How to Get the Most Out Of a Trip to Ankara Turkey

A trip to Ankara, Turkey’s political capital, promises a rich experience of ancient sites from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Indeed, Ankara attracts a diverse spectrum of smart travelers. Its thriving youth-driven culture, nightlife, and café scene make it truly unique.

Best Time to Plan Your Trip to Ankara

Ankara is best visited between June and September. During this peak tourist season, the days are warm and the sun shines brightly. In contrast, the winter months of November to February are extremely cold. Temperatures frequently drop below -14 degrees Celsius in December and January.

Places to Visit on Your Trip to Ankara

Anitkabir

Anitkabir

The tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Turkish Republic’s founder and first president, unquestionably stands as the most prominent site in Ankara. The striking building combines concrete, travertine, and marble. Architects Emin Halid Onat and Ahmet Orhan Arda designed it following the style of the Second National Architecture Movement.

Augustus Temple

The Phrygians erected the Temple of Augustus (Augustus Tapinagi) in 25BC. Inscriptions on the Temple’s walls serve as the official records of Augustus’ Acts. Furthermore, it remains a remarkable source of information on Augustus and his period. Nearby stands Julian’s Column (Jülyanüs Sütunu), which builders constructed in AD360 to commemorate the arrival of the Roman Emperor.

The Kugulu Park

The Kugulu Park

Kugulu Park holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many Ankara residents. Most locals visited at some point in their lives to feed the swans in the little pond. Meanwhile, visitors can take a seat, relax, and witness the daily lives of the people of Ankara.

CerModern

CerModern

CerModern occupies a former train station and ranks as one of Turkey’s greatest contemporary art centers. It showcases artists from across Europe in engaging and important shows. Additionally, the gallery hosts CerLiterature, Understanding Art seminars, and CerKids – art-centric workshops for children. Moreover, CerModern’s café is worth a visit for its beautiful design and menu of healthful, handcrafted meals.

Places to Eat on Your Ankara Trip

Ankara, Turkey’s capital city, features a plethora of wonderful foods. As a result, visitors should enjoy them with gusto while in town.

Trilye’s Grilled Fish

Trilye – grilled fish

Trilye ranks as one of Ankara’s greatest seafood restaurants. Specifically, it serves as the city’s most popular destination for Aegean and Mediterranean cuisine. Their hot and cold meze options offer just a foretaste of the fresh, seasonal fish. For the best experience, order it grilled alongside a glass of raki.

Getting Around Ankara – Essential Tips for Your Trip

Ankara offers a variety of transportation options for tourists. The best choice depends on where you want to travel and how quickly you need to get there. While driving is an option, traffic can be heavy at times and many historic roadways are quite narrow. Alternatively, Ankara has a dependable bus service. The major bus terminal provides routes across the city and to other towns in Turkey. Additionally, Turkish Public Railways offers a state-run train service from Ankara to destinations across Turkey.

Best Places to Stay on Your Trip to Ankara

Some of the most popular hotels in Ankara are Divan Cukurhan, The Wings Hotels Neva Palas, and Point Hotel Ankara.