Ankara holidays

How to reach Ankara

Flight time: Flights to Ankara from London and other major UK airports take around 3 hours 45 minutes. Most non-stop flights land at Ankara Esenboğa Airport.

Transfer time:

• From the airport, the airport bus 442 takes about 45 to 55 minutes.

• A taxi takes around 25 to 30 minutes to reach the city centre.

Price:

• A one-way airport bus ticket will set you back around TRY100 (£2).

• A taxi will cost you around TRY600–TRY800 (£13–£18).

Best time to visit Ankara

Choosing the right season to visit Ankara largely depends on what you expect from your holidays.

April to June brings spring to Ankara and mild, sunny days, with daylight stretching to 9 to 12 hours. Temperatures hovering between 15°C and 25°C and rainfall at the level of just 20 to 40mm per month make this time of year ideal for sightseeing.

July to August marks summer in Ankara and the hottest time of the year, with daytime temperatures skyrocketing to 30°C. Rain is very rare, usually below 5mm a month, and there are around 12 hours of sunshine daily. It’s the perfect time to enjoy café life and the summer atmosphere.

September to November offers cooler autumn weather, ideal for museum, gallery and city tour enthusiasts. Temperatures gradually drop from around 22°C in September to 10°C by November, but sunshine hours are still reasonable, around 7 to 9 hours a day.

December to March is wintertime in the city, with temperatures often dropping below 5°C, rainfall ranging from 30 to 50mm, and even occasional snowfall. With shorter days, 5 to 7 hours of sunshine and fewer tourists around, it’s a good time to explore Ankara’s indoor attractions.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Turkish is the official language in Ankara, though English is commonly understood in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Turkish people are generally warm and friendly. Removing shoes when entering homes or mosques is a standard courtesy. Modest attire is recommended when visiting religious sites.

• Currency: The Turkish Lira is the local currency. ATMs are readily available and major credit cards are widely accepted in Ankara.

• Getting around: The public transport system comprises buses, metro and Ankaray (a light rail system), with fares starting at around TRY5 (£0.1) per trip. It’s advisable to buy the AnkaraKart prepaid transport card, which is available at kiosks across the city. Taxis are a popular, reasonably priced alternative for short trips.

• Electricity and plug types: Turkey uses 220V, with two-round-pin plugs so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Ankara uses Turkey Time, which is GMT+3.

Best things to do in Ankara

Ankara is Turkey’s vibrant capital which has plenty to offer, from ancient landmarks to scenic cityscapes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir): The massively imposing Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk, Turkey’s founding father, was built in a mixture of styles, with stone donated by every province of Turkey. Visit the place for panoramic views of the city and a fascinating evening sound and light show.

• Atakule Tower: Atakule, a 125-metre tower with a shopping centre and revolving restaurant on the top floor, is one of Ankara’s best-known landmarks, offering an observation deck where you can soak up a 360-degree view of the cityscape.

The best districts

• Kızılay: Known as the heart of Ankara, Kızılay has a multitude of shopping options, restaurants and cafés. Don’t hesitate and hit the area if you’re into the city’s vibrant street life.

• Çankaya: This sophisticated district is filled with embassies, upscale dining spots and has an authentic taste of local Ankara flair. Çankaya is home to many green spaces, but it also boasts a plethora of upmarket stores.

• Hamamönü: If you’re a history buff, this historical quarter where traditional Turkish houses have been restored to their former glory is definitely your cup of tea. By the way, be sure to savour your tea in a local café, while soaking up Ankara’s atmosphere.

Historical monuments

• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations boasts an incomparable collection of archaeological objects which are housed in a restored Ottoman covered market. Hittite carving and relief work form the most compelling section of the museum.

• Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi): The western walls of this ancient citadel of Ankara are the most spectacular, with a line of triangular towers jutting out from the main structure, rather like the prows of a line of ships. Step through the main gate and turn left onto a winding path leading through narrow streets where the houses have hardly changed in the last hundred years.

• Roman Temple of Augustus: This well-preserved temple is a remarkable piece of Roman history nestled within Ankara. Built in the 1st century, it bears a long inscription relating to Roman emperor Augustus’s deeds.

Parks and gardens

• Gençlik Park: Gençlik Park is one of the city’s most popular recreational areas, with many bars and outdoor restaurants beside an artificial lake. There’s a small amusement park within, with pedal boats and fountains that light up at night, making it a delightful outing for families.

