Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Ankara, Turkey, Europe

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Ankara, Turkey, Europe

Ankara is the capital city as well as the second largest city of Turkey, sprawling over metropolitan area of 24,521 sq. km. It is also one of the commercial centres of Turkey, well known for the production of mohair using Angora goat and Angora wool using Angora rabbit and also the city has big hand in wine production.

Ankara is situated around 938 meters above sea level, around 450 km southeast of the country’s largest city, Istanbul. Ankara features dry summer continental climate with average annual rainfall of 408 millimeters and temperature of 12.02 °C.

History of Ankara:

Since the foundation of the Republic of Turkey in the year 1923, Ankara has been serving as the capital of Turkey. Ankara was called by different names in its long and grand history such as Ankuwaš, Ancyra, Angora and Ankara. As like the rest of Turkey, Ankara also came under the reign of Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and many other renowned European powers.

How to reach Ankara?

Being the national capital, Ankara is served by international airport with name Esenboğa International Airport, with connection to and from Doha, Amman, Tehran, Berlin, Dubai, Amsterdam and many other world cities. The airport is located around 28 km away from downtown Ankara, connected by buses, taxis and minibuses.

Due to its position nearly in the heart of the nation, Ankara is connected by both train and bus to all around the country including Istanbul. Ankara has metro train service as well.

Culture and Food in Ankara:

Ankara is a festival city with many international events including Ankara International Jazz Festival, Ankara International Cinema Festival and Ankara International Music Festival.

Carpets, leather products and antiquities are cheaper and famous among visitors coming to the city.

Ankara is known for non-vegetarian dish ‘doner kebap’ and one can also find many Chinese and Thai restaurants in the city apart from Turkic.

Things to do in Ankara:

Festival celebrations
Roman sites tour
Shopping

Places of interest in Ankara:

Anıtkabir:

Located on the attractive hill, Anıtkabir is a mausoleum of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The museum houses the Museum of Ataturk and War of Independence, describing the complete history of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk including his efforts to make Turkey independent and republic.

Hacı Bayram Mosque:

The Hacı Bayram Mosque is situated in the proximity of Augustus Temple, well known for its wooden ceiling and Kutahya tiles. Originally constructed in 1427, the mosque got its present shape in the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can also see memorial tomb of Haci Bayram close to mosque.

Atakule Tower:

One of the symbolic structures of Ankara, Atakule Tower is situated in the quarter of Çankaya. Its top is a great viewpoint offering a striking panorama of the city. It can be explored best through a guide tour.

Hamamönü:

Hamamönü is one of the neighborhoods of Ankara, famous for Ottoman style timber houses and mosques including Haci Mussa Mosque and Karacabey Mosque and many modernized restaurants and cafes. It is really an interesting site.

State Art and Sculpture Museum:

The State Art and Sculpture Museum in Ankara is located in the vicinity of the Ethnography Museum of the city. It houses a wide variety of art exhibitions and nicely carved sculptures from the 18^th century to modern days.

List of other places of interest in Ankara includes:

Temple of Augustus
Ankara Castle
METU Science and Technology Museum
Ankara Aviation Museum
War of Independence Museum
Cer Modern
Çengelhan Rahmi Koç Museum
Ankara Ethnography Museum
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Ulus and Republican Ankara

Best time to visit Ankara:

Summer season is ideal, especially from July to October will be the best time to visit Ankara in Turkey.

Accommodation options in Ankara:

Deeps Hostel is a well known budget option in Ankara located in the city center and price ranges from 25 tl to 40 tl/ day. The city is also dotted with plenty of high end hotels with latest tourist favor amenities. The prominent top end hotels in Ankara in Turkey are: