Overview
Ankara Province (plate code 06) sits in the heart of Turkey's Central Anatolian plateau, anchored by Ankara — the country's capital since 1923. Unlike Istanbul, Ankara is a planned modern city, deliberately built to project the vision of the Turkish Republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. It combines government institutions, universities, diplomatic missions, and a growing cultural scene with layers of history stretching back to Hittite, Phrygian, Galatian, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
The province is largely flat to rolling steppe, sitting at roughly 850–900 m above sea level, which gives it a continental climate quite different from Turkey's coasts — cold winters with occasional snow and warm, dry summers. The city itself is home to around five million people and is Turkey's second-largest metropolitan area by population.
For travelers, Ankara offers a less tourist-saturated alternative to Istanbul while still delivering world-class museum collections, significant historical monuments, a lively restaurant and café culture, and excellent transport connections to every corner of Turkey. It is frequently underestimated, and rewarding for those who engage with it on its own terms.
Before You Go
Visas
Turkey's visa requirements vary considerably by nationality, and rules can change. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your nearest Turkish consulate before travel.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers, but review current recommendations with your doctor or a travel health clinic before departure. Turkey has well-equipped private hospitals in Ankara; travel health insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised.
Money
ATMs are widely available throughout Ankara. Major credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, though smaller eateries and markets may be cash-only. Currency exchange offices (döviz bürosu) often offer competitive rates; verify before exchanging.
Practical prep
- Download an offline map of Ankara before arrival; navigation apps work well here.
- The Turkish e-Government portal (e-Devlet) and municipal apps can be useful for local services.
- Modest dress is expected when visiting mosques; carry a headscarf (women) and remove shoes at the entrance.
- Tap water in Ankara is treated but many residents and visitors prefer bottled water — follow your preference.
Getting There
By air
Ankara is served by Esenboğa International Airport (ESB), located approximately 28–35 km north of the city centre. It handles both domestic and international flights, including direct connections to major European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian cities. Turkish Airlines and several low-cost carriers operate routes here. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or your booking platform.
By high-speed rail
Ankara is a hub of Turkey's expanding high-speed rail (YHT) network. High-speed trains connect Ankara to Istanbul (Pendik station) in roughly 4 hours, and services also run to Konya, Eskişehir, and other cities. Tickets can be booked through TCDD (Turkish State Railways) online or at station ticket offices. This is a comfortable and popular option.
By bus
Long-distance coaches in Turkey are well-developed and affordable. Ankara's main intercity bus terminal, AŞTİ (Ankara Şehirlerarası Terminal İşletmesi), is one of the largest in the country and connects to virtually every Turkish city. Several reputable bus companies operate from here; compare schedules and fares through aggregator sites or at the terminal.
By car
Ankara sits at the intersection of major Turkish highways. Driving is straightforward for those accustomed to busy city traffic, though parking in central districts can be challenging. Toll roads (HGS/OGS electronic toll system) are used on many motorways — check whether your rental vehicle is equipped.
Getting Around
Metro and light rail
Ankara has an expanding metro network (Ankaray and several metro lines) that covers key districts including Kızılay, Ulus, Çankaya, and the main bus terminal. It is efficient, clean, and inexpensive. Single-use tokens and rechargeable Ankara Kart (transit card) are available at stations.
Buses
The municipal bus network (EGO) covers areas not reached by metro. The Ankara Kart works on buses as well. Routes can be complex for first-time visitors; navigation apps with transit options are helpful.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Licensed yellow taxis are metered and generally reliable. BiTaksi is a local taxi-hailing app that adds transparency to metered fares. International ride-hailing apps have had varying availability in Turkey — verify locally.
On foot
Central neighborhoods such as Kızılay, Ulus, and Çankaya are walkable for shorter distances, though Ankara's hills and the spread-out nature of the city mean that public transport is often preferable for longer journeys between districts.
Things to See & Do
Anıtkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk)
The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is both a state monument and one of Turkey's most visited sites. The complex includes ceremonial grounds, a museum covering Atatürk's life and the founding of the Republic, and the mausoleum itself. Entry is free (verify locally for any updates). Dress respectfully; changing of the guard ceremonies take place regularly.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Located near the historic Ulus district, this museum is widely regarded as one of the finest archaeological museums in the world. Its collection spans Paleolithic through classical periods, with outstanding Hittite and Phrygian artifacts. It won the Council of Europe Museum Prize. Admission fees and opening hours should be verified on the official museum website or locally.
Ankara Citadel (Hisar)
The ancient citadel district sits on a rocky hill above Ulus and has been continuously inhabited for millennia. Walk the Byzantine and Ottoman-era walls, explore the warren of old streets, visit the Ethnography Museum and the Roman Theatre ruins nearby, and browse traditional craft shops inside the citadel.
