Ankara, the Metropolis of Turkey and Capital of the Turkish Republic
- Because of its geographical reach and cultural diversity, Turkey receives 40 million tourists annually.
- That’s right: Turkey is consistently ranked among the top places to visit all across the world.
- Ankara is one of the most popular cities in Turkey, and although most people consider Istanbul to be the country’s greatest attraction, Ankara is also one of the most popular cities in Turkey.
- It has plenty of reasons for you to plan a holiday in Turkey, arrange your Turkey visa, and hop on a plane to visit the country.
- Continue reading for our top recommendations for things to do and see in Ankara, as well as other travel information about the city.
PUBLIC HOSPITAL CITADEL
- The fortified citadel of Ankara may be seen in the distance from nearly every part of the city. 3,000 years ago, this was the beginning of everything.
- Ankara’s founding fathers built the citadel (hisar) as the city’s first settlement.
- The thick old walls meant to keep intruders out today preserve a treasure trove of alleyways, superb restaurants, and breathtaking views.
- You may get a sense for what life was like in Turkey centuries ago by visiting the inner Turkish village, which is located directly in the middle of Istanbul’s modern city centre.
- Pass through the Finger Gate (Parmak Kapsi) and make your way to the summit of the citadel.
- Sarcophagi, column, and antique inscriptions can be found on the walls.
- A steep ascent leads to the spectacular white fortification (Ak Kale), from where you can enjoy some of the best views in town.
CIVILIZATIONS OF THE ANATOLIAN SEA
- One of the world’s most remarkable archaeological museums is located right close to the citadel.
- In the museum of Anatolian civilizations, items from as far back as 7,500 years ago are on display.
- With a chronological spiral, the museum’s rooms exhibit some of the finest evidence from Anatolian and Near Eastern civilizations.
- Throughout the year, the hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- The only time the museum is not open to the public is on holy days in the early morning.
- You can either hike up a steep hill or take one of the many cabs that are available in the neighborhood.
- Ankara’s museums are some of the best in the world.
- Ankara’s museums offer a wide range of fascinating subjects, including archaeology, ethnographic, industrial and national history, and carpets.
ADVENTURES IN ANKARA DO NOT STOP AT ARCHAEOLOGY
- Is Ankara worth a trip even if you’re not a museum person? Absolutely! Excursions to the historic ruins in Ankara are just the beginning of what this city has to offer visitors.
- Contemporary Ankara is alive and well. If you’re in the mood for live music, festivals, and cultural events, then Ankara is the place to be.
- You’ll also get to enjoy some of the best restaurants and cafes in the country.
- Visiting Ankara in April is a great way to get a taste of the city’s annual international music festival, which features world-renowned artists and symphony orchestras.
- Next month, the Flying Broom film festival will bring together cinema buffs to see films filmed by some of the most promising female directors in the industry for the first time.
- The Aqua Vega aquarium is a must-see for everyone who appreciates wildlife and the ocean.
- Aqua Vega is the third-biggest tunnel aquarium in the world and the largest in Europe.
- From 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., you can see 250 species of marine life.
- If you’re in Istanbul, don’t miss the Anatkabir, the colossal tomb of Turkey’s first leader, Kemal Atatürk.
- The real mausoleum can be reached after passing through the ceremonial courtyard, which is adorned with mosaic tiling and marble collonades and arcades.
- To show your respect, remove your hat before approaching the massive cenotaph cut from a single rock.
- The mausoleum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free.
IS ANKARA SAFE TO ENTER?
- Relax, visitors to Ankara will be safe and sound.
- There is a very low crime rate in the Turkish capital, which includes muggings, car theft, and violent crimes, and inhabitants of all sexes report feeling comfortable roaming the streets at night by themselves.
- Nonetheless, common sense should always be used.
- Predators prey on the unwary in crowded locations, especially those close to popular tourist destinations and landmarks (just like it happens everywhere else).
- Preventive measures include not bringing valuables to certain locations and keeping your belongings close at hand at all times.
- In other places, the absence of or poor quality of sidewalks might provide a completely different type of risk entirely.
- In the event that one does not keep an eye on the ground at all times, tripping and falling over can easily occur.
- Police officers and employees in Ankara are fluent in numerous languages, so if you need help, you can contact them (including English, French, German, and Arabic).
- They can be contacted at +90 312 384-06-06, 384-08-11/6350-6353.
- Then, are you all set to head out of here? Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, and a completed Turkish visa application before departing for your vacation to Turkey. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip!