CITY GUIDE
Ankara
Discover Ankara, explore the places worth seeing and build a route that matches your travel time.
15 September
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Humidity 32%
ABOUT THE CITY
Get to know Ankara
Ankara is one of the destinations worth exploring in Turkey. Its neighbourhoods, local culture, architecture and everyday rhythm make it a city best understood beyond a simple checklist of landmarks.
Use this guide to understand the city's basic geography, decide how much time to spend and create a more efficient itinerary.
Discovery Map
Places to visit in Ankara
Explore the city's notable historic places, museums and tourist attractions.
Ankara, the dynamic capital of Turkey, rises boldly from the Anatolian steppe as a fascinating contrast of ancient heritage and modern republican history. Often overlooked by travelers rushing toward Istanbul or the coast, this administrative heartland offers a sophisticated urban experience defined by sweeping boulevards, avant-garde architecture, and world-class cultural institutions. Visitors who take the time to explore beyond its political facade will discover a city deeply rooted in history, where Hittite artifacts, Roman ruins, and Ottoman quarters coexist with the monumental architecture of the early Turkish Republic. At the core of the city's identity is Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which commands a powerful emotional and architectural presence over the skyline. Yet, Ankara is far from a mere monument to the past; it is a thriving metropolis driven by a young, educated population, a burgeoning contemporary art scene, and a vibrant cafe culture. From the historic fortifications of Ankara Castle overlooking the old town to the sleek galleries of Çankaya, the city invites travelers to uncover a side of Turkey that is authentic, intellectually stimulating, and refreshingly unhurried.
How should you explore the city?
Sightseeing in Ankara spans millennia, beginning with the imposing walls of Ankara Castle and the remarkably preserved Temple of Augustus in the historic Ulus district. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in meticulously restored Ottoman bedestens, offers an extraordinary journey through the region's ancient past, showcasing artifacts from Çatalhöyük and the Hittite Empire. Modern Ankara adds its own architectural marvels, anchored by the Kocatepe Mosque and the expansive green spaces of Güvenpark in Kızılay.
Best Time to Visit Ankara
The ideal time to visit Ankara is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasantly mild and ideal for walking around the city's vast historical sites and parks. Summers can be hot and dry on the Anatolian steppe, though evenings cool down comfortably. Winters are famously cold and snowy, bringing a distinct, atmospheric charm to the city's monumental architecture and cozy indoor cafe culture.
Getting Around Ankara
Ankara features a well-integrated public transportation network anchored by the Ankaray light rail system and the Metro, which efficiently connect major hubs like Kızılay, Ulus, and AŞTİ (the central intercity bus terminal). An extensive municipal bus network and fleet of metered yellow taxis cover routes not reached by rail. Purchasing an Ankarakart—a reloadable contactless smart card—is essential for seamless travel across all public transit modes.
Where to Stay and Explore
Choosing the right neighborhood in Ankara depends heavily on the type of experience you seek. Kızılay serves as the bustling commercial and transit heart of the city, packed with shops, cafes, and convenient transport links. For culture and nightlife, Çankaya and Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi offer upscale boutiques, leafy residential streets, and trendy coffee shops. Meanwhile, Ulus and the surrounding historic district appeal to history enthusiasts wishing to stay close to the ancient citadel and major museums.
LOCAL FOOD
What to eat in Ankara
Anatolian culinary traditions shine brightly in Ankara, where hearty peasant cooking meets refined regional flavors shaped by generations of migration. While the city embraces cuisine from all over Turkey, local specialties emphasize robust grains, savory meats, and rich dairy products sourced from the central plateau. Dining here is a warm, hospitable affair, best experienced in traditional lokantas or atmospheric historic inns.
Ankara Tava
A traditional oven-baked dish featuring tender lamb chunks cooked over a bed of flavorful, broth-infused Orzo pasta. It is a hearty comfort food staple deeply tied to local culinary heritage.
Beypazarı Kurusu
A traditional, twice-baked crisp bread originating from the nearby historic town of Beypazarı, enriched with butter and cinnamon. It is traditionally enjoyed alongside hot black tea.
Çeltik Kebabı
A savory local specialty consisting of shredded meat served over crispy fried matchstick potatoes and rich yogurt. This dish balances contrasting textures with deeply comforting Anatolian flavors.
Bazlama
A traditional, single-layered flatbread made from yeast dough and cooked on a hot griddle until lightly charred. It is wonderfully soft and typically served warm with butter or cheese.
İnceğiz Çorbası
A wholesome, nourishing soup made with lamb, chickpeas, and cracked wheat, simmered slowly with local spices. It remains a popular starter in traditional Ankara households during colder months.
Höşmerim
A classic Central Anatolian dessert made from unaged cheese, semolina, and sugar cooked gently together until warm and comforting. It offers a uniquely rich texture and subtle sweetness.
FIRST VISIT
Useful things to know before you go
- 01
Purchase an Ankarakart upon arrival at any metro station to easily navigate the city's public transit system.
- 02
Allocate at least half a day to fully appreciate the vast collections inside the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
- 03
Dress modestly when visiting active places of worship such as the Kocatepe Mosque.
- 04
Be prepared for significant temperature drops between daytime sun and evening hours due to the high steppe elevation.
- 05
Explore the labyrinthine alleys of Ankara Castle for artisan workshops and panoramic views of the entire capital.
- 06
Sample local culinary specialties in the historic Ulus market area for an authentic taste of traditional Anatolian life.
FAQ
Ankara travel questions
Is Ankara worth visiting for tourists?+
Yes, Ankara offers a rich historical depth that complements coastal or Istanbul itineraries. It houses world-class museums, magnificent republican architecture, and a vibrant contemporary cultural scene.
How many days should I spend in Ankara?+
Two to three days is generally sufficient to explore the major historical sites, including Anıtkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara Castle, and the central modern districts.
What is the best way to get from the airport to the city center?+
EsenboÄŸa Airport is connected to the city center by comfortable HavaÅŸ airport shuttle buses and municipal buses, alongside metered taxis and private transfer options.
Can I easily walk around Ankara?+
While central areas like Kızılay and parts of Çankaya are pedestrian-friendly, Ankara's sprawling layout and hilly terrain mean that utilizing the metro and buses is recommended between distant districts.
What language is spoken in Ankara?+
Turkish is the official language. While English is spoken in major hotels, museums, and upscale restaurants, learning a few basic Turkish phrases will greatly enhance your local interactions.
What is the weather like in Ankara?+
Ankara experiences a continental steppe climate with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for general sightseeing.
CITY EXPERIENCE
What to do in the city?
A city becomes more memorable when you combine major sights with local neighbourhoods and everyday experiences.
Discover the historic core
Start with the areas that explain the city's history, architecture and cultural identity.
Explore local neighbourhoods
Move beyond the main landmarks and spend time in residential streets, markets and local districts.
Taste the local food scene
Use markets, traditional restaurants and street-food areas to understand the city's everyday culture.
See the city after dark
Evening walks, illuminated landmarks and lively neighbourhoods can reveal a completely different side of the city.
HOW MANY DAYS?
Plan your time in Ankara
Choose the amount of time you have and use the suggested rhythm as a starting point for your itinerary.
SUGGESTED PACE
Balanced itinerary
Cover the classic route on day one, then explore local neighbourhoods, markets and food spots.
BUILD YOUR JOURNEY
Start planning your Ankara route
Choose your starting point, add the places you want to visit and shape the route around the time you have.
Open Route Planner