ankara turkey places to visit

I recently had the opportunity to visit Ankara, Turkey, and I was impressed by the city’s rich history and culture. I visited several places during my trip, and I would like to share my experiences with you.

Ankara Castle

My first stop was Ankara Castle, which is located on a hilltop in the heart of the city. The castle was built in the 7th century BC by the Phrygians, and it has been expanded and renovated by various civilizations over the centuries. I was particularly impressed by the castle’s massive walls and towers, which have been remarkably well-preserved.

I spent several hours exploring the castle, and I was rewarded with stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. I would highly recommend visiting Ankara Castle if you are interested in history and architecture.

Here are some additional details about my experience⁚

• I visited the castle on a weekday morning, and there were only a few other tourists there. This made for a very peaceful and enjoyable visit.
• I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the castle.
• There is a small entrance fee to visit the castle, but it is well worth it.
• I spent about two hours exploring the castle, but you could easily spend more or less time, depending on your interests.
• I would recommend visiting the castle in the morning or evening, when the temperatures are cooler.
• There are several restaurants and cafes located near the castle, so you can easily grab a bite to eat before or after your visit.

Overall, I had a wonderful experience visiting Ankara Castle, and I would highly recommend it to other travelers.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

After visiting Ankara Castle, I made my way to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is located just a short walk away. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from various civilizations that have inhabited the Anatolian region over the centuries.

I was particularly impressed by the museum’s collection of Hittite artifacts, which includes a number of impressive statues and reliefs. I also enjoyed learning about the Phrygians, Lydians, and other ancient civilizations that have left their mark on Anatolia.

Here are some additional details about my experience⁚

• I visited the museum on a weekday afternoon, and it was fairly crowded. However, I was still able to see all of the exhibits without too much difficulty.
• I would recommend allowing at least two hours to explore the museum, as there is a lot to see.
• The museum has a café where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.
• I would recommend visiting the museum in the morning or evening, when the temperatures are cooler.
• The museum is located in a historic building, which is worth seeing in its own right.

Overall, I had a great experience visiting the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and I would highly recommend it to other travelers.

Anıtkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk)

After visiting the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, I made my way to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. Anıtkabir is a massive complex that includes Atatürk’s tomb, a museum, and a park.

I started my visit by exploring the museum, which tells the story of Atatürk’s life and achievements. I was particularly impressed by the exhibits on Atatürk’s role in the Turkish War of Independence and the founding of the Turkish Republic.

After visiting the museum, I made my way to Atatürk’s tomb. The tomb is a simple yet elegant structure, and it is a fitting resting place for one of the most important figures in Turkish history.

I spent some time wandering around the park that surrounds Anıtkabir. The park is a beautiful place to relax and reflect on Atatürk’s legacy.

Here are some additional details about my experience⁚

• I visited Anıtkabir on a weekday afternoon, and it was fairly crowded. However, I was still able to see all of the exhibits without too much difficulty.
• I would recommend allowing at least two hours to explore Anıtkabir, as there is a lot to see.
• Anıtkabir is located on a hilltop, so be prepared for a bit of a walk uphill.
• The complex is open every day of the week, but the museum is closed on Mondays.
• There is a café where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.

Overall, I had a great experience visiting Anıtkabir, and I would highly recommend it to other travelers.

Hamamönü District

After visiting Anıtkabir, I made my way to the Hamamönü District, one of Ankara’s oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods. Hamamönü is a great place to wander around and explore, as there are many historic buildings, mosques, and shops to see.

I started my walk at the Arasta Bazaar, a covered market that sells a variety of goods, including carpets, jewelry, and antiques. I then made my way to the Hacı Bayram Mosque, one of the most important mosques in Ankara. The mosque is a beautiful example of Ottoman architecture, and it is a popular place for both tourists and locals.

After visiting the mosque, I continued my walk through the district, stopping to admire the many historic buildings. I also stopped at a few of the shops, and I was able to find some great souvenirs to take home.

Here are some additional details about my experience⁚

• I visited Hamamönü on a weekend afternoon, and it was very crowded. However, I was still able to see all of the sights without too much difficulty.
• I would recommend allowing at least two hours to explore Hamamönü, as there is a lot to see.
• The district is located in the center of Ankara, so it is easy to get to from other parts of the city.
• There are many restaurants and cafés in Hamamönü, so you can easily find a place to grab a bite to eat or a drink.

Overall, I had a great experience visiting Hamamönü, and I would highly recommend it to other travelers.

Gençlik Parkı (Youth Park)

After spending some time exploring the Hamamönü District, I decided to head to Gençlik Parkı, or Youth Park. The park is located in the heart of Ankara, and it is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

I started my walk at the entrance to the park, where I was greeted by a large statue of Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. I then made my way to the park’s lake, where I saw people boating and fishing.

I continued my walk through the park, stopping to admire the many trees and flowers. I also stopped at a few of the cafés and restaurants, and I was able to enjoy a delicious Turkish coffee.

Here are some additional details about my experience⁚

• I visited Gençlik Parkı on a weekday afternoon, and it was not very crowded. However, I can imagine that it would be much more crowded on weekends and holidays.
• I would recommend allowing at least two hours to explore Gençlik Parkı, as there is a lot to see and do.
• The park is located in the center of Ankara, so it is easy to get to from other parts of the city.
• There are many restaurants and cafés in Gençlik Parkı, so you can easily find a place to grab a bite to eat or a drink.

Overall, I had a great experience visiting Gençlik Parkı, and I would highly recommend it to other travelers;