Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is located in the northern part of the Central Anatolia region. It is bordered by Çankaya to the northeast, Kırıkkale to the east, Konya to the south, Kırşehir and Aksaray to the southeast, Bolu to the northwest, and Eskişehir to the west. It is one of the cities on the shore of the Salt Lake.
Known for centuries as the heart of Anatolia, Ankara is the place where Turkey's past is most talked about. Although it is the capital of Turkey, its historical and cultural tours and spa facilities are mostly favored by tourism. In relation to Sightseeing it offers many opportunities in nearby tourist towns.
Ankara Travel Guide
Ankara has many ancient civilizations like Hittite, Phrygian, Lydian, Achaemenid, Galatian, Roman etc. in the History and ranks first in Turkey in terms of historical and cultural tourism. Many artifacts inside are well preserved from ancient times to the present day.
Arrive & Depart Ankara
Direct flights to Ankara are available from major cities and some countries. The goal is that Ankara Esenboga Airport.
Almost all major German and Turkish airlines fly to the airports in the region. Direct flights to Ankara cost from 70 to 300 euros, depending on the time of year.
The airport lies within the districts of Akyurt and Çubuk, with an average distance of 28 km from the city center. There are HAVAŞ, Belko Air, city buses, taxis, transfers and car rental options to get from the airport to various places in the area.
HAVAŞ and Belko Air buses run every half hour and fares range from 10 to 15 lire. AŞTİ can be reached by Belko Air Bus, Pursaklar and Şaşmaz can be reached by HAVAŞ Bus and AŞTİ.
The taxi rank at the airport is a convenient means of transportation. Although prices vary depending on the distance, the average cost of transportation to the city center is 100-110 lira.
Vehicle 442 provides city bus service. The ticket fee is 3 TL.
EGO (city bus) and private public buses
The same EGO and private public bus lines operate in all areas of Ankara. EGO and private public bus fares are the same and Ankarakart is valid. There are four different Ankarakart options. These options are Full Ankarakart, Discounted Ankarakart, Free Ankarakart and Disposable Ankarakart.
Metro
The most popular mode of transportation in Ankara is the Metro, and the first stop on all routes is Kezli Square. The route known as M1 serves between Kızılay and Batıkent, the route known as M2 between Kızılay and Çayyolu, the M3 route between Batıkent and Sincan, and finally the M4 between Tandoğan and Keçiören.
Train – BAŞKENTRAY
There is a train connection between Sincan-Kayaş and Kayaş-Sincan in both directions. Trains running every 10 minutes are easily accessible.
Kleinbus
The blue Minibuses of Ankara, in public as dolmus are known to operate in all areas of Ankara. Although it does not run at specific intervals, it leaves the main station every 15 minutes at most. There are several major minibus stops in each district.
Ziplines
A cable car system was put into operation in Ankara in 2014 for the route between Yenimahalle and Şentepe. Lines from Yenimahalle metro station can transfer to Şentepe. Each cabin leaves for the Şentepe cable car station every 15 seconds, and the journey takes an average of 13 minutes.
collective transfer: The shuttle bus will pick you up at the airport and take you and other passengers to your hotel. You pay one price per person on the bus and the journey takes longer because you have to wait for other passengers at the airport and stop at several hotels. If you have booked a package tour with Hotel Transfer, you will also wait for other passengers at the airport and drive to several hotels on the way to the hotel.
Private transfer: Your own driver will pick you up at the airport terminal exit and take you directly to the hotel. Because you pay one price per trip, a private transfer for three people in a car is only slightly more expensive than a shared bus.
Car rental in Ankara
Transportation from the airport to Ankara is also often offered Car rental companies and transfer facilities preferred. The cost of these services depends on the type of vehicle chosen.
It is very convenient to rent a car from Ankara Esenboğa Airport.
The reputable major international and national car rental companies have offices right at the airport and their stands are located at the exit of the terminal.
Just in Summer you should book a car as early as possible, as demand is always very high.
Hotel in Ankara
Ankara Hotels offers accommodation near all places and attractions during your visit to Ankara, with a variety of options to make your visit as enjoyable as possible. To get near the points of interest & sights to stay from Ankara, you can choose the most suitable hotels in central locations like Çankaya, Kızılay and Ulus.
