Hiya reader! I’ve ready this weblog put up on the most effective issues to do in Ankara to be your final journey planning information! I’ve stayed on this stunning metropolis for per week and was fortunate to have locals stroll me by means of its greatest sights and the most effective eating places!

I’ve bought you coated with the highest points of interest (permitted by a neighborhood), finest eating places, historical past trivia, and a few distinctive museums you’ll be able to solely discover in Ankara!

To prime this with extra helpful info, I additionally cherry-picked the most effective accommodations and included recommendations on how one can get round and the place to get the most effective SIM card deal!

In case you are in a rush

Listed here are the primary issues to guide prematurely:

And listed here are the most effective accommodations: JW Marriott (luxurious), Grand Nora Hotel (mid-range), Tac Hotel (finances)

1. Go to Anıtkabir, Ataturk’s tomb complicated

The go to to the tomb complicated of Kemal Ataturk, the founding father of the fashionable Turkish state, is likely one of the most particular recollections I’ve of my keep in Ankara!

Kemal Ataturk (1881-1938) was the primary president of the Republic of Turkey following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. He made Turkey a contemporary, secular state and is praised by tens of millions of Turks even at the moment.

There’s a lot historical past on this place, from Ataturk’s private belongings, his mindblowing library with books in numerous languages (he spoke 9), to lengthy corridors with paperwork and shows explaining the formation of the fashionable Turkish state.

I visited with a neighborhood buddy, and she or he stated Turkish folks go to Ankara from all throughout the nation (and the world) simply to pay their respects in Anıtkabir!

NOTE: Entrance is free, open 7 days per week

PRO TIP: Go to the close by Museum of the War and Independence that served as the first Parliament constructing of the Republic of Turkey (entry is US$4) and the most important Ataturk monument in Ankara (map) to finish your trendy Turkish historical past expertise! The 2nd constructing of the Parliament, now a Museum of the Turkish Republic, is simply subsequent door, too.

2. See Ankara on a tour

I had the privilege of getting numerous locals take me and my husband round city. It made the expertise a lot extra private, particularly for vital points of interest.

Though you’ll be able to go to Ankara by yourself, I extremely advocate you rent a information! Particularly in case you don’t know any locals. You may take a free strolling tour (here’s the most effective one; it’s a full-day tour!) or rent a personal information like this one for $38 per individual for a totally immersive expertise!

Other than crucial landmarks like Ataturk’s tomb complicated or the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, you’ll additionally study concerning the Roman Baths (map), stroll round Ankara Fortress, and get the most effective suggestions for lunch!

PRICE: From US$0 – US$50

3. Admire the panoramic views from Ankara Fortress

Climbing to the highest of Ankara Fortress (map) is the smartest thing to do in Ankara free of charge! The Fortress is nestled contained in the Outdated City, my favourite a part of the town! Strolling right here jogged my memory of outdated Serbian villages and structure additionally constructed within the Ottoman fashion.

As you ascend to the highest of Ankara Fortress, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a 360-degree view of the town! The one different place the place you are able to do that is the Atakule Tower, however that one prices cash!

Attending to the highest of the Fortress may be fairly robust due to the steep terrain, particularly in case you’re visiting in the course of the summer time. So don’t be like me, who underestimated the warmth – be sure to have a hat, sunscreen, and loads of water!

Other than the steep terrain, the Outdated City itself is well accessible. It’s simply subsequent to must-see museums within the central Ulus district of Ankara. You may stroll from one attraction to the opposite, which is strictly what we did!

4. Store for souvenirs within the Outdated Quarter

As you’re roaming the Outdated City, use the chance to top off on cute souvenirs like magnets, cezve (a coffeepot for making Turkish espresso), embroidery work, and whatnot.

The realm round Kale Kapisi Sokak (map) is the place you’ll discover a number of the most picturesque retailers! There are additionally loads of charming espresso locations right here to chill out and people-watch, which I’m so grateful for as I used to be craving water and shade after visiting the Fortress within the warmth!

The remainder of the Ulus district (the place the Outdated City is positioned) can also be nice for purchasing! You’ll discover loads of markets just like the Suluhan Bazaar (map) to nurture your purchasing frenzy!

CULTURAL INSIGHT: As you browse for souvenirs in native retailers, the shop proprietor could give you a (free) cup of tea. Ingesting cay, or tea, in Turkey is an integral a part of the tradition, and also you’ll see folks sipping black tea in every single place and always! I like to make use of that chance to speak with the individual and study extra about their life within the metropolis, though they don’t at all times communicate English.

