What You Need to Know About Ankara
Hotels in AnkaraThe capital city of Turkey, Ankara was inhabited by numerous civilizations. Some of them were the Hittite Empire, the Phrygians, the Lydians, the Persians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Seljuks, and the Ottomans. Due to its geopolitical importance, Ankara was declared to be the capital of Turkey before the proclamation of the Republic. While observing the traces of the distant and recent past, you can experience other things the city has to offer. Ankara is a place where you can find anything that comes to your mind, such as nature, urbanized areas and suburban villages, nightlife, and many more. Ankara hotelscome with certain advantages depending on their locations as well as the quality of their services. With all its benefits and diverse opportunities, Ankara is an astonishing destination that will not disappoint you.Must-See Places in Ankara
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Anıtkabir: Anıtkabir is the residence of the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who was the founder and the first president of the Turkish Republic. Other than the mausoleum, you can visit Barış Park where trees from all around the world are displayed to symbolize world peace. You can get there by bus or subway from the city center.
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Ethnography Museum: The Ethnography Museum was once home to Atatürk’s mausoleum but it’s been serving as a museum after the construction of Anıtkabir completed. The museum showcases historical and cultural pieces that belonged to the Turks. It is a must-see place if you want to know more about Turkish culture and people.
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Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations was founded by Atatürk and is a stop where you must see during your visit to Ankara. The museum showcases archeological findings of the Anatolian civilizations and you can easily get there from most towns in Ankara.
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War of Independence Museum (First Grand National Assembly of Turkey Building): On Atatürk’s 100th birthday, the building was turned into a museum. Since then it serves as a place where you can see documents, photographs, and remains from the War of Independence.
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Ankara Castle: Ankara Castle is located in the district of Altındağ. It consists of both inner and outer castles. According to historians, it was the center of trade in the past. However, the castle had to go through multiple restorations until today. Inside the outskirts of the castle are local houses and souvenir shops. If you want to capture striking city view photos, you should visit here and climb all the way to the top of the castle.
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Republic Museum (Second Grand National Assembly of Turkey Building):The Republic Museum, once the second building of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, showcases the belongings of Atatürk, İsmet İnönü, and Celal Bayar, as well as important documents of the declarations made in the assembly.
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Swan Park:Swan Park is one of the best locations to enjoy nature in Ankara. It’s home to 24 different animals and is famous for its lake where swans swim. In the park, there are cafes, lakes, playgrounds, and walking paths.
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Augustus Temple: Augustus Temple, built by the Romans after the conquest of Central Anatolia, is a place you have to visit if you are passionate about history. It’s right next to Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque. So, here you can witness two different worlds at the same time.
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Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque:Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque is where the tomb of Hacı Bayram Veli, one of the most significant figures of Islamic history resides. The mosque is covered in hand-decorated tiles and it truly has a beautiful atmosphere.
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Suluhan Bazaar:Suluhan Bazaar was built during the reign of the Ottoman Empire and had served as an inn for centuries. Later, it was turned into a bazaar where people could buy souvenirs and traditional Turkish products while enjoying their time.
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Museum of Paintings and Sculpture: The Museum of Paintings and Sculpture is where you can see many paintings, photography, sculptures, ceramics, and traditional Turkish artwork in one place.
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Beypazarı:Beypazarı is a town where you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time thanks to the old and cozy houses around, horse cabs, and the rural atmosphere. It’s 100 km away from the city center but it’s worth visiting.
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What to Eat in AnkaraFood is one of the interesting topics of every vacation and Ankara will get you covered. The city’s cuisine is a great blend of Ottoman and Anatolian cuisines that will serve you great dishes. Below is a list of dishes you must try during your visit to Ankara. Tasting these dishes will make you love the city even more.
- Ankara Tava
- ASPAVA (a dining culture rather than a dish)
- Ankara Kebab
- Kokoreç
- İnceğiz Soup
- Beypazarı Stew
- Ankara Simit
- Tamtak Tiridi
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Getting Around in AnkaraAnkara’s transportation network is known to be well-developed and you can easily find a vehicle or service to go anywhere you like. Transportation options in Ankara include the bus, metro, train, minibus, and cable car. It is recommended that you pick noon and afternoon hours to travel to avoid the rush hour when the traffic gets intense. Transportation to every district of Ankara is provided by public transportation vehicles, but bus fees may increase depending on the distance of the stop to the city center.Ankara Accommodation OptionsIf you’re planning to visit Ankara, you must think of the best accommodation options in the city that are suitable for your needs. Ankara is a city where you can find all kinds of accommodation options so chances are you’ll find a place that you’re going to enjoy. Hotels in Ankara can change forms depending on which town they’re located in, for example, the hotels in Beypazarı are in the shape of mansions whereas more luxurious options are often located in central areas.Kızılay is the liveliest district in Ankara and is located in the center. The place is full of shopping malls, cafes, and cultural attractions. Hotels in Ankara city centeraren’t on the luxurious side but you can still find good options like 3 or 4-star hotels and they cover anything you’ll need.You might want to consider the hotels near the AŞTİ Bus Terminal for being close to the terminal could be beneficial. Here you can find some of the5-star hotels in Ankara, to spend time in a comfortable environment. There are alsocheap hotels in Ankara in this district and some of these hotels here have transportation services to the airport.Ulus is also a lively town and it’s suitable for people who want to spend time at cafes, shopping malls, bars, and restaurants. Cheap options very close to the metro station are good picks. You can also find more luxurious 4-star hotels that include saunas, bars, and spas.Hotels in Ankara Çankaya can be great if you want to reside in a town that is surrounded by cultural activities, high-end shopping malls, and elegant streets. Both 5-star hotels and cheaper hotels here have room options for couples and more crowded groups. Some ofthebest hotels in Ankara Turkeyare also found here since this district is considered to be the headquarters of the city per se.Beypazarı hotels are one of the best hotels in Ankara for those who want to experience the unique atmosphere of a rural village surrounded by old houses. The hotels here are in the form of houses and mansions, making them memorable for their residents.Ankara hotels near the airportare known for their budget-friendly prices and are cozy picks too. You don’t have to worry about the airport transportation service since many hotels here provide it.Ankara Hotel PricesAnkara hotel pricesdiffer based on some factors such as the season, the location, and so on. It is recommended to book at least 25 days earlier for cheaper prices. Hotels in Ankara Kızılayand Ulus are the most budget-friendly ones and Çankaya hotels are the most expensive.