Booking.comHoliday home
In Ankara you will find many fully equipped apartments that can be booked through AirBnB.
Sights in Ankara
The history and natural beauty it contains has earned it a reputation as a city landmark from past to present. It includes a variety of entertainment and visit points that attract the attention of people of all ages, from parks to Moscheen, castles and museums.
- Mausoleum: Anıtkabir is located in Mebusevleri Mahallesi in Çankaya and is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Turkish Republic. It is located in the center of Ankara in a place formerly known as Rasattepe (Gözlem Tepesi).
- Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi): Although it is impossible to determine the exact date of construction of the castle built on the hills of Ankara, it is estimated based on Hittite artefacts that it was built during the Hittite Time was built.
- Anatolian Civilization Museum: It is located in Kale Mahallesi, Altındağ District. It is located 2 kilometers north of Ankara city center. At the request of Ataturk, the warehouse buildings Leaded Han and Mahmut Paşa Bazaar restored and opened to tourists, turning them into one Museum were converted.
- Ethnographic Museum: Ankara Ethnographic Museum is located in the area now known as Namazgah, where Friday prayers were held during the War of Independence, within the borders of Hacettepe district of Altındağ. The museum occupies a very special place with its historical artifacts and is one of the areas that must be included in the list of places to visit in Ankara.
- Hamamonu: The historical area is located in Hacettepe district of Altındağ District, 1 km northeast of Ankara city center. The area takes its name from the double bath built by Bey from Karacabey, Bayındır. The main factor that makes Hamamönü important is that its design is exemplified by 19th-century civilian buildings.
- Mogan Lake (Mogan Golu): Mogan Lake is located in Gölbaşı and is defined as the sea of Ankara.
- Ulucanlar Prison Museum (Ulucanlar Cezaevi Müzesi): Ulucanlar Prison was used as an active prison for 81 years, due to changes it was closed in 2006 and opened as a museum in 2010. The Ulukanral Prison Museum is located in the Şükriye district of Altındağ, about 2 kilometers from the city center.
- Kocatepe Mosque: The Kocatepe Mosque covers an area of 4.500 square meters and accommodates an average of 24.000 people at a time and is located in the Kültür Mahallesi district of Çankaya. It has 4 minarets and is 88 meters long.
- Kugulu Park (Kugulu Park): Located in the Kavaklıdere district of Çankaya, about 4 kilometers from the center of Ankara, Kugulu Park is considered to be one of the main natural attractions of the city.
- Ankara Train Station (Ankara Tren Garı): There are major attractions such as the Ataturk House and Railway Museum, Ankara Steam Locomotive Open Air Museum, TCDD Railway Museum and the Station Art Gallery which is still active today.
- Youth Park (Gençlik Parkı): The Youth Park in the Altındağ district is one of the landmarks of Ankara.
- War of Independence Museum (1st Parliament Building): It is located in Doğanbey District of Altındağ District. It is located 2 kilometers northwest of Ankara city center. The building was originally intended to serve as the seat of the Republican People's Party and as the first House of Parliament at the founding of the republic.
- Temple of Augustus (Augustus Tapınağı): The Temple of Augustus is adjacent to the left wall of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Mosque in Hacı Bayram district of Altındağ, 2 km from the city center.
- Republic Museum – II Turkish National Assembly: The Republic Museum in Doğanbey Mevkii, Altındağ, 5 kilometers from central Ankara, was put into operation after the first parliament ruled that its affairs of state were inadequate. It was used as the Second Parliament until 1960 and has been used as a museum since 1981.
- Haci Bayram-i Veli Mosque: Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Mosque was built between 1427-1428 under the name of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, a very important person associated with Islam and is located within the boundaries of Hacı Bayram district of Altındağ. Only 2 kilometers from the city center.
- 50th Anniversary Park: The park is located in Yıl 50 district, 21 km north of the center of Çankaya district. It was opened to tourists in 50 on the occasion of the 1970th anniversary of the Republic. Another important feature of this place is that it has the longest flagpole in the European region and the second longest in the world.
- Suluhan Bazaar: Suluhan Bazaar in Altındağ Anafartalar district is 2 km north of Ankara city center. Almost all buildings built during the Ottoman period have inscriptions. Inscriptions on the Suluhan Bazaar indicate that it was built by Hassan Pasha between 1508 and 1511. It was later restored by Şeyhülislam Mehmet Emin Bey in 1685.
