Jan
7
Ankara Travel Guide
Filed Under Turkey
A trip to Ankara
Ankara, the capital city of Turkey and the country’s second largest metropolis, offers visitors a rich culture and history, most noticeable in the city’s architectural styles. The old city with its narrow winding lanes and restored historical buildings is lined with quaint restaurants and cafés. The more modern, commercial centre is a hive of entertainment and is also home to a number of high-end hotels.
Flights to Ankara
Ankara’s small yet efficient international airport serves many connecting flights from larger cities, in particular, from Istanbul. Regular, daily flights arrive from domestic destinations in Turkey to the capital in less than an hour. Taxis are available at the airport for connections to your hotel.
Rail and bus services from across Europe can be taken to Istanbul, from where regular connecting rail, bus and air can be taken to Ankara. Car hire is another popular mode of transport, with travel time from Istanbul to Ankara less than five hours. The road system, in general, is of reasonable standard and good signage makes navigation quite easy.
There are a number of options for getting around the city, including buses, taxis, trains and more recently underground services. The bus is probably the most reliable and widespread service. Dolmus, large shared taxi vans that circuits the city, can be waved down anywhere. Among tourists, travel by private taxi is the preferred option.
Sightseeing in Ankara
Throughout the years Ankara has been ruled by a number of different groups including the Galatians, Romans and Byzantines. The Ataturk Mausoleum is among the most interesting sites in the city, while the ancient ruins and architectural sites of the old city provide an insight into the different cultures that have inhabited the city. Mosques and churches offer further evidence of the diverse culture of the city. Outside the city centre, Amasya and Gordion are two sites shrouded in a wealth of myth and legend.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Eating and drinking options are plentiful in Ankara. Eating is a treat, with a range of fine dining restaurants offering cuisines from around the world and a host of local foods. Bars across the city stay open until the early hours of the morning, with live music and DJs to entertain lively party-seekers.
Ankara’s Opera House offers a chic cultural experience and a welcome excuse to put your glad rags on. The International Arts and Music Festival is a lively celebration worthy of attendance in April. In fact, Ankara is proudly considered the cultural capital of Turkey, meaning that cultural events here are a regular occurrence.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Shopping is one of the most pleasurable experiences in Ankara, with unique Turkish carpets being some of the most unusual bargains to take home. The old city is lined with charming shops selling everything from fresh fruit to stunning antiques. The new quarter of the city has a number of modern shopping complexes with all the usual high street names and plenty of boutique style shops.
Day time excursions are plentiful with a number of fabulous options such as the Roman Baths, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation and the Ataturk Farm and Zoo, the latter being suitable for families with young ones.
Daytrips
From the beautiful city of Ankara there are numerous attractions close by, perfect for daytrips. Everywhere is easily accessible with a host of private coaches offering guided tour packages, taxis available for taking you about, or you can hire a car and self-drive.
The Ataturk Mausoleum is an interesting attraction which was built during the early 1950s. The Mausoleum is the final resting place of the famous founder of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk. You will see beautiful stone statues and pieces of art in memory of the revered leader.
Located on the outskirts of the city, is the Citadel of Ankara, the oldest part of the city and built around 2000 BC. The Citadel offers stunning views of the city and displays an insight into early Turkish settlement.
Must-see attractions
With a rich history and culture, Ankara has an abundance of fascinating attractions. Visitors will clearly see the difference in appearance between Ulus, the Old Town, and the New Town. Walking the ancient streets is a must do when visiting Ankara, the beautiful architecture is an impressive display of Turkish workmanship.
The Temple of Augustus is an amazing place of worship built around 25 BC and was in fact built on top of another temple only discovered in the last 50 years. The marble walls have numerous Greek and Latin inscriptions that are still in perfect condition today.
For a great day out with the family, Ataturk Farm and Zoo provides a whole day of entertainment with a zoo, greenhouses, a brewery, dairy farm and numerous restaurants where you can enjoy lunch or dinner. There are numerous walking trails and some more challenging hiking paths or you can hire a bicycle and ride around the beautiful grounds.
Best time to go
Being located on the Anatolian plateau, the weather in Ankara is extremely varied with very hot summers, cold winters and mild temperatures in autumn and spring. Unless you enjoy the scorching sun and high temperatures, it is best to travel to Ankara in spring or autumn between March and May, and September and November.
The peak season for tourists is, however, during the summer months so if you chose to travel during this time be sure to book your accommodation in advance as hotels fill quickly.
Rainy day suggestions
During the winter months in Ankara, there can be some substantial rain. Within the city there is plenty to see that is undercover. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisation is located in a 15th century market and has an impressive collection of ancient statues, tablets and clothing.
The Haci Bayram Mosque was also built in the 15th century in honour of Haci Bayrma, who died in 1429. The temple is stunning, with carved wooden ceilings and impressive mosaic tiled walls.
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