Ankara, Turkey

City guide

Ankara

April-June and September-October, since the plateau climate is cold in winter and hot and dry in summerBest time
TurkeyRegion

Ankara is Turkey's capital, a government and business city on the Anatolian plateau rather than a tourist magnet. Anitkabir, the hilltop mausoleum of Ataturk, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in the old citadel are its main draws for visitors passing through.

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Photo: Jorge Franganillo from Barcelona, Spain / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

About Ankara

Ankara is Turkey's capital, a government and business city on the Anatolian plateau rather than a tourist magnet. Anitkabir, the hilltop mausoleum of Ataturk, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in the old citadel are its main draws for visitors passing through.

Country: TurkeyPopulation: 5,663,000Time zone: UTC+3
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The vibe & who it suits

Ankara is Turkey's capital, a government and business city on the Anatolian plateau rather than a tourist magnet. Anitkabir, the hilltop mausoleum of Ataturk, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in the old citadel are its main draws for visitors passing through.

Best forGovernment and business travel; a stop to see Anitkabir and Anatolian archaeology; onward travel by rail to other Anatolian cities
When to goApril-June and September-October, since the plateau climate is cold in winter and hot and dry in summer
Getting aroundMetro and Ankaray light rail cover the main districts; Esenboga Airport connects to domestic and some international routes; high-speed rail links to Istanbul and Konya
Where to stayKizilay for a central base near transit and restaurants; Ulus near the old citadel for the museum and Ankara Castle
Maybe skip ifYou want a coastal or classically touristic Turkish city break

What's on in Ankara

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Best places to visit in Turkey in 2026

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