Overview to Ankara: Travel Guide and Tourist Information
- Ankara Information
- Eating & drinking in Ankara
- Things to do in Ankara
- Where to stay in Ankara
- Ankara street map
Although its the Turkish capital, few backpackers make it to Ankara. The city is all too often overlooked in favor of its more glamorous cousin, Istanbul. And whilst first impressions are not terribly inspiring, those who do make the trek inland find plenty to enjoy here.
A selection of impressive Roman remains can be found a little to the north of Hisaparki Caddesi. The trio of sites – the Column of Julian, the Temple of Augustus and Rome, and (a little further north) some Roman baths – are all well worth a visit.
The most attractive quarter is the Byzantine citadel, known as Hisar, which lies just to the east of the old city. A beguiling maze of alleyways, it takes hours to explore; the best time is at sunset when the atmospheric call to prayer rings out across the rooftops.
A little to the southeast of the citadel is the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, which houses a wide range of fascinating exhibits. It places particular emphasis on the earliest occupiers of Asia Minor and is a wonderful starting point for learning more about the region and its people.
Nearby is Ataturk’s impressive mausoleum embellished with symbols of various Anatolian empires. It was completed in 1953 and the nearby museum houses a huge amount of Ataturk-related artifacts.
All in all, Ankara may not have the more extravagant charms of Istanbul, but nor does it have the same volume of visitors; consequently, this lively, bustling city suffers from none of Istanbul's self-consciousness, and a refreshingly unspoiled feel runs throughout it.
