Ankara

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Ankara

The heart of the Turkish Republic, Ankara, is the second largest city of Turkey after Istanbul. The city lies on the border where east between west. The European and Middle Eastern cultures merged and coloured the city's architecture, food, wine, nightlife, fashion and arts. Drop the anchor in Ankara, as its name suggests, cross the border between tradition and modernity.

The City

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.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

To experience the ancient Ankara head over to Ulus, where the narrow and winding streets are filled with stalls and shops selling antiques and Kilims, traditional Persian tapestry. Kızılay is the place to go to for an outdoor beer, deep fried mussels, and inexpensive shopping. If fashion is what you seek, the fashionable central Tunalı and Çankaya have the best offer of modern food and clothing.

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 of Anatolian Civilizations

Located on the south side of Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations houses a huge collection of Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Roman and Lydian treasures. It was elected as the first "European Museum of the Year" in …

State Art and Sculpture Museum

At the Museum of Painting and Sculpture you can find a major permanent collection of modern Turkish paintings, featuring works by Osman Handi and Hikmet Onat. This space also features temporary exhibitions of international …

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 …

Kocatepe Mosque

Kocatepe Mosque is a huge, white mosque built in the late 20th century. The beautiful mosque has four minarets making it visible from almost anywhere in the city of …

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 …

Karagöl

With beautiful scenery in winter and autumn, this is a local favourite for picnics in nature. You can walk along one of the many trekking routes along the mountains, as well as canoe in the lake — outdoor activities are certainly not …

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 …

Hattusha

Hattuscha, an UNESCO World Heritage site, was the capital of the Hittite Empire in the late Bronze Age. Its ruins, lying near the village of Boğazköy, are an important archeological site and a must-see when in …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Şengül Hamamı

The Turkish hamam plays an important in Turkish society. This 15th-century public bath and spa is just perfect for a restoring and refreshing bath or Turkish …

Temple of Augustus and Rome

Located next to the Haci Bayram Mosque, the temple was built in AD 10 as a tribute to Emperor Augustus. Only ruins of the walls and columns still remain, making it the perfect spot for history …

Dining

Turkish cuisine is a bridge between far-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. blending ingredients and flavours from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. connecting far-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. The emphasis is always on the natural taste and flavour of the ingredients. Main courses are usually served with rice as a side dish. Turkish dinners are rather long, the food is plenty and enjoyed in the company of friends with passionate conversations carried through the night. After dinner, fresh fruit or desserts like baklava and kadayıf are usually offered by the restaurant.

Rumeli Iskembe Salonu

Known for serving a hearty tripe soup, this 24-hour restaurant is the right place to end up after a night out. They also serve traditional Turkish food and grilled meat …

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 …

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 …

Trilye

If you want a break of the deliciously addictive Turkish cuisine, Trilye is the place to go. Its magnificent seafood, savoury dishes will make your taste buds travel to the …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Quick China

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 …

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 …

Cafes

Cafés have been an indispensable part of the Turkish culture for centuries. The café, kahve in Turkish, is a traditional place where people play cards, drink tea or coffee, and discuss politics or soccer. The European style cafés offer a wider variety of food and drinks. Turkish coffee is usually served in small cups and you can choose how much sugar you like in it. Turkish are very proud of their coffee – it is believed that the Turkish were responsible for the introduction of coffee to Europe.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Bars & Nightlife

Its huge student population, as well as the fact that it is the capital of Turkey, make Ankara a city abundant in bars and clubs. There are venues for all tastes, from the more usual dance music clubs to jazz and rock bars.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Shopping

Ankara is the city with most shopping malls in Turkey and the majority holds the most famous international brands. New and trendy shopping malls are spread throughout the city.