Vacation Packages, Travel and Tours to Ankara, Turkey | Keytours Vacations

Discover Ankara's Wonders

Travel to the modern capital of Turkey, Ankara, which sits in the heart of Anatolia and is surrounded by fertile steppe land. This ancient city traces its roots back to the Bronze Age and is not only a popular vacation destination but a center of trade and culture. Experience the city's very European appearance while you tour the Museums of Anatolian Civilizations, the Mausoleum of Ataturk and the Haci Bayram Mosque.

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Description

Ankara is not only the capital of Turkey, but also the heart of the nation's artistic talents. The National Opera, National Ballet, National Theatre, and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra are all based here. Around 60 percent of the city’s population is under the age of 30, making it an energetic metropolis under a mini-cultural revolution.

Useful information

Population:

5.7 million (2021)

Currency:

Turkish Lira (TRY) 1 = 100 kuruş

Emergency Info:

Emergency: 112
Police: 155
Fire Brigade: 110

Opening Hours:

Shops are normally open Mon–Sat 9am–7/8pm, some are closed over lunch. Larger shops and malls often stay open until later. On Sundays and public holidays, shops are normally closed. Banks are generally open 8.30am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–5.30pm and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Do & See

Ankara Kalesi

This early medieval castle offers a great view of the city from Ulus, the historic district. Within its walls, there is a small village with shops and restaurants in wooden beamed houses and the Old Turkish House Museum.

Aqua Vega Aquarium

At Aqua Vega you can step into a world full of exotic fish and other creatures from the ocean. This is a wonderful place to bring the children, who will be amused by the underwater aquarium tunnel.

Atakule Tower

This 125-metre high observation and communication tower is located in the heart of the city, in Çankaya district. The tower also doubles as a shopping mall, just perfect to do some shopping after contemplating the sun setting over the city.

Atatürk Mausoleum

This mausoleum honours the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The mausoleum hall is a colonnaded temple with huge bronze doors. Every day, Turks from all around the country and foreigners come to pay their respect to the founder of the Republic.

Cermodern

Like every big city, Ankara needs its own Museum of Modern Art. Holding exhibitions in old, restored industrial buildings, Cermodern has artworks for all tastes.

Ethnography Museum

The Museum of Ethnography focuses in the Ottoman period, especially its textiles, metalwork and carved wooden doors. The museum will give you a solid understanding of Turkish history and identity.

Gençlik Park

This park is located in the centre of the city and is a great retreat for a relaxing walk or run. Gençlik Park is the perfect place to bring the children for a entertaining fun day out.

Hacı Bayram Mosque

This beautiful mosque is located in the heart of Ankara. Built in the 15th century, the mosque and its magnificent wood roof with floral motifs will not cease to amase you.

Dining

Balikcikoy Fahri

Even though Ankara lies some distance from the sea, it certainly doesn't lack seafood restaurants. Guests are encouraged to go heavy on the appetizers, which are varied and a true culinary experience.

Butcha Steakhouse

Butcha is a carnivore's paradise with American ambiance. Bone soup, home made mustard, filling salad with cheese and a plethora of steak cuts to choose from.

Fige Restaurant Bar

Located in a building once owned by the famous actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, this building now serves as a restaurant. Here you can have a Turkish and international dishes, and listen to live music on the weekends.

Haci Arif Bey

This restaurant serves a great variety of tasty Turkish kebabs. Your meal can be enjoyed either inside or outside in the cosy, outdoor garden area. It is also a great place to have a taste of other Turkish dishes, such as pide and hummus.

Kalbur Balık

The interior of this restaurant might be simple and not extravagant, but the food is exceptional. Here you can order seafood, meze, meatballs, kibbeh, or, for those who are into exotic cuisine, kokoretsi, lamb intestine stuffed with lamb heart, liver. or kidneys. Reservation is required and remember to bring cash.

No4 Restaurant Bar Lounge

No4 Restaurant Bar Lounge is a stylish restaurant that also serves as a lounge and bar. Here you can enjoy some great food while listening to some great music in a relaxing atmosphere, just perfect for a romantic dinner.

