Ankara, Türkiye: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Complete Guide to Ankara
Complete Guide to Ankara

Ankara, the capital city of Türkiye, sits proudly in the heart of Anatolia, surrounded by sweeping plains and gentle hills that define the country's central region. Often overlooked in favor of Istanbul, Ankara offers a fascinating blend of government, culture, and contemporary life. Its wide boulevards, grand public buildings, and vibrant university atmosphere create a dynamic cityscape that balances modern energy with authentic Turkish charm. As the nation's political and administrative hub, it's where history, governance, and art intersect - a city that reflects the soul of modern Türkiye.

Visitors to Ankara will find a city of contrasts - sleek modern districts and lively cafes stand side by side with traditional markets, old neighborhoods, and tranquil parks. The city's elevated position gives it a crisp, continental climate and stunning panoramic views, especially from areas like Atakule Tower and Ankara Castle. The cultural scene is vibrant, with excellent theatres, art galleries, and music venues that celebrate both Turkish and international talent. Food lovers can also explore Ankara's thriving dining scene, where classic Anatolian dishes are reimagined in stylish restaurants or served in cozy, family-run eateries.

Ankara is one of the best places to visit in Türkiye for travelers seeking to understand the country beyond its coastal resorts. It's a place where visitors can experience daily life as locals do - sipping Turkish tea in leafy parks, browsing bustling bazaars, and exploring museums that tell the story of a nation reborn. With its friendly atmosphere, efficient transport, and central location, Ankara serves as both a rewarding destination in its own right and a convenient base for exploring the wider Anatolian heartland.

History of Ankara

The History of Ankara

Ankara’s history stretches back thousands of years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Anatolia. Strategically located in the heart of modern-day Türkiye, it has long been a crossroads for civilizations, trade, and culture. Over time, it has transformed from a modest settlement into the proud capital of the Turkish Republic — a city that embodies the nation’s historical depth and modern spirit.

Ancient and Classical Periods

The earliest traces of settlement in Ankara date to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC, when it was inhabited by the Hatti and later the Hittites, one of Anatolia’s first great empires. In the 8th century BC, the Phrygians established a major settlement here, naming it Ancyra, meaning “anchor.” Legend connects the name to King Midas, the famed ruler of Phrygia, who supposedly founded the city. Archaeological finds, including Phrygian burial mounds and artifacts, still attest to this early era of prosperity.

After the Phrygians, Ankara passed into the hands of the Lydians and Persians before being captured by Alexander the Great in 333 BC. Under Hellenistic influence, the city grew in importance as a trade and military centre. When the Galatians — a Celtic people — arrived in the 3rd century BC, they made Ancyra their capital. Later, during Roman rule, the city became a flourishing provincial hub of Galatia, adorned with temples, baths, and roads that connected it to other parts of the empire.

Byzantine and Seljuk Periods

With the division of the Roman Empire, Ankara became part of Byzantium and played a key defensive role thanks to its hilltop fortress. During this time, the city saw the rise of Christianity, and several churches and basilicas were built. It endured repeated Arab raids in the 7th and 8th centuries but remained an important Byzantine stronghold due to its central location.

In the 11th century, Ankara came under Seljuk Turkish control following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. The Seljuks fortified the city further and revitalized trade through its connection to the Silk Road. The surrounding region began to flourish again under Turkish-Islamic influence, setting the stage for the city’s later growth under the Ottomans.

Ottoman and Modern Eras

By the 14th century, Ankara was part of the expanding Ottoman Empire and became known for its thriving textile industry, particularly its production of Angora wool — sourced from the region’s famous goats, rabbits, and cats. Despite its relative calm and prosperity, Ankara remained a provincial town throughout much of Ottoman rule, overshadowed by imperial centres like Istanbul and Bursa.

Ankara’s destiny changed dramatically in the early 20th century. During the Turkish War of Independence (1919–1923), Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose Ankara as his headquarters, recognizing its central position and strategic defensibility. In 1923, when the Republic of Türkiye was founded, Ankara was declared the nation’s capital, symbolizing a new era of modernization and independence.

