Ankara

About — Ankara

Ankara is the capital of Türkiye, a modern, orderly city on the Central Anatolian plateau. Flights from Istanbul to Esenboga airport (ESB) take about 1 hour 10 minutes, and the airport is 30–40 minutes from the centre; the high-speed train from Istanbul takes around 4.5 hours. Families usually stay in Kizilay or Cankaya, near restaurants and shopping.

Anitkabir, Ataturk's mausoleum, stands in large grounds with a ceremonial avenue and a museum; quiet, respectful behaviour is expected. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in restored Ottoman market buildings below the castle, displays Hittite, Phrygian and Urartian treasures. Ankara Castle offers wide views over the city, and nearby Hamamonu has restored Ottoman houses with cafés and craft shops. The Temple of Augustus stands right beside Haci Bayram Mosque in Ulus, while Kocatepe Mosque, the large domed mosque in Kizilay, is convenient for prayers in the centre. For an evening view, go up Atakule tower in Cankaya.

Family tips: summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and often snowy, so bring warm layers from November to March. Halal food is everywhere; try Ankara tava, baked lamb with orzo, and simit from street stalls. Distances between districts are large, so a private vehicle saves time. Ankara combines well with Cappadocia, about three hours away by road, and our Ankara and Cappadocia tour and several multi-city packages include both.