Book flights to Ankara (ESB)

Book your visit to Ankara

Once just a small town famous for its Angora wool, Ankara has grown into Türkiye’s modern capital. It’s a bustling place that embraces both its ancient history and youthful vibrancy, making it an ideal city break destination for families and couples.

Ankara has a charm of its own, shaped by its past and present. Roman monuments and museums stocked with captivating relics, sit alongside sleek boutiques, designer stores and exclusive restaurants. 

The city is a feast for the senses in both summer and winter. Savour local cuisine, with street vendors selling mouth-watering treats, and spoil yourself while shopping in any of the busy markets or air-conditioned, contemporary malls.

Things to do in Ankara

Discover the history of the Hammam with a visit to the Roman Baths of Ankara, complete with an open-air museum. Then head into the old part of the city for your own Hamman experience. Or deep dive into the culture of Türkiye with a visit to the Ethnography Museum.

To marvel at traditional architecture, make your way to Antikabir, the huge mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Türkiye. It’s at the heart of not just the city but the entire country, and is a magnificent building with a fascinating museum attached. The daily Changing of the Guard ceremony is a wonderfully photogenic event.

Creativity is a key aspect of life in Ankara, and the CerModern Contemporary Art Gallery offers a stunning showcase of modern art. Exhibiting both national and international artists, it always has plenty to see.

Activities in Ankara

There are several great family attractions, including the Club Watercity Aquapark, enchanting Ankara Toy Museum, and immersive Aqua Vega Aquarium. Here, you can walk through an acrylic tunnel just inches from sharks swimming over your head! You can also go on a family outing to Gençlik Parkı, with cafés and fun-filled amusement park rides for everyone.

For a tranquil break from all the action, admire panoramic views from Atakule, the 125m-high observation tower. While you’re there, indulge in a meal at the revolving restaurant. Or venture outside the city during a day trip to the Eymir Lake, a calming setting where you can relax. Take a boat trip or pack a picnic and enjoy the picturesque scenery.

Food in Ankara

Turkish cuisine is packed with flavour yet pleasantly mild, making it perfect for families and adventurous foodies. Wander around Ankara’s older districts and look for meyhanes, restaurants where you can sample fresh seafood dishes and authentic Turkish delicacies such as meze. You’ll also find street vendors selling on-the-go treats like halka tatlisi, a deep-fried dough drenched in sugar syrup.

Besides this, feast on the popular doner kebab or lahmacun, also known as ‘Turkish pizza’. Don’t forget to try Ankara tava, a dish made with lamb, orzo pasta, tomatoes and hot peppers. If you’re craving international cuisine, explore a variety of options including Chinese, Indian and Thai. Tunalı Hilmi Street and the area around Kuğul Park have some excellent restaurants. 

Shopping in Ankara

The most popular areas for retail therapy in Ankara include Kizilay, Tunali Street, Kavaklidere, Ulus and Izmir Street. In Kizilay, treat yourself to the ultimate boutique shopping experience, especially on the tree-lined Atatürk Boulevard. This district is also known for its premium malls, including the Karum Mall. To see a mall loved by locals, stop by Gordion Shopping Center, offering dining, entertainment and an abundance of fashion outlets.

Tunali Hilmi is an ideal bazaar for genuine Turkish handicrafts. Ulus is one of the best spots for bags, textiles and artwork, while Izmir Street is home to some of the highest quality leather goods, including belts and handmade shoes. For upmarket shopping and art galleries, go to the Çankaya district and browse unique independent stores as well as artisan shops.