Ankara
The Heart of the Modern Republic
The second-largest city and the capital of Turkey, Ankara is a symbol and the heart of the republic offering a rather calm and planned city example compared with the size and population of Istanbul. Every year Ankara is the center of attraction for tourists, reflecting on the history of the Republic, with its natural beauties and by maintaining all the opportunities that modern city life can offer. To visit and get to know Ankara means to witness Turkey’s late history and breathe the atmosphere of one of the most important capitals in the world, as well as in the region. Ankara is a real world capital with its state buildings at every corner, planned and organized roads, large hotels, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.
Among the most important historical monuments of Ankara is undoubtedly The Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic and the first President of Turkey. Other places most preferred by tourists are Kocatepe Mosque, Ankara Castle, Anatolian Civilizations Museum and the Temple of Augustus. Don’t leave the city without visiting the Ankara Castle which was built in 2 BC as it offers a unique view by overlooking the entire city from a high vantage point. The leading early 20th century architectures of the old Parliament Building, Ankara Railway Station (Gar) Building and Opera House are must-see locations in the city. I. and II. Parliament Buildings have critical importance in Turkish history for being the centers where the Republic was declared, and where important political developments took place in the 1920’s.
Located in one of the most beautiful places in Anatolia, Ankara also hosts many natural beauties. You can explore the Byzantium caves in Güdül for an alternative experience and visit this unique meeting point of nature and history carved inside a mountain during ancient times. Located 80 km away from the city center and visited by 500.000 tourists every year, Soğuksu National Park is a must-see location to get away from the busy city life and camp in the midst of woods, rivers and rich vegetation with caravans or tents. If you come in the winter months, you can visit Elmadağ Ski Resort 18 km from the city center, and have an exciting ski vacation. If you want to have a warmer day, a must-visit place is the Kızılcahamam Hot Springs where thermal resorts for all kinds of relaxation and treatments are available.
The center of life in Ankara is Kızılay with its big bazaar, beautiful parks, vivid cultural life, numerous high-end restaurants, bars and night clubs. After spending your day among the city’s history and natural beauties, the best thing to do is to spend the l evening in one of the restaurants with world class cuisine or just go to a bar for a delicious drink. If the city crowd is not your taste and you rather prefer a tranquil evening, you would like Tunali Hilmi Street which is known for its hotels, entertainment venues and also for being a place where Ankara city culture is most vividly experienced. Particularly if you want to do some shopping, you must definitely visit the stores on Tunali Hilmi. To relax from a busy day, one of the best things to do in Ankara is to sit in Swan Park located at the end of Tunali Hilmi Street, and watch swans as well as the vibrant city life flowing by in front of your eyes.
