visit ankara or istanbul

• Travel Planning Guide

A Travel Price Comparison for Turkey Ankara vs. Istanbul for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

• Which is Cheaper, Ankara or Istanbul? (Travel Cost Comparison)

Which is Bigger, Ankara or Istanbul?

Should you visit ankara or istanbul, which is cheaper to visit which is more expensive for vacation.

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ankara and Istanbul. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Ankara or Istanbul?

Located at the heart of Turkey near Central Anatolia, Ankara is the capital city and second largest city in the country after Istanbul. Formerly known for its long-haired goats and textiles, the city has since developed into a metropolitan mix of modern cultures with historic landmarks.

Istanbul is strategically located on the Bosphorus and is split between Europe and Asia. It truly is a city where east meets west. Istanbul is the cultural and financial hub of Turkey, and also the most populous city. The sites are countless and there's something for everybody, whether you're interested in art, music, food, or adventure. You can pass many days exploring both the residential and commercial pockets of this city. Much of the appeal is hidden away along back alleys or within corner shops.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Turkey , The Best Luxury Tours to Turkey , The Best Budget Tours to Turkey , and The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey .

Which place is cheaper, Istanbul or Ankara?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

• Ankara Prices Turkey Prices Istanbul Prices Turkey Prices
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day Ankara $ 116 Istanbul $ 126

The average daily cost (per person) in Ankara is $116, while the average daily cost in Istanbul is $126. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ankara and Istanbul in more detail.

Accommodation

• Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person Ankara $ 57 Istanbul $ 47
• Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room Ankara $ 114 Istanbul $ 94

Compare Hotels in Ankara and Istanbul

Looking for a hotel in Ankara or Istanbul? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ankara

Hotels in Istanbul

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.

Local Transportation

• Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. Ankara $ 37 Istanbul $ 55

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Ankara

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Ankara:

• Metro Ride $ 0.04
• Short Taxi Ride $ 0.15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ankara

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ankara:

• Private transfer: Ankara Airport (ESB) to Ankara: $39
• Private transfer: Ankara to Ankara Airport (ESB): $39
• Ankara Private Departure Transfer from City hotels to Airport: $60
• Ankara Esenboğa Airport From/To City Center Private Transfer: $64
• Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers to Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels: $71
• Private Transfers Between Ankara Esenboga Airport - Ankara City Centre: $75
• Ankara City Center (Cankaya,Kizilay) Hotels to Ankara Esenboga Airport transfers: $76
• Ankara Private Transfer from central Ankara hotels to Ankara Airport (ESB): $109
• Private Transfer from Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) to Central Ankara: $109
• Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Kizilcahamam Town: $185
• Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Beypazari Town: $185
• Private Transfers Ankara City or Esenboga Airport to/from Gordion Ancient City: $185

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Istanbul are as follows:

• Ferry $ 0.09
• Local Bus $ 0.09

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Istanbul

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Istanbul:

• Istanbul Airport Transfer by Private Minivan + Meet & Greet Service: $85
• Istanbul Cruise Port(Galataport) Private Transfer Service: $35
• Saw Sabiha Gokcen Airport Transfers for Old City & Taksim Hotels: $55
• 1-Way Private Transfer to/from Sabiha Gokcen Airport: $75
• Airport - Otel Transfer and City Tours: $20
• Airport Istanbul Private Transfer IST or SAW Airport : $34
• Airport transfer Istanbul: $46
• Arrival & Departure Private Transfer in Istanbul: $43
• Arrival Private Transfer: New Airport IST to Istanbul in Luxury Van: $70
• Bursa Uludağ Mountain Tour From Istanbul w/Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $35
• CARPEDIEM : SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT LUXURY TRANSFER (Arrival/Departure): $45
• Daily Green Bursa Tour with Cable Car & Transfer from Istanbul: $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Ankara or Istanbul?

Prices for flights to both Istanbul and Ankara change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.

• Food Meals for one day Ankara $ 32 Istanbul $ 31

Typical Food Prices in Ankara

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Ankara:

• A Quick Lunch $ 0.36

Typical Food Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of dining costs in Istanbul are as follows:

• Juice $ 0.06
• Turkish Delight $ 0.02
• Dessert $ 0.26
• Pastries $ 0.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Istanbul

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Istanbul.

• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show from Istanbul: $16
• Dinner Cruise and Entertainment with Private Table: $17
• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Show with Private Table: $17
• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise , Unlimited Drinks, & Show: $21
• Bosphorus Luxury Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Show: $25
• Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $26
• Bosphorus Boat Cruise with Dinner & Entertainment: $27
• Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Unlimited Drinks and Shows: $28
• Dinner Cruise Bosphorus with Hotel Transfer: $28
• Istanbul Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Turkish Night Show: $29
• Half Day Sunset Luxury Yacht Dinner Cruise Tour in Istanbul: $29
• 3 Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise in Istanbul : $29

Entertainment

• Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc. Ankara $ 34 Istanbul $ 79

Typical Entertainment Prices in Ankara

Here are a few typical costs in Ankara for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:

• Underground City $ 0.25

Tours and Activities in Ankara

Here are a few actual costs in Ankara for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

• Family-Friendly Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.00
• Quick Tour, Essentials of Ankara: $6.00
• Inns and Baths City Sightseeing Mobile Audio Guide: $6.00
• Private Walking tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $32
• Ankara : Private Walking Tour With A Guide ( Private Tour ) : $33
• Private Tour with a Local: $37
• Ankara : Highlights Walking Tour: $48
• Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Topkapi Palace: $145
• Istanbul: Golden Horn & Bosphorus Day Cruise: $165
• İstanbul: Full-Day Tour with Grand Bazaar: $180
• Half Day Private Tour in Ankara: $215
• Ankara Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $218

Typical Entertainment Prices in Istanbul

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Istanbul are as follows:

• Bosphurus Boat (for 2) $ 0.62
• Yerebatan Cistern for Two $ 0.62
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts for Two $ 0.31
• Hagia Sofia entrance $ 0.93

Tours and Activities in Istanbul

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Istanbul are as follows:

• First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
• Hagia Sophia Exclusive Digital Audio Guided Tour: $5.33
• City Tour with Audio Guide in your smartphone: $5.33
• Highlights Self Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.33
• City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
• Istanbul Outdoor Escape Game: The Royal Adventure: $7.08
• Istanbul in a day: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in English: $7.81
• Hippodrome and Blue Mosque Guided Tour: $8.73
• App self-guided tours Istanbul with multilingual audioguide: $9.59
• The Royal Adventure Highlights Exploration Game: $11
• Round-Trip Ferry Tickets to the Princes' Islands: $11
• Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
• Alcohol Drinks for one day Ankara $ 15 Istanbul $ 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Istanbul

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Istanbul:

• Istanbul Pub Crawl Big Nightout . Rooftop parties,party Bus & Nightlife: $22
• Istanbul 7-Hour Pub Crawl: Big Night Out: $27
• Famous Istanbul Pub Crawl #1 Nightlife Experience: $27
• Party Pub Crawl with Party Bus: $29
• Wine Tasting Experience in Istanbul : $50
• Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $80
• Istanbul Wine Tasting at Home with Local Family: $83
• 2-Day Wine Tasting Tour along the Thracian Wine Route: $180
• Istanbul Private Wine Tasting Tour Through 3 City Wineries : $245
• Istanbul Private and Guided, Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $430
• Luxury Wine Tasting on a Private Yacht: $841

When comparing the travel costs between Ankara and Istanbul, we can see that Istanbul is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ankara Expensive? and Is Istanbul Expensive? .

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ankara. When comparing the sizes of Ankara and Istanbul, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

Related Articles for Ankara

Related articles for istanbul.

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

Ankara or Istanbul: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

A nkara and Istanbul are Turkey’s two biggest cities, and they’re often top of the list for travelers who want to experience the depth and vibrancy of Turkish culture, cuisine, and lifestyle for themselves. But if you can only pick one of these cities, which one should you choose?

Well, even though they’re both big cities that have a few things in common, like plenty of things to do, Ankara and Istanbul have a long list of differences in terms of their general vibe, aesthetics, history, and culture. 

They’re also in very different geographic settings, with Istanbul straddling the border between Asia and Europe so it has its own beaches and coastline. Meanwhile Ankara is much further inland in Turkey’s Central Anatolia Region.

In fact despite being the country’s capital, Ankara is actually the quieter of these two cities. It’s more of a residential and political city, with a significantly smaller population than Istanbul. It’s a greener place, too, with some interesting museums and great shopping opportunities.

In contrast, Istanbul is the more historic and diverse of the two, with extraordinary architecture and hidden treasures around every corner. There’s a really long list of things to see and do there, which is partly why so many people mistakenly assume that Istanbul is the capital of Turkey, as it feels like such a lively and exciting place to be.

There’s much to say about both Ankara and Istanbul, from their food scenes to their landmarks and attractions, which is why in this guide we’ll use our experience of both to show you which is best for you.

We’ll show you which is the better for nightlife, activities, food, families, honeymoons, which is cheaper and far more. All so you can make the right decision!

• A Quick Overview

Which Is Easier To Get To?

Which is easier to get around , which is best for activities, which is better for nightlife , which is better for food , which is best for day trips , which is best for families , where to stay according to your budget, which is best for couples & honeymoons .

• Which Is The Cheaper?
• Which Is The Better Choice?

A Quick Overview & Comparison: Ankara vs Istanbul

Ankara: a quick overview.

Situated in the Central Anatolia Region, Ankara is Turkey’s capital city and home to over 5 million people, making it the second-biggest city in the country. It became the capital in 1923, taking over from Istanbul after the Turkish War of Independence.

When compared to Istanbul, Ankara is a significantly quieter and calmer city. People are more spread out, thanks to the residential layout of the city’s structure, and a lot of the focus here is on governmental organizations and agencies, rather than culture, tourism, or entertainment.

Because of this, Ankara draws in just a small fraction of the number of visitors that Istanbul gets each year.

Visitors shouldn’t expect to find lots of live events or family attractions here, but there’s still plenty to see and do.

Ankara boasts some fantastic museums, for instance – the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a must-see – along with fabulous architecture and interesting historic sites that tell the story of the city’s past. Ankara is also a great shopping destination and gateway to other parts of Turkey.

Istanbul: A Quick Overview

Istanbul, once known as Constantinople, is one of the most famous cities in the world and the largest city in Turkey. It sits on both sides of the Bosporus Strait – the waterway that defines the boundary between Asia and Europe – with half of the city on either side.

It’s the only city in the world to spread out across two separate continents, and visitors will find that the European and Asian sides of Istanbul each have their own distinctive vibes, architecture, and fun things to do.

The historic, touristic, and cultural hub of Turkey, Istanbul is home to more than 15 million people – almost 1 in every 5 Turks lives in Istanbul – and it draws in large numbers of tourists from around the world each and every year.

There’s plenty to see in the city (more so than in Ankara), including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the legendary Hagia Sophia mosque, as well as the world-famous Grand Bazaar , one of the biggest and oldest markets on Earth.

If you’re wondering which of these two Turkish cities is easier to access, the answer is clear: Istanbul.

Istanbul has one of the busiest international airports in the world. It’s situated over on the European side of the city and has direct connections with cities all over the globe. 

You can fly directly into Istanbul from almost anywhere, including many countries of Europe, large parts of Asia, Africa, the US, Canada, and South America, too. With so many flight routes and dozens of airlines operating at Istanbul Airport, it’s super easy to access.

Ankara also has its own airport – Ankara Esenboga Airport – which is located approximately 17 miles outside of the city. It’s not as busy as Istanbul, but still serves millions of passengers per year and has direct connections with places like the UK, France, Germany, and parts of Asia.

Clearly, it’s easier to access Istanbul than Ankara, but once you’ve arrived in either of these cities, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to get around.

But when it comes to general navigation around these cities, you might find Ankara more comfortable to traverse than Istanbul.

Ankara has both public and private buses to take you around to the main sites and landmarks. It also has dolmus buses that can pick you up and drop you off anywhere along a set route.

Plus, there’s a great metro system there, offering a speedy and convenient way to get from one side of the city to the other.

In Istanbul, travelers will usually want to get hold of an Istanbul Card, or IstanbulKart, to pay for public transport. You can use this card to get around on buses, metros, and ferries.

The buses and metros in Istanbul will get you wherever you need to go, but they can be hugely crowded, chaotic, and journeys often take quite a while in Istanbul due to the city’s severe traffic issues.

Not only that, but Istanbul’s taxis can be difficult to get hold of, as drivers may sometimes refuse short-haul fares and hold out for passengers who want to travel further and pay more money.

This can make things a little tricky, and the sheer size of Istanbul can also be intimidating for first-time visitors, while Ankara is smaller and more navigable.

Next, let’s talk about some of the things you can do in both of these cities. This could be the most important factor of all for those who are trying to decide between Istanbul or Ankara, and you may find that one city has much more to offer for your personal tastes than the other.

In general, Istanbul is regarded as the more exciting and diverse destination of the two.

It offers a veritable bounty of sights to see and activities to enjoy, with something new to discover down almost every street, from museums to markets, historic sites, and family attractions, like theme parks and aquariums.

Over in Ankara, the pace of life is a little more laid-back and the range of activities is more restricted.

However, there are some lovely green spaces to explore, beautiful buildings to admire, interesting museums, excellent shopping locations, and some decent day trip destinations to consider, as well.

Below we look at the main activities and landmarks in each destination, so you can see which one will suit you best.

Ankara: The Activities

To make the most of your trip to Ankara, it’s recommended to visit the city’s key landmarks, like the Mausoleum of Mustaga Kemal Ataturk .

Turkey’s first president is buried there, and it’s one of the most architecturally impressive structures in the entire nation, as well as holding special significance for the Turkish people.

The fabulous Melike Hatun Mosque is another extraordinary feat of architecture to admire on a trip to Ankara.

It’s situated in the town’s Old Quarter, where you can also find some of the most incredible craft and souvenir shops, spice markets, and friendly locals.

Speaking of shopping, Ankara really is a paradise for shopaholics. You’ll find several sleek, modern malls dotted around the city, and make sure to head to Kizilay Square , one of the city’s most popular meeting points, to find more great shops and even night markets.

Since Ankara is quite a walkable city, with a lot of beautiful buildings and tree-lined streets all close together, one of the best things to do there is simply roam around, taking in the sights like Ankara’s art deco train station or wandering around one of the parks, like 50th Year Park or Kugulu Park – you’ll find many more green spaces here compared to Istanbul.

Ankara is also a great place for history buffs and museum fans. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is filled with extraordinary artifacts dating back thousands of years, showcasing the rich and deep history of this region, while Ankara Castle is the city’s best-kept historical landmark, as well as being a super spot to enjoy the sunset.

Istanbul: The Activities

In Istanbul, the list of activities and attractions is almost never-ending, and you’ll need more time here than Ankara if you want to truly soak in the city and enjoy all that it has to offer.

You’ll also need to make sure you visit both the European and Asian sides – several cheap ferry routes will take you across the Bosporus Strait in around half an hour or less.

A lot of the most famous landmarks can be found on the European side, including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Other amazing historic and cultural landmarks here include the Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace and the Basilica Cistern waterworks, dating all the way back to the 6th century.

Over on the Asian side of the city, there’s plenty more to do, like strolling through the artistic Yeldegirmeni neighborhood, losing yourself among the smells and savors of Kadikoy Market , or taking a relaxing walk along the Kadikoy Coastal Pathway.

Of course, unlike Ankara, which is situated inland, Istanbul is on the coast, so it has several sandy beaches.

In fact, there’s quite a lot of diversity in Istanbul’s beaches, from lively spots like BURC Beach to family-friendly locations like Nakibey and beautiful sandy expanses like Uzunya. In other words, you won’t run out of options if you like spending time by the sea.

As well as museums, mosques, palaces, and beaches, Istanbul also has incredible markets. The Grand Bazaar is the most famous – it’s made up of thousands of shops spread out among a web of winding streets, and the sellers here are happy to haggle, so you might be able to get a great deal if you’re a good negotiator.

Overall, it’s clear that Istanbul has much more in terms of things to do than Ankara.

There’s simply a much wider range of activities to suit people of all ages and tastes in Instanbul, albeit the crowded nature of this city can take a toll on some visitors. So you might prefer Ankara’s museums and landmarks, which tend to be far less busy, if you’re not a fan of chaotic cities.

If you love staying out late and partying hard until the early hours, you will need to know how the nightlife scenes of Istanbul and Ankara compare, as well as which one is better-suited for pubs, bars, clubs, and the like.

Despite being a mostly residential and political city, Ankara has a big student population, and the inner city has a range of lively student-oriented cafes, bars, and clubs, especially around the Kizilay area.

The summer months can be particularly lively for Ankara’s nightlife, with live music at various local bars and popular Turkish DJs headlining the city’s favorite clubs.

Places like Budha Club , Escape , Nil Bar , and Adres Bar stand out as some of the top spots to have fun in the evenings. There are also some more mature evening hangout spots, like wine bars and chilled-out taverns.

Istanbul, meanwhile, has a dynamic and vibrant nightlife scene, and no matter what kind of evening experience you’re looking for, you should be able to find it there. This city’s got it all, from dance clubs with non-stop electronic music to shisha bars and coastal cafes where you can watch the sun go down.

From Kadikoy to Besiktas , there are lots of great nightlife districts across Istanbul, and each one is a little different. Taksim is one of the most exciting areas, with some of the best clubs and great restaurants that stay open deep into the evening.

Overall, both of these cities can keep you entertained after dark. Istanbul is a little more diverse, with lots of clubs and pubs spread all around the city, while Ankara’s scene is smaller, but still sufficient for most people.

