Ankara

Ankara, perched on the Anatolian Plateau, offers a compelling blend of history, culture and modern vitality. As Turkey’s seat of government since 1923, it has evolved from ancient settlements into a cosmopolitan hub, yet still retains echoes of its Hittite, Roman and Ottoman past.

Monuments & Memorials
At the city’s heart stands Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Its grand colonnade, expansive plaza and museum galleries chronicle Turkey’s War of Independence and republican founding. Nearby, the Roman Temple of Augustus and the ancient Ankara Castle tower over winding streets, offering panoramic views of red-tiled rooftops.

World-Class Museums
Ankara is home to the acclaimed Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where Bronze Age artifacts and Phrygian treasures animate Anatolia’s prehistoric tapestry. The State Art and Sculpture Museum and the interactive Rahmi M. Koç Transport Museum trace technological and artistic evolution—from horse-drawn carriages to vintage locomotives.

Historic Neighborhoods
Stroll through Hamamönü, a lovingly restored Ottoman quarter, its cobbled lanes lined with craftsman workshops, teahouses and art galleries. In contrast, Kızılay and Tunali Hilmi Avenue buzz with shopping malls, trendy cafés and late-night eateries serving gözleme, döner and çiğ köfte.

Green Retreats
Escape urban energy in Gençlik Parkı, Ankara’s leafy heart with boating ponds and an amusement park. Further afield, Atatürk Orman Çiftliği combines a working farm, beer garden and zoo, while Lake Eymir on the city’s outskirts invites cycling, picnicking and birdwatching.

Cultural Pulse & Nightlife
Ankara’s arts scene thrives at the State Opera and Ballet, the CerModern contemporary art center and lively music venues in Çankaya. As dusk falls, rooftop bars in Gaziosmanpaşa and modern lounges along Esat Street showcase the city’s cosmopolitan flair.

Day-Trip Excursions
Within easy reach lie the Phrygian Valley’s fairy-chimney formations, the silver-washed houses of Beypazarı, and Soğuksu National Park—rich in hiking trails and thermal springs.

Ankara’s seamless fusion of antiquity and innovation makes it an essential stop for any traveler seeking the lesser-known depths of Turkey’s story.