Today, the city remains a powerful symbol of Türkiye’s transformation — from an ancient Anatolian settlement to a modern, forward-looking capital. Ankara’s layers of history are still visible in its architecture, from Roman ruins and Byzantine walls to Ottoman houses and sleek modern buildings, each telling part of the story of a city that has shaped, and been shaped by, the heart of a nation.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Ankara for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Ankara on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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15 Best places to See in Ankara

This complete guide to Ankara not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Ankara and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Melike Hatun Mosque

Melike Hatun Mosque
Melike Hatun Mosque
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tevfik Teker
Melike Hatun Mosque is a contemporary mosque in Ankara near Ulus and Gençlik Park, built to read like a modern landmark while echoing Ottoman-inspired forms. Opened in 2017 and designed by Hilmi Şenalp, it’s named for Melike Hatun, a 14th-century figure linked to charitable endowments in the city. Visitors notice the commanding symmetry outside—four minarets rising to about 72 metres and a central dome roughly 27 metres across—before stepping into a surprisingly calm, airy prayer hall. Inside, crisp calligraphy and patterned detailing reward a slow circuit rather than a quick snapshot, and many travelers mention lingering to take photos of the grand interior and serene atmosphere.
Location: Melike Hatun Mosque, Hacı Bayram, Atatürk Boulevard, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Hours: Open daily from early morning until late evening; visitors should avoid prayer times. | Price: Free. | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Melike Hatun Mosque

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2. Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Ankara
Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Ankara
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Quintucket
Set inside a restored 16th-century Ottoman caravanserai (built in 1523), the Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum pairs stone arches and a central courtyard with hands-on displays of Türkiye’s industrial and technological past. Galleries move from vintage cars and motorcycles to typewriters, telecommunication devices, and hefty agricultural machines, with side rooms for medical and pharmacy tools. A carpet gallery adds an unexpected detour into Anatolian weaving, while upper floors turn to scientific instruments and navigation. The building’s former life as a mohair warehouse still feels present in the vaulted chambers. Visitors often linger over the sheer variety and the careful condition of the objects.
Location: Rahmi M. Koc Museum Ankara, Kale, Hacettepe, Depo Sokak, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Hours: Open daily except Mondays, typically from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. | Price: Adults: Approx €8.00 | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Ankara. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

3. Erimtan Archaeology & Art Museum

Ankara Archaeology and Art Museum
Ankara Archaeology and Art Museum
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman
Erimtan Archaeology & Art Museum is a compact, design-forward museum tucked into the Kale/Citadel quarter, where crisp glass-and-stone architecture sits against the old castle walls. Opened in 2015 from collector-engineer Yüksel Erimtan’s trove of 2,000+ Anatolian objects, it presents jewelry, ceramics, coins, and glass from the Bronze Age through Byzantine times in three calm, thematic galleries. Visitors tend to remember the meticulous display design and the way light and shadow sharpen details—especially in Roman glassware and delicate Hellenistic pieces. It’s a quick visit (often 20–40 minutes), with a small downstairs café that feels like a quiet pause between exhibits.
Location: Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum, Kale, Gözcü Sokak, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Erimtan Archaeology & Art Museum

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4. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ray Swi-hymn
Set on the slope below Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations occupies two restored 15th‑century Ottoman structures: the Mahmut Paşa Bazaar (main galleries) and the Kurşunlu Han, once a caravanserai. Its rooms are arranged as a clear timeline, moving from Paleolithic tools and Neolithic finds—including material linked to Çatalhöyük—through Hittite reliefs and cuneiform tablets to Phrygian and Urartian bronzes, jewelry, and ceremonial objects. Coin cases trace currency from early minting to modern Turkish issues, and the domed ceilings cast soft natural light over stone carvings and sculpture. The museum’s approach to preservation and display was recognized with the 1997 European Museum of the Year award.
Location: Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kale, Gözcü Sokak, Ulus/Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Click here to read our blog about Best Day Trips from Ankara (2026)

5. Ankara Citadel

Ankara Castle Türkiye
Ankara Castle Türkiye
CC BY-SA / Diego Delso
Ankara Citadel is a hilltop fortress above the Ulus district, where Ankara’s layered past is literally built into the walls. Its defenses trace back to early foundations attributed to the Phrygians (around the 8th century BC), then major rebuilding by the Galatians in 278 BC and later Roman and Byzantine fortification. Look closely at the masonry: towers and ramparts incorporate reused Roman marble—sarcophagi fragments, column capitals, and occasional inscriptions—set into the stone like a patchwork. Inside, cobbled lanes wind past restored wooden houses now hosting small craft shops, galleries, and tea stops. From the upper walls, the panoramic skyline is the lasting memory, especially in late-day light.
Location: Ankara Castle, Kale, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Hours: Open daily, 24 hours. | Price: Free entry. | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Ankara Citadel

Click here to read our blog about Best Places to See in Ankara (2026)