Turkish cuisine is famed for its unique mixture of influences, blending ingredients from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Central Asian to create rich, filling, and flavorful dishes. You can enjoy great food all over Turkey, including in Ankara and Istanbul, but which city is best for foodies?

Well, in this category, it’s Istanbul that takes the win. Some of the nation’s best chefs, as well as various chefs from overseas, have set up their own eateries in Istanbul, and the city’s culinary scene is arguably the very best in all of Turkey.

There’s a vibrant and enviable mixture of high-end restaurants in Istanbul, as well as casual family-friendly eateries, and street food vendors around every corner.

Whether you’re enjoying a classic Turkish kebab or sitting down for some freshly-caught seafood at one of Istanbul’s coastal bars, you’re sure to have a delightful and delicious meal, and it’s easy to find almost any kind of food here at a whole range of budgets.

The food scene in Ankara simply isn’t as developed or varied as Istanbul.

There are still some excellent restaurants to be found in the Turkish capital, with new additions opening their doors every year, but the range of restaurants is a lot narrower.

With that said, Ankara is still a great place to taste some traditional treats like ekmek kadayifi and dondurma – Turkish ice cream.

If you feel like leaving the hustle and bustle of Istanbul behind for a day or two, or getting out of Ankara to see more of Turkey’s towns, historic sites, and natural spaces, you might like to know which of these two cities is best-placed for fun and interesting day trips.

Let’s start off with Ankara. This city is in a great central location, so it’s really well-positioned for people who want to explore almost any part of Turkey. You could even technically do a day trip from Ankara to Istanbul – or vice versa – as the two cities are only an hour apart by plane.

There are lots of different places you can visit from Ankara. You could head out to Korogulu Mountain for some skiing and other winter sports, for example, or take a trip to some of Anatolia’s charming towns, like Amasya or Beysehir .

To see a more rural side of Turkey, you could do a day trip to Beypazari , or head out to Eskisehir for family fun.

Day trippers heading out of Istanbul, meanwhile, might like to begin with a tour of the Princes ‘ Islands . Locals love these little islands, and they’re only a short ferry ride from the city, with some charming little beaches and beautiful churches.

You could also leave Istanbul behind to visit a quiet coastal town, like Sile or Agva . Looking out over the Black Sea, these towns are great for hiking and natural exploration.

Or, for something a little different, head to Polonezkoy , otherwise known as the Polish village, as it was founded by Polish settlers back in the 19th century.

In short, there are a lot of options for day trips out of both Istanbul and Ankara. However, you’ll be able to find more variety and a wider range of Turkish towns and cities to uncover when staying in Ankara, thanks to its more central location.

If you’re heading to Turkey on a family vacation, you’ll need to think about fun things to do to keep your children entertained. And when it comes to Ankara vs Istanbul for families, it’s not so easy to pick a winner.

Istanbul is a superb option for families, as it has lots of attractions to keep kids of all ages entertained.

There’s the Vialand theme park, for example, with all sorts of wild rides and thrilling rollercoasters. Istanbul also has its own Sea Life aquarium, as well as a Legoland Discovery Center for little Lego fans.

You can also find the biggest dolphinarium in all of Europe in Istanbul, as well as a toy museum, a Madame Tussauds wax museum, and the various beaches where kids can build sandcastles, play games, and splash around in the sea.

Ankara doesn’t have the beaches, nor does it have quite as many family attractions. However, you can find a fun water park there, with lots of big, colorful slides, as well as some nice parks, an aquarium, and several zoos.

So, there are certainly options in Ankara to keep the kids happy, and older teens might appreciate the city’s malls and educational museums, too.

Overall, Istanbul is the better option, once again winning out due to its diverse attractions and activities. 

Budget: The four-star Wings Hotels Neva Palas is a modern hotel with great facilities set right into the heart of the capital. Considering the quality of service and its location, it must be one of the best priced hotels in the region. See photos and rates!

Luxury: Divan Cukurhan is a stunning hotel done up in authentic Turkish style. Not only is this arguably Turkey’s most photogenic hotel, it also has exceptional service, sits in a central city location and is well known for its incredibly comfy beds. See photos and rates!

Budget: The lovely Hotel Empress Zoe is centrally located, close Hagia Sophia, and is decked up in traditional Turkish style. It’s photogenic, the staff are friendly, and the breakfast is very good. See photos and rates here!

Luxury: The five-star Mula Hotel sits by the water and has gorgeous city views. It’s also right in the center of Istanbul, so perfect for sightseeing, and has wonderful outdoor areas perfect for a sundowner. It’s one of the best-priced five-star hotels in the city too. See photos and rates!

If you’re heading away on a couples’ vacation, looking for romance and seeking to make some magical memories with someone special, there are lots of reasons to choose both Ankara and Istanbul as your destination.

Ankara has the more quiet vibes and scenic surroundings, helping to make it quite a romantic and charming city to spend time in.

Couples can enjoy the capital’s cultural landmarks, or spend time together shopping or simply roaming around and admiring the architecture.

Istanbul, once again, has a bigger selection of things to do. It’s also got the better restaurant scene for those late night meals with your partner, as well as beaches where you and your loved one can stretch out and sunbathe.

Overall, the best choice for you and your partner will depend on what you like to do the most.

Couples looking for vibrancy, excitement, and countless attractions should head to Istanbul, but those who want something a little more quaint and quiet should opt for Ankara instead.

Which Is Cheaper? 

Of course, we also have to consider the cost of these two cities.

You might assume that there’s not a huge difference in terms of average prices between Istanbul and Ankara, but in reality, there’s quite a large gap between average accommodation rates, food prices, and tour costs.

Ankara has significantly cheaper nightly hotel rates. It also usually costs less to eat in Ankara, and the cost of tours and entertainment tends to be lower here, too. So, for budget-conscious travelers, the choice is clear.

Since Istanbul is such a touristy city, with so many foreign travelers around, local businesses tend to price things quite high.

Hotels in Istanbul have high demand and can afford to ramp up the costs of their rooms, and restaurants are often reserved well in advance, with relatively pricey menus in many of the top-rated places.

It’s still possible to have an affordable trip to Istanbul, but you’ll need to plan ahead, reserve your hotel far in advance to get the best rate, and think about where you want to eat and what you want to do, in order to avoid going over-budget. In contrast, cheap trips to Ankara are much easier to organize.

Ankara vs Istanbul: Which Is The Better Choice?

So, which should you choose between Ankara and Istanbul? Well, it’s possible to have a wonderful time in either location, but one city might be better-suited for your desires than the other.

In most categories and aspects, Istanbul comes out on top. It’s deeper and more diverse than Ankara, filled up with historic sites, cultural landmarks, fascinating activities, fabulous beaches, and so much more. 

For that reason, Istanbul is our winner. It’s one of those incredible cities that can be recommended to almost anyone, and it’s absolutely worth seeing at least once in your lifetime.

It has truly iconic, must-see landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, along with that truly unique blend of European and Asian influences that simply cannot be found anywhere else on Earth.

Ankara can’t quite compete with Istanbul for typical touristic activities or rich culture, but it’s still a super city in its own right, and it’s emerging as a more desirable vacation destination with every passing year.

So, if you feel that Istanbul might just be a little too busy and noisy for you, Ankara could be the ideal alternative.

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Ankara Or Istanbul? Which Turkish City Should You Visit?

Ankara is usually touted as the political centre of Turkey while Istanbul is the exciting sibling with more vitality. Though these generalisations have some truth, both have their positive and negative aspects. But which should you visit? Here we weigh up the pros and cons of Istanbul and Ankara.

Want to visit both Ankara and Istanbul, plus a selection of other incredible destinations? Join Culture Trip’s expertly curated 12-day adventure in Turkey .

The pros of Istanbul

The gastronomic scene in Istanbul is a mixture of traditional and modern, with restaurants that have been around for decades and newer endeavours from celebrity chefs. The food is downright delicious and there are many options; from the simple kebab to modern interpretations of Anatolian recipes.

Istanbul is split in two by the Bosphorus: one side on the European continent, the other on the Asian. The dividing waterway makes the city the only one in the world that straddles two continents. You can visit both in a day to experience the different architecture and atmospheres. And when you want something completely different, head to the Princes’ Islands, a mostly car-free collection of islands where bike or horse-drawn carriage is the preferred mode of transport. A ferry from either the European or Asian side of Istanbul should take about 40 minutes.

The strait that separates the continents of Europe and Asia is a different colour every day, and is a beautiful sight to behold. Ferry rides to the Asian side, or a long Bosphorus tour, allow you to get an eyeful of this huge city from every angle.

The cons of Istanbul

Traffic in Istanbul is a nightmare. Commutes can stretch for hours in a stop-start situation that will drive the calmest person insane. It means you’ll have to give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to B and pretty much avoid driving a car altogether (because parking is another horror).

Istanbul is extremely crowded and loud – the city soundtrack might as well be honking cars. Public transportation is always full and busy folk might well push through before passengers step out. Nights out are just as bad. You’ll probably need to make reservations in advance because almost every venue is rammed on weekends.

Istanbul residents can be known to throw their rubbish onto the streets. In the summer, the few green areas in the city are overcrowded with people who barbecue outdoors and leave their waste to toss about in the wind.

The pros of Ankara

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Ankara is how green it is compared to Istanbul. Lush trees line the streets, and parks (where you can actually take a quiet walk) do exist. Unlike Istanbul, the focus on real estate is not as drastic and the natural world has been allowed to flourish.

Ankara is a residential and political city, meaning it is quieter and more organised compared to chaotic Istanbul. Even though there’s a bit of traffic during rush hour, you’ll never hear excessive car honking or the noise of the urban shuffle. The streets are not overcrowded and on the weekends it’s possible to go out without having to dodge waves of humans.

Ankara is a haven for shoppers with plenty of modern malls stocking every brand imaginable. The capital also doesn’t fall short on sightseeing, with the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Ethnography Museum, and the Ankara Kalesi (and surrounding old city) deemed as favourites.

From the beautifully ornate Ziraat Bank Museum (built in 1929 by Giulio Mongeri) to the more modern office buildings of the 1960s in the Ulus neighbourhood, Ankara has a lot to see for architecture enthusiasts. Even the train station (built in 1937) is a gorgeous example of art deco, while the old clock towers and metal lamps decorate the streets like a true capital city.

The cons of Ankara

The restaurant culture in Ankara is not as varied as in Istanbul, so you won’t find that unique haute-cuisine Turkish restaurant run by a celebrity chef. But from kebabs to fresh fish, variety does exist in Ankara (definitely visit Aspava, a traditional Turkish restaurant with a long list of local classics).

The biggest weakness of the Turkish capital is its lack of cultural life. There are few major events such as art exhibition openings or the latest musicals. The dilapidated condition of the opera house also speaks volumes about the lack of focus on events.

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Ankara or istanbul the great turkish getaway decision.

So, you’ve decided to take a break and venture into the heart of Turkey. But wait, there’s a twist in the plot – the age-old question: Ankara or Istanbul? Let’s get to the bottom of this Turkish tangle and figure out which city deserves a spot on your Turkey travel itinerary .

And hey, if the idea of planning your own Turkish odyssey sounds as complex as a maze of spice markets, check out Exoticca’s Turkey adventure tours ! The vacation packages allow tourists to experience Istanbul’s grandeur, Ankara’s hidden gems, or both. All flights are sorted, accommodations locked in, and some activities, meals, and transfers are thrown in for good measure. It’s like having your Turkish delight and eating it, too – without the headache of coordinating every detail. Let the experts handle the logistics, and you focus on soaking in the magic of Turkey. That’s what we call a stress-free adventure!

Cultural Showdown: Palaces, Museums, Mosques, and More

Ankara’s underdog charm.

Ankara, the often-overlooked underdog of Turkish cities, has more to offer than meets the eye. Sure, it’s the political hub, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s all business and no pleasure.

First up, let’s talk museums. Ankara is a secret lair of history buffs. The Anatolian Civilizations Museum is like a time-traveling machine that takes you on a journey through Turkey’s ancient past. Now, mosques – oh, Ankara’s got a duo that plays a different tune. The Kocatepe Mosque stands tall, a modern giant in the city’s skyline, while the Haci Bayram Mosque whispers serenity in the heart of the old town.

In the Citadel of Ankara , the city’s crowning glory, you’ll feel the weight of centuries on your shoulders. It’s a silent storyteller, a fortress that has witnessed the ebb and flow of empires. And for a view that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous, climb up the Atakule Tower . It’s not just a tower; it’s Ankara’s way of saying, “Hey, look at me, too!”

The city even has some surprises up its sleeve. Ever heard of the Roman Bathhouse ? Yep, Ankara hides Roman relics amidst its modern façade, adding this spot on your Turkey travel itinerary is like stumbling upon a historical jackpot.

Istanbul’s Allure

If Ankara is the hidden gem, Istanbul is the flamboyant showstopper, ready to steal the spotlight.

Palaces? Istanbul doesn’t mess around. The Topkapi Palace is like a real-life fairy tale setting – think lush gardens, opulent chambers, and views that make you feel like royalty. It’s where sultans once roamed, and you can almost hear the echoes of their grandeur in every courtyard.

Museums in Istanbul are not just about artifacts; they’re about time-traveling adventures. The Hagia Sophia is a living testament to Istanbul’s intricate past. It’s not just a building; it’s a canvas where empires painted their legacies. And when it comes to a cultural tug of war, the Istanbul Archaeology Museums are the rope – pulling you into the depths of Turkey’s rich history.

Now, mosques – oh boy, Istanbul knows how to make them spectacular. The Blue Mosque , with its intricate tilework and towering minarets, is a masterpiece that leaves you in awe. And let’s not forget the Süleymaniye Mosque , standing tall on the city’s skyline, a poetic blend of architectural brilliance and spiritual tranquility.

But Istanbul doesn’t stop there. The Grand Bazaar is like a cultural carnival where you can shop, haggle, and get lost in a labyrinth of treasures. It’s a sensory overload – the vibrant colors, the aromatic spices, the chatter of eager vendors – it’s a Turkish delight for your senses.

And hop on a Bosphorus cruise for a view that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Istanbul unfolds its beauty as you sail between two continents.

Palate Pleasures: Turkey Travel Itinerary Foodie Adventures

Ankara’s local delights.

Okay, let’s get down to one of the most crucial aspects of any getaway – the food! Although Ankara isn’t exactly known for its gastronomy, it sure does have a few surprises in store. Sakarya Street and the historic neighborhood of Hamamönü are renowned for their vibrant street food scenes. From sizzling kebabs to savory gözleme, these bustling avenues offer a delectable array of Turkish delights that’ll tantalize your taste buds with every step. Forget the tourist traps when planning your Turkey travel itinerary – Ankara’s food scene is all about authenticity and local charm.

Istanbul’s Culinary Odyssey

Let’s turn our attention to Istanbul’s culinary prowess. Brace yourself for a foodie adventure like no other. Street eats galore, kebabs that will make your mouth water, and sweets that are practically works of art – Istanbul, more specifically Eminönü and Karaköy districts , is a gastronomic paradise.

From the aromatic spice markets to hidden gems serving culinary masterpieces, Istanbul’s food scene is a journey in itself. Not sure how to find the best spots to eat in Istanbul for your Turkey travel itinerary? Trust the personal recommendations of seasoned NanoWhat traveller Marisa Valadas and download her Google map of restaurants and things to do in Istanbul . Grab a simit (Turkish bagel) from a street vendor or indulge in a hearty plate of mezes – your taste buds will thank you.

Nature Escapes: Finding Serenity

Ankara’s inland escapades.

If you’re in the mood for some nature therapy, Ankara’s got your back. Leave the hustle and bustle behind as you venture into the inland escapades of this charming city. You can enjoy a relaxing walk by serene lakes such as Eymir Lake or Lake Mogan . Alternatively, hike through Soguksu National Park or Segmenler Parkı , discovering nature trails that lead to hidden gems. Ankara’s countryside offers a literal breath of fresh air. Trade the urban landscape for the serene embrace of nature, where the soundtrack is composed of rustling leaves and the cheerful chirping of birds.

Istanbul’s Coastal Charms

The coastline attractions of Istanbul are also worth exploring. Bosphorus beauty awaits, with cruises that offer breathtaking views of the city. Seaside strolls and tranquil parks along or near the coastline, such as Gülhane Park , Baltalimanı Japanese Garden , and Emirgan Grove , provide a picturesque backdrop for relaxation.

Istanbul’s coastal areas offer a different kind of serenity – one that comes with the gentle lapping of waves and a cool breeze that carries the scent of the sea. Whether you’re sipping tea at a waterside café or taking a leisurely walk along the shore, Istanbul’s coastal vibes are hard to resist.

The Verdict: A Turkey Travel Itinerary Where Your Heart Can Wander

Where does your heart lean in The Great Turkish Getaway Decision? The deciding factors are in your hands. Are you craving the political coolness of Ankara, the culinary odyssey of Istanbul, the inland escapades, coastal charms, or the cultural kaleidoscope each city offers? Whatever your answer is – your perfect Turkish escape awaits. Just follow your heart and get ready for an adventure that blends tradition, flavor, nature, and culture in the unique tapestry that is Turkey. Ankara or Istanbul – the choice is yours!

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Ankara vs. Istanbul

Table of Contents

You might be drawn to Ankara, with its blend of ancient and modern worlds, or you might find Istanbul’s endless energy and cultural diversity irresistible. Either way, your adventure awaits! Ready to explore more and find out which city is the right choice for you? Let’s dive in!

History & Culture

Comparing Ankara and Istanbul in terms of history and culture is like contrasting the colors of the sky at dawn and dusk. Both are beautiful and distinct in their own way.

