General Info

Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, is a city where history and culture coexist in harmony with modern city life. As the political and governmental center of Türkiye, it is home to significant government buildings, foreign embassies, and renowned universities and is a center of diplomacy, academia, and innovation. Apart from being officially renowned for what it stands for, Ankara is also heritage-rich as it houses renowned monuments like the symbolic Anıtkabır, Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and ancient Ankara Castle that speak of a portion of the rich heritage of this city. With museums, theatres, and art centers forming the rich culture of this city and vibrant cafes, parks, and shopping malls providing a lively urban setting, Ankara has everything. Located in the center of Türkiye, it has very good connectivity to other parts of Türkiye and has a very well-developed public transport system that is convenient to get around. With a character that finds a perfect balance between the old and the new, Ankara welcomes visitors and locals alike with a rich experience around every corner.

Shopping

Ankara has a disparate shopping experience with old-style shopping centers and traditional bazaars. Samanpazarı and Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu are a shopping hotspot for authentic Turkish handicrafts with handmade copper, carpets, antique furniture, and souvenirs that capture the essence of culture. Ulus Market is also a crowded district with plenty of local products and textiles and traditional cuisine. Shopping centers can also be found in Ankara with several like Armada, Kentpark, ANKAmall, and Panora with international and local fashion retailer stores, entertainment areas, and gourmet dining. Tunalı Hilmi Street and the old-style Karum Shopping Center are also a shopping hotspot for boutique stores, bookshops, and hip coffee shops with lively shopping and social space. Food lovers can indulge in the season’s fruits and vegetables local cheese and handmade goods to display Türkiye’s richness in gastronomy. Shopping in Ankara is for all whether it is for handmade individual pieces, the latest fashions, or special food products making it useful and cultural.

The Environs of Ankara

In addition to Ankara's lively urban activity, its surroundings are rich in nature and history. Tuz Lake (Salt Lake) in central Türkiye, a major hypersaline lake and especially stunning around sunset, is breathtakingly surreal. To the west is Beypazarı with superbly preserved buildings of old Turkey, active local markets, and famous silverwork. Nature enthusiasts can find Soğuksu National Park in Kızılcahamam with rich biodiversity, hiking trails, and remedial thermal springs. History enthusiasts can look to ancient Gordion, the former capital of Phrygia, to uncover the fabled Tomb of King Midas and an interesting archaeological site. Elmadağ, a short drive outside town, is winter sports heaven with skiing on offer. Lake Eymir and Lake Mogan are serene places to picnic stroll and cycle and observe birdlife. Whatever is on your mind—history, activity, or relaxation—Ankara's surroundings offer a richly varied experience just beyond town.

Downtown

Kızılay is a lively and bustling center of Ankara that is a blend of society, business, and culture. Colorful streets with eating establishments, cafes, and stores form a lively ambiance and are a top meeting spot for tourists and inhabitants. Kızılay Square is the city center meeting spot with governmental buildings and headquarters that surround it and with areas for shopping. Walking distance is Tunali Hilmi Street which is trendier with fashionable boutiques, quaint cafes, and quality dining. Historic Ulus district is also nearby with richly built architecture that houses Ankara Castle and the Roman Temple of Augustus. Walking through lively avenues and having a Turkish coffee or drinking in night life of the metropolis is offered by downtown Ankara which is a dynamic blend of modernity and heritage with plenty to offer.

Transportation

Kızılay is a lively and bustling center of Ankara that is a blend of society, business, and culture. Colorful streets with eating establishments, cafes, and stores form a lively ambiance and are a top meeting spot for tourists and inhabitants. Kızılay Square is the city center meeting spot with governmental buildings and headquarters that surround it and with areas for shopping. Walking distance is Tunali Hilmi Street which is trendier with fashionable boutiques, quaint cafes, and quality dining. Historic Ulus district is also nearby with richly built architecture that houses Ankara Castle and the Roman Temple of Augustus. Walking through lively avenues and having a Turkish coffee or drinking at night nightlife of the metropolis is offered by downtown Ankara which is a dynamic blend of modernity and heritage with plenty to offer.

Climate

Ankara has a dry and hot summer and snowy and cold winter. In summer temperature can rise above 30°C (86°F), and winter is snowy with temperatures sometimes dropping to below zero. Spring and autumn are pleasant and mild and are best for sightseeing in the open places of the city. With the higher elevation and inland position of Ankara, it has low humidity all around the year which makes the air fresh and clean with a strange shine to it in winter months. From soaking up summer sunshine to experiencing winter landscapes and scenery with snow cover on them, each season in Ankara is memorable and different.