Etimesgut Air Base

Turkey's stoic capital where history meets modern governance

Ankara is Turkey's capital city, situated on the central Anatolian plateau at roughly 900 meters elevation. Often overshadowed by Istanbul, it rewards visitors with world-class museums, ancient ruins, and a distinctly unhurried pace compared to its famous counterpart.

The city blends Ottoman heritage with bold 20th-century Republican architecture commissioned after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk moved the capital here in 1923. Wide boulevards, manicured parks, and a thriving university scene give Ankara a confident, cosmopolitan character. It is also a far more affordable destination than Istanbul for accommodation and dining.

• •Anıtkabir — Atatürk's grand mausoleum, an unmissable symbol of the Turkish Republic
• •Museum of Anatolian Civilizations — one of the world's finest collections of prehistoric and Hittite artifacts
• •Ankara Citadel (Hisar) — Byzantine and Ottoman fortress with sweeping city views and craft shops
• •Hacı Bayram Mosque — elegant 15th-century mosque adjacent to the Roman Temple of Augustus
• •Kocatepe Mosque — massive neo-Ottoman landmark dominating the modern city skyline
• •Gençlik Park — beloved green retreat with an amusement park, lake, and teahouses

Getting around: Ankara has an efficient public transit network anchored by two metro lines (M1 and M4) and the Ankaray light rail, all using the rechargeable Ankarakart contactless card. City buses extend coverage to outer districts. Taxis are metered and widely available, while the BiTaksi app helps hail licensed cabs; Uber also operates in limited capacity.

Best time: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures and clear skies, making them the most comfortable seasons to explore the city on foot.

Local food: Don't miss Ankara tava (slow-roasted lamb with vegetables), döner served the Central Anatolian way, and the city's distinctive take on çorba (lentil soup) at traditional lokanta restaurants.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.