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is often overshadowed by its more famous sibling. Yet, Ankara’s rich history, which dates back to the Hittite era, and its role as the birthplace of the modern Turkish Republic, make it a fascinating city steeped in a blend of ancient and modern histories.

On the other hand, Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople and Byzantium, has been at the crossroads of numerous civilizations. The city has been the capital of three different empires – Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, each leaving their mark on the city. Today, Istanbul’s culture is a mesmerizing tapestry woven with threads from its multifaceted past.

As you explore Ankara, you’ll find its history and culture reflected in its government buildings, museums, and in the ancient Roman Temple of Augustus. Similarly, Istanbul’s illustrious past is mirrored in its splendid palaces, ancient churches, and grand mosques, along with its bustling markets which offer a glimpse into the everyday life of its people.

In a nutshell, if you’re drawn to the appeal of a city with a more laid-back pace and rich in modern Turkish history, Ankara might captivate you. But if you’re attracted to a vibrant city echoing the whispers of ancient civilizations, then Istanbul’s enchanting blend of the East and West might be hard to resist.

Attractions & Activities

Now, let’s shift our focus from the historical and cultural tapestries of Ankara and Istanbul to the diverse attractions and activities these cities offer. Whether you’re a lover of art, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, each city offers a unique tableau of experiences, waiting to be discovered.

In Ankara, you can begin your adventure at Anıtkabir, the monumental tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. A visit to this site offers a glimpse into the life of the man who shaped modern Turkey.

For those seeking a more hands-on historical experience, Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is an unmissable treasure trove that houses a stunning collection of artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the present day. Additionally, hiking enthusiasts can enjoy a pleasant walk up to Ankara Castle, rewarding them with panoramic views of the city.

Meanwhile, Istanbul, the city of minarets, also boasts an array of attractions. The iconic Hagia Sophia, with its soaring dome and stunning mosaics, is a testament to the city’s diverse cultural heritage.

Just a stone’s throw away, the Blue Mosque beckons with its beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Beyond these historic landmarks, take a leisurely stroll around the quaint neighborhood of Galata, crowned by the imposing Galata Tower, which offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city.

Summing up, Ankara offers a delightful array of activities that shed light on Turkey’s modern history, while Istanbul mesmerizes with its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, captured in its captivating attractions.

Eating, Drinking & Nightlife

Embarking on a culinary journey is an essential part of the travel experience, and it’s here that both Ankara and Istanbul truly shine. The gastronomy in these cities is as diverse as their cultural heritage, presenting you with an array of delights to savor.

In Ankara, don’t miss the chance to taste the local specialty, Ankara Tava, a delectable meat dish cooked with a variety of vegetables. The city’s Ulus district is known for its array of eateries serving traditional Turkish cuisine, ensuring that you’ll never be far from a tantalizing meal.

The drinking culture in Ankara is vibrant, with a variety of local wines to sample. The vineyards in and around Ankara are famed for producing Kalecik Karası, a red wine that has gained international recognition.

When it comes to nightlife, Ankara’s Kızılay district is the epicenter, teeming with pubs, bars, and clubs that offer a lively atmosphere well into the night.

In Istanbul, a food lover’s paradise, your palate will be treated to a broader spectrum of flavors. From the renowned Döner kebabs to the deliciously sweet Baklava, every dish tells a story. The eateries lining the Bosphorus present a remarkable dining experience, combining delectable food with stunning views.

Drinking in Istanbul can be quite an experience, especially with its signature spirit, Raki. Also, Turkish tea and coffee are integral to Istanbul’s social fabric and should not be missed.

Istanbul’s nightlife is globally famed, with districts like Beyoğlu and Kadıköy offering an array of bars, clubs, and live music venues that cater to all preferences.

All in all, Ankara offers a cozier and more traditional eating, drinking, and nightlife scene, while Istanbul presents a more cosmopolitan and dynamic experience.

If you’re a shopper at heart, both Ankara and Istanbul won’t disappoint. These cities offer a mix of traditional markets and modern shopping centers, each providing a unique shopping experience.

Ankara’s shopping scene is well-known for its traditional arts and crafts. A visit to the old quarter will reveal small artisan shops selling handmade carpets, copper work, and beautifully woven textiles. At the heart of the city, Kızılay is home to several modern shopping malls that cater to diverse shopping needs.

Contrastingly, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, is a shopper’s dream. It’s a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from traditional Turkish ceramics and lanterns to finely woven carpets and gold jewelry. On the modern side, Istanbul’s Istiklal Street is a bustling avenue lined with international fashion brands and boutique stores.

In conclusion, whether you’re seeking traditional artifacts or modern fashion trends, both Ankara and Istanbul provide compelling shopping experiences. Ankara’s shopping scene presents a charming blend of tradition and modernity, while Istanbul’s vibrant and diverse marketplaces offer an immersive shopping journey.

Accommodation

Choosing the right place to rest your head at night can make a significant difference in your travel experience. Ankara and Istanbul offer a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.

In Ankara, accommodations are generally more affordable. You’ll find a mix of budget-friendly guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and a few luxury options. Many of these establishments are located in the city center, providing easy access to major attractions and public transportation.

In Istanbul, the accommodation options are more diverse and numerous, reflecting the city’s status as a major global destination. From quaint boutique hotels nestled in the historic Sultanahmet district to luxurious five-star hotels along the Bosphorus with stunning views, Istanbul caters to all tastes and budgets.

In conclusion, both Ankara and Istanbul offer a wide range of accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. Ankara, with its more budget-friendly options, is ideal for those seeking affordability and proximity to city attractions.

On the other hand, Istanbul, with its diverse and plentiful choices, offers accommodations that range from boutique to luxurious, providing a richer array of experiences to travelers.

Family-Friendliness & Children’s Activities

Family vacations are about creating memorable experiences, and both Ankara and Istanbul are well-equipped to keep your little ones engaged and entertained.

Ankara offers several family-friendly attractions. The city’s notable science center, METU Science and Technology Museum, and the popular Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo are ideal spots for a family outing. The parks in Ankara, like Gençlik Park and Seğmenler Park, offer plenty of room for kids to play and explore.

Istanbul, on the other hand, is packed with child-friendly activities and attractions. Miniaturk, a park featuring miniature replicas of Turkey’s famous landmarks, and Vialand, an extensive amusement park, are surefire hits with children. Istanbul also has numerous parks and green spaces, such as Emirgan Park, which is especially beautiful during the annual Tulip Festival.

In summary, both Ankara and Istanbul are family-friendly destinations with various attractions to engage and entertain children. Ankara offers several science-oriented attractions and expansive parks for outdoor activities, whereas Istanbul boasts an abundance of engaging attractions, including parks and entertainment venues like amusement parks, making it a lively destination for families.

Getting There & Getting Around

Whether you’re traveling from within Turkey or abroad, reaching either Ankara or Istanbul is relatively straightforward.

Ankara’s Esenboğa Airport, located 28 km (17 miles) from the city center, offers domestic and international flights. Istanbul, on the other hand, is served by two major airports, Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport, providing connections to destinations worldwide.

Getting around Ankara is facilitated by an efficient public transport network, consisting of buses, minibuses, and a light metro system. Istanbul’s public transportation is even more extensive, with buses, trams, metro lines, ferries, and the iconic funiculars and trams in the historic districts.

To summarize, both Ankara and Istanbul are accessible cities with robust public transportation systems. Ankara’s airport and compact city center make it easy to reach and navigate, while Istanbul’s extensive public transportation system and two major airports accommodate a larger volume of visitors. Whether you choose Ankara for its simplicity and efficiency, or Istanbul for its more extensive network, you’ll find both cities conveniently navigable.

When planning a trip, the weather can have a significant influence on your itinerary.

Ankara, located in the central part of the country, experiences a relatively hot summer and cold winter. In the peak summer months, temperatures can reach up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), while in winter, temperatures can drop as low as 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius).

Istanbul, on the other hand, being situated in the northwest and surrounded by water, has a more moderate climate. Summer temperatures are milder, often peaking around 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius), and winters are less severe with temperatures hovering around 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius).

Rainfall is more common in Istanbul throughout the year, which may add a romantic ambiance to your trip but could also disrupt outdoor plans.

When it comes to choosing between Ankara and Istanbul, consider the time of year and your weather preference. Ankara’s weather might be more suitable for those who prefer a distinct change between seasons, while Istanbul is ideal for travelers who appreciate mild weather and don’t mind a bit of rainfall.

When planning a trip to a new city, safety is undeniably a paramount concern. So, let’s delve into the safety profiles of both Ankara and Istanbul. As a general rule, Turkey is considered a safe country for tourists, but like any urban environment, caution should always be taken.

Ankara, as the nation’s capital, is well-secured and well-policed. It’s a modern city with a lower rate of petty crimes compared to many other major cities globally. However, as in any other city, it’s always wise to maintain awareness of your belongings, especially in crowded places.

On the other hand, Istanbul, with its bustling streets and massive population, can present the usual challenges of a large metropolis. Petty theft, especially in tourist areas, might be a concern. However, a touch of vigilance can go a long way. It’s always prudent to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas late at night.

Beyond crime-related topics, both cities have robust infrastructure and high-quality medical facilities, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay for tourists. Traffic can be hectic in both cities, so extra caution should be taken while crossing the roads. Also, emergency services in both cities are efficient and responsive, offering an added layer of safety for residents and visitors alike.

To sum up, both Ankara and Istanbul are reasonably safe cities to visit. Like in any major city, maintaining awareness and taking common-sense precautions will make your stay pleasant and secure.

Turkey, in general, offers great value for money to travelers, but there are some differences in the cost of living and traveling between Ankara and Istanbul. Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison.

Starting with accommodation, Ankara generally offers more affordable options, with a wide range of budget hotels and rentals available.

On the other hand, Istanbul, being a major tourist hub, tends to have higher-priced accommodations, especially in popular areas such as Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. However, you can also find budget-friendly options if you’re willing to stay a bit further away from the city center.

When it comes to dining, both cities boast a vast selection of eateries offering delicious Turkish cuisine. While prices vary depending on the restaurant’s location and reputation, generally, eating out in Ankara is slightly cheaper than in Istanbul.

Street food, a significant part of Turkish culture, is affordable in both cities, and you’ll find a mouthwatering array of local treats to try.

Regarding transportation, public transport is highly efficient and affordable in both cities. However, bear in mind that Istanbul is a larger city with more extensive public transportation networks, so you might end up spending a bit more on transportation in Istanbul compared to Ankara.

In the context of attractions, most of Istanbul’s famous sites like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace have an entrance fee, whereas in Ankara, many attractions such as parks and museums are either free or have a nominal entry charge.

In summary, while both cities offer good value for money, Ankara tends to be a bit more pocket-friendly. However, the slight increase in cost in Istanbul is balanced out by the diversity of experiences and sights it offers.

Which Is Better – Ankara or Istanbul?

As you come to the final stages of planning your journey, you might still be wondering, “Should I visit Ankara or Istanbul?” The answer isn’t a simple one, as it largely depends on your personal preferences and expectations from the trip.

Reflecting on the history and culture, Ankara, the capital of Turkey, offers an interesting blend of modernity and tradition, while Istanbul, the historical capital, provides an in-depth glimpse into the country’s rich past. For history buffs or culture enthusiasts, Istanbul, with its grand historical monuments and vibrant cultural scenes, may offer a more enchanting experience.

When considering attractions and activities, both cities offer a variety of exciting options. However, Istanbul’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, and its iconic landmarks, such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, give it a slight edge. But remember, if you’re after a quieter and less touristy experience, Ankara might be a better choice.

As for the beaches, Istanbul takes the lead with its beautiful coastline along the Bosphorus Strait and the Sea of Marmara, providing a refreshing escape during the summer months.

In terms of eating, drinking, and nightlife, both cities offer a rich culinary scene and vibrant nightlife. However, Istanbul’s larger size and cosmopolitan nature offer a wider variety of dining and entertainment options.

The cost of living and traveling can be a deciding factor for many. If you’re traveling on a budget, Ankara could be a more affordable option, with cheaper food, lodging, and overall living costs. Istanbul, on the other hand, might be a bit pricier but offers a more extensive range of attractions and experiences.

In terms of family-friendliness and children’s activities, both cities are accommodating, offering plenty of parks, museums, and attractions suitable for young ones. Safety-wise, both cities are relatively safe with the right precautions.

Weather-wise, it boils down to your preference for either a distinct change of seasons in Ankara or more moderate and constant weather in Istanbul.

In conclusion, your choice between Ankara and Istanbul will ultimately depend on what you value most in your travel experience. Whether it’s the bustling, cosmopolitan feel and rich history of Istanbul or the quieter, more affordable, and modern experience of Ankara, your trip is sure to be a memorable one.

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15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Ankara

Written by Jess Lee Updated May 11, 2023

Author Jess Lee lives in Turkey and has been visiting and writing about Ankara regularly for guidebooks for over a decade.

Ankara sometimes gets left off people's travel itineraries, which is a shame because Turkey's capital has more to offer than most visitors realize. If one of your prime travel goals is to discover the vast breadth of Turkey's history, Ankara is a great place to visit.

Both the country's top museum and Atatürk's mausoleum, two of the country's most important historic tourist attractions , are found here, plus a sightseeing stroll around Ankara's citadel district offers a glimpse of the city's past, before it was promoted to capital status.

With its central location, Ankara is also an excellent base from which to jump off on further forays into the Anatolian heartland, where you'll find many archaeological sites and other historical things to do within day-tripping distance.

While you're in town, planning whether to head east to Cappadocia , south to Konya , or west to Safranbolu , use our list to help find the top attractions and things to do in Ankara.

1. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

2. pay your respects at the anitkabir (atatürk mausoleum), 3. walk the citadel neighborhood, 4. see the collection inside erimtan archaeology & art museum, 5. discover ulus' roman remnants, 6. visit the haci bayram i-veli cami, 7. explore ankara's art galleries, 8. day trip to hattuşa, 9. visit the archaeological site of alacahöyük, 10. check out the cultural scene at ankara state opera house, 11. day trip to gordion, 12. feast on local flavors in beypazarı, 13. relax in gençlik park, 14. shop for local crafts in the hamamönü neighborhood, 15. stroll around eymir lake, ankara, turkey - climate chart.

Highlights: Neolithic wall paintings, Bronze Age stonework, Hittite clay cuneiform tablets, and Phrygian gold

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is reason enough to include Ankara on your Turkey itinerary. It's the only place in the country where you can grasp the full scope of Anatolia's pre-Classical-era human history.

The most important finds from the Neolithic village site of Çatalhöyük , near Konya, including the wall painting thought by some archaeologists to be the world's first town map and the famed fertility goddess statue, are displayed here in the first hall.

Farther on, halls are devoted to the Hittite Empire of the Bronze Age that had their capital at Hattuşa (192 kilometers to the east) and the Phrygian and Urartian Empires, which thrived on the Anatolian steppe during the Iron Age.

The central Stone Hall exhibits the most important stone reliefs and statuary from across the eras.

Here, you'll find numerous finely detailed orthostat reliefs from the Hittite site of Carchemish (70 kilometers southwest of Gaziantep ), renowned, long before its actual discovery, as the site of the Battle of Carchemish between Egypt and Babylonia relayed in the Old Testament.

Address: 2 Gözcü Sokak, Ulus, Ankara

Highlights: Sprawling city views from the plaza and a monumental mausoleum

Ankara's most visited tourist attraction is also Turkey's most important modern pilgrimage site. Sitting on a hilltop, just to the west of the city center, is the mausoleum of Atatürk (Mustafa Kemal), the founder of the state of Turkey.

As well as the actual mausoleum, with its lavish use of marble, the site, centered round a vast plaza, contains a large museum complex.

It contains both exhibits on the War of Independence, led by Atatürk, which resulted in the birth of Turkey as a modern nation, and displays focused on Atatürk's life.

Outside, there are excellent views across Ankara from the arcade that edges the plaza. The mausoleum itself is decorated with gilded inscriptions of Atatürk's speeches.

Inside, a cenotaph stands above the placement of Atatürk's tomb. Visitors entering the mausoleum should respect the atmosphere of somber reverence inside as Turks pay their respect to the founder and first president of their modern nation.

Address: Yücetepe, 31 Akdeniz Caddesi, Çankaya, Ankara

Highlights: A historic district of cobblestone alleys enclosed within ancient walls

A wander through this neighborhood is one of the most atmospheric things to do in Ankara. The citadel (Kale) area dates from the Byzantine era and is ringed by, still immense in places, fortifications raised in the 9th century.

Inside, narrow cobblestone alleyways are rimmed by creaky Ottoman-era houses, some of which have been painstakingly restored in recent years, though others are slowly slipping into various levels of dilapidation.

The main attraction inside the inner walls is the Eastern Tower (Sark Kulesi), which offers vistas that span across modern Ankara from its crenelated ramparts.

Heading downhill from the inner citadel area's main gate, known as Parmak Kapısı, the winding lanes are crammed with traditional craft workshops, antique stores, and cafés. This is a great place to hunt for souvenirs.

While here, make sure to stop in and see the Aslanhane Cami, one of Ankara's most interesting mosques. The interior of the mosque, with its prayer hall lined with wooden pillars topped by Roman stone capitals and its ornate ceramic tile mihrab (wall niche), is well worth a visit.

Address: Gözcü Sokak, Kale, Altindag, Ankara

Highlight: Ankara's premier collection of Graeco-Roman artifacts from sites throughout Turkey

The Erimtan Museum's collection mostly focuses on the Classical era, so it works as an excellent addition to the city's main Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. As they both sit on the road leading up to the citadel neighborhood, they're easily viewed together in one morning or afternoon.

Eschewing traditional museum curation, the Erimtan's contemporary storytelling displays bring the exhibits of this private collection to life, allowing you to understand more about daily life during the Greek and Roman periods.