Özler Döner

Claimed by the many to serve the best doner in Ankara, this place is a “must-eat” if you fancy kebabs. Pop in at one of the locations spread throughout the city for a quick meal and enjoy a culinary experience in the Turkish way.

Quick China

This popular Asian cuisine restaurant has five branches spread throughout the city. Dishes are inspired by Eastern Asia gastronomy, and you can try them either at the restaurant or order them for takeaway.

Cafes

Café Botanica

Café Botanica is located in a cosy wooden building close to a lush flower garden. As it is usual for Turkish cafés, the menu is very extensive, including a Sunday buffet breakfast.

Café des Cafés

Turkish tea, cheese, and olives are among the delicacies served by this popular venue. Café des Cafés is famous for its long Sunday breakfasts, great atmosphere, and outstanding service.

Cafemiz

In service since 1993, Cafemiz is located on the popular Arjantin Street. Its antiquate atmosphere and the traditional menu with a modern twist will certainly broaden your views of Ankara.

Kafes Fırın

Either you crave a cup of coffee or a slice of cake, you will find anything you want in Kafes Fırın's menu. Don't let its fancy aspect scare you – here you will have the chance to have an authentic, affordable Turkish afternoon tea experience.

Pilita Pasta Evi

This tiny yet charming café is the perfect place to try some Turkish typical pastry. Treat yourself a tasty, hearty dessert after a day of hiking through the tangling streets of Ankara at Pilita Pasta Evi, you certainly won't regret it.

Bars & Nightlife

Checkpoint Lounge & Terrace

Checkpoint Lounge & Terrace is the place to go to for live music and live DJ acts. With a big outdoor terrace and a dance floor, you can easily mingle around while sipping a fabulous cocktail.

eSkiyEni

During the weekend, eSkiyEni's two floors are flooded by funky and pop music that will make it difficult for you not to dance. There is also an outside terrace, just perfect for a nighttime beer.

IF Performance Hall

IF Performance Hall is a popular venue where both international and Turkish artists perform regularly. This vibrant and crowded place hosts various concerts every week.

Manhattan Bar

At Manhattan Bar you can enjoy live performances of jazz, alternative rock, blues, and ethnic music. You won't find another venue in Ankara as unique as Manhattan Bar, the heart of the city's jazz scene.

The Soul Pub

The Soul Pub is a great spot for quality food and drink. Cold beers, flavourful snacks, and great music are abundant in this bar. The friendly staff adds to the already wonderful atmosphere.

Shopping

Ankamall Alisveris Merkezi

Ankamall is a huge and central mall in Ankara right next to the Akkopru metro. It hosts stores all the popular international fashion brands, and a small outdoor amusement park for children as well. Be aware that this is a very popular mall so it might get overcrowded.

Armada Shopping & Business Center

Armada is one of the most modern shopping centres in Ankara, with over 125 stores. There is also an abundance of movie theatres, cafës, and restaurants, granting a great time for all sorts of personalities.

Dösim

For quality tourist souvenirs, handicrafts, carpets, and kilims, head over to Dösim, run by the Ministry of Culture. With an unmatchable quality, its products will definitely make for perfect souvenirs to your loved ones.

Forum Ankara Outlet

Forum Ankara Outlet is located in the Ovacik region of the Kecioren district and is easily accessible from around the city. It opened its doors in 2008 and since then it has become a major centre of attraction. Here you will find everything from fashion clothing and shoes to toys, books, jewellery, bags, sport items, electronics and a cinema.

H&M

This Swedish chain, that you nowadays find almost everywhere in the world, provides high street fashion for both men and women at prices suiting everyone. Here in Ankara you can find boutiques located on different locations around town.

Izmir Street

Izmir Street is famous for leather and shoe shops. The street lies on the Kizilay, the central district of Ankara, where the main shopping and business buildings are located.

Karum

Karum is one of the shopping malls you may not want to miss. With over 330 shops on three floors, you will certainly find anything you look for.

Kentpark Alisveris Merkezi

Kentpark Alisveris Merkezi is a very modern and spacious shopping mall that provides everything from fashion clothing and shoes, to jewellery, electronics, homemaker's and restaurants. Here you will find many high fashion brands such as Calvin Klein, Gap, Lacoste, Timberland, Victoria Secret, Tommy Hilfiger, Disney Baby and Swatch.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Ankara's inland location grants the city a continental climate. From June to September is the peak tourist season since the warm weather makes for a pleasant summer with refreshingly cool nights. Winters in the city can reach negative temperatures with occasional snowfall. It rains during spring and autumn.