6. Ankara Roman Theater

Ankara Roman Theater
Ankara Roman Theater
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Carole Raddato
Set on a slope in the Ulus district, the Ankara Roman Theater is a 2nd‑century AD open-air venue from ancient Ancyra, when Roman civic life played out in stone. Visitors can trace the orchestra area, fragments of the stage, and surviving seating, with interpretive panels and 3D models helping you picture the original layout. Excavations in the 1980s revealed key elements including vaulted parados passages, and the site was later protected and stabilized with partial reconstruction in 2009–10. The mix of old masonry and newer materials is noticeable, and some travelers mention periods of restoration or closure, but the quiet ruins still reward a slow look and photos.
Location: Ancient Roman Theater, Kale, Bentderesi Caddesi, Ulus/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Ankara Roman Theater

Explore Ankara at your own pace with our self-guided walking tour! Follow our curated route to discover must-see sights and local secrets that makes Ankara one of the best places to visit in Türkiye.

7. Gençlik Park

Gençlik Park
Gençlik Park
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Murray Foubister
Gençlik Park (Youth Park) is a 27.5-hectare public park created in the early Republic era, planned from 1936 and completed in 1943 as part of a modern-capital vision. A central lake anchors the experience, with paved lakeside paths, shaded benches, and evening reflections that make the water feel like a calm pocket amid traffic. The on-site amusement park adds a bright, noisy counterpoint to the greenery, especially after dark. Cultural venues—including the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Theater and a youth center with activities—keep the park busy beyond simple strolling. Locals mention it can get crowded, but the many seating areas make it easy to linger.
Location: Gençlik Park, Doğanbey Mahallesi, Atatürk Boulevard, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Gençlik Park

8. War of Independence Museum

Museum of the War of Independence Ankara
Museum of the War of Independence Ankara
Free Art License / A.Savin
Set inside the original Grand National Assembly building, the War of Independence Museum lets you step into the rooms where the Republic’s earliest decisions were debated. The sturdy andesite-stone structure, commissioned in 1915 and designed by Salim Bey, still feels like a working parliament: the assembly hall, Speaker’s podium, and wooden benches remain in place. Displays of telegrams, archival photographs, and period documents sharpen the sense of urgency that surrounded the opening session on April 23, 1920, when crowds gathered outside and the first address was delivered by the Assembly’s oldest member, Serif Bey. Visitors often linger in the chamber, absorbing the atmosphere preserved in its worn furniture and quiet corridors.
Location: Museum of the War of Independence, Hacı Bayram, Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting War of Independence Museum

9. Column of Julian

Column of Julian
Column of Julian
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hajo-Muc
In Ankara’s Ulus district, the Column of Julian (Belkıs Minaresi) is a late Roman commemorative monument raised around 361–363 AD for Emperor Julian’s visit to Ancyra. The stone shaft rises roughly 15 meters, its fluting leading the eye up to a Corinthian capital where weathered acanthus carving still hints at former crisp detail. Up close, the column’s restrained proportions and pale surface make its age feel tangible, especially when angled light sharpens the grooves. Locals note it can seem simple on its own, yet its endurance—sometimes topped by a stork’s nest—turns a quick stop into a memorable glimpse of imperial Rome in the middle of modern streets.
Location: Column Of Julian, Hacı Bayram, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Column of Julian

10. Ulus Square

Ataturk Statue, Ulus Square
Ataturk Statue, Ulus Square
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Memredemirtas
Ulus Square is a busy civic crossroads where major streets converge, anchored by the Monument of the Republic (Victory Monument) at its center. Unveiled on November 24, 1927, the bronze group by Austrian sculptor Heinrich Krippel shows Atatürk on horseback, accompanied by two soldiers and a woman straining forward with a cannonball—figures that turn the square into a daily reminder of the War of Independence. The monument’s reliefs and carefully modeled details reward a slow walk around, even as buses, shoppers, and meet-ups swirl past. Surrounded by older public buildings and traditional markets, it’s a place where ceremonies and ordinary errands share the same pavement.
Location: Ataturk Statue Hacı Bayram Anafartalar Cd No:62 06050 Altındağ/Ankara Türkiye | Distance: 1.1km
Visiting Ulus Square

11. Hacı Bayram Mosque

Haci Bayram Mosque
Haci Bayram Mosque
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bernard Gagnon
Hacı Bayram Mosque, set in the Ulus district, is a 15th-century place of worship built around 1427 to honor the Sufi poet and teacher Hacı Bayram Veli, whose tomb remains part of the complex. The red-brick exterior opens onto a calm, pigeon-filled square where vendors and families mingle, giving the site a lived-in, devotional feel. Step inside to notice the warm wooden ceiling work, geometric tile patterns, and the richly ornamented prayer hall. Just next door stands the Temple of Augustus and Rome, where faint Latin and Greek inscriptions still cling to the stone—an unforgettable juxtaposition of Roman antiquity and Ottoman spirituality.
Location: Haci Bayram Mosque, Hacı Bayram, Sarıbağ Sokak, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Hacı Bayram Mosque