As well as the permanent collection, the Erimtan also hosts regular temporary exhibitions in its lower hall, which often focus on specific archaeological sites or Turkish culture. The museum grounds also host a periodic program of evening classical music concerts.

Address: 10 Gözcü Sokak, Kale, Altindag, Ankara

Highlights: Delving into Ankara's Roman period amid the ruins of Ulus

Ankara is often thought of as a modern city – the nation's planned new capital after the modern state of Turkey was formed.

There has been a settlement on this spot, though, since the Bronze Age. In the Roman period, this settlement gained prominence when it became known as Ankyra, and Emperor Augustus made it capital of the Roman province of Galatia.

The remaining Roman ruins of this era are all in the downtown district of Ulus.

To understand the importance of ancient Ankyra, pay a quick visit to the sparse remnants of the Temple of Augustus and Rome on Haci Bayram Veli Caddesi. Just some partial ruins of the temple's once impressive walls remain, next door to the Haci Bayram i-Veli Cami.

The most extensive set of ruins left over from Ancient Ankyra are the Roman baths on Çankiri Caddesi. The foundations, along with plenty of stone reliefs and some remaining intact arched ruins, of this sprawling imperial baths complex can be easily viewed, though you'll have to stomp through the weeds to see them.

If you're walking from Ulus up Hisarparki Caddesi to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the citadel neighborhood, peer over the northern side of the road to take in the ruins of the Roman theater.

It's currently under restoration, so you can only view the remains of this theater, which once accommodated between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators, from above.

Highlights: Major local pilgrimage site and historic mosque amid a landscaped garden area

Built in honor of the Muslim holy man and Bayramiye dervish founder, Haci Bayram Veli, this 15th-century mosque is a major pilgrimage center. For non-pilgrim visitors, a stop here is more interesting for the surrounding area than for the mosque's interior.

The area around the mosque, with its gardens and restored Ottoman-era mansions, has been prettily landscaped and is a popular spot for local families in the early evening.

It includes a plaza with a pond, fountains, and shops selling religious paraphernalia for pilgrims, as well as the remaining walls of the Temple of Augustus and Rome, which rub up against the mosque (and were once used to house the mosque's madrassa).

There are also brilliant views up to the citadel neighborhood from here.

Address: Haci Bayram Veli Caddesi, Ulus, Ankara

Highlights: The major names in Turkish modern art, from its birth to the artists working today

Ankara may not have the modern art scene of Istanbul, but there are two galleries, both in the central city, that are well worth a visit.

The most important is the Ankara Painting & Sculpture Museum (Türkocagi Sokak, Hacettepe), which has a large permanent collection of Turkish art from the 19th and 20th centuries. All the major names of the Turkish art scene have works on display here.

For completely contemporary art, the CerModern (3 Altinsoy Caddesi, Sihhiye) is Ankara's best site. This gallery, based in a disused train depot building, near Ankara's train station, hosts a regular program of temporary exhibitions focused on both local and international artists.

Highlights: Exploring Hattuşa's city gates before admiring the rock reliefs of Yazılıkaya

The ruins of Hattuşa , the capital of Anatolia's Bronze Age Hittite empire, sit on the edge of the sleepy village of Boğazkale, 192 kilometers east of Ankara. If you don't want to stay the night in Boğazkale itself, Ankara is the best place to base yourself to day trip to the ruins.

During the Bronze Age, the Hittites controlled a vast tract of land that encompassed much of modern-day Turkey and into Syria. Today, the rugged hillside that rises above Boğazkale contains the remnants of their most important city.

The most distinctive ruins that have survived are Hattuşa's fortifications, which ring the hillside. In particular, the Yer Kapı's (Earth Gate's) earthen mound, with its 70-meter-long tunnel entrance; the Sphinx Gate, atop the mound; and the Aslanlı Kapı (Lion's Gate), with its stone lions are impressive remnants of the city's vast defensive structures.

Just two kilometers from the main ruins is the site of Yazılıkaya, which was Hattuşa's religious sanctuary. The rocks here hold finely carved, well-preserved reliefs showing images of the major Hittite kings giving offerings to their gods.

Highlight: Walking the rampart pathway around this important Hattian culture site

If you start off from Ankara early enough in the day, you can fit a visit to Alacahöyük into a day trip to Hattuşa.

This archaeological site dates back to the Chalcolithic era, and during the early Bronze Age became a center of Anatolia's Hattian culture, which was later absorbed into the Hittite Empire.

Alacahöyük is chiefly famous for its royal shaft graves, from which a dazzling cache of decorative gold objects and jewelry was excavated by archaeologists. Most of the grave goods are now on display in Ankara's Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, but the skeletons themselves and a selection of grave goods have been left in situ on-site.

The site's fortifications, with a monumental gate entrance decorated with reliefs, and the corbeled tunnel entrance at the back of the site, both dating from Alacahöyük's later Hittite period, are also worth visiting.

Alacahöyük is 28 kilometers north of Hattuşa and 196 kilometers east of Ankara.

Highlights: Turkey's most important venue for ballet, opera, and theater performances

If you want to add a bit of evening culture to your trip, the Ankara State Opera House is the top venue in town. This theater is the central hub for catching performances of the Turkish State Opera, Turkish State Ballet, or Turkish State Theater companies.

The site hosts a regular and varied program of concerts and events from September to June, ranging from contemporary theater productions to classical ballet.

As well as being home base for all the national theater and arts companies, the theater is also used to host big name international classical music performances and is a major venue for local festivals.

Address: 20 Atatürk Bulvari, Ankara

Highlights: Delving deep inside the Midas Tumulus and then exploring the hilltop ruins

Ankara is the best base for a day trip to the Iron Age Phrygian capital of Gordion . This was the site once home to the legendary King Midas and the location where Alexander the Great cut the Gordion knot.

Today, the remnants of this Phrygian city sit amid the fields of the sleepy farming hamlet of Yassihöyük (96 kilometers southwest of Ankara).

There are two main sites in the village. The most famous is the Midas Tumulus – an artificial earthen mound over 50 meters high that contains the tomb of a Phrygian king.

Despite its name, there is no evidence that the king buried here was actually the Midas of legend. You can walk through a tunnel in the tumulus up to the tomb, though the burial goods found here are in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, not on-site.

There's a small museum across the road from the tumulus, which holds some finds unearthed from the archaeological work here as well.

At the other end of the village is the citadel mound, which is home to ruins from a range of eras.

Although the ruin layout of various walls, arches, and foundations is rather confusing to non-experts, there are plentiful information panels on the citadel mound, which explain both the site and Gordion's history .

Address: Yassihöyük, Polatli

Highlights: Preserved Ottoman-era architecture, cobblestone lanes, and local foodie treats

The town of Beypazarı, 102 kilometers west of Ankara, is hugely popular with Ankara locals as a day-trip destination on sunny weekends. This is due to both the glut of finely restored Ottoman-era buildings in its small historic center and for its culinary reputation.

The town sits in the heartland of Turkey's carrot-growing region, and people flock here to munch on the town's carrot baklava and carrot Turkish delight, and drink their local carrot juice.

The town's non-carrot cuisine includes many other regional specialties produced only in the local area, so the cafés and restaurants here are jam-packed during the warmer months with Turkish foodies, who've come here solely to feast on Beypazarı's flavors.

After lunch, weave your way through the lanes of the old town to admire the red-roofed, timber framed mansions, and make sure to call into some of Beypazarı's small specialist museums, all in converted Ottoman houses, dedicated to Turkish folk heritage and local culture.

Highlights: Popular, central city green space with pretty garden-side walkways for strolling

This is Ankara's most central green space. Hugely popular with local families for evening strolls and weekend picnics, Gençlik Park is a good place to visit to take a breather from the capital's hustle.

The park has a large lake and various promenades lined by fountains and manicured gardens.

The southeast corner of the park is home to Ankara's Luna Park, which holds a number of amusement park rides, including a Ferris wheel, two roller coasters, and plenty of gentler rides such as carousels and bumper cars suitable for younger children.

If you're traveling with tots, it's a good place to keep the kids distracted for an hour or two.

Address: 50 Atatürk Bulvari

Highlight: Craft shopping and café-life amid a central district of restored Ottoman architecture

This small area of traditional, wooden-beamed Ottoman-period mansions in central Ankara has been fully restored and has become a popular weekend destination for café life and arts and crafts.

Hamamönü is one of the few areas in the central city that has managed to preserve its architecture, so a stroll here is a taster of what the city looked like before the modern era.

It's a good place to browse for traditional Turkish crafts, with market stalls set up just off the cobblestone alleys.

For foodies, many of the cafés and restaurants set within the old houses here specialize in local Anatolian cooking.

Address: Talatpasa Bulvari 126, Hacettepe, Ankara

Highlights: Nature break on the edge of the city with opportunities for hiking and cycling

Eymir Lake (17 kilometers south of the central city) and its surrounding pine tree forest is one of Ankara's most popular spots for a nature break from the big city bustle. On sunny weekends, the lakeside area can get packed with locals out for a picnic, but on weekdays, it's much more peaceful.

For a long stroll, run, or cycle, the road that loops for 10.5 kilometers around the lake is Ankara's nearest outdoor destination. For cyclists, bicycles can be rented on-site while keen walkers wanting to head farther into nature can tackle the various walking trails that head into the forest.

The southern side of the lake has plenty of restaurants and cafés, which are hugely popular with locals for long and lazy breakfast feasts on weekends.

Address: Oran-Eymir Yolu, Oran, Ankara

The best time to visit Turkey's capital, Ankara, is during the months of June, July, August, and September. This is when the weather is at its warmest and most dependably pleasant.

In July and August, temperatures range on average between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, and the summer weather brings plenty of sunny blue skies that are perfect for city strolls and sightseeing.

June and September tend to be milder, with average temperatures normally peaking at 25 degrees but dropping as low as 9 degrees at night. Even in August, bring along a warmer layer to throw on during the evenings, as Ankara sits at 938 meters above sea level and temperatures do drop after dark. If you're out late enjoying Ankara's many streetside or terrace dining options, it can get chilly in short sleeves.

Rainy weather isn't unheard of even midsummer, but July, August, and September tend to be the driest months, with an average of four to five days of rain each month. June has damper weather with an average of nine days of rain.

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Home > Epic Things To Do In Ankara, Capital City Of Turkey 

Epic Things To Do In Ankara, Capital City Of Turkey 

Written by our local expert Nicky

Nicky, originally from the UK, is now a local in Turkey. She moved to Marmaris, Türkiye for love 12 years ago and is now your Turkey travel planner.

If you did a quick survey of a sample of people and asked which city is the capital of Türkiye, many would tell you Istanbul. But you and I both know that they are wrong.

So, what is the capital of Turkey?  Ankara is the Capital.

Here is your guide on what to see and things to do in Ankara. Plus, ideas for day trips to take and on how to get to Ankara, Turkey.

While Istanbul is undoubtedly Türkiye’s largest city , it isn’t the Turkish capital; that particular honor falls to Ankara, located in the center of this huge country.

Ankara is definitely worth a visit, and if you’re heading there during the winter months , you’ll get to see a beautiful snowy scene in Ankara City and the surrounding area.

A visit here will also show you a slightly different way of life, as it’s far more traditional in this part of the country compared to the westernized beach resorts on the south coast or the tourist feel of Istanbul .

There is plenty to see and do in Ankara. It’s also the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey Republic of Turkey and a hugely inspirational and important figure for all Turks, even today.

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Map Of Ankara Things To Do & Places To Eat

Things To Do In Ankara – Capital City In Türkiye

There are many historical buildings of importance in the city of Ankara, but the metropolis itself is beautiful to walk around and explore. You’ll find a great blend of old and new, and the surrounding area is also fascinating to explore if you want to get out of the hustle and bustle for a few hours.

1. Ankara Castle – Ankara Citadel

Ankara Castle is in the Ulus area of the city, dating back to 476 BC. The castle was originally a defensive fortress, and you can still see the military influence in its architecture today.

Despite its age, Ankara Citadel (Ankara Kalesi in Turkish) is relatively well preserved, and it has four strong walls around the outside and 42 towers along the top section.

It’s not the easiest walk to get to the castle, and you will need comfortable walking shoes, but you’ll have your mind blown when you see the panoramic views of the city. If you love views, this is one thing to do in Ankara for you.

Around the castle, there is also an excellent selection of souvenirs to check out, including antiques.

2. Anitkabir

One of the most famous buildings in the whole of Ankara, if not the country, is Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk. Not only is this Ataturk’s final resting place, but it is also the site of a large War of Independence Museum and Ataturk himself. You’ll undoubtedly learn a lot, and it’s a very somber and important spot in terms of Turkish history.

You will need comfortable walking shoes as this one is one of the things to see in Ankara that is quite large and separated into four sections – all requiring lots of walking. In the first sector of Anitkabir, you can see Turkish soldiers carrying out their daily parades.

You’ll be able to walk around Peace Park with a dazzling display of flora and fauna, and you’ll also be able to visit the Ceremonial Plaza before entering the Hall of Honour, which is where Ataturk’s tomb is located.

3. Atakule Tower

This spot will give you a fantastic view of the city. Atakule is a huge communications tower that opened in the late ’80s and stood 410 feet high.

There is an observation deck where you can check out the entire city below you, and you can also eat at a great height. This is one of those places to visit in Ankara, with a view and a top-class restaurant that rotates a complete turn every hour. You must book a table here way ahead of time to avoid disappointment!

4. Cengelhan Rahmi Koc Museum

If you’re visiting Ankara as a family , this is what to do in Ankara with children.

Sat right next to Ankara Castle, this museum is full of exhibits on the world of transportation and communication, with airplanes and old telephones in abundance. Many shows are interactive so that children can learn something while visiting , and they will undoubtedly love the train ride around the grounds.

5. Gençlik Park

When the weather is warm, everyone heads to Genclik Park! This is a huge outdoor space with a Ferris wheel, swimming pool, green space to roam, fountains, miniature train rides , an amusement park, and even an open-air theatre.

Kids will love all the attractions, and the park’s size means it doesn’t tend to feel too crowded most of the time . There are also eating spots, and you can take a picnic if you want to. If you stay until the early evening, you’ll also be treated to the daily light show over the swimming pool.

6. ANKAmall

If you fancy a spot of modern-day shopping, then ANKAmall is for you. This is the country’s second-largest shopping mall , and it’s packed with high-street names and smaller boutique stores. Covering a huge 1890,000 square feet, you’ll need those comfortable shoes again! Of course, you’ll find eateries and plentiful activities for the family.

7. Kocatepe Mosque

Kocatepe Mosque is not only beautiful in design, but it’s also the largest mosque in the capital city of Ankara . It’s not that old, with construction beginning in 1967; however, you can see it from any point in the capital, so it’s undoubtedly a domineering sight. It’s also large, as it can fit 24,000 people inside at any one time.

The interior is natural, and with massive domes and chandeliers, it’s breathtaking in its design. The many colorful stained glass windows allow the sun to stream in, casting an ethereal glow.

8. Haci Bayram Mosque

Many beautiful and historical mosques exist in Ankara , but the Haci Bayram Mosque is one of the most famous. Dating back to the 15th century, the mosque is stunning on the outside and the inside, with beautiful architecture to enjoy.

If you go inside the mosque, remember that this place of worship will be closed during religious holidays and Friday prayers. It would be best if you also respected mosque etiquette.

9. Ahi Şerafettin (Aslanhane) Camii

This is the oldest mosque in the city, built in the 13th century. The mosque boasts Seljuk architecture, which makes it unique in the city as this style was used in a different era than other more ornate mosques. While visiting, check out both the incredible ceiling inside and Ahi Şerafeddin’s tomb.

10. Roman Baths

The Roman baths of Ankara are one of the Ankara sights that are like a window to the past. Inside, you will find statues and carvings dating back to the Roman period, with the baths built by Emperor Caracalla in the 3rd century.

While these are no longer functioning baths, you can explore the three main rooms: the hot bath, the warm bath, and the cold bathroom. Many people say they can feel the history when visiting this particular spot, so it’s the perfect place in Ankara for history buffs.

11. Shop ‘Til You Drop

Ankara has some great shopping opportunities, but the local markets are the best spot to head for bargains. You’ll find spices, fruits, clothes, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs on offer, and remember to haggle for the best price .

Several local markets exist in the city’s center and the Ulus district. The Old Quarter in the middle of the city is also a great spot, with many cobbled, winding streets.

12. Take a Walking Tour

You’ll find lots of walking tours throughout the city, and many are free or highly cheap if not. A group of you will walk around the city with the help of a guide, stopping at the main sights. If you’re staying at a hostel, you’ll usually find walking tours on offer, so remember to ask.

13. Museum Of Anatolian Civilizations

The Anatolian Civilizations Museum is a must-visit in Ankara, located right in the heart of the city. You’ll find countless exhibitions and artifacts dating back through history, including some from the Paleolithic era.

Museum lovers should know that this museum previously won an award known as “European Museum of the Year.” This prestigious award is given annually to European museums that have demonstrated excellence in various aspects of museum work, such as innovation, accessibility, and engagement with visitors.

14. Ankara State Opera House

The State Opera House is a stunning place to visit whether you catch a play or a performance. The building is so beautifully designed, and it’s really opulent. Many people head here to watch ballet and opera, which often occur between September and June.

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Best restaurants & late night snacks in ankara.

Antakya 326  Dürüm Esat

If you are a foodie, head to this restaurant to try the local specialty – Antakya Usulü Soslu Tavuk Döner Dürüm. However, this non-fussy, doner kebab restaurant will have your mouth watering with just about anything on the menu, should you decide to try something else. Grab a seat outside and enjoy watching the city under the shade of a lantern-filled tree.