Passport/Visa

Tourists from the majority of countries belonging to the Schengen Area can enter Turkey without a visa for periods of 30 up to 90 days. Other countries that benefit from visa-free access are Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Ecuador, Iran, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, Lebanon, Mongolia, Morocco, Qatar, Russia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. There are 42 countries that have permission to apply for an e-Visa online, among which are Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Ireland, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, the UK, and the US. National identity cards are accepted instead of passports for citizens of Belgium, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Netherlands, Northern Cyprus, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and Ukraine. If you're not sure whether to apply for a visa and how long you can stay in Turkey, it is advised that you visit the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or contact the embassy or consulate in your country.

Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB)

Ankara Esenboga Airport is located approximately 33 kilometers north of Ankara. Airport shuttle buses run regularly to and from the city. The buses for the city centre do not operate between 9.30pm–3am. There are also public city buses operating shuttle services to and from the airport. Taxis are also an option – even though they are more expensive, taxi service is available 24 hours a day.

Public Transport

In Ankara, transportation is varied, cheap, and easy. The Metro is the fastest way to get around most parts of the city. The city buses are also very convenient and reliable. Asti Bus Terminal is the main bus terminal for long distance coaches.

Taxi

In all Turkish cities, it is not hard to get a taxi, and they are also the easiest way to get around. Look for the yellow taxis with the sign “Taksi” on top. In Ankara and Turkey in general, you can also find Dolmuş, a cheap taxi service with cars and minibuses, stopping at requested stops.

Electricity

220 V, 50 Hz

Pharmacy

Pharmacies, called Eczane, are plenty and easy to spot. You can find pharmacies open during the night in every neighbourhood. Their names and addresses are written on the windows of all pharmacies. Pharmacies are normally open 9am–7pm.

Post

Post offices are generally open from 8:30am–5:30pm, and some branches close for lunch between 12.30pm-1.30pm. Some of the major post offices stay open until 12am. A few branches are also open on Saturdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the must-see attractions in Ankara?

Ankara, Turkey's capital, offers a mix of historical and modern attractions. Don't miss the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey's founding father. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations provides a comprehensive look at the region's history. Ankara Castle offers panoramic views of the city, while the Kocatepe Mosque is an impressive example of modern Islamic architecture.

How can I get around Ankara efficiently?

Ankara has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, minibuses (dolmuş), and a metro system. The metro is a convenient way to navigate the city, especially for reaching major attractions. Taxis are also widely available and relatively affordable. Walking can be enjoyable in central areas like Kızılay and Ulus.

What is the best time of year to visit Ankara?

The best time to visit Ankara is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, while winters are cold with occasional snowfall. These shoulder seasons offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

What local dishes should I try in Ankara?

Ankara offers a variety of traditional Turkish cuisine. Be sure to try 'Ankara tava,' a lamb and rice dish, and 'beypazarı kurusu,' a type of crunchy bread unique to the region. You can also enjoy classic Turkish dishes like 'kebabs,' 'meze' (appetizers), and 'baklava' for dessert.

Are there any cultural events or festivals in Ankara worth attending?

Ankara hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Ankara International Film Festival in April and the Ankara Music Festival in April and May are popular. The city also celebrates Republic Day on October 29th with parades and events. These festivals offer a glimpse into Turkey's vibrant cultural scene.

What are some recommended day trips from Ankara?

Ankara's central location makes it a great base for day trips. Consider visiting Beypazarı, a historic town known for its Ottoman architecture and local crafts. The ancient city of Gordion, associated with King Midas, is another fascinating destination. For nature lovers, Lake Tuz, one of the largest salt lakes in the world, offers unique landscapes.

Where is the best area to stay in Ankara for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors, staying in the central areas of Kızılay or Çankaya is recommended. Kızılay is the heart of Ankara, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and public transportation. Çankaya is home to many embassies and offers a more upscale experience with luxury hotels and fine dining options.

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