Tours, hotels and excursions in Ankara, Turkey
Ankara
Ankara is located in the heart of Turkey, in the Central Anatolia region, at about 850 meters above sea level, where the Cubuk and Ankara rivers meet. The city is a major metropolis with a population of around 4.5–4.7 million people, serving as an important hub between the country's western and eastern centres. Nearby are large cities such as Konya, Kayseri and Sivas, making Ankara a convenient base for trips across Anatolia.
Ankara is one of the oldest settlements in the region, with a history stretching back to the Hittites and Phrygians, through the Greco-Roman and Byzantine periods to the Ottoman and modern Turkish state. This is also where archaeological finds from Gordion originate, and the 20th century left a unique legacy in the city - memorials and museums connected to the birth of the Turkish Republic.
As a cultural centre, the metropolis combines ancient monuments and modern infrastructure. Visitors are drawn to the historic quarters and the citadel, old mosques, numerous museums on various themes, as well as viewpoints and cultural spaces. The main district hubs useful for orienting visitors are central Kizilay, the administrative and diplomatic Cankaya, historic Ulus and the residential district Kecioren with panoramic viewpoints.
Ankara serves as a major transport and business hub. The city is close to Esenboga International Airport, and Ankara Station is an important point on the high-speed rail network to Eskisehir, Konya and Istanbul. Within the city there is an extensive public transport system - buses, the Ankaray light rail and metro lines, which make getting around the metropolis easier.
Leisure and services are well developed in the metropolis: parks and boulevards for walks, theatres and concert venues, large shopping centres and bustling bazaars with local goods. For family recreation there are waterparks and entertainment complexes. Ankara's climate is moderately continental with distinct seasons; spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walks and excursions.
Practical tips: in museums and at religious sites observe dress codes and rules of behaviour, plan routes in advance between distant districts of the metropolis, and take possible daily temperature variations into account. Ankara has many hotels and student hostels, so you can find options for any budget.
Ankara on the map
Popular Locations of the City
Fascinating places for excursions and travel
Ankara: Atatürk Mausoleum, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Old City
Ankara - the Atatürk Mausoleum, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the hilltop fortress.
Ankara - Anitkabir
Anitkabir is a memorial complex dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, located on a hill and a symbol of modern Turkey. The complex includes the main mausoleum, a military ceremonial square and a museum with Atatürk's personal belongings and documents. A visit often includes the chance to see the changing of the honour guard and to walk around the landscaped grounds with panoramic views over the city.
Aside from Anitkabir, the city has a developed network of museums and cultural venues featuring archaeological collections, ethnography and contemporary art. Ankara has specialised museums, theatres with national and international repertoires, and exhibition centres of modern art that regularly host temporary exhibitions and festivals.
For those who prefer the city's lively atmosphere, the historic markets and narrow streets of the old quarters are interesting places to buy national crafts and souvenirs. The city is convenient for walking through historic districts and for themed routes - archaeological, architectural and memorial tourism. Ankara attracts not only sightseeing tourists but also business travellers, students and lovers of culinary discoveries.
The local cuisine draws on a variety of Anatolian traditions - fresh vegetables, meat dishes, mezes and desserts, which are worth trying while strolling markets and neighbourhoods. The best time to visit cultural programmes and stroll the streets is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and most comfortable for sightseeing.
City overview – facts & data for travelers
Major international airports – full list
Best tours and travel experiences across the continent
Ankara Through Photos
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