- Ulus Victory Monument (Ulus Ataturk Statue): Victory Monument (Ulus Zafer Anıtı) is located in Anafartalar District of Altındağ District, 2,5 kilometers from the city center.
- Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koc Museum: Known as the first and only industrial museum in Ankara, Çengelhan Rahmi Koç Museum is located within the boundaries of Kale Mahallesi in Altındağ, about 1,3 km from the city center.
- State Museum of Painting and Sculpture: The building was built in the early days of the republic as the seat of the Turkish sheep and was used by various official institutions until 1980, which later became a museum with artifacts. It is located within the boundaries of the Hacettepe district of Altındağ, just a few minutes' walk from the city center.
- Kızılay Square (15 Temmuz Kızılay Milli İrade Meydanı): Kızılay Square is one of the most important central points of Ankara and connected to Çankaya.
Activities in Ankara
Ankara is a top choice for cultural and historical tourism as well as wellness tourism, with many Activities to select.
- Panoramic view of Ankara: Ankara Castle offers a panoramic view of Ankara. In addition, the chateau offers cafe and restaurant services.
- Ankara State Theater: Ankara is a very important city both historically and culturally. It is not only the capital of Turkey but also the capital of theaters. It has many national theater stages.
- ASPAVA: Discover the most famous restaurants in Ankara.
Excursions from Ankara
Many historical and tourist sights can be visited in the vicinity of the city center. There are many transport options, from the metro network to Ankaray, from public transport to minibuses.
- Kizilcahamam: Kızılcahamam, which dates back to the year 2000 BC. It is one of the most popular tourist areas in Ankara with monasteries, castles, natural beauty and even fairy chimneys. Soguksu National Park, Ankara and Abaci Fairy Chimneys are some of the must-see places in the area. Kizilcahamam city center is about 110 km away.
- Beypazari: Beypazarı ranks first among the must-see attractions in Ankara. Beypazarı is one of the most famous landmarks in the city, which is characterized by its historical buildings and historic buildings, and is about 100 kilometers away from the city center.
- nallihan: Nallıhan offers tourists a complete day trip experience with its historical value and natural beauty. Nallehan town center is approximately 162 miles away.
- Beinam woods: The Beynam forest, which is characterized by its rich vegetation and clean, oxygen-rich air, was placed under protection in 1966. Beynam Forest, one of the city's oxygen sources, is located about 81 kilometers from central Ankara.
- Haymana Hot Springs:Haymana is one of the preferred places for many civilizations and has a potion of 44 degrees heat and is one of the outstanding places for thermal wellness tourism in Ankara today. The Haymana hot springs are located about 75 kilometers from the center of Ankara.
- Ankara Wonderland (Ankara Harikalar Diyari): Ankara Wonderland is presented as the largest park in Turkey and the world. With this park, Ankara pays special attention to the plant structure and presents the world with a lush, fairytale-like park. Opening and closing times are between 09:00 and 19:00.
- Atatürk Forest Farm (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği): The land was designated as a Class I Protected Area in 1922, culminating in the Atatürk Forest Farm, and legislation was enacted in 1950.
- Historical Roman Bath: The Roman Baths, very close to Ullus Square, date back to the 3rd century AD. It is said to have been built by the Roman Emperor Caracalla specifically for Asklepion, the god of health. There are more than a hundred sarcophagi in this bath with different engravings.
- Segmenler Park: Seğmenler Park is located in the Çankaya district of Ankara. The park has been in operation since 1983 and covers an area of around 70.000 square meters.
Bars, Pubs and Clubs in Ankara
Ankara has many taverns, bars, clubs, restaurants and more that attract all styles. Ankara has managed to become the center of nightlife and is packed with people at almost any time of the day.
Eat in Ankara
It has a variety of flavors, from classic flavors to the Turkish cuisine to different flavors of world cuisine. Like every province, Ankara has its own cuisine. If you come to Ankara, be sure to visit Ankara Pan (Ankara tava), ASPAVA, Ankara Bagels (Ankara simidi), Beypazarı Stew (Beypazarı güveci), Pickled (Çubuk turşusu), Dried Beypazarı (Beypazarı kurusu) and many more local flavors try from Ankara.
