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Ankara, Turkey
The capital city and the "Anchor" of Turkey, Ankara, is considered an important political and cultural center that's known for it's modern atmosphere, historic landmarks and museums. The city of Ankara offers it's visitors an experience of both modern life and rich history that reflects Turkey's transition from an ancient civilization to a modern nation.
"In all of Ankara, there was such an unpretentious joy... because joy, like the waters in nearby lands, had all been drawn inward, settled in the hearts." — Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu








Ankara, Turkey
39.9334, 32.8597

Explore the monumental mausoleum of Turkey’s founder and learn about the country’s modern history!

Discover artifacts from ancient Anatolian cultures, including Hittite and Roman civilizations!
a small, quiet café tucked on a side street in Kavaklıdere that locals recommend. It has vintage furniture and a relaxed atmosphere.
A classic Ankara “esnaf lokantası” that serves daily home-style dishes like stews, beans, rice, and vegetables.
A long valley park with walking trails, cafés, and picnic areas.
Old-school Turkish dining hall that serves traditional Anatolian dishes like Ankara tava and slow-cooked stews.
A restored Ottoman caravanserai from the 1500s with a courtyard full of small artisan shops and cafés. Locals shop for crafts or tea here.
If you're a citizen from some countries like the UK, EU nations, Japan or Brazil, you can enter Ankara without a visa for up to 90 days. Other nationalities who are eligible, can apply for a multiple-entry e-Visa for tourism or trade. Prohibited items at customs include fresh food, meat, dairy, and weapons. Medications require a prescription.
visaAnkara offers high-quality, affordable healthcare. You shouldn't worry about language barrier as Hospitals offer dedicated international patient support teams, offering translators and assistance with travel logistics. Emergency care is free regardless of nationality, it's strongly recommended that you have travel insurance nevertheless.
healthFor affordable and reliable transportation, you can use the metro which is fast, efficient and connects major areas. Ankaray is also an option which is similar to the metro. You can also depend on EGO/CNG buses, all in which you could access with an integrated ticket system, AnkaraKart. For private options, use apps like BiTaksi, Uber, and iTaksi to book official local taxis.
transportUse exchange offices "Döviz" in the city center or ATMs, rather than airport counters or hotels for the best exchange rates and make sure to keep small cash notes for tips, taxis and local shops. If a card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, refuse it; always choose to be charged in TRY.
moneyIn Ankara, modest attire is required for mosques and religious sites so if you're a woman, make sure you carry a lightweight scarf to easily cover up when entering mosques. Be sure to stay informed about rude gestures in Turkey like the "OK" sign as it's highly offensive, also Putting your thumb between your index and middle finger while making a fist is equivalent to "giving the middle finger".
cultureAnkara is generally safe, but requires alertness to pickpocketing, taxi overcharging, and potential scams in tourist areas. Stick to central, well-lit areas like Kızılay or Tunalı, use app-based transport, and avoid protests. You should be cautious around areas like Çinçin, Yenidoğan, Tuzluçayır, and parts of Mamak or Sincan and if you're a solo female traveler, exercise caution at night and avoid deserted areas.
safetyTurkish is the sole official and primary language spoken in Ankara, though English is understood and spoken in business, tourism, and academic settings. Use basic phrases like Merhaba (Hello), Teşekkür ederim (Thank you), and Lütfen (Please) for daily use.
communicationYou shouldn't miss out on Ankara Tava, A traditional dish made with lamb, vermicelli, and tomato sauce. Or, Ankara Simiti and Döner Kebab, a high-quality lamb or beef döner, often cooked over charcoal. You should try desserts like Beypazarı Kurusu, a double-baked, crunchy, buttery biscuits that goes perfectly with tea, or Carrot Lokum, which is a traditional carrot-based delight.
generalMany locals say the best food in Ankara is not in big tourist areas but in small lokantas packed during lunch hours. Those modest restaurants often serve the most authentic Turkish dishes at affordable prices. A Reddit traveler also noted that these places are usually simple, long-running neighborhood spots rather than tourist venues.
generalStreet food in Ankara is considered safe, though you should opt for stalls with high turnover and long lines. Be wary of midye dolma (stuffed mussels) if not stored properly (cold), as they can accumulate toxins. For dietary options, nearly all traditional meat restaurants serve halal meat, and if you're vegetarian or vegan, spots like Junk Vegan and Gabo Kitchen (traditional Turkish vegan) are good options.
healthBased on your travel style, your daily spending could range from $25-40 USD if you're on a tight budget. Mid-range budgets could cost $70-$150 USD and luxury budgets could cost more than $200 USD per day. These figures cover your accommodation, food, transport, and activities.
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