Ankara Travel Guide

History of Ankara

Ankara has a long and layered history that reaches far back into ancient Anatolia. Its central location made it a natural meeting point between western, northern, eastern, and southern Anatolia. Because of this strategic position, the city and its surroundings became an important settlement area for many civilizations throughout history.

The earliest historical layers of Ankara are associated with ancient Anatolian cultures, including the Hittites and Phrygians. The region became especially significant during the Phrygian period, when central Anatolia was home to a powerful cultural and political tradition. The wider Ankara region still reflects this ancient background through archaeological remains and museum collections.

One of the most important historical periods in Ankara’s ancient past is the Galatian period. The Galatians, a Celtic people who settled in central Anatolia, made Ankara an important center. The city was later incorporated into the Roman Empire and became known as Ancyra. During the Roman period, Ankara developed as an administrative and commercial center.

Roman Ankara left behind several important traces, including the Temple of Augustus and Rome, the Roman Bath, ancient roads, inscriptions, and settlement remains. The Temple of Augustus is especially important because of the Monumentum Ancyranum, a famous inscription connected to Emperor Augustus. This makes Ankara a significant location for Roman imperial history.

During the Byzantine period, Ankara retained its strategic importance as a fortified city in central Anatolia. Ankara Castle, located in the historical district of Altındağ, became one of the main defensive structures of the city. Although the exact origins of the castle are debated, it has passed through many historical periods and remains one of Ankara’s most recognizable landmarks.

In the Seljuk and Ottoman periods, Ankara became known for trade, craftsmanship, religious structures, and local production. The city was especially famous for Angora wool, which came from the Ankara goat and became known internationally. Traditional neighborhoods around the castle, old houses, mosques, inns, and bazaars reflect the city’s Ottoman urban character.

Ankara’s most dramatic transformation came in the early 20th century. During the Turkish War of Independence, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk chose Ankara as the headquarters of the national struggle. Its central location, railway connection, and distance from occupied coastal areas made it strategically suitable for the organization of the independence movement.

On 13 October 1923, Ankara was declared the capital of the newly founded Republic of Türkiye. This decision changed the city’s destiny. Ankara was transformed from a modest Anatolian town into the political, administrative, diplomatic, educational, and symbolic center of the Republic.

The Republican period brought planned urban development, wide boulevards, government buildings, cultural institutions, universities, embassies, and national monuments. Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, became the most important symbolic structure of modern Ankara. Its construction began in 1944 and was completed in 1953.

Today, Ankara is a city where ancient Anatolian heritage and modern Republican identity exist together. The city’s historical depth can be seen in Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Roman ruins, Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque, Hamamönü, and Anıtkabir. Its modern role can be seen in ministries, universities, embassies, cultural centers, metro lines, business districts, and planned residential areas.

Top Districts to Visit in Ankara

1. Çankaya

Çankaya is one of the most important districts of Ankara and represents the political, diplomatic, cultural, and modern face of the capital. Many government institutions, embassies, universities, cultural centers, business areas, and upscale neighborhoods are located in Çankaya.

The most important attraction in Çankaya is Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Anıtkabir is not only a monument but also one of the strongest symbols of the Republic of Türkiye. Visitors can walk through the Lion Road, visit the ceremonial square, explore the museum sections, and observe the monumental architecture of the complex.

Çankaya is also known for areas such as Kızılay, Tunalı Hilmi, Kavaklıdere, Bahçelievler, Gaziosmanpaşa, and Atakule surroundings. These neighborhoods offer cafes, restaurants, bookstores, shopping streets, cultural venues, parks, and a lively urban atmosphere. For visitors who want to experience modern Ankara, Çankaya is one of the best districts to explore.

2. Altındağ

Altındağ is the historical heart of Ankara. It contains many of the city’s oldest and most important landmarks, including Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque, the Temple of Augustus, Roman Bath remains, and Hamamönü.

Ankara Castle is one of the most atmospheric places in the city. Visitors can walk through narrow streets, see traditional Ankara houses, visit small shops and art galleries, and enjoy panoramic views from the castle walls. The area around the castle gives a strong sense of old Ankara.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located near Ankara Castle, is one of Türkiye’s most important museums. It displays extraordinary artifacts from Anatolia’s ancient civilizations, including Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and Roman periods. For history lovers, this museum is one of Ankara’s strongest cultural highlights.

Hamamönü is another important area in Altındağ. Restored traditional houses, cafes, cultural spaces, craft shops, and walking streets make it a popular place for both locals and tourists. Altındağ is the best district for visitors who want to understand Ankara’s historical roots.

3. Beypazarı

Beypazarı is one of Ankara’s most culturally rich districts and is especially known for its preserved Ottoman houses, traditional streets, local cuisine, silver craftsmanship, and historic atmosphere. It is located outside the city center but is one of the most rewarding day trip destinations from Ankara.