If you need a late-night snack, Aspava is a place everyone should try once. With many locations around Ankara, this is a doner wrap restaurant franchise you won’t find elsewhere in the country. Each location in the city offers slightly different menus, so check them out online to see if they have what you’re looking for. They are a little shabby, which is why we say visit after a long night out on the town.

Day Trips You Can Take From Ankara

You can visit several nearby popular spots easily as a day trip from Ankara and return within a day. Here are some of the best day tour ideas:

• Kartalkaya Ski Resort: if you’re visiting Ankara during the winter and are a skier or snowboarder, head to nearby Kartalkaya. Even beginners will find something here, but the place is stunningly beautiful, even if you go just to admire it
• Beypazari: around two hours from Ankara city center, you’ll find Beypazari, a small town famous for its history and old architectural styles. This is also the home of the region’s carrot industry, so if you like carrots, you know where to go!
• Safranbolu: this is a UNESCO World Heritage site about 3 hour’s drive from Ankara. It’s famous for its Ottoman period buildings and cultural spots. Don your comfortable shoes, walk around the cobbled, winding streets, and check out the small souvenir shops before stopping for a glass of Turkish cay
• The Ruins of Hattusa: dating back to the Hittite Empire, these ruins are from the 13th century BC and are a must-visit if you’re in the Ankara region. Considering their age, The ruins are well-preserved, and the city walls are almost intact
• Gordion: this small town is renowned as the home of King Midas and dates back as far as the 8th century BC. It was also the Phrygian Empire’s capital and is home to many ruins and archaeological sites to explore

Where Is Ankara & How To Get To Ankara City

Being the capital city, of course, Ankara has its international airport, and you’ll find direct flights heading into that airport all year round. However, many people also travel to Istanbul and connect to Ankara from there. If you decide to do that, the flight from either of the Istanbul airports will take just one hour.

You can also choose to drive to Ankara from any major city in Türkiye or go via a long-distance bus. There are far too many combinations to mention here, but let’s give you an example of road distances from Istanbul .

If you choose to drive from Istanbul to Ankara , you’ll need to travel 450km, but the road is direct, high quality, and quite scenic. You can also choose to go by bus, and Turkey has several high-quality long-distance bus providers, including Kamil Koc, Pamukkale , and Metro. The bus will take you around 7 hours, depending on traffic.

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About Ankara

We’ve already mentioned that Ankara is Türkiye’s capital, and this is where all the central Government buildings can be found. There are many beautiful architectural buildings around Ankara city, and you’ll find plentiful history too.

Ankara used to be called Angora, and its first historical settlements can be dated back to the Bronze Age. Several empires have conquered the city, including the Persians, the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Ottomans. However, Alexander The Great was the first to conquer Ankara, back in 333 BC, before being taken over by the Roman Empire in 25 BC.

The city of Ankara is the modern name, derived from the Celtic language, from the word for anchor, Ancyra. This makes sense as Ankara is not only the Turkish capital but is located very centrally within the country.

Until 1923, Ankara was established as the capital of the new Republic of Turkey , growing from a relatively small city into a huge and bustling city.

Although Ankara is never one of everyone’s “favorite cities” in Turkey, city explorers always enjoy watching the daily life in Turkey’s capital, and I am sure you will, too.

Where is Ankara?

It sits in Turkey’s central Anatolia region.

Is Ankara worth visiting?

Yes – it’s the hub for Turkey’s performing arts and has plenty for history, architecture, and food lovers to discover. It also remains relatively free of tourists, making it a great place to experience local cosmopolitan life in Turkey .

When is the best time to visit Ankara?

It’s stifling hot here in the summer, so spring or fall are great times to visit. Spring is also when festival season is, so you’ll catch loads of performing arts this time of year.

How many days is enough in Ankara?

You could easily spend a week in Ankara, but two days should be enough to pack in a few major attractions and take in a show.

Is Ankara expensive to visit?

Ankara is relatively inexpensive and is much more budget-friendly than Istanbul.

So, now, do you feel ready to enjoy Ankara, Turkey?

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• 1.1 Orientation
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.2 By Metro
• 3.3 Suburban railway
• 3.4 By taxi
• 4.1 Citadel
• 4.4 Elsewhere
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe
• 11.1 Embassies

Ankara is the capital of Turkey , central within the country on the plateau of Central Anatolia . It's a sprawling modern place around an ancient citadel, and in 2022 had a population of almost 5.2 million (second in size to Istanbul), with a further 600,000 living in the wider metropolis.

Orientation [ edit ]

City centre is the broad strip from Ulus south through Sıhhiye to Kızılay:

Citadel is the term used here to describe the older districts east of Ulus: Hisar around the hilltop castle, and Hamamönü just south down the hill.

Further south from Kızılay are the upmarket (and uphill) districts of Kavaklıdere, Gaziosmanpaşa and Çankaya. The city's most expensive hotels and restaurants are found here, as are the embassies.

Southwest from Kızılay is Bakanlıklar (meaning government ministries), then İsmet İnönü Boulevard leads into the district of Eskişehir Yolu (referring to the former highway to Eskişehir ). It's lined by university campuses and public buildings, including the National Parliament. Interminable ribbon-development eventually gives way to the open steppe.

Climate [ edit ]

Ankara has a semi-arid, continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Most rainfall is spring, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

Summers are hot, regularly topping 30°C in July and August, but humidity is low. Summer nights can be chilly, especially if a breeze starts up.

Early autumn has the best climate. Nights are cold but daytimes are mild and dry, unlike the wet spring months.

Winters are cold and often snowy, though the snow is seldom heavy, and cold below -20°C is very rare - not like the mountainous east of the country with perishing cold in mid-winter.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Transport is the major shortcoming of this airport. It's 30 km north of the centre, along a congested main road; there are no plans to extend the Metro here.

Belko Air bus runs downtown every 30 min 05:30-22:00 and overnight according to flight times. It runs via the railway station and Kızılay to AŞTİ bus terminal, which is on the Metro. With luck this takes an hour, traffic permitting, and in 2023 cost 11 TL. But belki is Turkish for "maybe" so the recurring joke is inevitable; the bus gets held up in city traffic.

Local ( belediye , city council) bus Route 442 runs from the airport (arrivals level, watch for a crowd on the very far end of the dropoff lane on the arrivals level) and takes 40-50 minutes to the train station. Driver accepts cash, journey costs 25 TL (Jun 2023).

Havaş buses run to the bus terminal, AŞTİ .

A taxi downtown costs about 180 TL.

By train [ edit ]

Ankara is on the YHT high-speed rail network, with trains:

Other mainline trains ( anahat trenler ) are slow and scenic, with the emphasis on slow, but are called "Express" to compensate.

Some of these trains have tourist versions, though all remain suspended in 2023. For instance the Turistik Doğu Ekspresi runs from Ankara to Kars with long stops for sightseeing eastbound at İliç (for Kemaliye ), Erzincan and Erzurum ; the westbound train makes long stops at Divriği and Bostankaya. Journey time each way is 30 hours.

For all times and reservations (strongly recommended) see TCDD Turkish Republic State Railways website [dead link] .

Local trains ( bölgesel trenler ) run five times a day to Polatlı. These can't be booked.

The railway from Azerbaijan and Georgia was completed in 2017 and passenger trains have been promised ever since, but to date the line only carries freight. Trains from Syria and Iraq are all suspended indefinitely and the tracks are ruined.

Eryaman is a station in the west suburbs of Ankara where YHT trains also stop, and you can transfer to the cross-town Başkentray train. They no longer stop at Sincan (terminus of the Başkentray line) but slow trains from the west stop there not at Eryaman.

By bus [ edit ]

Buses from Istanbul depart every 15 min round the clock, and take six hours to Ankara non-stop, for a fare in 2023 of 250 TL. Slower services may stop at Gebze , Izmit , Adapazarı and Bolu . Many are running through to cities further east, all of which have good connections to Ankara, see individual pages.

Buses from Izmir take 8 hours and from Adana 7 hours, with hourly services. From Bursa is six hours, but the usual method is to take the bus to Eskişehir to join the YHT fast train. Similarly from Antalya you join the train at Konya .

The main bus operators are Metro Turizm , Pamukkale and Flixbus, who took over Kamil Koç. Buses are clean and comfortable, see Turkey#Get around for tips on using them and buying tickets.

Get around [ edit ]

The city has a dense bus network, a two-line Metro, and an east-west suburban railway called Başkentray . Good luck finding network information, even in Turkish.

There is no provision by any mode of public transport for travellers with restricted mobility.

There are two bus operations, competing on the same routes and using the same stops. EGO ( Ankara Belediye Otobüsleri ) are white and run by the city, who also run the Metro and the Yenimahalle - Şentepe cable-car. In 2009 the system was part-privatised: ÖHO buses ( Ankara Özel Halk Otobüsleri ) are blue. Central bus stops often have displays of real-time services. There are no indicators or announcements within buses, ask other passengers where to get off, or track your location on your phone.

EGO (white) bus fares cannot be paid in cash: you need to buy a card from a kiosk or metro station. A single trip is 1.65 TL, two trips 3.30 TL, three 4.95 TL, five 8.25 TL, ten 16.50 TL and twenty is 33 TL. The same cards are used for the Metro, and each trip permits a transfer between bus and Metro not exceeding 45 min. Note these are not the Ankarakart, a discount card for Turkish students, teachers and elderly Ankara residents.

ÖHO (blue) bus fares are cash, for a flat fare of 2.75 TL.

By Metro [ edit ]

The Metro, run by EGO the city transport operator, has three lines, which intersect at Kızılay. Remarkably, EGO have contrived to muddle their numbering.

Tickets are identical to the EGO buses and valid for transfer, see above for prices, and you buy them at kiosks or metro stations.

All stations are announced both on a display and by voice in the metros.

Suburban railway [ edit ]

Başkentray [dead link] is the suburban line, transecting the city between Sincan and Eryaman in the west, through city centre and the main railway station, to Kayaş in the east. Trains run every 10 minutes from 07:00 to 21:00, then every 30 min to 23:00. Buy tickets in cash at any station. In 2022 a one-way ticket costs 1.70 TL and a return ticket costs 3 TL.

The line is shown in blue on transport maps and may be marked as B1. It's 37 km long, all above ground, and has 24 stations. There's nothing of visitor interest near the outlying stations, but to the west Eryaman is an interchange with YHT trains to Konya, Eskişehir and Istanbul, and Sincan is an interchange with other mainline trains. Kayaş to the east is also a mainline interchange, but not for YHT.

The system is owned and operated by TCDD Turkish State Railways, and until 2016 the same track carried mainline trains. That was incompatible with YHT and expansion of the suburban service so in 2016 the system closed for a couple of years while Ankara station was rebuilt and new tracks were laid parallel. It's planned to extend it northwest to Yenikent and Akçaören.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are numerous: they are yellow, have the sign Taksi on top of the car, and the letter T in their license plates. Have nothing to do with unlicensed drivers.

Flagfall in 2022 is 7.50 TL, then 6 TL/km. The rates for day and night are same. Tipping is not usual but you round up to the next TL.

Scams are the same the world over: offering a fixed price way above the metered rate, special airport / luggage fees, failing to start the meter, going a silly route, tricks with banknotes / change, and so on.

By car [ edit ]

Avoid using a car in Ankara. Local drivers are fast, unpredictable and impatient even by Turkish standards, and parking is scarce.

See [ edit ]

Citadel [ edit ]

• North Tower is another bastion of the citadel, 200 m north of the castle. You're aiming for the fluttering Turkish flag.
• Turk-Russian Friendship House ( Türk-Rus Dostluk Evi ) is a bright modern art gallery at Kale Kapısı Sk 20 below the castle, open daily 10:00-17:00.
• Ahielvan Mosque , Koyunpazari Sk ( 200 m below Arslanhane Mosque ). Built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries, it has a richly carved walnut mimber or pulpit. ( updated Apr 2023 )

• Kelime Museum , Gözcü Sk 11 ( opposite Museum of Anatolian Civilisations ), ☏ +90 312 311 6893 . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 . Small private art museum. Signage is only in Turkish. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Koç Museum , Depo Sk 1 ( 100 m south of Museum of Anatolian Civilisations ), ☏ +90 312 309 6800 . Tu-Th 10:00-17:00, Sa Su 10:00-19:00 . Rahmi M Koç (b 1930) is the businessman who built up Kâmil Koç bus company, now part of Flixbus. This museum, a smaller version of the one in Istanbul, is crowded with exhibits on transport, communication and science since the 1850s. It's housed in Çengel Han, a caravanserai built in 1523. Adult 175 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9348 32.8633 5 Chess Museum ( Gökyay Vakfı Satranç Müzesi ), Basamaklı Sk 3, off Ulucanlar Cd , ☏ +90 312 312 1304 . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00 . More chess sets ancient and modern than you'd think possible, including weird versions such as the three-sided game. Adult 15 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9404 32.8688 6 Molla Great Mosque ( Molla Büyük Cami ), Yasa Sk . A modest building in spite of the name, this was built around 1500. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9369 32.8705 7 Cenâbî Ahmet Paşa Mosque , Ulucanlar Cd 56 . Built by the famous architect Sinan in 1566, it's in finely-crafted Ankara stone. The mimber (pulpit) and mihrap (prayer niche) are of white marble. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Ulus [ edit ]

• Cardo Maximus is a stretch of Roman road 216 m long by 7 m wide, coursing north from Anafartlar Cd towards the Column of Julianus. It was discovered in 1995: its artefacts have been taken to the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
• 39.9433 32.856 10 Column of Julianus ( Julian Sütunu, Belkıs Minaresi ) is a 15 m column in the square behind the İş Bankası building. It was erected in 362 CE to commemorate the visit of Emperor Julian (331-363 AD), who stopped off in town while marching against Persia. He rejected Christianity and revived earlier pagan rites, so by Christians he was derided as "Julian the Apostate". His campaign in Persia started well then was a debacle and he was fatally wounded; his successor Jovian reinstated Christianity so Julianus was the last pagan emperor. His story is retold, with many artistic liberties, in the 1964 novel Julian by Gore Vidal.
• Aviation Association Museum ( Türk Hava Kurumu Müzesi ), Hipodrom Cd 2 ( 200 m northwest of railway station ), ☏ +90 312 303 7452 . Tu-Su 08:30-17:30 . Small collection of aircraft around a parachute training tower (only 41 m, so don't expect much freefall time). Not to be confused with the military aviation museum west edge of the city. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Korean War Memorial just west of the Aviation Museum commemorates the Turkish Brigade, which fought under UN command in the Korean War. Their biggest engagement was the series of battles at Kunu-ri in late 1950. Some 15,000 rotated through the Brigade, with 721 killed in action, 2111 wounded and 168 missing.

• Melike Hatun Mosque next to Vakif Museum was built in 2017 but in traditional Ottoman style.
• Gençlik Park stretches east from the railway station to Hatun Mosque. It has a large ornamental lake and is sometimes a venue for open-air events.
• Mehmet Akif Ersoy Home Museum , Hacettepe University ( within Taceddin Mosque 200 m east of Art Museum ), ☏ +90 312 312 1873 . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00 . Ersoy (1873-1936) trained as a vet but became politicised in the dying days of the Ottoman Empire. He's best known for composing the Turkish national anthem. This museum reconstructs his stay here. Free . ( updated Apr 2023 )

South [ edit ]

Most sights are in Sıhhiye beyond the railway tracks or a couple of km further in Kızılay.

• Hall of Honor holds the tomb. What you see is the symbolic ground-level sarcophagus. Atatürk lies 7 m below in an ornate but private Tomb Room, where he mingles with soil from all the Turkish regions of his day, including from Salonica his birthplace now in Greece, parts of Hatay now in Syria, and northern Cyprus.
• Atatürk & Independence War Museum ( Atatürk ve Kurtuluş Savaşı Müzesi ). M-Sa 09:00-17:00 . This is beneath the Hall of Honor and displays belongings and memorabilia of Atatürk, the 1915 battles of Gallipoli / Çanakkale and the 1920/21 War of Independence, and the postwar overthrow of the Ottomans and proclamation of the republic. Free . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Mausoleum of İsmet İnönü (1884-1973) is southwest side of the Ceremonial Plaza. He was Atatürk's right-hand man, the country's second president and had three spells as Prime Minister, embedding the Republic's modernisations. The tomb is small at ground level but below is an exhibition hall - this is only open for one week from Oct 29 Republic Day and for two weeks from Dec 25 the anniversary of his death.
• Ten towers line Ceremonial Plaza, but they're set within the colonnade and don't stand tall. Their low pitched roofs are meant to symbolise Turkic tents, and they contain various statues and inscriptions of an uplifting patriotic nature. For example the tower west side of the Hall of Honor depicts the opening of the Turkish Grand National Assembly on 23 April 1920, and holds Atatürk's Cadillac. So it's called 23 Nisan Kulesi but he didn't own 23 Nissans.
• 39.9267 32.8552 17 Hittite Sun Disc Statue is the twee structure on Atatürk Blv as it enters Sıhhiye beneath the railway tracks. Its deer, two oxen and sun disc are supposed to commemorate Anatolian Hittite culture - a powerful realm from 18th to 12th century BC then gobbled up by Egyptian and Assyrian rivals. If you were disappointed at Anitkabir by not finding 23 Nissans, they're right here nose-to-tail in the traffic snarl.

• 39.8862 32.8561 21 Atakule Tower is an oh-so-Seventies telecoms tower, 125 m high, with a rotating observation deck and restaurant. However it's closed as the shopping mall at its foot is demolished, and in 2023 it's not known when it might re-open.
• Botanical Park is the large green space north of the tower, bounded by Cinnah Cd west and Çankaya Cd east. It's free 24 hours.

