Ankara Hotels & Travel Guide: City Center, Anitkabir & Things to Do
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is a quiet and calm city that has been home to many different civilizations throughout history. Ankara has been the capital of Turkey since 1923 when the Republic was founded. Ankara is a city visited by local and foreign tourists not only in the summer months but every month of the year. It is at the forefront in terms of both tourism and business and congress tourism. It is also a city that stands out with entertainment tourism with the entertainment centers opened in recent years. Ankara has many accommodation facilities with the advantage of being a metropolitan city. There are many large and small hotels and hostels. Ankara hotels offer you many opportunities with their cozy, comfortable and clean rooms. Whether you prefer Ankara for business or sightseeing, there are hotels for every desire and taste. Ankara hotels with prices suitable for every budget also have enough facilities for your business trips and meetings.
When is the Best Time to Visit Ankara?
The best times to visit Ankara are generally in the spring and autumn months. Since Ankara is located in the central part of Turkey, it has cold and rainy winters and hot, dry summers. In spring and autumn, the weather is milder, making it more comfortable for sightseeing.
How to Get to Ankara?
You can easily reach the capital by bus from every city in Turkey, with frequent departures. Alternatively, you can fly to Ankara by using Esenboğa Airport. The rail network is also quite developed, with trains like the Doğu Express (Ankara-Kars), Van Express (Ankara-Van), and the High-Speed Train between Istanbul and Ankara. Additionally, there are train services to cities like Konya and Izmir from Ankara. If you're coming from abroad, you can fly directly to Ankara or opt for connecting flights via Istanbul. The city has an excellent public transport system, including metro lines for quick and easy travel across the city.
Must-See Places in Ankara
Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo, Kızılcahamam, and Mogan Lake are ideal for nature lovers.
For a more lively experience, visit Kızılay Square, Gençlik Park, and Wonderland Park.
If you're interested in sacred places, you can visit Kocatepe Mosque, Hacı Bayram Mosque, and Tacettin Dergah, associated with poet Mehmet Akif Ersoy.
Anıtkabir, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is buried, is a significant historical site that you can explore thoroughly.
Don't miss the First Grand National Assembly and the War of Independence Museum, Ethnography Museum, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and the famous Ankara Castle with its breathtaking views.
Shopping Recommendations in Ankara
The city's largest shopping malls, such as Armada AVM, Ankamall, Panora Shopping Center, Kentpark, Optimum Outlet, and Gordion Shopping Center, offer a wide range of national and international brands and restaurants.
Kızılay Bazaar: A great place in the center of Ankara to find local and national stores. You can shop for clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, and electronics at affordable prices.
Çıkrıkçılar Slope: A historical market with traditional handmade jewelry, ceramics, carpets, and copper works. It's a great place for finding local products.
Ulus Carpet Bazaar: Located in the Ulus district, this market is perfect for those looking to buy carpets and kilims. You can also find handcrafted products and local clothing here.
Tunalı Hilmi Street: One of the most famous shopping streets in Ankara, known for its boutiques, bookstores, cafes, and restaurants. You can explore local designers’ products as you walk along the street.
History of Ankara
Ankara's history dates back thousands of years, and the city carries the traces of many ancient civilizations. The region has been home to the Lydians, Phrygians, Persians, and Macedonians. In the 3rd century BC, it came under Roman rule and became an important center for trade and military activity. Augustus, the Roman Emperor, was born here, which further elevated the city's significance. After the division of the Roman Empire, Ankara became part of the Byzantine Empire. In 1073, the city came under Turkish control and became an important center of the Seljuk Empire. In 1356, it was conquered by the Ottomans, and the city flourished under Ottoman rule. Today, Ankara is the capital of Turkey.
What is Ankara Famous For?
Anıtkabir: One of the most iconic symbols of Ankara, Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. It reflects the national and historical significance of the country and provides insights into Atatürk's life.
Ulus Square and Hacı Bayram Mosque: Ulus Square is the historical heart of Ankara, home to Ottoman-era buildings and Hacı Bayram Mosque, attracting many visitors interested in cultural heritage.
Ankara Castle: Built in the 7th century BC, the castle is one of the city's landmarks. It offers panoramic views and is a significant historical site.
Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo: A green space near the city center, ideal for relaxation, with farming and livestock activities taking place here.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: One of Turkey's most important archaeological museums, showcasing artifacts from various periods of Anatolia and providing valuable information about Turkish history.
Best Things to Do in Ankara
Ankara caters to a wide range of activities. The city is home to world-renowned universities, libraries, and research centers. It’s also the hub of many governmental institutions, with museums dedicated to various official bodies. You can explore historical sites, enjoy nature, visit antique markets, or attend orchestras and youth festivals. For a unique perspective, you can take the Keçiören Cable Car to enjoy the view from above. Walk through the historic streets and neighborhoods of the city and discover Ankara's unique charm.
Food and Drink Recommendations in Ankara
Some local delicacies to try in Ankara include Ankara Tirit, Bazlama Kebab, Aş Soup, and Ankara Yaprak Döner. Here are some restaurant suggestions:
Cici Piknik for delicious döner,
Fige Restaurant and Göksu Restaurant for a special dinner,
Hacı Arif Bey Lokantası for dining with a group,
Denizatı Bakery for breakfast and pastries,
Akman Café-Restaurant, a long-established place serving a variety of dishes, is ideal for both locals and tourists. For pizza lovers, Tadım Pizza offers top-notch pizzas, and don’t miss the kokoreç stalls near Atatürk Forest Farm. For an unforgettable meal, head to Estergon Castle Samarkand Restaurant.