Kocatepe Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Turkey, Kocatepe is a landmark of the Kızılay district. Completed in 1987 in a neo-Ottoman style, it is open to visitors outside prayer times.
Gençlik Parkı
A large public park near the city center, popular with Ankara residents for leisure, featuring a lake, fairground, and café areas. It offers insight into everyday urban Turkish life.
Day trips from Ankara
- Gordion (Yassıhöyük): The ancient Phrygian capital, approximately 100 km west, with the Midas Tumulus and a local museum.
- Beypazarı: A well-preserved Ottoman town about 100 km west, known for traditional architecture and local produce.
- Hattusha (Boğazkale): The Hittite capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, roughly 200 km east — doable as a long day trip or overnight.
Food & Drink
Central Anatolian cuisine
Ankara's food culture reflects its Central Anatolian setting. Lamb and beef dishes are prominent. Look for Ankara tava (a slow-cooked lamb dish), beypazarı kurusu (a local dried bread/cracker from the nearby Beypazarı district), lentil soups, and pide (flatbread with various toppings).
Where to eat
- Ulus and the Citadel area have traditional lokanta (everyday Turkish diners) and kebab houses that serve straightforward, affordable meals.
- Kızılay and Çankaya districts have a broader range, from casual student cafés to mid-range and upscale restaurants, as well as international options.
- Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi in Çankaya is a well-known strip with numerous restaurants, cafés, and patisseries.
Drinks
Tea (çay) is ubiquitous and the social lubricant of daily life. Turkish coffee is widely available. Ankara has a growing café culture. Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants and bars, though some areas have fewer licensed establishments than Istanbul — this is not unusual for a more centrally located, less tourist-oriented city.
Practical notes
Lunch is often the main meal of the day for working Ankarans. Many restaurants offer fixed-price lunch menus (öğle yemeği) that are good value. Tipping around 10% is customary in sit-down restaurants, though not obligatory.
Shopping
What to look for
Ankara is not primarily a tourist shopping destination, but it has authentic options. The Copper Bazaar (Bakırcılar Çarşısı) near the Citadel sells traditional copperware and crafts. The old streets of the Citadel itself have shops selling kilims, antiques, and local textiles.
Modern retail
Kızılay is Ankara's main commercial center, with pedestrian streets, chain stores, and shopping malls. Numerous large malls are spread across the city if you need standard retail.
Local specialties worth considering
- Angora (mohair) wool products — Ankara gave its name to the Angora goat and wool, though industrial production has changed the landscape of this trade.
- Traditional Turkish ceramics, though these are not specific to Ankara.
- Beypazarı lokum (Turkish delight) and local dried goods if you visit that town.
Practical Information
Emergency numbers
Turkey's general emergency number is 112 (covers ambulance, fire, and police). Tourist Police operate in major cities; verify the local contact number upon arrival.
Communications
Turkey has good mobile coverage (4G/LTE) across Ankara city. Foreign SIM cards can be used, but note that foreign phones used in Turkey for extended periods may need to be registered with Turkish authorities — check current regulations. Local SIM cards are available at the airport and authorized retailers.
Electricity
Turkey uses Type F (Schuko) sockets at 230V/50Hz. Travelers from the US, UK, and some other regions will need adapters.
Business hours
Government offices and banks typically operate Monday–Friday, roughly 09:00–17:00, though this varies. Shops in commercial areas often stay open into the evening and may open weekends. Museums typically close one day per week (commonly Monday) — verify before visiting.
Post and connectivity
PTT is the Turkish postal service with branches across the city. Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafés, hotels, and some public spaces.
Safety
Ankara is Turkey's capital and maintains a visible security presence around government buildings, embassies, and monuments. As with any capital city, standard urban awareness applies: keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, and avoid displaying expensive items unnecessarily.
Check your government's current travel advisory for Turkey before departure — advisories can be updated in response to regional developments. The area around parliament and embassies may have restricted access or checkpoints, which is routine rather than alarming.
Ankara is generally considered safe for tourists, and solo travel including by women is common, though as in any city, taking normal precautions at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods is sensible.
Road traffic is the most common cause of injury for travelers in Turkish cities. Use pedestrian crossings and be attentive when walking near busy roads.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Ankara is a secular, university-heavy city and the seat of the Turkish state, which gives it a particular cultural character — more formal and less tourist-oriented than Istanbul, but intellectually lively. It has a dense concentration of theaters, concert halls, opera (the Presidential Symphony Orchestra is based here), and cinemas.
As the capital of a Muslim-majority country, Islamic traditions are present and respected, though the city's profile is notably secular compared to many other Turkish cities. Ramadan brings changes to atmosphere and some business hours — be mindful if visiting during this period.
Greeting people with Merhaba (hello) or Teşekkür ederim (thank you) is appreciated and reciprocated warmly. Turks are generally hospitable toward visitors who show respect for local customs. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior near mosques or monuments, and ask permission before photographing people.