Elsewhere [ edit ]

This covers all other districts out to the ring road O-20 some 20 km out.

• 39.945 32.7957 24 Atatürk Forest Farm ( Atatürk Orman Çiftliği ), Alparslan Türkeş Cd 68 ( Başkentray train to Gazi then one km north ), ☏ +90 312 211 0170 . W-Su 09:00-17:00 . Extensive model farm established by Atatürk, to prove that the dusty steppes around Ankara could be converted into good farmland. (His successors preferred to cover everything with concrete.) The barn has been turned into a museum of farming methods. Free . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9475 32.7044 25 Turkish Air Force Museum ( Türk Hava Kuvvetleri Müzesi ), Fatih Sultan Mehmet Blv ( corner with 2453rd Sk ), ☏ +90 312 244 8550 . Tu-Su 09:00-16:00 . A collection of two dozen military aircraft. Adult 60 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Tulumtaş caves are by the intersection of O-20 and Turgut Özal Blv. They're extensive decorated caves discovered during construction of the ring road. As of Feb 2023, people are finding their way in but they're not yet officially open as show caves.

Do [ edit ]

• IF Performance Hall is a live music venue at Tunus Cd 14 in Kavaklıdere.
• Ankara International Music Festival is in April, with the next on 4-28 April 2023.
• Bilkent Mayfest is organised by Billkent University but events are open to the public. It's unlikely to happen in May 2023.
• Burn Sonance Festival of music is next held 9-10 June 2023.
• Jazz Festival is in Oct / Nov, dates for 2023 TBA.
• Ankara Film Festival is next held on 3-11 Nov 2023.
• Şefika Kutluer Festival [dead link] of music is in December, dates for 2023 TBA.
• 39.992 32.6505 2 Goksu Park , off 1 TBMM Cd, Etimesgut ( Bus 501, 502 ). Daily 06:00-23:00 . Ranged around Susuz Lake, with an island restaurant, cafes and funfair. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Sports [ edit ]

• Football: MKE Ankaragücü are the city's leading soccer club, playing in Süper Lig the top tier. Their home ground is Eryaman Stadium, capacity 20,560, completed in 2019 - it's in the western suburbs, take the Metro to Devlet Mahallesi. MKE, since you were wondering, stands for Machinery and Chemical Industry.
• Golf: courses and ranges within the city remain closed in 2023. Regnum Golf Country Club is 50 km southwest near Halaçlı village.

Buy [ edit ]

• Citadel approaches up Kale Kapısı Sk have been a merchandising area for centuries. There are lots of tourist-trappy outlets for carpets, leather and fake antiquities. At least you hope they're fake, because if genuine it's illegal to export them.
• 39.9127 32.809 2 Armada , Dumlupınar Blv 6 , ☏ +90 312 219 1319 . Daily 10:00-22:00 . Large mall 500 m south of the bus terminal. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Karum AVM , Iran Cd 21 , ☏ +90 312 468 4984 . Daily 10:00-21:00 . Next to the Sheraton, this is the main south-side mall. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9832 32.6107 3 Metromall , 30 Ağustos Dumlupınar Cd 2, Eryaman , ☏ +90 312 504 1515 . Daily 10:00-22:00 . Large mall with cinema, bowling alley and food court. It's northwest edge of the city so visitors might use it arriving or departing on the Istanbul motorway. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Eat [ edit ]

Ankara has trad Turkish fare, with classics such as döner kebap , and seafood. It lacks the international variety of western capitals, though there are a handful of Chinese / Korean places. That's because in modern times it never had international immigration, but it did have incomers from other parts of the country, so regional cuisines are represented.

Budget [ edit ]

• Meşhur Adıyaman Çiğköftecisi and Meşhur Köfteci are chains serving meatballs, multiple locations.
• Kızılay has a pedestrianised block full of little cafes and takeaways. It's east of Atatürk Blv and north of Ziya Gökalp Cd.
• Ward Restaurant and café مطعم ورد , Bayındır-1 Sk ( in Kızılay cafe block ), ☏ +90 505 033 0022 . Daily 08:00-00:00 . This is the place to come for Iraqi food. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9198 32.8591 1 Kızılay Komagene , Mithatpaşa Cd 56/B , ☏ +90 312 430 1112 . M-F 11:00-00:00, Sa Su 12:00-22:30 . Komagene are a chain serving meatballs and other trad fare. This outlet in Kızılay gets good reviews for food and service. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Zelal Cafe , Yüksel Cd 24 ( 50 m north of Komagene ), ☏ +90 312 431 3232 . Inexpensive trad food. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Nado's , Ataç-1 Sk 26 ( 100 m east of Kızılay cafe block ), ☏ +90 312 433 3131 . Daily 11:00-19:00 . Friendly budget pizzeria. ( updated Apr 2023 )

• 39.9305 32.8729 2 Kırık Oklava , Cemal Gürsel Cd 16 , ☏ +90 312 362 1989 . Daily 08:30-22:30 . Great place by Ankara University Cebeci Campus for inexpensive wraps and pancakes. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Cebeci Komagene , Cemal Gürsel Cd 51 ( just south of Kırık Oklava ), ☏ +90 312 320 3053 . Daily 10:00-02:00 . A Komagene chain outlet open late, mixed reviews for food quality. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Yargitay Evi Lokali , Milli Müdafa Cd 10, Kızılay ( west side of Güvenpark ), ☏ +90 312 418 5675 . M-Sa 12:00-22:00 . Inexpensive place looking onto Kızılay Square, quality erratic. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9249 32.8522 3 Tarihi Çiçek Lokantası , Necatibey Cd 15 , ☏ +90 312 229 4400 . Daily 08:00-21:00 . Smart place with good cuisine. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• James Cook Pub , Tunus Cd 19 , ☏ +44 312 419 9688 . Daily 10:30-01:00 . Good value pub and restaurant. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Sudem is a tavern at Konur Sk 63 with tapas / meze-style servings and Turkish music, open daily 11:00-01:00.
• Korelee , Bestekar Cd 27 , ☏ +44 312 418 0688 . Daily 11:30-21:00 . Delicious Korean food. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9066 32.8611 4 Cafe des Cafes , Tunalı Hilmi Cd 83/A, Kavaklıdere , ☏ +44 312 426 5511 . M-Sa 09:00-23:00, Su 09:30-22:00 . Slick European-style cafe with Italian and Spanish choices. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Kıtır , Tunali Hilmi Cd 114 ( south of Cafe des Cafes next to Kuğulu Park ), ☏ +90 312 427 4444 . Daily 12:00-00:00 . Traditionally a rock bar but nowadays more of a restaurant. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Ege (which means Aegean) serves seafood on Tunali Hilmi Cd, open daily 12:00-01:00.
• Göksu Lokantası , Bayındır-1 Sk 22, off Ziya Gökalp Cd ( 200 m east of Kızılay station ), ☏ +44 312 431 4727 . M-Sa 11:00-23:30 . Great dining here. They have another branch south at Nenehatun Cd 5. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.920461 32.857962 5 Marti Restaurant , Bayındır-2 Sk 37, Kocatepe . It has a nice and relaxing atmosphere. There are two outdoor seating areas. The appetizers are great, and the food is perhaps even more so. ( updated Aug 2022 )

• 39.933 32.8657 6 Hanzade Konağı , Hacettepe İnanli Sok., Hamamönü, Tacettin Dergahi Karşisi No:5 . It is a very stylish place with plants hanging on the wall and from the ceiling. Decor, presentation and taste are great. Employees are smiling and interested. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Uludağ Kebapçısı , Denizciler Cd 54 , ☏ +90 312 309 0400 . Daily 11:00-22:00 . Named for the mountain above Bursa, this is an above-par kebab restaurant. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Kınacızade Konağı , Kale Kapısı Sk 28 ( by castle ), ☏ +90 555 256 9755 . Daily 10:30-21:00 . Atmospheric place just outside castle, good value, not tourist-trappy. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9257 32.8649 7 Urumchi Uyghur Restaurant , Ziya Gökalp Cd 76 , ☏ +90 312 433 5204 . Daily 11:00-09:30 . Ürümqi is in the far west of China, so they've quite a range of Asian cuisines to go at. It's a great place for different flavours, try the roast macaroni. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.918838 32.85958 8 Tarihi Mutfak Lokantası , Kocatepe, Mithatpaşa Cd. No:64 . Historical Kitchen Restaurant. Typical Turkish cuisine. One of the places that make the best beyti in Ankara. A great presentation and the waiters are incredible. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• Aşkabat Cd is a street west side of Anıtkabir with a slew of eating places. La’lozi Ocak Başı is a grill at the corner of 72nd Sk open daily 11:00-00:00.

Splurge [ edit ]

• 39.8959 32.878 9 Quick China , Uğur Mumcu Sk 64/B, Çankaya , ☏ +90 312 437 0303 . Daily 11:00-22:00 . The name suggests a fast-food chain, and they do have other branches in Ankara and elsewhere, but this is excellent Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Pricey for Ankara but no big layout by Western standards. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

Most cafes and restaurants serve beer, wine and rakı. Free-standing bars are uncommon in Turkey away from the beach resorts, but Ankara has a strip flanking Atatürk Blv from Sıhhiye station south down to Kavlıdere Cd. Try Bestekar Cd and Tunus Cd.

Meyhanes are taverns with fixed meze-style menus, drinks and traditional Turkish music and dancing. "Meyhane" is Persian for "house of wine" though it's more likely to be rakı nowadays. They're along the same stretch as the other bars. There used to be a cluster around the citadel, but these relied on the tourist trade and disappeared during covid.

• Telwe Bar , İnkılap Sk 6 , ☏ +90 312 433 5454 . Daily 11:30-05:00 . Bar and late spot in the Kizilay eating strip. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Soul Pub , Olgunlar Cd 18 , ☏ +90 312 424 0144 . Daily 12:00-01:00 . Friendly place with generous servings of pub food. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Corvus , Bestekar Cd 59 , ☏ +90 312 426 5480 . Daily 17:00-02:00 . Lively late-night pub with rock music. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Twister , Bestekar Cd 82A , ☏ +90 553 888 0841 . Daily 10:00-01:30 . Pub with live music and belly-dancing. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Hayyami wine bar is next door at Bestekar Cd 82B.
• Sakal Kafe Bar , John F Kennedy Cd 13 , ☏ +90 312 424 1670 . Daily 09:00-01:00 . Cool place with a wide range of music. ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Zodiac Pub is next to James Cook Cafe at 17 Tunus Cd.
• Manhattan Rock Bar is at Üsküp Cd 11, open W-Sa 20:30-04:00.
• Sixtiees Pub , Tunalı Hilmi Cd 96 . The only outright gay bar in Ankara gets mixed reviews. ( updated Apr 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

Accommodation is clustered in Ulus north of the railway station, in Sıhhiye south of the tracks, and in Kızılay further south. A strip of mid-range business hotels follows D200 a few km west - these are more convenient for the bus station.

• Deeps Hostel 2 is another branch, southside at Libya Cd 2, tel +90 533 789 0886.
• 39.9443 32.8544 2 Yeni Bahar Oteli , Çankırı Cd 25 , ☏ +90 312 310 4895 . Clean and helpful, you can find cheaper on this strip north of Ulus Square but most are dismal. B&B double 1000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Divan Ankara Çukurhan , 3 Depo Sk, off Gözcü Sk ( facing Koc Museum near castle ), ☏ +90 312 306 6400 . Charming hotel in a han , a former marketplace. B&B double 2500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9126 32.8559 3 Ankara Gold , Güfte Cd 4, off Tunus Cd , ☏ +90 312 419 4868 . Clean friendly central place. B&B double 1000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9114 32.8562 4 Hotel Midas Kavaklıdere , Tunus Cd 20 , ☏ +90 312 424 0110 . Welcoming central mid-price hotel. B&B double 1500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• King Hotel , Güvenlik Cd 13 ( east side of Parliament ), ☏ +90 312 418 9099 . Simple rooms but good value for the prime location. B&B double 1000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9082 32.8615 6 Ramada , Tunalı Hilmi Cd 66 , ☏ +90 312 428 8000 . Functional central hotel, a bit worn. B&B double 1800 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Grand Mercure , Yaşam Cd 1 ( west side of bus station ), ☏ +90 312 999 0006 . Next to bus station, but not the ideal flop after a long journey as they play loud music to 1 am. B&B double 1500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9031 32.8124 7 Green Park Hotel , 1443rd Cd ( block west of Mevlana Blv ), ☏ +90 312 258 0000 . Value-for-money hotel one km south of bus station, rooms kinda worn. B&B double 1500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Airport ( ESB  IATA ): the hotel within Esenboğa airport remains closed in 2023. Ibis is 1 km south, and Holiday Inn Express is a further km south.

• Ankara Hotel , Celal Bayar Blv 78 ( within railway station ), ☏ +90 312 508 1010 . Opened in 2022, this is a smart convenient place within the YHT Gar, pity the sound-proofing is inadequate. B&B double 2000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Mövenpick Ankara , Yaşam Cd 1 ( facing Mercure west side of bus station ), ☏ +90 312 258 5800 . Slick business hotel, the only gripe is street noise. B&B double 3000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.8997 32.8644 8 Sheraton Ankara , Şehit Ömer Haluk Sipahioğlu Sk ( off Arjantin Cd ), ☏ +90 312 457 6000 . Good reviews for comfort and service at this hotel and convention centre, which towers like a monument above the south-side streets. B&B double 2500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• Ankara HiltonSA , Tahran Cd 12 ( 200 m north of Sheraton ), ☏ +90 312 455 0000 . Good scores all round for this efficient friendly hotel. B&B double 2500 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )
• 39.9468 32.7682 9 Crowne Plaza Ankara , 171th Sk ( next to Gimart shopping mall ), ☏ +90 312 320 0000 . Smart business hotel in IHG chain, clean and efficient. B&B double 3000 TL . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Ankara is generally safe, even for single females at night, since as the capital it's well-policed. (The cops are looking for traffic offences, dissident trouble-makers and squaddies in town without a liberty pass.) Take usual care of valuables. The main hazard is traffic - vehicles are driven at silly speeds with scant regard to traffic lights and pedestrians. The side walks are often in poor condition: anyone with restricted mobility will be forced onto the roadway, and on ill-lit streets at night you risk falling into uncovered drains.

For emergencies call the national police number 155 or approach any officer or go to the nearest station. Ankara nominally has a tourist police section with multilingual staff, based at AŞTİ bus station. The covid slump in tourism saw them redeployed to other duties, but perhaps staffing will resume as tourism and related incidents increase.

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies [ edit ].

Ankara is the national capital so most countries have an embassy or equivalent consular service. Most are in the southern districts of Kavaklıdere, Gaziosmanpaşa and Çankaya.

Connect [ edit ]

Ankara has 4G from all Turkish carriers. As of Jan 2024, 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

Go next [ edit ]

• Northwest, Highway D140 follows an ancient trade and pilgrimage route from Baghdad to Ankara and Constantinople. Towns along it westbound are Ayaş, Beypazarı , Çayırhan and Nallıhan.
• Kızılcahamam 80 km north has thermal springs amid forests — bears and wolves lurk in Soğuksu National Park.
• Boğazkale northeast is the hub for visiting ancient Hattuşa, the capital of Hittites.
• Çağırkan Japanese Gardens are 10 km past Kaman on the road southeast to Kırşehir.
• South you pass Tuz Gölü ("Salt Lake") on the road to Aksaray.
• Aksaray is a laid-back city and great base for the attractions near Güzelyurt .
• Haymana 80 km southwest is a down-at-heel spa town with hot springs. Gavurkale and Kulhoyuk nearby have rock friezes and Hittite burial grounds.
• Gordion (Yassıhöyük) is 96 km west, near Polatlı off the highway to Eskişehir . One of the most important ancient cities in Turkey, it had been home for Hittites, Phyrigians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans since 3000 BC. The remnants of the city are displayed in Gordion Museum and Anatolian Civilizations Museum in Ulus.

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Ankara Vs Istanbul | Population + Cost Of Living

Should i visit ankara or istanbul.

As we mentioned in the previous articles, every year, a large number of tourists travel to Turkey to visit the sights of this country, but many people who intend to travel or immigrate to Turkey always doubt choosing Turkish cities.

Therefore, we always see different comparisons of people between Turkish cities; among the most famous and popular comparisons, we can mention Antalya vs Istanbul , Antalya vs Bodrum , Alanya vs Antalya , and Ankara vs Istanbul.

All these comparisons that we mentioned have been examined in a special article. Therefore, in this article, we will specifically compare Ankara and Istanbul so that, in the end, you can tell which Ankara or Istanbul is better.

In the article “ What is the capital of Turkey ,” we examined these two cities separately. Still, in this article, we will compare Ankara and Istanbul together. Ankara is the capital of Turkey, and Istanbul is the tourism hub of this country, and both are of special importance in business and tourism.

Still, the weather, cost of living, job positions, and even the sights of these two cities are different, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Join Travelling Topic to introduce these two cities from all directions and reach a general conclusion at the end.

• Introducing Istanbul

Table of Contents

Introducing Ankara

Istanbul vs ankara in terms of weather, ankara vs istanbul | which is better for life, ankara vs istanbul | which is better for travel, comparison of ankara vs istanbul and terms of costs, ankara or istanbul for education, ankara vs istanbul for a job position, is istanbul bigger than ankara, why is istanbul more popular than ankara, is ankara and istanbul same, ankara or istanbul which is better, at the end of the line, is shopping in istanbul or ankara better, is ankara bigger or istanbul, is ankara more beautiful or istanbul.

Before checking the difference between Ankara and Istanbul, it is better to familiarize yourself with these two cities. First, we will introduce the city of Istanbul to you.