5. Journey again in time within the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

The place the place my jaw dropped a couple of instances throughout our go to is the gorgeous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the very first museum in Ankara, established in 1921!

Anatolia, also called Asia Minor, is an historic area that’s now the Asian a part of Turkey, and it contains Ankara. For the reason that starting of our civilization, Anatolia has been a crossroads for folks touring between continents.

You can see many vital artifacts right here! My private highlights embody the gathering of artifacts of Hittites (an historic civilization that lived in Anatolia), 5000-year-old terracotta vases, and Assyrian, Greek, and Byzantine paintings!

There are over 200,000 items within the museum! We spent 3 hours right here, and we undoubtedly rushed by means of some elements. There was additionally the cutest memento store on the exit, so I completely advocate you test it out for small memento replicas of crucial artifacts!

By the way in which, you’ll be able to test my private Ankara highlights within the Instagram put up I made about it here! It’s in Serbian, however you’ll be able to simply benefit from the sights!

PRO TIP: If you happen to’re visiting different cities in Turkey, Museum Card grants entry to 300 museums nationwide! The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and three extra Ankara museums are included! Nevertheless, don’t purchase the cardboard in case you’re solely staying in Ankara, as the worth is $US126 for a 15-day move, so it doesn’t repay.

PRICE: 280 TL (US$9)

6. Be taught new issues within the Rahmi M. Koç Museum

That is a kind of locations the place yow will discover one thing for everybody! Rahmi M. Koç Museum is positioned proper throughout from the Citadel, and it’s devoted to the historical past of transport, trade, and communication.

The museum department in Ankara (there’s one in Istanbul, too) was opened in 2005 by Rahmi M. Koç, one of many wealthiest businessmen Turkey has ever had!

The highlights embody the duplicate of Turkey’s first home automobile relationship from 1961 (Devrim). Other than distinctive vehicles, you may as well discover classic bikes, telegraphs, mannequin ships, totally different navigation devices, and a lot extra!

Based mostly on the customer critiques, a go to right here is likely one of the finest issues to do in Ankara with youngsters!

PRICE: 200 TL (US$6.50)
NOTE: Closed on Mondays

7. Have Turkish breakfast on Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Road

I like Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Road for a lot of causes. First, we have been primarily based simply parallel to this road (an incredible space in West Ankara with loads of retailers, eating places, and accommodations). Second, it’s the place we randomly went to have breakfast in one of many eating places and ended up having the most beneficiant meal of our lives! It was at Mehmed Bey (map).

After which, when our native buddy needed to take us for breakfast on one other day, he promised an superior place that the locals rave about. Seems, it was additionally a restaurant on this road (OTTO, test the situation here)! I now wholeheartedly advocate this place for Turkish breakfast!

The Turkish phrase for breakfast is “kahvalti,” that means “what you eat earlier than espresso.” The kahvalti could be very beneficiant, consisting of eggs, olives, cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, sausages, numerous spreads (jam, honey), and cay (Turkish tea).

8. Savor the most effective of Turkish delicacies at Aspava

In Ankara, the culinary scene is tremendous local-oriented, and also you don’t have to fret about vacationer traps like in Istanbul. Plus, they’ve a superb native restaurant chain you’ll be able to solely discover right here, and it’s known as Aspava.

Aspava is an acronym from the Turkish sentence “Allah Sağlık, Para, Afiyet Versin. Amin!” that means “Could Allah give well being, wealth, and urge for food. Amen!” Bonus factors to this place for wittiness!

The meal begins with free mezze plates (bread, dips, and salads), after which you’ll be able to order your dish of selection. They serve every thing from kebabs, Turkish pide (pizza), and totally different consolation meals. After which they prime that with free desserts and cay/espresso! Turkish hospitality at its finest!

They’ve dozens of places throughout city. I’ve been to a number of ones (like this one close to Anitkabir), they usually all work in the identical style. Google the one close to you (simply kind Aspava), however perhaps keep away from those with a score decrease than 4.0.

9. Marvel on the Fifteenth-century Hacı Bayram Mosque

Hacı Bayram Mosque (map) is one among Ankara’s oldest mosques, relationship again to 1427! It carries the identify of a Turkish poet who was additionally a Sufi (a Muslim mystic whose teachings have been dominant within the area).

The mosque affords stunning views of the Citadel on one facet and the town on the opposite, and it has an much more gorgeous inside.

This sacred place can also be a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and is open to guests! Simply be sure to’re dressed modestly.

FUN FACT: The mosque is positioned within the Hacı Bayram District, often called the Acropolis of Ankara. Within the eighth century, the sacred locations of Christians and Muslims have been constructed subsequent to one another right here.

10. Get misplaced in Ankara’s city Metropolis Heart

Whenever you look in Google Maps, it’ll present you two yellow areas in central Ankara, that are the busiest ones within the metropolis. The one to the North is the place the museums and the Outdated City are, and the one to the South is the fashionable, city Ankara.

The realm round Kizilay Sq. (map) is taken into account the Metropolis Heart, and it’s THE place to be to your typical European metropolis really feel however with an Asian twist.

I spent most of my restricted time within the Metropolis Heart in a bookstore, and I don’t even remorse it! My level is you’ll discover superior shops for any curiosity, distinctive espresso locations, road meals, parks, accommodations, Turkish delights, and nearly every thing underneath the solar.

The very best nightlife of Ankara is true right here, with loads of bars and late-night eating places alongside Tunus and Bestekar streets. I keep in mind we went bar hopping right here, and I used to be in awe seeing how eclectic Ankara is at night time!

PRO TIP: The Metropolis Heart has wonderful transportation hyperlinks to all elements of the town, making it an incredible space to base your self in throughout your keep.

11. Discover the Ulucanlar Jail Museum

Certainly one of Ankara’s hottest museums can also be the primary museum of its variety in Turkey! The Ulucanlar Prison Museum was a political jail from 1925 till the 2000s!

It was opened in 2011 and has been a brilliant fashionable place for locals and foreigners ever since, most likely due to how bizarre it’s. You may see how the prisoners lived, the place they slept, ate, and frolicked outside; every thing is tremendous life like. I wouldn’t advocate visiting if you’re delicate concerning the matter.

PRICE: 10 TL (US$0.3)

12. Stroll within the lush parks

Ankara certain is a pleasant place for strolling within the parks! It felt so good to chill out in its inexperienced oasis in the course of the town earlier than returning to the streets throughout our go to.

The Kugulu Park (map) was my favourite to people-watch and chill out after a protracted stroll within the metropolis. Right here, you’ll be able to see geese and geese, have the children play on the playgrounds, and take infinite pics of random kittens and puppies (yup, it occurred to me!)

Seğmenler Park (map) is a suggestion from my pricey native buddy. She informed me that is now a brilliant fashionable place for the youthful crowd, and I can see why. There’s tons of house for picnics with stunning views, flowers, birds, and even a bit of stream for added attraction.

13. Be impressed by the Cermodern artwork gallery

Ankara’s hottest artwork gallery awaits with trendy artwork, sculptures, exhibitions, a candy memento store, and an on-site café! Cermodern is the town’s cultural landmark and offers off the vibe of a European museum. It simply seems so good!

They’ve occasions on a regular basis, from guide readings, motion pictures, workshops, and extra. If you happen to go to in the summertime, it’s possible you’ll even catch a movie screening within the courtyard!

That is truly the most effective factor to do for artwork lovers in Ankara because you received’t discover every other noteworthy museums or galleries devoted to artwork other than the Painting and Sculpture Museum!

PRICE: 40 TL (US$1.3)

14. Seize the gorgeous Kocatepe Mosque

Welcome to Ankara’s largest mosque! This white magnificence is positioned within the Metropolis Heart (map), and you may simply spot it from nearly anyplace Downtown! It will possibly match 24,000 worshipers and is a lovely sight day and night time.

The development of the Kocatepe Mosque took 20 years. It was lastly completed in 1987. It’s 67 meters (219 ft) lengthy, 64 meters (209 ft) huge, and its minaret is 88 meters (288 ft) excessive.

You may admire this mosque free of charge; simply be sure to’re dressed modestly, and it’s not prayer time (no entry is allowed throughout prayer time for non-muslims).

15. Expertise the agricultural life in Altınköy Museum

The Altınköy open-air museum tells the story of historic Anatolia. It’s constructed to resemble a typical Anatolian village with its watermills, typical properties, and fashionable industries on the time.