Shopping in Ankara
There are many places in Ankara where you can shop or buy souvenirs. From malls to souvenir shops, there are many shops for modern souvenirs as well as gifts that reflect past cultures. It houses a variety of memorabilia including jewelry, clothing and small household items, as well as organic groceries.
- Tunali Hilmi street: Ertuğ Passage on Tunalı Hilmi Street sells handicrafts popular with foreign tourists.
- Cikrikcilar Hill and Saman Bazaar: Cikrikcilar Yokusu and Saman Pazarı in Altındağ area have been among the most popular shopping spots in Ankara for many years.
- Old town: The shops within the old city walls of Ankara, north of the Rahmi M. Koc Museums are mainly souvenirs.
- Kizilay: Central district, main street with shopping malls, retail and grocery stores, Ataturk Bulvari, restaurants, bars with outdoor seating, fish market and large flower market.
- ARRIVEMall: Large shopping center with international and national brands, close to Akköprü metro station.
- CEPA Mall and Kent Park: Two shopping centers in the immediate vicinity with international and national brand stores, cinemas and restaurants.
How much does a vacation in Ankara cost
Since the costs vary greatly depending on the season and your own preferences, only the average costs are considered here.
Package tour with all inclusive 1 week
- from €300 in the off-season
- from €450 in high season
- from €700 in high season in a 4-star hotel
- more than 900 € in the high season in a 5 star hotel
Hotel/Accommodation only:
- Budget hotel or guesthouse with Breakfast: €15 to €30 per day
- Mid-range hotel with all inclusive: €40 to €80 per day
- 5 star high-end hotel with all inclusive: more than 90 € per day
- AirBnB: own room from €10, own apartment from €50
Transport:
- Return flight from Germany to Ankara: €70 to €500, depending on the season and airline
- Single journey by bus: up to €1
- Airport transfer in collection bus: €10 to €20
- Taxi to the airport: €40 to €50. Private transfer from €35.
- Day trip, for example Pamukkale: €50 to €70 including entry and food
Eat, Drinks and other:
- Restaurant in tourist area, main course: €7 to €25
- Local restaurant, main course: €3 to €10
- Street food: Simit 50 cents, Rotary €1,50, corn on the cob 50 cents, Dürüm €1,50
- Glass wine in the restaurant: €3
- Glass of beer: €2,50
- Cocktails: from €8
- Bottle of water in store: 50 cents
- Groceries in stores: around 20% cheaper than in Germany
- Food at the bazaar: fruit and vegetables are 40% cheaper than in Germany
Total budget:
- Budget: €40 to €70 per day
- Mid-range: €60 to €100 per day
- High end: from €140 per day
Climate table, weather and the ideal travel time for Ankara
The Climate & Environment in central Turkey with Ankara as the capital is continental, with minus winter values and hot and dry summers not uncommon. The climate in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is much milder and extreme temperatures are rare. The period from Ende is the best travel time Mai to mid October.
| Month | Temperature: | sea temperature | Hours of sunshine | Rainydays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -6-4 ° C | - | 3 | 6-8 |
| February | -6-4 ° C | - | 3 | 6 |
| March | -5-6 ° C | - | 5 | 13 |
| April | -1-12 ° C | - | 6 | 13 |
| Mai | 3-17 °C (７７°F) | - | 7 | 15 |
| June | 7-22 °C (７７°F) | - | 9 | 5 |
| July | 10-27 °C (７７°F) | - | 11 | 2 |
| August | 13-31 °C (７７°F) | - | 10 | 0 |
| September | 13-31 °C (７７°F) | - | 8 | 1 |
| October | 9-27 °C (７７°F) | - | 7 | 2 |
| November | 5-21 °C (７７°F) | - | 7 | 4 |
| December | -1-13 ° C | - | 4 | 6 |
High season, June to September:
The ideal travel time for Ankara is from June to September. During this time the sun is almost always shining, it is 30° and it rains only on very few days.
Off-season, October:
Even in October, the thermometer still reaches 27° for many days in Ankara, and it rarely rains.
Winter, long-term leave and Moving abroad
Autumn weather in Ankara is relatively cold at around 10°, but still comfortable compared to rainy winters.