As we mentioned in the article “ Where Is Istanbul located “, Istanbul is a city with a history of 2500 years, known as Constantinople in the ancient world. This city is considered the tourism hub of Turkey due to its historical and modern attractions, such as beautiful Ottoman mosques and water parks.

It is good to know that part of Istanbul is located in the continent of Asia, and the other part is located in the continent of Europe. The famous Bosphorus Bridge connects these two parts, and for this reason, many tourists travel to this city.

Ankara is one of the most important cities in Türkiye. This city is the main capital of Turkey. If you travel to Ankara, you will witness the presence of tradition and modernity simultaneously.

The old parts of Ankara with Ottoman style and the new parts of Ankara with the style of modern European cities will give you an interesting feeling.

This city will have many attractions for those who travel or want to immigrate. The area of Ankara is about 24,000 square kilometers, and it is the second largest city in Turkey.

The first comparison you should make between any city is the weather of that two cities because the weather conditions greatly impact your decision. You should know that the climate of Ankara is continental and has cold and dry winters and very hot summers. On the other hand, the climate of Istanbul is known as semi-tropical and humid. So Istanbul will have milder weather conditions than Ankara.

Among the most important factors that must be considered for life, we can mention each city’s population, housing, shopping, and commuting. Comparing these factors with each other will give you general information about Istanbul and Ankara and make it easier for you to make a decision.

Population comparison: To learn about Ankara vs Istanbul population, it should be mentioned that according to the latest statistics, the population of Istanbul reaches 15 million and 70 thousand people, and the population of Ankara is 5 million and 67 thousand people. This difference in population makes the cost of living and expenses in Istanbul higher than in Ankara.

Comparison of housing:  The large population of Istanbul causes an increase in housing consumption and therefore increases the price of property and houses. At the same time, Ankara will have a lower housing cost with its smaller population.

Comparison of transportation in the city : public transportation in Istanbul is much more than in Ankara, and there is more traffic there than in Ankara. Based on the latest statistics, the transportation cost in Istanbul will be 2 times that of Ankara every month. Of course, this is even though the fuel price is the same in all Turkish cities!

Comparing food and buying other things:  In general, Ankara and Istanbul have different shopping centers, and each has many attractive restaurants. So, the only option remains the discussion of expenses, which naturally has a higher price in Istanbul.

As you can see above, the costs are higher in Istanbul, and in response to the question “living in Ankara is better or Istanbul?” We must say: Ankara is better; because it costs less; It is quieter; It has green space and clean parks; It is known for the highest position in terms of health standards and municipal handling.

However, choose Istanbul to live in if you want to experience the hustle and bustle of Turkish life and benefit from the most modern facilities and recreational and comfortable equipment.

Undoubtedly, the entertainment places in Istanbul and Ankara have a wide variety; each is very beautiful and unique. However, prepare for the Istanbul tour if you are interested in water sports, nightclubs, famous food of Turkey , famous restaurants, and more tourist and natural attractions. On the other hand, if you like to visit historical monuments and learn about Turkey traditions , go to Ankara.

You should also know that many international festivals and exhibitions, such as Istanbul international jazz festival and the color festival in Istanbul , are held in Istanbul, and many tourists come to Turkey to participate in them every year.

Meanwhile, Ankara holds few festivals and is weaker than Istanbul in tourism. But in the end, the decision to choose a travel destination will be completed according to your taste.

As we mentioned in the section Ankara vs Istanbul for Life, the population of Istanbul is much higher than Ankara. This causes the price of housing and public transportation to rise.

The cost of food, buying supplies, and bills is also higher in Istanbul. However, the price difference is less than the cost of property and housing. So if you are looking for a lower-cost destination, choose Ankara.

Another common comparison between Istanbul and Ankara is education. If we want to check the quality of these two cities’ universities and educational centers, we must say that they are in the same condition.

In other words, Ankara Universities are similar to Istanbul universities, so the most important issue you should consider is living costs. (In the previous section, we completely compared the cost of living in these two cities.)

Since Ankara is the capital of Turkey and Istanbul is one of the most important port cities of the country, the job position of both is almost the same. Therefore, it is unsurprising that various companies, industrial factories, large commercial centers, etc., exist widely in Istanbul and Ankara.

Therefore, finding a job in both cities has an equal ratio and will not greatly impact your decision that Ankara or Istanbul is better.

To better understand the salary of doctors and compare it with other jobs in these two cities, go to the articles ” Dentist salary in Turkey ” and “ Average doctor salary in Turkey “.

In response to the question “Is Ankara bigger than Istanbul?” it should be mentioned that Istanbul is bigger than Ankara, and if you would like to travel to a bigger city, we suggest you choose Istanbul.

The area of Ankara is 24,521 square kilometers, and its population reaches 5 million people. In contrast, Istanbul has an area of 5,323,22 square kilometers and a population of 15 million people.

During Ottoman rule, Istanbul was the capital of Turkey. For this reason, many historical monuments have been built in this city. For this reason, tourists tend to travel to Istanbul and visit its sights.

Above, we compared these two cities and told you the strengths and weaknesses of each, so in response to the question “Is Ankara and Istanbul same “, it should be mentioned that Ankara and Istanbul are two different cities.

Suppose you are interested in historical places and want to see the historical monuments of Turkey. In that case, we suggest you travel to Istanbul, but if you plan to immigrate to Turkey and work in this country, we suggest you choose Ankara because there are more job opportunities in this city.

In this article, we compared Ankara vs Istanbul, but in the end, you decide which city is better according to your taste.

It is also better to know at the end of the article that Ankara is introduced as Turkey’s political and commercial capital and is a very suitable place for investment. This matter is more important when establishing a business in the city or starting a company. For this, Ankara will be better than Istanbul.

Finally, the comparison of Ankara and Istanbul ended, and we tried to examine these two cities from all important and necessary aspects. Therefore, before traveling, living, or even studying and working in Turkey, it is better to read the mentioned items carefully and decide with a correct and complete comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shopping malls in Istanbul and Ankara are diverse; you can find everything from branded goods to cheap accessories. So it doesn’t matter which one you go to for shopping, but note that there are a lot of Wholesale Clothing In Istanbul Turkey , from which you can make much cheaper purchases.

Istanbul is the land of passion and excitement, and Ankara is a quiet and clean city with more historical sights than recreational places. Also, the people of Istanbul always complain about the existence of a lot of garbage in the city, while Ankara is a very clean city and is at a higher level in terms of hygiene.

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Places to Visit in Ankara

• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Ankara

Here are some of the best places to visit in ankara as follows:.

Established back in the year 1989, Atakule happens to be a 410-feet high observation tower. With its name derived from two independent terms, ‘Ata’ meaning ancestor and ‘Kule’ meaning tower, Atakule was founded by the country’s first president Ataturk.

Ankara Castle

Established nearly about a hundred years ago, the Ankara castle stands atop Ulus district. Standing in this age-old castle, you can catch a 360-degree view of the entire city of Ankara. The Ankara Castle happens to be a huge structure with four large walls and forty-two pentagonal pillars.

Rahmi M. Koc Museum

Located at a distance of a few meters from the world-famous Ankara Castle, the Rahmi M. Koc Museum is home to a broad collection of interesting exhibits related to the transport and communication sector. A major part of this huge collection is believed to have been donated generously by the reputed Koc family.

Genclik Park

Spread across a vast area of 69 acres, the spectacular Genclik Park makes for one of the best places to visit in Ankara. Known popularly for its amazing water features and lush greenery, this beautiful park is home to a thrilling amusement park, a pristine swimming pool, two small trains, and a unique open-air theatre.

Best of Greece

Anatolian Civilizations Museum

Bestowed with the title of 'Museum of the Year' in 1997 in Switzerland, the Anatolian Civilizations Museum shelters a broad collection of interesting Anatolian archaeology items. Arranged chronologically from the old Paleolithic age to the modern-day, these exhibits form the major attraction of this museum.

Best of Turkey

Old Quarter

Known popularly as a paradise for the shopaholics, Old Quarter happens to be the best destination for buying amazing souvenirs. The place is home to a plethora of bustling and colourful shops, selling out enchanting décor items and utility products at a very cheap and bargainable price.

Best of Paris

Forming the socializing spot of the city, Kizilay is a neighbouring town of Ankara. This pretty town has a plethora of benches and trees, making for a nice hub for meet-ups and hangouts. A nearby bus terminal and metro station connect this town to the other important areas of the city.

Best of Italy

Hamamonu Restored Area

As its name suggests, the Hamamonu Restored Area is a well-restored, properly maintained, and calm area of Ankara. Known as one of the most historical places of the city, this area is famous as a hang-out destination in the present day.

Best of London

Located at an approximate distance of around 20 kilometres from the Ankara city centre, Eymir Lake is a paradise for nature lovers. Offering a quiet and calm natural environment, this beautiful place attracts people who want an escape from the traffic, noise, tension, and chaos of everyday city life.

Best of Istanbul

Mta Sehit Cuma Dag Natural History Museum

The MTA Sehit Cuma Dag Natural History Museum is one of the most remarkable in Ankara. The Museum exhibits a wide range of antique collectables starting from fossils, minerals, and rocks from various parts of the world.

Best of Rome

One of the most notable modern architecture examples sitting high on Ankara’s hilltop has to be the Atatürk Mausoleum, Anıtkabir. It was designed by Emil Onat, the renowned Turkish architect who constructed its complex between the years 1944 to 1953. This mausoleum is known to be the sepulture place of the Turkish Republic’s first president and founder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Best of Cappadocia

Ulucanlar Prison Museum

Considered to be the very first concept of its type in Turkey, the famous Ulucanlar Prison Museum is a real former prison of Ankara. Known to have sheltered a number of renowned political activists and journalists of the country for more than 81 years.

Best of Geneva

Alt Inkoy Acik Hava Muzesi

AltInkoy AcikHava Muzesi is one of its kind museums that is known for its rural exhibits and culture. The special attractions of this place are Anatolian houses, craft & agriculture exhibits & farm animals.

Haci Bayram Mosque

Constructed back in the fifteenth century, the Haci Bayram Mosque is a token of dedication to Haji Bayram Wali, the preacher and founder of the Baryam Sufi order.

Ankara Air Force Museum

Built with the aim of showcasing the Turkish aviation's rich and glorious history to the world, the Ankara Air Force Museum is home to more than 700 photographs, artefacts, and documents related to the Turkish Air Agency and Turkish Civil Aviation Authority. Important exhibits displayed in the halls of this popular museum include medals, certificates, and uniforms of the Turkish Air Force.

Established in the year 2010, the world-famous CerModern Museum showcases impressive arts of the modern age and hosts a plethora of interesting events for tourists to enjoy.

People Also Ask About Ankara

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5-Day Istanbul and Ankara Tour

$ 1,015.00   per person

This 5-Day Istanbul and Ankara Tour offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. You’ll journey through time, witnessing the grandeur of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman relics, including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Marvel at the beauty of Istanbul from the Bosphorus and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. Then, fly to the capital, Ankara, where you will explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Ataturk Mausoleum, key markers of Turkey’s historic past. This tour is designed to provide an unforgettable experience encompassing the best of these two significant Turkish cities.

Obtain your tour price in USD by selecting tour dates and specifics below:

Please Pick a Tour start Date

• Detailed Itinerary
• Inquire About This Trip
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Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul – Welcome to Turkey

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport(IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport(SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international line of the Airport, holding a sign with your name written on it. After which, you will be transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Alternatively, you can join the Night Cruise on the  Bosphorus with Dinner & Show .

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel OR Ayasultan Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After your breakfast, around 8:30 am, we will pick you up from your hotel to begin a full-day tour of Istanbul’s most famous historical sites. The guided tour will include visits to the stunning Hagia Sophia Museum , the beautiful Blue Mosque , and the fascinating Hippodrome . After lunch, our journey continues with the exploration of the Topkapi Palace , an incredible example of Ottoman architecture. The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar , a shoppers’ paradise where you can find everything from precious jewelry to aromatic spices After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Ayasultan Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise – Fly from Istanbul to Ankara – Transfer to Hotel

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will join the Half-day Morning  Bosphorus Cruise . At the start of this tour, you will enjoy a drive to the pier in Eminonu for a short visit to the historical  Spice Market  (Egyptian Bazaar). Following this, you will join a shared boat tour and cruise along the Bosphorus which is a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. You will be able to view the  Dolmabahce Palace ,  Beylerbeyi Palace ,  Bosphorus Bridge , citadels, centuries-old mansions, and the European and Asian shorelines while onboard the boat. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to pick up your luggage. Then, you will be transferred to the Istanbul airport for your flight to Ankara , which is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes in duration. Upon arrival in Ankara, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check in to your hotel in Ankara, and the rest of the day is free.

• Overnight in Ankara
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Best Western Plus Center Hotel OR Holiday Inn Ankara or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: Ankara Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel at around 9:00 am to begin your Ankara tour. The tour includes a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations , which houses artifacts from up to 7,500 years old, including a comprehensive and striking collection of Hittite artifacts. You will also visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk , the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. At the end of the tour, you will be driven to Ankara Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be met by our airport representative and transferred to your hotel.

Day 5: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
• Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Ankara, and Ankara to Istanbul) as specified in the itinerary.
• Tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary.
• Accommodation for 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-Star Hotels, inclusive of breakfast.
• Accommodation for 1 night in Ankara at a 4-Star hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch).
• All entrance fees are as indicated in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Visa to enter Turkey.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Dinner and Drinks
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the  Basilica Cistern  (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.

Inquire About this Trip

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Ankara Or Istanbul? Which Turkish City Should You Visit?

Read about the pros and cons of turkey's capital (ankara) and its cultural center (istanbul) to decide which one to visit..

Ankara is usually touted as the political centre of Turkey while Istanbul is the exciting sibling with more vitality. Though these generalisations have some truth, both have their positive and negative aspects. But which should you visit? Here we weigh up the pros and cons of Istanbul and Ankara.

Want to visit both Ankara and Istanbul, plus a selection of other incredible destinations? Join Culture Trip’s expertly curated 12-day adventure in Turkey .

Every corner of Istanbul has a tale to tell and during almost every construction project the remains of some church or mosque come to light. Most tourists head to the grand mosques and Ottoman palaces of the Sultanahmet district, but many neighborhoods have European, Greek Orthodox, Jewish and Armenian architecture to explore.

The gastronomic scene in Istanbul is a mixture of traditional and modern, with restaurants that have been around for decades and newer endeavours from celebrity chefs. The food is downright delicious and there are many options; from the simple kebab to modern interpretations of Anatolian recipes.

Istanbul is split in two by the Bosphorus: one side on the European continent, the other on the Asian. The dividing waterway makes the city the only one in the world that straddles two continents. You can visit both in a day to experience the different architecture and atmospheres. And when you want something completely different, head to the Princes’ Islands, a mostly car-free collection of islands where bike or horse-drawn carriage is the preferred mode of transport. A ferry from either the European or Asian side of Istanbul should take about 40 minutes.

The strait that separates the continents of Europe and Asia is a different colour every day, and is a beautiful sight to behold. Ferry rides to the Asian side, or a long Bosphorus tour, allow you to get an eyeful of this huge city from every angle.

Traffic in Istanbul is a nightmare. Commutes can stretch for hours in a stop-start situation that will drive the calmest person insane. It means you’ll have to give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to B and pretty much avoid driving a car altogether (because parking is another horror).

Istanbul is extremely crowded and loud – the city soundtrack might as well be honking cars. Public transportation is always full and busy folk might well push through before passengers step out. Nights out are just as bad. You’ll probably need to make reservations in advance because almost every venue is rammed on weekends.

Istanbul residents can be known to throw their rubbish onto the streets. In the summer, the few green areas in the city are overcrowded with people who barbecue outdoors and leave their waste to toss about in the wind.

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive in Ankara is how green it is compared to Istanbul. Lush trees line the streets, and parks (where you can actually take a quiet walk) do exist. Unlike Istanbul, the focus on real estate is not as drastic and the natural world has been allowed to flourish.

Ankara is a residential and political city, meaning it is quieter and more organised compared to chaotic Istanbul. Even though there’s a bit of traffic during rush hour, you’ll never hear excessive car honking or the noise of the urban shuffle. The streets are not overcrowded and on the weekends it’s possible to go out without having to dodge waves of humans.

Ankara is a haven for shoppers with plenty of modern malls stocking every brand imaginable. The capital also doesn’t fall short on sightseeing, with the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Ethnography Museum, and the Ankara Kalesi (and surrounding old city) deemed as favourites.

From the beautifully ornate Ziraat Bank Museum (built in 1929 by Giulio Mongeri) to the more modern office buildings of the 1960s in the Ulus neighbourhood, Ankara has a lot to see for architecture enthusiasts. Even the train station (built in 1937) is a gorgeous example of art deco, while the old clock towers and metal lamps decorate the streets like a true capital city.

The restaurant culture in Ankara is not as varied as in Istanbul, so you won’t find that unique haute-cuisine Turkish restaurant run by a celebrity chef. But from kebabs to fresh fish, variety does exist in Ankara (definitely visit Aspava, a traditional Turkish restaurant with a long list of local classics).

The biggest weakness of the Turkish capital is its lack of cultural life. There are few major events such as art exhibition openings or the latest musicals. The dilapidated condition of the opera house also speaks volumes about the lack of focus on events.