12. Temple of Augustus and Rome

Temple of Augustus and Rome Ankara
Temple of Augustus and Rome Ankara
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman
Tucked beside the Hacı Bayram Mosque in Altındağ, the Temple of Augustus and Rome is a compact Roman sanctuary built around 25–20 BC, where imperial power was literally carved into stone. Its surviving side walls and ornate doorway still carry the Monumentum Ancyranum: Augustus’s Res Gestae inscribed in both Latin and Greek, the most complete copy known. The original six-column façade is gone, but its footprint and a tall, intact stretch of wall make the scale easy to imagine. The setting is memorable for its close juxtaposition of Roman ruins and a living mosque courtyard, with the remains partly hidden in the square and best appreciated by lingering and tracing the faint lettering.
Location: Temple of Augustus and Rome, Hacı Bayram, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 1.2km
Visiting Temple of Augustus and Rome

13. Roman Baths of Ankara

Ankara Baths of Caracalla
Ankara Baths of Caracalla
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Dosseman
Set on a plateau in the Çankırı Kapı area, the Roman Baths are an open-air archaeological complex built in the 3rd century AD under Emperor Caracalla and dedicated to Asclepios, linking bathing with healing and civic life. You can trace the classic sequence of rooms—from the apodyterium to the frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium—while vaulted spaces and arched corridors hint at the original scale. Brick columns and the remnants of the hypocaust system make the engineering legible, especially where heated floors once sat above circulating hot air. Scattered around the ruins, altars, gravestones, and inscribed stones add a human, multilingual layer to the site’s long use before an 8th-century fire ended it.
Location: Roman Baths and Open Air Museum, Hacı Bayram, Çankırı Caddesi, Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Roman Baths of Ankara

14. Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir
Anıtkabir
Crowning Rasattepe Hill, Anıtkabir is the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the republic’s founder, and a powerful civic space where remembrance and national identity converge. The approach along the 262‑meter Road of Lions, guarded by pairs of Hittite-style lion statues, leads into a vast ceremonial plaza that can feel hushed even in crowds. Inside the Hall of Honor, golden mosaics and excerpts from Atatürk’s speeches frame the symbolic sarcophagus above the burial chamber. The adjoining Museum of Atatürk and the War of Independence displays personal belongings and wartime scenes, while the surrounding Peace Park’s international plantings soften the complex’s severe stone geometry.
Location: Anıtkabir, Anıttepe, Anıtkabir, Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye | Hours: Daily, 9:00–17:00 (extended hours in summer). | Price: Free | Website | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Anıtkabir

15. Atakule Tower

atacule Tower Ankara
Atacule Tower Ankara
Atakule Tower is a 125-metre observation and communications tower in Ankara’s Çankaya district, opened in 1989 as a statement of the city’s modern ambitions. A fast elevator takes you to a glass-enclosed deck with 360-degree views where you can pick out Anıtkabir, Kocatepe Mosque, and the Anatolian plains beyond the rooftops. Above, a revolving restaurant completes a full turn about once an hour, shifting the skyline as you dine, with a café and non-revolving restaurant below. At the base, a renovated shopping mall adds a sleek, social atmosphere—some visitors come as much for the elegant interiors as for the night-time panorama.
Location: Atakule, Çankaya, Çankaya Caddesi, Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye | Hours: Daily, 10:00–22:00. | Price: Around €5 (for the observation deck). | Website | Distance: 5.3km
Visiting Atakule Tower

Best Day Trips from Ankara

A day trip from Ankara offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Ankara provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Türkiye I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

1. Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum

Ankara Natural Hisory Museum
Ankara Natural Hisory Museum
©
In the heart of Ankara, the Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum — also known as the National Museum of Natural History — offers a captivating journey through the universe, Earth’s geological past, and the diversity of life. Established in 1968, it remains Türkiye’s first and only museum dedicated to natural history. With four floors of thoughtfully curated exhibits, this…
Location: Şehit Cuma Dağ Tabiat Tarihi Müzesi Çukurambar Dumlupınar Blv. No:11 06530 Çankaya/Ankara Türkiye | Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays) | Distance: 6.3km
Visiting Martyr Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum

2. Ankara Aviation Museum

Ankara Aviation Museum
Ankara Aviation Museum
GNU Free / Ercan Karakaş
Located near the Etimesgut Air Base on the western side of Ankara, the Ankara Aviation Museum is a dream come true for aviation enthusiasts and history lovers alike. Opened in 1998 by the Turkish Air Force, it offers an inspiring glimpse into Türkiye’s journey through the skies — from the earliest days of flight to the modern era of jet…
Location: Turkish Air Force Museum, Bahçekapı, İstanbul Yolu, Etimesgut/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 13.3km
Visiting Ankara Aviation Museum

3. Ruins of Gordion, Capital of ancient Phrygia

Ruins of Gordion, capital of ancient Phrygia
Ruins of Gordion, capital of ancient Phrygia
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Stipich Béla
In the windswept plains west of Ankara, Gordion Ancient City stands as a powerful reminder of Phrygian glory and mythic tales. This ancient capital, home to the fabled King Midas and the legendary Gordian Knot that challenged Alexander the Great, is one of the best places to go on a day trip from Ankara for lovers of history, legend, and…
Location: Gordion Ancient City, Yassıhüyük, Polatlı/Ankara, Türkiye | Distance: 81.5km
Visiting Ruins of Gordion, Capital of ancient Phrygia

4. Hattusa

Hattusa
Lion Gate in Hattusa
Hattusa, near Boğazkale about 210 km east of Ankara, is a large archaeological site and the former capital of the Hittite Empire. Spread across hills and valleys, the UNESCO-listed ruins preserve the outline of a major Bronze Age city, with defensive walls, monumental gates, temple foundations, storerooms, and the royal citadel of Büyükkale.The site matters because decisions made here shaped…
Location: Hattusa (Ancient Capital of the Hittite Kingdom) Hisar Hattuşaş Örenyeri 19310 Boğazkale/Çorum Türkiye | Hours: Daily, 8:00–19:00 (summer); 8:00–17:00 (winter). | Price: Around €3 for the main site, €2 for Yazılıkaya. | Website | Distance: 149.9km
Visiting Hattusa

5. Alacahöyük

Sphinx Gate Alacahöyük
Sphinx Gate Alacahöyük
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bernard Gagnon
Tucked away in the quiet plains of Central Anatolia, Alacahöyük is one of Türkiye’s most intriguing archaeological sites. It’s a place where history feels tangible — where lions guard ancient gates and sun disks gleam in museum displays. As one of the best places to go on a day trip from Boğazkale, Alacahöyük offers an intimate window into the Bronze…
Location: Alacahöyük, Höyük, Alacahöyük/Alaca/Çorum, Türkiye | Distance: 159.8km
Visiting Alacahöyük

6. Çorum Müzesi

Çorum Müzesi
Çorum Müzesi
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Klaus-Peter Simon
Çorum Müzesi in central Çorum, Türkiye, is an archaeology and ethnography museum focused on the region’s long run of settlement and material culture. The museum is arranged in a way that makes the sequence easy to follow, moving through prehistoric, Bronze Age, Hittite, and later periods without feeling overcrowded. For visitors arriving with little background in central Anatolian history, the…
Location: Gülabibey, Cengiz Topel Cd. No:153, 19100 Çorum Merkez/Çorum, Türkiye | Hours: Monday – Sunday: 08:00–17:00. | Price: ₺12; MüzeKart accepted. | Website | Distance: 190km
Visiting Çorum Müzesi

7. Yazılıkaya

Yazılıkaya
Yazılıkaya
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Francesco Bandarin
Set among the rugged limestone cliffs just outside Boğazkale, Yazılıkaya is a place where mythology meets the landscape. This open-air rock sanctuary, used by the Hittites over 3,000 years ago, feels as though time itself has paused. The intricate reliefs of gods, kings, and sacred rituals still stand etched into the stone, making this one of the best places to…
Location: Yazılıkaya, Yazılı, Han/Eskişehir, Türkiye | Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM (summer); shorter in winter | Price: Around €2–€3 (combined ticket often available with Hattusa) | Website | Distance: 200.9km
Visiting Yazılıkaya

Where to Stay in Ankara

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.

Ankara Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Ankara

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.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 7°C
  • February 9°C
  • March 14°C
  • April 20°C
  • May 24°C
  • June 28°C
  • July 29°C
  • August 30°C
  • September 28°C
  • October 22°C
  • November 15°C
  • December 9°C

How to get to Ankara

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.

For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ankara on Booking.com.

Getting to Ankara by Train

Ankara is a central hub in Türkiye’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 Türkiye, 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 Türkiye’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 Türkiye 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 Türkiye 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.

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