The district is famous for Beypazarı houses, which reflect traditional Anatolian architecture with wooden details, bay windows, and stone foundations. Walking through the old streets of Beypazarı gives visitors a sense of historical continuity and local character.

Beypazarı is also known for Beypazarı kurusu, carrot products, local pastries, silver jewelry, and traditional food culture. It is a strong destination for travelers who enjoy local markets, authentic souvenirs, and small-town heritage.

4. Gölbaşı

Gölbaşı is known for its natural setting, especially Mogan Lake and Eymir Lake. It is one of the most popular districts for visitors and locals who want to escape the dense urban atmosphere of central Ankara without going too far.

Mogan Lake offers walking paths, picnic areas, restaurants, and open views. Eymir Lake, closely associated with nature, cycling, walking, and university life, is one of Ankara’s most peaceful outdoor areas. These lakes make Gölbaşı valuable for nature based recreation.

The district is also home to residential areas, restaurants, wedding venues, and recreational spaces. It is ideal for visitors who want a calmer and more scenic side of Ankara.

5. Keçiören

Keçiören is one of Ankara’s largest residential districts and reflects the everyday life of the capital. It is known for parks, family spaces, viewpoints, and local urban culture. Although it is not as touristic as Çankaya or Altındağ, it has several attractions and a strong local identity.

Keçiören offers parks, walking areas, and city views. The district is suitable for visitors who want to see how Ankara functions as a lived-in city beyond its monuments and official buildings. It represents the residential and social side of the capital.

6. Yenimahalle

Yenimahalle is a large and developed district with shopping areas, residential neighborhoods, business zones, and cultural venues. It is also important for transportation connections and modern urban life.

The district includes areas such as Batıkent and parts of the city’s planned residential development. It is practical for shopping, daily life, and access to different parts of Ankara.

Traditional Foods of Ankara

Ankara Tava

Ankara Tava is one of the city’s most famous traditional dishes. It is generally prepared with lamb meat, rice or orzo, tomatoes, onions, butter, and local seasonings. The dish is hearty, warm, and closely associated with central Anatolian food culture.

Ankara Tava reflects the importance of meat, grains, and slow cooking in the region’s cuisine. It is often served at traditional restaurants and is one of the main dishes visitors should try when exploring local Ankara food.

Beypazarı Kurusu

Beypazarı kurusu is a famous dry biscuit from the Beypazarı district. It has a long shelf life, crisp texture, and simple but distinctive flavor. Traditionally baked in stone ovens, it is commonly consumed with tea.

Because it is easy to carry and strongly connected to Ankara’s local identity, Beypazarı kurusu is also one of the most popular edible souvenirs from the province.

Beypazarı Güveci

Beypazarı güveci is a slow-cooked meat dish prepared in clay pots. It usually includes lamb or beef, rice, vegetables, and local seasonings. The long cooking process gives the dish a rich and deep flavor.

This dish reflects Beypazarı’s traditional food culture and is especially popular among visitors who travel to the district for a day trip.

ASPAVA Culture

ASPAVA is one of Ankara’s most recognizable modern food cultures. Although it is not a single dish, it refers to a style of restaurant service where döner, wraps, grilled meats, and side dishes are served generously. Many ASPAVA restaurants are known for offering complimentary sides such as salad, fries, cacık, and dessert.

For locals, ASPAVA is more than a meal. It is part of Ankara’s social food culture, especially among students, young professionals, and groups of friends.

Çubuk Pickles

Çubuk pickles are among Ankara’s most famous local products. Produced in the Çubuk district, these pickles are known for their flavor, variety, and strong regional identity. They are commonly served with meals and sold in jars as local food products.

Ankara Simidi

Ankara simidi is darker, crispier, and more intensely flavored than many other simit varieties in Türkiye. It is usually coated with grape molasses and sesame, then baked until it develops a deep color and crunchy texture.

It is a common breakfast and street food item in Ankara, often eaten with tea or cheese.

Local Desserts and Pastries

Ankara’s cuisine also includes pastries, baklava varieties, höşmerim style sweets, homemade jams, and traditional desserts. Beypazarı and surrounding districts are especially rich in local bakery culture.

Local People and Culture of Ankara

The people of Ankara are often associated with a calm, practical, disciplined, and organized lifestyle. As the capital of Türkiye, Ankara has a more official and institutional atmosphere than many other cities. Government offices, embassies, universities, research centers, and public institutions strongly influence the city’s social character.

Ankara is home to a diverse population from many parts of Türkiye. Civil servants, students, academics, diplomats, business professionals, artists, and long-established local families all contribute to the city’s social structure. This diversity gives Ankara a balanced and educated urban identity.

