Ankara, Turkey: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Ankara offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler, from modern city hotels to charming boutique stays near historic landmarks. For first-time visitors, the Kızılay district is one of the most convenient and lively areas to stay. It’s the heart of modern Ankara, filled with shops, restaurants, and public transport connections. A great option here is The Ankara Hotel, a sleek and contemporary property located near the main train station, offering panoramic city views and easy access to Kızılay Square. Another nearby choice is Grand Ankara Hotel & Convention Center, known for its spacious rooms, excellent spa, and close proximity to major attractions.

For a more refined stay, the upscale neighborhood of Çankaya is ideal. This area is home to embassies, government buildings, and tree-lined avenues, offering a quieter, more elegant atmosphere. Here you’ll find Lugal, A Luxury Collection Hotel Ankara, combining five-star luxury with refined Turkish hospitality. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate comfort, fine dining, and easy access to the city’s museums and parks. Another popular choice is Ankara HiltonSA, a long-standing favorite that provides modern facilities, an outdoor pool, and a convenient location for both business and leisure travelers.

If you prefer a stay surrounded by history, the Ulus district offers a more traditional experience near the ancient citadel and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Divan Çukurhan is a beautifully restored caravanserai turned boutique hotel, featuring authentic Ottoman décor and exceptional views of the old city. For those on a tighter budget but still seeking charm and comfort, Radisson Blu Hotel Ankara offers stylish rooms and a central location just steps away from Ulus Square.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Ankara. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Visiting Ankara in Spring (Best)

Spring is the best time to visit Ankara, as the city comes alive with colour, warmth, and outdoor activity. From March to May, temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, making it ideal for exploring the city’s museums, parks, and historical sites without the summer heat. Blossoms fill green spaces like Gençlik Park and Kuğulu Park, while the city’s many cafés open their terraces to the sunshine. The Ankara International Music Festival, held every April, is a major cultural highlight, drawing local and international performers to concert halls and open-air venues across the capital. With pleasant weather and a festive atmosphere, spring is the perfect season to experience Ankara at its most welcoming.

Visiting Ankara in Summer

Summers in Ankara, from June to August, are hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. While it can be warm for daytime sightseeing, the evenings are comfortable and lively, with outdoor dining and rooftop venues buzzing with activity. Locals escape to the nearby Atatürk Forest Farm or Lake Eymir to enjoy a bit of nature and fresh air. It’s also the season for open-air concerts, food festivals, and cultural performances throughout the city. If you don’t mind the heat, summer in Ankara offers a more relaxed pace, especially as many residents leave for the coast, leaving the city quieter and easier to navigate.

Visiting Ankara in Autumn

Autumn, from September to November, brings a refreshing coolness back to the city after the summer heat. The changing colours of Ankara’s parks and tree-lined boulevards make this one of the most visually beautiful times of year to visit. Daytime temperatures hover between 15°C and 25°C, ideal for walking tours around the old citadel or exploring the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The season also marks the start of the cultural calendar, with art exhibitions, film screenings, and theatre performances in full swing. For travellers who enjoy a balance of good weather, smaller crowds, and rich cultural experiences, autumn is an excellent time to explore Ankara.

Visiting Ankara in Winter

Winter in Ankara, from December to February, can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall covering the city in white. Despite the chill, it’s a magical time to see a quieter, more atmospheric side of the capital. The cafés of Kızılay and Çankaya become cozy retreats, serving warm tea and traditional Turkish desserts. The city also celebrates the Ankara International Short Film Festival in December, a highlight for cinema enthusiasts. While not the ideal time for outdoor sightseeing, winter offers a chance to experience Ankara’s cultural side in a more intimate setting, with fewer tourists and a calm, wintry charm.

Getting to Ankara by Air

Nearest airports: The main gateway to Ankara is Esenboğa International Airport (ESB), located about 28 kilometers northeast of the city center. The airport handles both domestic and international flights, with regular services from major Turkish cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya, as well as international routes from Europe and the Middle East.

Airport transport: Shuttle buses operated by Havaş connect the airport to Kızılay and Ulus, the main central districts, in around 45 minutes. Taxis and ride-sharing options are also readily available, while car rentals can be arranged at the terminal for greater flexibility.

Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet operate frequent daily flights between Ankara and other Turkish and international destinations, making air travel the quickest and most convenient way to reach the capital.

Getting to Ankara by Train

Ankara is a central hub in Turkey's high-speed rail network, making it easy to reach from many major cities. The Ankara High-Speed Train Station (Ankara YHT Garı) is located near the city center and is connected to the metro system for onward travel.

Regular services operate from Istanbul, Konya, and Eskişehir, with journey times ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the route. The high-speed trains are comfortable, efficient, and modern, providing an excellent alternative to flying. Trains from eastern Turkey, including Kars and Diyarbakır, also arrive at the main station via longer routes, ideal for scenic travel across the Anatolian countryside. You can use the official TCDD Taşımacılık website to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for Turkey's national and regional trains operated by TCDD. For a more streamlined experience (especially if you prefer an English interface or want to compare across countries), we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book train tickets across Turkey and the rest of Europe — all in one place.

Getting to Ankara by Car

Driving to Ankara is straightforward thanks to its central location and excellent road network. The city is well connected by highways (Otoyol) from Istanbul via the O-4 and D200 routes, which take approximately five to six hours depending on traffic. From Konya or Cappadocia, the drive is shorter, usually around three hours.

Parking in the city center can be limited, but most hotels and shopping complexes offer dedicated parking areas. While driving in Ankara is manageable, it's best to avoid rush hours in Kızılay and Ulus due to heavy traffic. If you are looking to rent a car in Turkey I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling around Ankara

Getting around Ankara is convenient, thanks to a mix of metro lines, buses, taxis, and trams. The Ankara Metro covers major districts, including Kızılay, Ulus, Batıkent, and Çayyolu, while the Ankaray light rail line runs east to west through the city. EGO city buses complement these services, and rechargeable transport cards can be used on all public transport.

Taxis are widely available and relatively affordable for short trips, especially if you're exploring neighborhoods or heading to places not easily accessible by metro. For those who prefer flexibility, car rentals are an option, though most visitors find public transport and walking ideal for navigating central areas like the Old Town and government quarter.