours: Open daily for prayer, Address: Kocatepe, Kocatepe Mahallesi, Şehit Ömer Faydalı Sk. No:25, 06520 Çankaya/Ankara, Phone: +90 312 214 90 90
Genclik Park
This large park in the heart of Ankara is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities. It features a lake, amusement park, and various cafes and restaurants. Opening hours: 24 hours, Address: Gençlik, İstasyon Cd. No:1, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara,
Atakule Tower
This iconic tower is one of the tallest structures in Ankara and offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Opening hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, Tickets: 20 TL (approx. $2.5) for the observation deck, Address: Çankaya, Cinnah Cd. No:14, 06540 Çankaya/Ankara, Website: https://www.atakule.com.tr/, Phone: +90 312 419 03 50
Hamamonu Historic District
This charming neighborhood features well-preserved Ottoman-era houses and narrow streets lined with artisan shops and cafes. Opening hours: Open daily, Address: Hamamönü, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara.
Ankuva Shopping Center
This large shopping center features a mix of local and international brands, as well as a food court and movie theater. Opening hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Address: Ankuva, İstanbul Cd. No: 22, 06500 Çankaya/Ankara, Website: https://www.ankuva.com.tr/, Phone: +90 312 229 72 00
Pink Lake (Golbasi Golu)
This unique lake located just outside of Ankara is known for its pink-colored waters, caused by a type of algae that thrives in salty environments. Opening hours: Open daily, Address: Golbasi Golu, Golbasi, Ankara
Ethnographic Museum of Ankara
This museum showcases traditional Turkish clothing, handicrafts, and cultural artifacts from various regions of Turkey. Opening hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays), Tickets: 10 TL (approx. $1.2), Address: Namazgah, Ankara Cd. No:30, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Phone: +90 312 324 31 60
Activities
Shop & Dine
A variety of dining and retail options are available in Ankara. Head to Tunali Hilmi Avenue for shopping to locate chic boutiques, worldwide brands, and clothing retailers. Explore the Old Quarter (Ulus), with its bustling bazaars and markets, for a more traditional experience.
Ankara has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Try out some delectable Turkish cuisine in neighbourhood eateries, savour some exotic flavours, or indulge in great street foods like kebabs and gözleme (stuffed flatbread).
Nearby Places
Cappadocia: Located about 280 km east of Ankara, Cappadocia is famous for its unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides. Reachable by a 3 to 4-hour drive or bus journey, it has stunning landscapes, cave dwellings, and ancient rock-cut churches, This place is packed with history.
Bolu: approximately 190 km northwest of Ankara, Bolu is a scenic mountain retreat known for its lush forests, lakes, and thermal spas. It can be reached by a 2-hour drive or bus journey. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and explore the picturesque Abant Lake, surrounded by charming wooden houses.
Safranbolu: Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies around 220 km northwest of Ankara. Known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture, it offers a glimpse into Turkey’s past. A 3-hour drive or bus journey will take you to this charming town, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets and admire the beautifully restored historic houses.
Kizilcahamam: Located 90 km north of Ankara, Kizilcahamam is a tranquil retreat known for its thermal baths and natural beauty. It can be reached by a 1.5-hour drive or bus journey. Relax in the hot springs, enjoy nature walks, and savor traditional Turkish cuisine in this serene getaway destination.
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