Unlike coastal tourism cities, Ankara’s daily life is shaped more by work, education, administration, culture, and politics. The rhythm of the city is relatively structured during weekdays, while cafes, parks, shopping areas, and cultural venues become more active during evenings and weekends.

Ankara also has a strong student culture due to its many universities. Areas such as Kızılay, Bahçelievler, Tunalı Hilmi, Beşevler, and various campus neighborhoods are lively with cafes, bookstores, music venues, and social spaces.

The city’s cultural life includes theaters, museums, concerts, exhibitions, opera, ballet, academic events, and literary gatherings. Ankara has long been one of Türkiye’s important centers for state-supported arts and intellectual life.

Local identity in Ankara is also connected to Republican history. Anıtkabir, national holidays, state ceremonies, and the city’s role in the foundation of modern Türkiye give Ankara a symbolic importance that is felt strongly in public culture.

Prices and Cost of Living in Ankara

Ankara is generally more affordable than İstanbul but more expensive than many smaller Anatolian cities. As the capital and Türkiye’s second largest urban center, it offers a wide range of prices depending on district, lifestyle, accommodation choice, and travel preferences.

Food and Dining

Food prices in Ankara vary greatly. Local restaurants, student areas, bakeries, and traditional eateries can be budget friendly, while upscale restaurants in districts such as Çankaya, Gaziosmanpaşa, and Kavaklıdere can be more expensive.

Visitors can eat affordably by choosing local dishes, ASPAVA restaurants, traditional lokantas, bakeries, and street food. Ankara simidi, döner, soup restaurants, and local pastries are practical and economical options.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs depend heavily on location. Hotels in Çankaya, Kızılay, Kavaklıdere, and near government or embassy areas may be more expensive due to business travel demand. Budget hotels, apart hotels, and guesthouses are available in different parts of the city.

Visitors who want easy access to museums and historical areas may prefer Ulus or Altındağ, while those who want nightlife, cafes, restaurants, and modern city life may prefer Çankaya.

Transportation

Ankara has a developed public transportation system, including metro, Ankaray, buses, minibuses, suburban rail connections, and taxis. Public transportation is generally more economical than taxis and is practical for moving between major districts.

Taxi costs can increase because Ankara is geographically spread out. For this reason, visitors staying near metro lines may save time and money.

Shopping and Daily Expenses

Daily expenses in Ankara are moderate. Shopping malls, supermarkets, local markets, bookstores, cafes, and bazaars offer many price levels. Local markets and district bazaars are usually more affordable for fresh produce and daily items.

Overall Cost

Ankara offers good value for visitors interested in museums, history, education, official institutions, and city culture. The city can be explored with a moderate budget, especially if visitors use public transport and choose local dining options.

Famous Products of Ankara

Angora Wool and Ankara Goat

One of Ankara’s most internationally known historical products is Angora wool, produced from the Ankara goat. This fine fiber was historically valuable and helped make Ankara known in global trade. The Ankara goat remains an important symbol of the city’s older economic identity.

Ankara Cat

The Ankara cat, also known as the Turkish Angora, is one of the city’s most famous living symbols. Known for its elegant appearance, silky coat, and distinctive character, it is strongly associated with Ankara’s cultural identity.

Beypazarı Kurusu

Beypazarı kurusu is one of the most famous edible products of Ankara. Its long shelf life and traditional baking method make it a practical and symbolic local product.

Çubuk Pickles

Çubuk pickles are widely recognized across Türkiye. They are produced in many varieties and are strongly connected to the Çubuk district’s food culture.

Beypazarı Silverwork

Beypazarı is famous for silver craftsmanship, especially filigree jewelry and decorative items. These handcrafted products are among the most valuable traditional souvenirs from Ankara.

Ankara Simidi

Ankara simidi is a famous local bakery product with a darker color and crunchier texture than standard simit varieties. It is an everyday symbol of the city’s street food culture.

Local Agricultural Products

Ankara’s districts produce a variety of agricultural goods, including carrots from Beypazarı, grapes, grains, honey, and regional market products. These products show the rural richness of the province beyond the capital city center.

Souvenirs to Buy in Ankara

Beypazarı Kurusu

Beypazarı kurusu is one of the most practical souvenirs to buy in Ankara. It is easy to carry, has a long shelf life, and reflects the traditional food culture of Beypazarı.

Çubuk Pickles

Pickles from Çubuk are a popular edible gift. They can be bought in jars from local markets and specialty shops. They are especially suitable for visitors who want to bring home a distinctive local flavor.

Beypazarı Silver Jewelry

Silver jewelry and filigree products from Beypazarı are among the most valuable non-food souvenirs. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and decorative silver items reflect local craftsmanship.