This ample out of doors space is likely one of the finest issues to do with youngsters in nature to keep away from the town crowds! You may eat conventional gozleme (crispy stuffed flatbreads) because the livestock move you, go to a horse barn, or stroll throughout an enormous hanging bridge (superior for adrenaline lovers, dangerous for these terrified of heights!).

Entry to the museum, in addition to parking, is free!

16. Take the children to the Aqua Vega Aquarium

Ankara’s Aqua Vega Aquarium is a pleasant spot to chill out and have the little ones study sea animals. This tunnel aquarium is located contained in the Aqua Vega Mall (parking is straightforward), has greater than 12,000 sea creatures, and is 98 meters (321 ft) lengthy.

You should purchase particular meals on-site for 100 TL ($US3) and have the little ones feed their sea buddies! Top-of-the-line issues to do in Ankara with youngsters!

PRICE: A household ticket (2 dad and mom + 1 youngster) is 790 TL (US$25); for two dad and mom + 2 youngsters, it’s 960 TL (US$30).

17. Go climbing within the METU Forest

Right here’s an incredible factor to do in Ankara in case you plan an extended keep. As a part of the Center Japanese Technical College, the METU Forest (map) is a lovely spot for climbing, jogging, sights of the Eymir Lake, and, in case you’re fortunate, wildlife animal recognizing!

Although it’s a part of a College, everybody can entry the forest and lake space. Oh, and everybody raves about how scenic the lake views get from right here, so in case you go, inform me the way it was!

Getting there: The METU Forest is a few 25 km (15 miles) from Ankara’s Metropolis Heart, and it’s finest to get right here by automobile (it’s a 45-minute drive vs. 2h 50min on public transport).

PARKING: On the northern finish, on the Winery Home (simply subsequent to the Forest).

Honorable mentions

Right here, I listed a couple of extra points of interest that you could be discover attention-grabbing that didn’t make it to the primary listing:

• The Gökyay Association Chess Museum – A museum devoted to chess, the place you’ll be able to see the world’s largest assortment of chess units (723 of them)!
• Kelime Müzesi (map) – Turkey’s first ever Phrase museum devoted to the richness of the Turkish language.
• Genclik Park (map) – This was Ankara’s hottest park, and it’s nonetheless a reasonably good park to go to close to the museums
• Hamamonu Restored Village (map) – A restored space with properties within the Twenties and Thirties fashion with retailers, eating places, and mosques.
• Tarihi Şengül Hamamı (map) – A conventional public tub for a standard Turkish rest expertise
• Mogan Lake (map) – Preferrred day journey from Ankara, round a 30-minute journey, loads of BBQ spots, strolling paths, boating, and fishing alternatives.

The place to remain in Ankara

Try the most effective accommodations I sorted so that you can make your journey planning a breeze!

Luxurious (US110 and up)

• JW Marriott – A 5-star lodge within the city a part of Ankara with loads of eating places round; that includes 2 swimming pools, a health club, and a wellness middle
• Sheraton – This 5-star magnificence has distinctive structure and fabulous service and facilities; rooms are tremendous stylish, and the town views are to die for!

Mid-range (US$40 – US110)

• Grand Nora Hotel – Wonderful worth for cash within the Metropolis Heart, appropriate for {couples} and households
• Mimi Hotel – A stunning lodge with a Turkish tub and an on-site restaurant the place you’ll be able to have all 3 day by day meals

Funds (as much as US$40)

• Deeps Hostel – This clear and comfortable lodge within the Heart additionally has free parking and is likely one of the top-rated locations for {couples}!
• Tac Hotel – A easy and reasonably priced lodge with huge and clear rooms and a very good location

NOTE: Reserving.com, Expedia, and most different fashionable websites for reserving lodging don’t work inside Turkey. If you happen to plan to remain at a number of locations, I like to recommend you guide all accommodations earlier than your arrival! Both that or use a VPN when in Turkey.

Sensible Data

Right here’s what you must learn about public transport and SIM playing cards in Ankara.

Tips on how to get round

Public Transport

Ankara has a large community of public transportation programs, with the metro being the preferred choice to get round, adopted by buses and shared minibusses known as dolmuş.

I wouldn’t advocate the minibusses except you realize precisely the place you’re headed and when you must take off. For buses and metro, use Google Maps to test routes.

You will get an Ankarakart to pay for public transport. We purchased ours at a metro station, however you may as well get yours at bus card merchandising machines or choose kiosks. One journey with Ankarakart is 15 TY ($US0.50), whereas a single ticket is 17 TY, barely extra.

