Sitting in Turkey’s central Anatolia region, Ankara is both historic and modern. As well as being Turkey’s political capital it’s also a cultural hub, with plenty of museums and monuments to explore. Government HQs and foreign embassies give the city a cosmopolitan feel, while a vibrant student population keeps things on-trend.

Things to Do

While it doesn’t have the same Ottoman allure as Istanbul, Ankara is still a great place to discover the Turkish narrative. Located on the south side of Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is a fascinating introduction to Turkey's ancient past. The well-preserved Citadel quarter is an atmospheric place for a stroll, with winding streets and crumbling walls dating back to the 7th-century.

To the west of the city centre is the Ataturk Mausoleum, built to honour Turkey’s beloved first president. The monumental tomb towers high above the city and serves as a pilgrimage site for patriotic Turks.

For a glimpse at Ankara’s vibrant cultural scene, why not enjoy a night out at the Ankara Opera House? Ankara is also home to the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, as well as a handful of national theatre companies.

Ankara serves up some of Turkey’s best food options, so be sure to arrive hungry. Start in the Kavaklıdere district, where you’ll find everything from authentic kebab shops and tasty gözleme stalls to upmarket French brasseries. Kızılay is another popular neighbourhood, brimming with hip sidewalk cafes and trendy bars.

Getting Around

Ankara is powered by an efficient network of buses and minibuses which run throughout the city. Taxis are also a handy option, as they are a quick way to get from point A to B. Ankara Esenboğa Airport sits to the north east of the city, with the drive taking around 30 minutes. Buses also make the trip though you’ll need to allocate at least two hours of travel time.