Anıtkabir and Ankara-Themed Gifts

Visitors can find books, postcards, magnets, miniature monuments, and decorative items inspired by Anıtkabir, Ankara Castle, and city symbols. These are suitable for travelers who prefer cultural keepsakes.

Ankara Cat and Ankara Goat Themed Items

Souvenirs inspired by the Ankara cat and Ankara goat are connected to the city’s symbolic identity. Small figures, prints, textile products, and decorative items can be found in gift shops.

Local Food Products

Ankara offers many regional food souvenirs such as tarhana, noodles, jams, dried products, honey, molasses, and bakery goods. District markets are often good places to find authentic local products.

Books and Museum Gifts

Because Ankara has many museums and cultural institutions, museum shops are good places to buy books, replicas, educational materials, and design objects related to Anatolian civilizations and Republican history.

Accommodation Options in Ankara

Hotels in Çankaya

Çankaya is one of the best areas to stay in Ankara for visitors who want access to restaurants, cafes, embassies, government buildings, cultural venues, shopping streets, and nightlife. Areas such as Kavaklıdere, Tunalı Hilmi, Kızılay, Gaziosmanpaşa, and Bahçelievler offer many hotel options.

Hotels in Çankaya can range from business hotels and luxury properties to apart hotels and budget-friendly options. This district is ideal for travelers who want a central and modern Ankara experience.

Hotels Near Anıtkabir and Kızılay

Staying near Kızılay or Anıtkabir is practical for visitors who want strong transportation access and proximity to major attractions. Kızılay is one of the city’s main transportation and commercial centers, making it useful for first-time visitors.

Hotels in Ulus and Altındağ

Ulus and Altındağ are suitable for travelers who want to stay close to Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque, Roman ruins, and Hamamönü. This area has a more historical atmosphere than the modern parts of the city.

Business Hotels

Ankara has many business hotels because of its role as the capital. These hotels usually serve guests visiting ministries, embassies, universities, fairs, conferences, hospitals, and corporate offices.

Budget Hotels and Apart Accommodation

Budget hotels and apart accommodation are available in many districts. These options are suitable for students, long-stay visitors, families, and travelers who want more economical choices.

Accommodation in Beypazarı or Gölbaşı

Visitors who want a quieter experience may choose accommodation in Beypazarı or Gölbaşı. Beypazarı offers a traditional small-town atmosphere, while Gölbaşı provides lake views and a calmer environment close to the city.

Transportation in Ankara

Air Transportation

Ankara is served by Esenboğa Airport, which provides domestic and international flight connections. The airport is located outside the city center, but it is connected to central areas by shuttle buses, taxis, private transfers, and car rental services.

For travelers arriving in Ankara by air, common destination points include Kızılay, Ulus, AŞTİ, Çankaya, and major hotel zones. Planning airport transfer in advance is useful because travel time can vary depending on traffic and destination.

Rail Transportation

Ankara is one of Türkiye’s most important railway hubs. The city has high speed train connections to major destinations such as İstanbul, Konya, and Eskişehir. Ankara High Speed Train Station is centrally located and connected to public transport routes.

Train travel is one of the most comfortable ways to reach Ankara from several major Turkish cities. It is especially practical for visitors traveling from İstanbul, Eskişehir, or Konya.

Intercity Bus Transportation

AŞTİ, the main intercity bus terminal of Ankara, connects the capital with almost every region of Türkiye. Intercity buses are frequent and widely used, especially for routes not served by high speed trains.

AŞTİ is connected to Ankaray and other urban transportation options, which makes it practical for reaching different parts of the city after arrival.

Metro and Ankaray

Ankara has a developed rail based public transportation system, including metro lines and Ankaray. These systems connect important areas such as Kızılay, Ulus, AŞTİ, Batıkent, Çayyolu, Keçiören, and other parts of the city.

Kızılay is one of the most important transfer points in the network. Visitors staying near metro stations can move around Ankara more easily and avoid some of the city’s traffic.

Buses, Minibuses, and Taxis

City buses and minibuses serve many neighborhoods and districts. Taxis are widely available, but distances in Ankara can be long, so taxi fares may vary significantly depending on route and traffic.

Walking in Ankara

Ankara is a large and spread-out city, so not every area is suitable for walking between attractions. However, some districts are very walkable. Visitors can explore Ankara Castle, Hamamönü, Ulus historical area, Tunalı Hilmi, Bahçelievler, and parts of Kızılay on foot.

Car Rental and Regional Travel

Renting a car can be useful for visitors who want to explore Beypazarı, Gölbaşı, Çubuk, Kızılcahamam, Nallıhan, or other districts outside central Ankara. It is also practical for travelers planning a wider Central Anatolia route.