• Foto Galeri
• Resmi İlanlar

Ne Ankara ne de İstanbul! Fiyatlar katlandıkça katlandı, yatırımcının cebi doldu! Orada evi olanın keyfi yerinde

Son yıllarda artan fiyatlar vatandaşı çileden çıkarırken en çok zamlananlar arasında konut fiyatları yer alıyor. Ne Ankara ne de İstanbul o şehirde konut fiyatları %79 arttı yatırım yapan cebini doldurdu. İşte konut fiyatlarının en çok arttığı şehirler…

Gayrimenkul fiyatları son yıllarda en çok artan kalemler arasında yer alıyor. Vatandaşlar birikimini korumak için farklı alanlara yönelirken bunların başında konutlar geliyor. TÜİK tarafından açıklanan mart ayı yıllık enflasyon rakamları %68,50 olarak belirtildi. Gayrimenkul fiyatlarındaki son durum ise en çok araştırılan konular arasında yer alıyor. Türkiye'de ortalama gayrimenkul fiyatları %57 artış gösterirken en çok kazandıran ve kaybettiren şehirlerde tek tek sıralandı. İşte konut fiyatlarının en çok arttığı şehirler…

KONUT FİYATLARI ARTTIKÇA ARTIYOR

TÜİK tarafından açıklanan veriler doğrultusunda Türkiye'de mart ayı yıllık enflasyon rakamları %68,50 olarak açıklandı. Yüksek enflasyona karşı koruma aracı olarak öne çıkan gayrimenkul vatandaşların birikimlerini korumak için yöneldiği araçlardan biri olarak bilinmektedir. Mart ayı ile birlikte konut satışları 105.394 olarak kayda geçti. Tüm bunların yanı sıra yüksek faiz rakamları nedeniyle kredili satışlarda düşük devirde seyrediyor.

Geçtiğimiz ay 12.880 konut kredi kullanılarak satın alındı. Peşin gerçekleşen satışlarda ise altın ve döviz bozduranların etkisi arttıkça artmaya devam ediyor. Gazete Duvar’ın gayrimenkul platformu Endeksa'nın verilerinden aktardığı habere göre, Türkiye genelinde son bir yılda konut fiyatları ortalama yüzde 57 arttı. Ortalama metrekare satış fiyatı 25 bin 11 olarak kayda geçerken fiyatlar her şehirde farklı rakamlarda görülmektedir. Bazı şehirlerde bu artış oranı TÜFE’nin üzerinde gerçekleşiyor

OTURUM AMAÇLI ALINIYOR

Sektör analistleri doğrultusunda konut alımlarının çoğunlukla kullanım amacıyla gerçekleştiği belirtiliyor. Kredi talebinin düşük olması nedeniyle gerçekleşen alımlarda hane halkı birikimleri ön plana çıkmaktadır. Bunun yanı sıra son dönemde hızlı yükselen fiyatlar konut fiyatlarının yatay aşağı seyrettiği dönemlerde fırsat olarak değerlendiriliyor.

EN ÇOK KAZANDIRAN ŞEHİRLER

• Hatay: Yüzde 84
• Ordu: Yüzde 79
• Muğla: Yüzde 78
• Eskişehir: Yüzde 75
• Elazığ: Yüzde 75
• Ankara: Yüzde 70
• Sakarya: Yüzde 70
• Aydın: Yüzde 69

EN ÇOK KAYBETTİREN ŞEHİRLER

• Kocaeli: Yüzde 60
• Yalova: Yüzde 59
• Samsun: Yüzde 58
• Urfa: Yüzde 57
• Antep: Yüzde 57
• İstanbul: Yüzde 56
• İzmir: Yüzde 56
• Kayseri: Yüzde 56
• Çanakkale: Yüzde 54
• Mersin: Yüzde 52
• Bursa: Yüzde 50
• Diyarbakır: Yüzde 50
• Antalya: Yüzde 46
• Adana: Yüzde 36

11:35 Yıllar önce Türkiye'yi terk eden Kurtlar Vadisi oyuncusu vatandaşlık alamayınca geri döndü! Ayça Varlıer'in son hali şaşırttı

11:33 Kız Kardeşim Projesi’nin yıldızları ödülleriyle buluştu

11:28 Dolarda kıyamet koparacak tahmin! Ünlü ekonomist net tarih verdi: Er ya da geç o rakamı görecek...

11:25 CHP'li belediye başkanlarından 'özgürlük' çağrısı: Tayfun Kahraman'ın uğradığı zulüm son bulmalı

11:23 Beylikdüzü'nde E-5'i kilitleyen kaza: Yaralılar var

11:18 Çin’den Almanya’ya misilleme: Büyükelçi bakanlığa çağrıldı

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11:15 Altın sahipleri için kabus zamanı açıklandı! Bu tarihte aman dikkat. Büyük zelzeleye hazır olun, yer yerinden oynayacak

11:13 Karar yürürlükte: Türk dönerine artık 'AB' onayı gerekiyor

11:05 İstanbul’da pazar günü bazı yollar trafiğe kapatılacak

11:05 Kartal Belediyesi kreş öğrencileri Maltepe Üniversitesi’ne konuk oldu

11:04 Bahçeli'den 'Ferdi Tayfur'lu mesaj: Akşener'e ve İYİ Parti'ye çağrı yaptı

11:02 Esnaf Komisyonu ilk toplantısını gerçekleştirdi

11:00 Otomobilde gördüğü annesine kurşun yağdırdı!

11:00 Kara kara ne izleyeceğini düşünenler buraya! Dizi, film, program… Ne ararsanız bu listede: İşte 26 Nisan TV yayın akışı

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• Bugün Toplu Taşıma Ücretsiz Mi? İstanbul, Ankara Ve İzmir'de 23 Nisan Kararı

Bugün toplu taşıma ücretsiz mi? İstanbul, Ankara ve İzmir'de 23 Nisan kararı

23 nisan ulusal egemenlik ve çocuk bayramı bu yıl salı günü etkinliklerle kutlanacak. bayram öncesi toplu taşıma araçlarının ücretsiz olup olmayacağı soruları gündeme geldi. i̇stanbul, ankara ve i̇zmir için alınan karar resmi adreslerden duyuruldu. peki, 23 nisan'da (bugün) toplu taşıma ücretsiz mi i̇s.

Haber Merkezi 23.04.2024 - 09:45

• Linki Kopyala

23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı yurdun dört bir yanında düzenleyeceği etkinliklerle kutlayacak. Geride bıraktığımız resmi tatillerde uygulanan ücretsiz toplu taşıma uygulaması 23 Nisan'da da devam edecek.

İETT'DEN TOPLU TAŞIMA AÇIKLAMASI

23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı'nda kişiselleştirilmiş İstanbulkart'ınızla ücretsiz seyahat edebilirsiniz. Otobüs seferleri Cumartesi tarifesi ile Metrobüs seferleri hafta İçi tarifesi ile çalışacaktır. *Adalar hatları, Beyoğlu-Taksim Nostaljik Tramvayı, Karaköy-Beyoğlu Tünel, SG-1 Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı-Kadıköy, SG-2 Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı-Taksim, 121CS Sultanahmet-Çamlıca Tepesi hatları, 139 Üsküdar-Şile ve 139A Üsküdar-Şile/Ağva VİP hatlarımızda ücretsiz uygulaması geçerli değildir.

EGO GENEL MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ'NDEN AÇIKLAMA

Ankara'da EGO Genel Müdürlüğüne ait toplu taşıma araçları, 23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramında ücretsiz hizmet verecek.Genel Müdürlükten yapılan açıklamaya göre, Ankara Büyükşehir Belediye Meclisinin dini ve milli bayram günlerinde sabah saat 06.00'dan başlayarak gece saat 24.00'e kadar EGO Genel Müdürlüğüne ait otobüs, raylı sistemler ve teleferik ile verilen toplu taşıma hizmetlerinden ücretsiz yararlandırılması kararı kapsamında vatandaşlar, 23 Nisan'da toplu taşımadan ücretsiz faydalanabilecek. Ücretsiz, 360 güzergahta hizmet verecek EGO otobüslerinin hareket saatlerine ve güzergahlarına, mobil uygulama ve EGO'nun internet sitesinden ulaşılabilecek.

İZMİR BELEDİYESİ'NDEN AÇIKLAMA

İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi, 23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı’nı kentin dört bir yanında düzenleyeceği etkinliklerle kutlayacak. Yapılan açıklamada; " Türkiye Büyük Millet Meclisi’nin açılışının 104’üncü yıldönümünün kutlanacağı 23 Nisan günü tüm toplu ulaşım araçları ücretsiz hizmet verecek. 23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik ve Çocuk Bayramı’nda İzmir’de toplu ulaşım ücretsiz sağlanacak. Cumhurbaşkanı Kararı doğrultusunda İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi tarafından yapılan düzenlemeyle 23 Nisan Salı günü; İZBAN, İZDENİZ, İZULAŞ, METRO, ESHOT, İZTAŞIT ve tramvay seferleri ücretsiz olarak yapılacak." denildi. 

• Etiketler :
• Gündem
• 23 Nisan Ulusal Egemenlik Ve Çocuk Bayramı
• Metrobüs

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Sayfa Yükleniyor...

Web sitemizdeki çerezleri (cookie) kullanıcı deneyimini artıran teknik özellikleri desteklemek için kullanıyoruz. Aynı zamanda analitik çerezler de kullanıyoruz. Çerezleri reddetmek istiyorsanız detaylı bilgi için tıklayınız.

Ankara Büyükşehir Belediyesi duyurdu: O geziler yeniden başlıyor

Ankara büyükşehir belediyesi, 26 nisan'dan itibaren miras şantiye gezileri'nin yeniden başlayacağını duyurdu. başvuruların çevrimiçi şekilde yapılacağı açıklandı..

Ankara Büyükşehir Belediyesi (ABB), "Miras Şantiye Gezileri" kapsamında Ankara Kalesi, Arkeopark ve Roma Tiyatrosu Şantiyelerini 26 Nisan 2024 tarihinde yeniden başkentlilerin ziyaretine açıyor.

Ankara Büyükşehir Belediyesi, başkent tarihine ışık tutan yapıları ayağa kaldıran projeleri hayata geçirmeye devam ediyor. Kültür ve Tabiat Varlıkları Daire Başkanlığı, Ankara Miras Şantiye Gezileri kapsamında Ankara Kalesi, Arkeopark ve Roma Tiyatrosu Şantiyelerini 26 Nisan 2024 tarihinde yeniden Başkentlilerin ziyaretine açıyor.

Kent tarihini tanıtmak ve turizmi canlandırmak amacıyla gerçekleştirilen gezilerde Başkentlilerle, kentin Galatlardan günümüze kadar gelen zengin tarihi katmanları, Roma yerleşimi ve Ankara Kalesi hakkında kent tarihine ilişkin bu çalışmalarla ortaya çıkan yeni bilgiler de paylaşılıyor. Ücretsiz olarak gerçekleştirilen gezilere, “https://forms.ankara.bel.tr/ankaramiras” adresindeki form doldurularak katılım sağlanabiliyor.

Sitemizden en iyi şekilde faydalanabilmeniz için çerezler kullanılmaktadır. Bu siteye giriş yaparak çerez kullanımını kabul etmiş sayılıyorsunuz.

• Bildirimler

Cuma namazı saat kaçta? 26 Nisan 2024 İstanbul, İzmir, Ankara namaz vakitleri...

Cuma namazını kaçırmak istemeyen müslümanlar, yaşadığı ile göre namaz vakitlerine bakıyor. peki, 26 nisan 2024 cuma namazı saat kaçta i̇stanbul, ankara, i̇zmir namaz saatleri....

Müslüman alemi, "güneşin doğduğu en hayırlı gün" olan bir cumaya daha kavuştu.

İbadetlerini yerine getirmeye çalışanlar, özellikle cuma namazını kaçırmıyor.

Cuma namazı, cemaatle birlikte öğle ezanında kılınıyor.

İstanbul başta olmak üzere Ankara, İzmir ve diğer illerde yaşayanlar 26 Nisan 2024 Cuma namazı vakti için arama yapıyor.

Diyanet, bugünkü ezan vakitlerini paylaştı. Peki bugün öğle ezanı saat kaçta? Cuma namazı saat kaçta kılınacak? İşte il il cuma namazı saatleri...

26 Nisan 2024 cuma saatleri

İstanbul'da bugün Cuma namazı saat 13.07'de kılınacak.

Ankara'da saat 12.51'de, İzmir'de ise saat 13:14'te kılınacak.

Diyanet namaz vakitleri ekranı

Çöl tozunun olumsuz etkilerini önlemek için bunları göz ardı etmeyin! İstanbul ve Ankara'yı etkisi altına aldı, sırada Kastamonu var

Yunanistan'ın başkenti atina'daki çöl tozu i̇stanbul ve ankara'yı etkisi altına aldı. uzmanlara göre; yurdun batı ve i̇ç kesimlerinde 3 gün boyunca etkili olacak. çöl tozu, solunum yolu problemi dahil bazı hastalıkları olan kişiler için risk oluşturuyor. i̇şte, çöl tozunun olumsuz etkilerini önlemek için yapmanız gerekenler….

Kuzey Afrika'dan gelen çöl tozu, Atina'dan İstanbul ve Ankara'ya ulaştı. Çöl tozu uzmanların yaptığı açıklamalara göre  Ege, Marmara, Batı Karadeniz ve daha sonra da İç Anadolu bölgesini etkileyecek. Çöllerden kalkan tozlar, atmosferin üst tabakalarına kadar çıkıp uzun mesafeler kat ediyor. Kuraklık ve çölleşme nedeniyle meydana gelen toz taşınımının bazı kronik rahatsızlığı olan vatandaşlar için olumsuz etkileri de bulunmakta.

Astım, bronşit ve KOAH gibi solunum yolu hastalıkları olan vatandaşlar için tozda bulunan ince partiküller son derece zararlıdır. Uzmanlar solunum yolu problemi olanların nefes darlığı, göğüs ağrısı ve öksürük yaşamamaları için bu süreçte maske kullanmasını öneriyor.

Göz bozukluğu nedeniyle ya da kozmetik amaçlı lens kullanan vatandaşlarında dikkatli olması öneriliyor. Çöl tozları, gözlerde kaşıntıya, tahrişe ve kızarıklığa yol açabilmektedir.

Çöl tozu, egzama gibi cilt rahatsızlıkları olan kişilerde tahriş, kuruluk ya da kaşıntıya neden olabilir. Ayrıca çöl tozu bilhassa çocuklarda solunum yolu enfeksiyonlarına yol açabilmektedir.

Dünyanın en iyi sebze yemekleri belli oldu! O Türk lezzeti listede bakın kaçıncı sırada yer aldı

Dışarıdayken pandemi döneminde olduğu gibi maske kullanın,

Etkili bir nemlendirici cildin çöl tozundan tahriş olmasını önlemenize yardımcı olacaktır,

Gözlük kullanarak gözlerinizi koruyun,

Bol su tüketin.

Çöl tozunun en yoğun olduğu saatlerde mümkün olduğunca dışarı çıkmamaya çalışın.

• Türkiye Haberleri

Depremde yurttaşa parayla çadır veren kurum şimdi de taşınmaz bağışlarını elden çıkarıyor: Kızılay yine satıyor

323 gayrimenkulünden gelen parayla i̇stanbul etiler’de konut ve işyeri yapılacak, ankara’da avm yenilenecek..

Kahramanmaraş merkezli 6 Şubat depremlerinde yurttaş karda soğukta sokakta kalırken Kızılay, elindeki çadırları bedava dağıtmak yerine parayla sattı. Skandalın ortaya çıkmasıyla kurum başkanı koltuğunu kaybetti.

Deprem dönemi tepkilerin odağında olan Kızılay şimdi de bağış yoluyla kendisine emanet edilen 323 gayrimenkulü “ekonomik ömrünü doldurdukları” gerekçesiyle “dönüştürecek”.

Kızılay Taşınmaz Yönetimi Genel Müdürlüğü ve Ankara Üniversitesi Gayrimenkul Geliştirme ve Yönetimi Anabilim Dalı öğretim üyeleri, “Kızılay’a insani yardımlar için kaynak oluşturmak” gerekçesiyle proje başlattı.

İKİ PROJE OLACAK

Bu proje kapsamında 70-80 yıllık ekonomik ömrünü tamamlamış 178’i boş durumdaki 323 gayrimenkul için elektronik ortamda herkese açık ihale yapılacak.

Cumhuriyet’in Kızılay’dan aldığı bilgiye göre bazıları boş tarla, bazıları eski konut olan bu gayrimenkuller satılacak. Bu satıştan elde edilecek gelir ise iki proje için kullanılacak. İstanbul’un lüks semtlerinden Etiler’de Akmerkez’in karşısında Kızılay’a ait arsa üzerinde ticaret ve konut alanı projesi gerçekleştirilecek. Diğer proje ise Ankara Kızılay’da bulunan AVM’de olacak. Kızılay AVM’nin özellikle üst katlarında “yenileme ve onarım” yapılacak.

KİRAYA VERECEK

Kızılay, Etiler’deki projeye ise özel önem veriyor. Büyük bir proje olacak bu yatırım sayesinde kira getirisi yüksek mülklere sahip olunması amaçlanıyor. Çeşitli yerlerdeki eski hisseli taşınmazlar satılarak mülkiyetin tamamen Kızılay’a ait olacağı gayrimenkuller elde edilecek. Alınan bu kararla “bağışçıların emanetini koruma ilkesi çerçevesinde” daha fazla ihtiyaç sahibine yardım etme olanağına kavuşulacağı bildirildi. Dönüştürme kapsamındaki taşınmazların 76’sının hisseli, 247’sinin ise tam mülkiyet olduğu kaydedildi. İstanbul Etiler’deki projenin altı yılda, Ankara’daki alışveriş merkezinin ise üç yıl içinde kendisini amorti edecekleri ve Kızılay’a insani yardımlar için gelir getirmeye başlayacakları savunuldu.

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