Taxis/Journey Sharing

Taxi is essentially the most handy and low cost solution to get round, it even beats automobile rental. Simply hail one on the road or name one utilizing the yellow taxi containers accessible on each nook!

The value is round 20 TL for 1 km, which interprets to round US$0.60! This may increasingly sound low cost in case you’re visiting from overseas, however the excessive inflation in Turkey makes every thing costlier for locals.

As we didn’t communicate Turkish, we used to point out the route with the vacation spot to the taxi driver on the navigation app (Google Maps is ok), so this fashion, the motive force knew the place to take us, and we made certain he was taking the shortest route.

There’s additionally the BiTaksi app for ordering your journey, so you need to use it in case you plan on commuting by taxi usually. We didn’t discover this essential because it was at all times straightforward to haul a taxi on the road on a couple of events that we wanted it. In any other case, we commuted through the metro more often than not.

Uber can also be accessible in Ankara, and it prices across the identical as a daily taxi, however I’ve the impression that it’s much less fashionable than taxis.

I’d say solely rent a car in case you plan to maneuver round lots, like occurring day journeys or touring throughout Turkey. In any other case, visitors in Ankara will get too hectic, and also you don’t want this type of stress throughout your go to.

All about SIM playing cards

The main community operators in Turkey embody Turkcell, Vodafone, Telekom, and BIMcell.

You will get a SIM card upon arrival (on the airport or in shops within the metropolis) for round US$30 for 20 GB of knowledge and calls. Nevertheless, I extremely advocate you get a good (NOT simply any!) eSIM to make your life simpler.

For instance, I keep in mind getting a Wizzair eSIM card for Turkey and rapidly regretting it. It was too costly, and the web didn’t even work once I wanted it most.

Airalo is my trustworthy suggestion for the most effective and best general expertise. They’ve beneficiant plans for Turkey, from US$4.50 for 1 GB of knowledge for 7 days to round US$26 for 20 GB of knowledge for 30 days.

With Airalo, you get the identical worth for cash as with native suppliers and extra versatile plans, however you don’t have to go to any shops! You may set every thing up from the consolation of your telephone simply earlier than departure!

FAQs about issues to do in Ankara

✅ Is Ankara price visiting?

Sure, if you wish to know the way the locals in Turkey reside. Istanbul is the nation’s vacationer capital, and Ankara has a distinct vibe the place you’ll be able to see how a typical Turkish city lives. Ankara additionally has loads of museums and historic factors of curiosity.

🇹🇷 What’s Ankara well-known for?

Ankara is known for preserving the tomb of Kemal Ataturk, the daddy of the fashionable Turkish Republic. It’s the capital of Turkey and the 2nd greatest metropolis after Istanbul.

🤨 Is it higher to go to Istanbul or Ankara?

Istanbul for first-timers and Ankara for extra native expertise. Whereas a lot of Istanbul is focused at vacationers, Ankara has no such vacationer vibe and is ideal for exploring genuine Turkish tradition.

🧸 What are the most effective issues to do in Ankara with youngsters?

The very best issues to do in Ankara with youngsters embody a go to to the Altınköy open-air museum, the Outdated City, and the Aquarium.

🏰 What to do in Ankara in 1 day?

Among the finest issues to do in Ankara in 1 day embody visiting Ankara Fortress, the Metropolis Heart, an Aspava restaurant, and Anıtkabir, the massive complicated and museum the place Kemal Ataturk is buried.

🌃 What are the most effective issues to do in Ankara at night time?

Bar hopping within the Metropolis Heart (all night time lengthy) or climbing the Atakule Tower for an evening metropolis view (till 22:00) are the most effective issues to do in Ankara at night time!

☀️ When is the most effective time to go to Ankara?

The very best time to go to Ankara is from June to August, though I might argue that this metropolis has a nice local weather and can also be a very good journey vacation spot within the spring and fall.

Conclusion

You’ve made it to the top of my final information on issues to do in Ankara! Hopefully, it helped you visualize the town and plan which points of interest to go to!

And if you wish to guide a tour or lodge in Ankara, I like to recommend you do that prematurely to safe the most effective offers!

Drop me a remark beneath in case you have any questions or want extra assist planning your keep in Ankara or Turkey! I’ve visited this stunning nation so many instances it nearly appears like residence!

Have enjoyable in Ankara,

Darija 

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