Ankara

Turkey's capital and second-largest city, Ankara is a modern metropolis with ancient roots dating back to Hittite times. Visit for the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Anitkabir mausoleum, and the contrast between its historic Old Town and contemporary districts.

Things to do

• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations — Explore one of the world's richest collections of Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian artifacts housed in a restored 15th-century Ottoman building in the Old Town.
• Anitkabir Mausoleum — Visit the monumental tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, set on a hilltop with panoramic city views and a museum dedicated to his life.
• Ankara Castle (Hisar) — Climb through the restored medieval fortress overlooking the Old Town to enjoy sweeping vistas and explore traditional Ottoman residential quarters.
• Temple of Augustus and Rome — See this remarkably preserved Roman temple from the 1st century BCE with its famous inscription (Res Gestae Divi Augusti) detailing Emperor Augustus's achievements.
• Etnografya Müzesi (Ethnography Museum) — Discover Ottoman-era domestic life, traditional textiles, ceramics, and folk crafts that showcase Anatolia's cultural heritage.
• Kocatepe Mosque — Tour this massive modern mosque, one of Turkey's largest, featuring stunning Neo-Ottoman architecture and commanding views from its location on a central hilltop.
• Anıttepe Park — Stroll through this leafy recreational area with monuments, gardens, and outdoor sculptures that offer respite from the urban center.

Food to try

• Ankara Kebabı — Tender lamb or beef cooked in a clay pot with tomatoes, peppers, and onions, served with yogurt and bread—a signature dish unique to the capital.
• Tava — A sizzling skillet of seasoned lamb or beef with vegetables cooked and served directly in cast iron, offering rich, concentrated flavors.
• Çiğ Köfte — Raw meatball made from finely minced uncooked meat, bulgur, and spices, traditionally wrapped in lettuce leaves and squeezed with lemon juice.
• Beyaz Peynir with Honeycomb — Fresh white cheese paired with local honeycomb, offering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors—a traditional Turkish breakfast staple.
• Manti — Small Turkish dumplings filled with spiced meat, topped with yogurt sauce and melted butter infused with paprika, representing Central Anatolian comfort food.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect mosque etiquette — Remove shoes before entering mosques, dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and avoid visiting during prayer times unless invited.
• Greet with two kisses — Turkish custom among friends and acquaintances involves exchanging cheek kisses (usually right then left), so be prepared for this warm greeting.
• Visit during official hours — Many museums and historical sites have specific opening times and may close on Mondays, so plan your itinerary accordingly and check ahead.
• Use public transport or taxis — Ankara's metro and bus system is efficient; using them is safer and more practical than renting a car, as driving can be chaotic and parking limited.