• Seğmenler Park: Known for its greenery, walking trails and picnic spots, this park is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Day trips in the area

• Gordion: Over an hour’s drive from Ankara, this ancient city is famed for the Gordian Knot and King Midas. The most impressive feature of the archaeological site is probably the tomb of King Gordias, Midas’s father, which is an astonishing 50 metres high and 300 metres across.

• Beypazarı: Beypazarı has carved out a niche for itself as a lovely little Ottoman town within easy day-trip reach of Ankara. Wander through its cobbled streets or, on a Sunday, witness the lively market where women sell everything from colourful fabrics to carrot-flavoured helva.

Activities for families in Ankara

Here’s a selection of activities that will keep entire families entertained during their Ankara holidays.

• Interactive museums: The Museum of Natural History is perfect for kids, with exhibits ranging from dinosaurs to precious stones, and the TCDD Open Air Railway Museum offers an insight into Turkey’s railway history, complete with vintage steam locomotives.

• Zoo and aquariums: The Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo is a must-visit for all animal lovers. It’s one of Ankara’s largest green spaces, featuring a small zoo, aquarium, and even a replica of Atatürk’s house.

• Swimming pools: If you’re visiting in summer, many hotels in the city have family-friendly pools that provide a refreshing break from the heat.

Free things to do in Ankara

There is a wealth of activities that you can enjoy in Ankara without spending a kuru.

• Free events: Ankara’s cultural calendar is packed with free concerts, street performances and exhibitions. For instance, Republic Day celebrations in October bring colourful parades and light displays to the streets, and the good news is they are free for all participants.

• Free museums: Ankara has some museums with free admission on specific days, such as the Ethnography Museum, which often has no entry fee on national holidays. Another free option is the TCDD Railway Museum, which is fascinating for adults and children alike.

• Free guided tours: Some local groups offer free walking tours in Ankara, with guides sharing insights into the city’s history and culture.

Nature and outdoor activities in Ankara

Ankara has an appealing side for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with parks, trails and lakes perfect for a day out.

• National parks: Just outside Ankara is Soğuksu National Park, a natural wonder known for its dense forests, hot springs and scenic walking trails. The park offers hiking paths, picnic areas, and chances to spot wildlife like deer and foxes.

• Water activities: Lake Mogan, a short drive from Ankara, is a favourite among locals for weekend outings. Activities here include paddleboating and fishing.

• Climbing and ziplining: For thrill-seekers, Ankara has climbing centres like the Yükselir Adventure Park. This facility includes a climbing wall, zip lines and treetop trails that provide a fun challenge for climbers of all levels.

Local dishes in Ankara

One of the highlights of holidays to Ankara is indulging in the city’s culinary delights.

Some typical dishes

• Mantı: Often called Turkish dumplings, these are meat-filled envelopes of pasta, with an appetising coat of yoghurt, garlic, and a piquant tomato sauce.

• Etli Ekmek: Similar to a pizza, this classic thin and crispy flatbread is topped with minced meat, tomatoes and spices.

Meat dishes

• İskender Kebab: This staple Turkish dish is composed of slices of lamb served on a cube of flatbread, and topped with tomato sauce and yoghurt. Melted butter is poured over it just before serving. Yummy!

Street food

• Simit: Known as Turkey’s answer to the bagel, a simple sesame-seed bread ring is a local staple, often enjoyed with tea.

• Kokoreç: Visiting Ankara and looking for unique Turkish street food? Look no more, you’ve found it! Kokoreç is a no-frills dish made from seasoned lamb intestines, chopped and served in bread.

Tapas dishes

• Meze: An extensive array of cold appetisers – comes in all shapes and sizes, the most common being dolma (peppers or vine leaves stuffed with rice), patlícan salata (aubergine in tomato sauce) and acılı ezme (a mixture of tomato paste, onion, chilli and parsley).

Sweets and desserts

• Baklava: One of Turkey’s most distinguished desserts, baklava features phyllo pastry with honey or syrup and nuts, creating a rich, sticky treat. It’s an ideal pair for tea or coffee so just hit a local café and enjoy!

• Şekerpare: These small, syrup-soaked, mouth-watering pastries are a traditional Turkish dessert that’s particularly popular during festive times. They are also available year-long at patisseries and cafés throughout Ankara.

Local drinks

• Turkish Tea: Ankara’s cafés and tea gardens serve steaming glasses of Turkish tea. The tea is black, served in small tulip-shaped glasses, with sugar on the side.

• Boza: The boza, a cloudy, viscous drink made by fermenting millet with sugar and water, is really delicious. Usually topped with cinnamon and roasted chickpeas, it’s a Turkish classic.