Ankara - Capital of Turkey

Ankara is dotted with many historical buildings, the city itself is beautiful to stroll around. You’ll find a great blend of old and new sites and the surrounding area is also fascinating to explore. 

Ankara is well popular with tourists, and if you visit during the winter, you'll be treated to a lovely snowy landscape both in the city and in the nearby region. A trip here will also exhibit a different lifestyle, as this region is far more conventional than the urbanized seaside destinations on the south coast of Istanbul's tourism vibe.

Ankara has a lot to offer in terms of sights and activities. It's also the final burial ground of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's first president, and a very powerful and influential person for all Turks. There are numerous beautiful architectural structures throughout the city, as well as plenty of history. Ankara was formerly known as Angora, and the city's initial historical inhabitants date back to the Bronze Age.

Since the city is pedestrian-friendly one can simply stroll around and discover the town. The surrounding area is definitely worth exploring. In this article, I'll talk about a few famous tourist attractions in Ankara. So, let's read further. 

 

Atakule

If you love to explore amazing views then Atakule is the best place for you because from here you'll explore a breathtaking view of Ankara. Atakule is a massive communications tower that rises 410 feet tall and was built in the late 1980s. One can also enjoy a meal sitting in the restaurant at the top of the tower that rotates a full circle every hour.

 

Roman baths

Ankara’s Roman baths are a must-visit site. Inside, you will discover statues and carvings dating back to Roman times, with the baths being constructed by Emperor Caracalla in the 3rd century. 

Here you will explore the three main rooms, namely the hot bath, the warm bath, and the cold bathrooms. it’s a must-do for history buffs.

 

Ankara Castle

If you're fond of panoramic vistas then this spot is for you. Ankara Castle, which originates from 476 BC, is located in the Ulus district of the city. The castle was built as a defensive fortification in the past as the military impact can be felt in its construction today. Ankara Castle is remarkably well maintained, amid its age, and it features four solid walls surrounding the perimeter and 42 towers in the upper area. The stroll to the castle is very hard, hence make sure to wear good walking sneakers. 

 

Genclik Park

In the summer everyone heads to Genclik Park. In this large outdoor space, one can enjoy a ride on a Ferris wheel, swim in a swimming pool, roam at the greenhouse, explore fountains, ride in the miniature train, as well as a stroll in an amusement park, and an open-air theatre. 

 

How to reach Ankara? 

By Air: Ankara has its own international airport and regular flights to that airport are available all year. Several travelers, though, prefer to fly to Istanbul and then travel to Ankara from there. When you take that route, you'll reach Ankara in one hour.

 

By Road: One can either drive or take a long-distance bus to reach Ankara from any prominent Turkish city. Turkey offers several greater long-distance bus companies, like Kamil Koc, Pamukkale, and Metro. You'll have to travel 450 kilometers to reach Ankara from Istanbul however the good condition roads, and gorgeous views throughout the travel will enhance your travel experience. By road, it will take up to seven hours to reach Ankara. 

 

 

Where to stay in Ankara? 

In Ankara, you'll find many accommodation options for your stay. Some of the best hotels are Wyndham Ankara, Sheraton Hotel Ankara, Metropolitan Hotel Ankara, Raymar Hotel Ankara, JW Mariott Hotel Ankara. You can book accommodation based on your budget. 

 

Which is the best time to visit Ankara? 

June and September are the best months to explore in Ankara. In these months the weather is quite pleasant which will fill your visit with a lot of joy and fun.

 

Where to shop in Ankara? 

The shops at Ankara offer plenty of products to customers such as handmade dresses, painted cards, furniture, coffee scrub, saffron, and wool. Kizilay is one of the best shopping areas in Ankara. Apart from shopping the place is also ideal for enjoying the nightlife.