The polity cradle of Türkiye, Ankara: a site conflating the relics of the great Byzantine and Ottoman empires, is a city where days usually fall short for the tourists to explore. In Ankara, history and modernity coexist harmoniously, flaunting a wealth of ancient landmarks, a thriving cultural scene and delectable culinary experiences. The name “Ancyra” is derived from the Greek word for “anchor”. In mythology, the anchor symbolises safety and stability, qualities attributed to the city during tumultuous times in Anatolian history. Here is a city that anchors strongly the identity of a modern nation enveloped with the secrets of ancient civilisations and forward-looking gaze. While 3 days may not be enough to witness all the city has to offer, we have curated a guide to making the most of a short holiday in Ankara. Take a look at the program before you embark to the heart of Türkiye.
Start your day with a visit to Visit Ankara Castle, situated in the city's historic Ulus neighbourhood, first thing in the morning. The castle is conveniently located and offers an ideal spot to take in Ankara's expansive vistas. Explore its cobblestone streets, which are dotted with tiny shops offering crafts and souvenirs. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, which displays artefacts from Türkiye’s prehistoric to Ottoman eras, is then a short walk downhill. Explore its fantastic collection for at least two hours; it's conveniently close to the castle.
From the Ankara Castle, take a short taxi ride to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Anıtkabir. With its vast grounds and museum showcasing Atatürk's life and accomplishments, this imposing building is a historical and architectural wonder. Set aside time to explore the museum's exhibits and take a stroll along the Path of Lions. Visit the nearby Trilye Restaurant (15-minute drive) for lunch; it's well-known for its Turkish meze platters and superb seafood selection.
Finish your day in Kızılay Square, a ten minutes' affair from Trilye by taxi. This busy neighbourhood is ideal for a leisurely stroll in the evening and a light meal at a neighbourhood restaurant. Savour a plate of lahmacun or sample the well-known döner kebab. Enjoy a Turkish coffee or tea at one of the square's many cafés to round off your evening.
Start your second day at Eymir Lake, roughly 20 minutes from the city centre by taxi. You can rent a bike and take a leisurely ride around the lake or take a morning stroll in this peaceful location. Savour traditional Turkish fare like simit, olives, and honey while having a light breakfast at a café by the lake.
On your way back to the city, stop by CerModern, a centre for contemporary art in Sıhhiye, about 15 minutes from Eymir Lake. CerModern provides a window into Ankara's contemporary cultural landscape through exhibitions, workshops, and live performances. Take a 10-minute taxi ride to Nusr-Et Steakhouse for lunch, where you can savour premium cuts of steak or grilled lamb dishes.
About 20 minutes from CerModern, spend the evening at the famous observation deck in Ankara, the Atakule Tower. It is a 410-foot-high communications and observation tower located in the Çankaya district of central Ankara. Savour traditional Turkish cuisine at the rotating restaurant while admiring the breathtaking 360-degree city view. It's a memorable dinner to end your second day because of the atmosphere and views of the skyline.
Begin your day in the Ottoman-era neighbourhood of Hamamönü, which is only fifteen minutes from the city centre. This neighbourhood has a wealth of historic buildings, charming stores, and neighbourhood bakeries. Enjoy a strong Turkish coffee and freshly baked Beypazarı biscuits at a café after taking a leisurely stroll through its restored streets.
After your morning exploration, drive just ten minutes from Hamamönü to Ulus. See the Roman Baths and the Temple of Augustus and Rome here, two historic sites that tell the story of Ankara's Roman past. For lunch, try the local eatery Hacı Arif Bey, which serves traditional Turkish fare like tarhana soup and Testi kebab.
Visit Kugulu Park (also known as Swan Park), which is roughly fifteen minutes from Ulus, to round out your journey. Locals love this little but quaint park, which is ideal for a stroll in the evening. Visit Cafemiz, a charming eatery in the posh Kavaklıdere neighbourhood, for dinner. It is well-known for its blend of Turkish and European flavours and provides a comfortable setting for thinking back on your stay in Ankara.
The quickest way to reach Ankara is by air. While there are no direct flights from India, you can fly to Istanbul from cities like Delhi or Mumbai, and then take a connecting flight to Ankara. The nearest airport to the city is Esenboğa International Airport (ESB), located approximately 31 km from the city centre. From the airport, you can choose from several transport options to reach the city.