Despite its connection to its reputation as the political and administrative capital of the country; Ankara stores a history that makes it a great tourist value; as well as its beautiful mountainous nature and the low cost of shopping and tourism in it compared to the rest of the tourist areas. Here I present to you the 7 Things you should do when visiting Ankara.
1-Visit Ankara Castle Citadel
Historians disagree about the original date of construction of the Ankara Citadel, but no two disagree on its aesthetic value.
Some of them confirm that they date back to the era that makes them more than 3 thousand years old. Some link them to the Byzantine era post-birth.
To reach the Ankara Citadel; you have to go through the old and popular markets that still maintain their rural character. Although they are located in the center of the capital, and there you can enjoy the beautiful brick buildings. On the road, dozens of street vendors will greet you; showing their shops selling antiques, jewelry, and traditional clothes and souvenirs at very reasonable prices.
As you will be able to see on the top that reveals the entire city, here the selfie will be a necessity that you cannot abandon; as well as the 360 photography feature to reveal the splendor of the entire scene. You can also taste the delicious fresh Turkish pastries that upon request in a small cafe located near the entrance to the castle, and you can also taste the famous Turkish tea and Turkish coffee while enjoying a very beautiful view of the city. For all this, the castle is one of the best tourist places in Ankara.
2-Visit Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
You probably know that Turkey has a deep in history; especially since its expansion in different historical eras made its civilization overlap with many eastern, western, and Arab civilizations.
You can take a closer look at all that history through a unique museum. It shows the development of human civilizations, from primitive man to our own age.
The museum, which is one of the best tourist places in Ankara, has a large number of artifacts, some of which date back more than 6 thousand years, and include monuments from different civilizations such as Assyrian, Canaanite, Byzantine, Roman and many others.
In addition to the internal museum, you can enjoy the artifacts displayed in the exhibition’s outer courtyard, which are no less impressive than those inside.
3-Visit the large Annette Museum
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk or the father of the Turks; is famous for building modern Turkey.
But how did he do that and what was the price that Turkey emerging from the war paid to become one of the powerful countries in the world? The answer to this question is obviously present in the Great Annette Museum.
In the museum you can see a giant panorama that is a mural, half of which is drawn and the other half composed of real models, embodying the battles that Ataturk fought and won. And in the museum, you can also see the Turkish leader’s personal belongings from his car and boat to his clothes, special tools, and gifts he received.
On the cultural level, you can see the first copies of the modern Turkish alphabet, which were written in the Latin letter after it was written in Arabic letters.
4- Shop in the 3 most famous malls in Ankara (day)
Shopping is amongst the most important things you should do when visiting Ankara. Although it is the capital of the country, tourism in Ankara is more affordable than any other Turkish city.
Ankara has the most famous markets that attract tourists to buy the finest brands and popular and international products, including;
- Panora shopping complex
It is considered one of the most famous modern Ankara malls, and includes a large number of commercial complexes that offer the best international and Turkish brands and brands.
- Anka Mall
It is considered one of the largest malls in Turkey after the Cevahir Mall in Istanbul, where its products vary between clothes, accessories,
electrical appliances of various kinds and many distinctive products with high quality.
- Carrom Mall
The Carrom Mall is one of the largest commercial malls in Ankara, as it includes 368 stores offering the best international and
Turkish brands in it that meet the visitor’s protests.
4- Shop in the popular market Kizilay (at night)
Kizilay is one of the best tourist places in Ankara. It includes a large number of malls and stores, as well as a large taxi and bus station, which makes it teeming with people all day.
As for the night, the scene becomes different; especially after ten in the evening, when shops close their doors leaving the street to street vendors and stalls.
Here you can buy everything you want, from clothes to toys, antiques, fabrics, jewelry, leather products, and all of that at low prices, and of course, there is no need to remind you of the need to pay attention to counterfeit brands.
Also, you may be surprised by the street music and dance performances, and folk arts, and you will also be able to taste the most delicious traditional Turkish dishes from street food that is cooked directly in front of you.
5-Eat in one of the best 3 restaurants in Ankara
Ankara has a great history and civilization and a glorious present, where the wonderful attractions vary between ancient monuments, modern attractions and charming natural places.
In addition to that, it always has its own tastes and cuisines as an important part of its heritage and civilization, as it provides visitors with an unparalleled gourmet pleasure.
Below are the best 3 restaurants in Ankara; whose dishes vary between Turkish-inspired cuisine and international-inspired cuisine, to choose your favorite Istanbul restaurant.
- Rajab Usta Restaurant
Rajab Middle Restaurant is located in Cankaya, Dikmen Park. And it features various types of popular Turkish food and delicious desserts, and it also has a green garden with a charming view inside.
- Zingir Pasha Kunayi Restaurant
The restaurant is located in the Açıkali Ulus area, and it is characterized by its traditional Turkish designs, and it offers various delicious dishes, and its atmosphere includes artistic and entertainment parties.
- Haji Aref Bey Restaurant
The restaurant is located in Kavaklidere, Genez Street, and it is considered a popular restaurant that serves various Turkish folk dishes, and
it includes a garden with large green areas, in which the best times for recreation can be spent.
6-Spend time in the 5 best parks in Ankara
Ankara is a tourist city and the first destination for most tourists coming to Istanbul, because it contains many tourist and entertainment places and the largest parks in it, and among these parks:
- Sierra Park
It is one of the most important and most beautiful parks in Ankara; as it has wide green spaces that bring comfort and pleasure to the soul; as separating the green grasses in Sera Park is a number of pedestrian paths with modern stunning designs. In addition to the presence of a number of waterfalls with dancing water and this is why the tourist considers it one of the most beautiful Areas in Ankara for recreation.
- Wonderland Park
What distinguishes Wonder Park is the presence of a large number of statues in its various regions; as it is open to receive children and adults to enjoy its atmosphere and play in its green spaces. In addition to the presence of a large number of halls where exciting performances are held and the opening of huge art galleries.
- Genchlik Park or Youth Park
It is one of the best places for the family; to spend an enjoyable time with nature, and enjoy seeing the largest shows that take place in it. In addition to containing an artificial lake with amazing colorful fountains; it includes a number of the finest restaurants and cafes.
- Goksu Park
Goksu Park with its wild plants and it contains a large number of animals and birds; that add an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment for adults and children.
- Gold Garden
It is one of the unique gardens in Ankara; where there are bathing pools and a nursery of varied and rare flowers. Not to mention the presence of summer schools for children that add a wonderful atmosphere of fun, play, and entertainment.
7- Enjoy the Turkish baths
After a long day of shopping and tourism, you should treat yourself to an authentic Turkish bath.
The baths in Ankara are unlike any other; because some of them literally date back hundreds of years; so you will enjoy the experience accumulated from generation to generation.
One of the most important of these baths; is the Sengul Bath, which is located near the Ankara Castle and dates back to the fifteenth century. You can also visit the baths in luxury hotels that provide excellent service at reasonable prices.
Turkish baths offer several options for massages and materials to be used. As well as special times for both women and men.