Ankara: Dikmen Vadisi by Jorge Franganillo is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Visit Ankara in one day for everyone travelers

Introduction

This one-day itinerary is designed for exploring the city of Ankara, Turkey. Ankara is the capital of Turkey and is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern architecture. This itinerary will take you through some of the city's top attractions and provide recommendations for dining and accommodation.

Itinerary

Morning

Anıtkabir

• Location: Anıttepe, Çankaya, Ankara
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Description: Visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Explore the museum and pay respects to the great leader.
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. Respectful attire is required.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

• Location: Gözcü Sokak No:2, Ulus, Ankara
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Description: Discover the rich history of Anatolia at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Admire the impressive collection of artifacts from various ancient civilizations.
• Tips: Audio guides are available for a more informative experience.

Afternoon

Ankara Castle

• Location: Hisar, Altındağ, Ankara
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Description: Explore the historic Ankara Castle, which dates back to the Roman era. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the castle walls and visit the nearby museums and shops.
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there are steep slopes and stairs within the castle.

Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

• Location: Atatürk Orman Çiftliği, İncek, Ankara
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Description: Spend some time in nature at the Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo. Take a leisurely walk through the lush greenery, visit the zoo to see various animals, and enjoy a picnic in the peaceful surroundings.
• Tips: Bring snacks and water for a picnic. Check the zoo's schedule for feeding times and shows.

Evening

Kızılay Square

• Location: Kızılay, Çankaya, Ankara
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Description: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Kızılay Square, the heart of Ankara. Explore the bustling streets, shop at the local markets, and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes.
• Tips: Try some local street food and indulge in traditional Turkish cuisine.

Ataturk Boulevard

• Location: Atatürk Bulvarı, Ankara
• Time: 1-2 hours
• Description: Take a leisurely stroll along Ataturk Boulevard, one of the city's main thoroughfares. Admire the modern architecture, shop at the upscale boutiques, and enjoy the lively ambiance of the street.
• Tips: Visit in the evening to see the buildings illuminated.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast

Kahvaltıcılar Sokağı

• Location: Çankaya, Ankara
• Cuisine: Turkish breakfast
• Description: Start your day with a traditional Turkish breakfast at Kahvaltıcılar Sokağı, where you can enjoy a variety of fresh bread, cheese, olives, honey, and more.

Lunch

Köfteci İsmail

• Location: Kızılay, Ankara
• Cuisine: Turkish köfte (meatballs)
• Description: Try the delicious köfte at Köfteci İsmail, a popular local restaurant known for its flavorful meatballs and traditional Turkish side dishes.

Dinner

Aspava

• Location: Kızılay, Ankara
• Cuisine: Turkish fast food
• Description: Enjoy a quick and tasty dinner at Aspava, famous for its döner kebab and other Turkish fast food options.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Budget: Hotel Ankara Güvenlik
  • Located in the city center, this budget hotel offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at an affordable price.
• Mid-range: Swissotel Ankara
  • Situated in the upscale Çankaya district, this mid-range hotel offers stylish rooms, excellent service, and a range of amenities including a spa and fitness center.
• Luxury: JW Marriott Hotel Ankara
  • Experience luxury at its finest at the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara, located in the heart of the city. Enjoy spacious rooms, fine dining options, a rooftop pool, and a luxurious spa.

Emergency Information

• Local emergency contact number: 112
• Nearest Hospital: Ankara City Hospital
  • Address: Bağlum, Ankara

Getting There

• By Air: Ankara Esenboğa Airport is the main international airport serving Ankara. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use public transportation to reach the city center.
• By Train: Ankara has a central train station with connections to major cities in Turkey. You can reach the city center from the train station by taxi or public transportation.
• By Bus: Ankara has a central bus terminal, AŞTİ, which is well-connected to other cities in Turkey. From the bus terminal, you can take a taxi or use public transportation to reach your destination.

Getting Around

• Public Transportation: Ankara has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and a metro. You can purchase a rechargeable transportation card, called AnkaraKart, for convenient travel within the city.
• Car Rental: Car rental services are available in Ankara, and you can find rental agencies at the airport and in the city center. However, traffic can be congested, so it's recommended to use public transportation or taxis for getting around.
• Bike Rental: Ankara has a bike-sharing system called "Bisim." You can rent a bike from one of the many stations located throughout the city and explore Ankara's bike-friendly routes.