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Ankara

Ankara (Turkey)

Practical information on Ankara

  • Place or Religious Monument
  • Festivals
  • Museums
  • Place or Historical Monument
  • Essential
3 / 5 - 3 reviews
How to get there
5hr 30min flight from London
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
2 to 3 days

Reviews of Ankara

Timothée D. Seasoned Traveller
285 written opinions

The country's capital and second largest city, Ankara is typically Anatolian and, being a buzzing, modern hub, differs greatly from Istanbul.

My suggestion:
If you're in Ankara, make sure you visit its incredible museum and the Anit Kabir Mausoleum, which is dedicated to Atatürk, 'Father of the Turks'. Interesting places, even if they lack objectivity...
My review

Ankara may not have Istanbul's impressive palaces, ancient mosques or archaeological excavations, but it still remains a worthy stopoff during a trip to Turkey. For me, Ankara reflects modern Turkey; a young, dynamic town that blends economic growth and modernity, whilst staying true to tradition. The view over Ankara shows minarets huddled next to glass skyscrapers, institutes and Embassy compounds.

Even though I think Ankara's worth every penny, it can be a bit frenzied, with noisy, traffic laden streets in a town centre that seems to be designed for vehicles rather than pedestrians. So, if that's not your thing, don't worry - the region around Ankara has plenty of quietier getaways on offer.

The old town in Ankara
Seasoned Traveller
75 written opinions

It's difficult for Ankara to compete with Istanbul. Nevertheless, due to the role Turkish capital has played in the country's recent history, it can be a worthwhile place to visit. 

My suggestion:
Because this is a very sprawling city and its transport system is not very efficient, it's a good idea to stay in accommodation close to the sites you plan to visit. 
My review
Ankara is a city I hadn't previously heard many good things about. Boring for some, uninteresting for others: I wanted to find out what it was like for myself during a trip from the south to the north of Turkey. And, it has to be said, I am now of the same general opinion. The city has few places to go out in the evening, and the ones that do exist are nothing special. The city center is not particularly big. On the other hand, the city itself is a sprawling place and getting around it is not easy. I stayed in the old part of Ankara, which lies quite a distance from the center and meant I was a bit isolated. The capital is crisscrossed by long, wide avenues, and these are not very good places to go for a walk. So that's the negative aspects dealt with.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
In Ankara's historic center
Seasoned Traveller
34 written opinions

Ankara is the capital of Turkey. Located 450km East of Istanbul, it's a destination for families and couples.

My suggestion:
Ankara can be a stop-off city to visit by car in the region of Cappadocia from Istanbul. Allow a maximum of 2 days on there
My review

Ankara is a modern city which is full of history. However, although it is the capital, this city can be disappointing compared with Istanbul. Indeed, history enthusiasts, particularly about Anatolia, can visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the old citadel of Ankara. Unfortunately, I would say it is rather a calm and peaceful city. There are numerous museums to visit, but you must find other centres of interest.

However, Ankara can be a stop-off point if you are heading to the region of Cappadocia, in the South-East of Turkey. That means you can to stop off halfway when leaving from Istanbul, and you can enjoy the calm in Ankara compared with the daily activity in Bosphorus.

Old Citadel - Ankara