Ankara, the vibrant capital of Turkey, is truly an excellent travel destination. The sprawling, modern city is located in the heart of the country and boasts a wealth of experiences and plenty of sightseeing opportunities. For travellers who are planning to visit Ankara, we have compiled a list of travel tips that may be useful during a visit to the city.
Avoid the rainy season
To avoid the rain when visiting, it is best to visit Ankara during its dry season during the months of July to October - which is when the city gets almost no rain. The climate in Ankara is generally hot and dry during the summer (from April to June), mild during spring and autumn and cold and snowy during the winter(from November to March). However in terms of festivities, March and April are two of the best months for a visit.
Shop for handicrafts
Hand-crafted copper items are popular souvenirs and gift items that can be bought during a visit to Ankara, and a range of pitchers, amulets and other utensils will be readily available throughout the city. Shopping in Ankara will be a fascinating experience, with a wealth of shopping malls, famous designer boutiques, department stores and weekly bazaars in the city offering just about everything that you are looking for.
Plan your mode of transport
Ankara’s public transport system can seem slightly intimidating for first-time tourists – particularly the public bus network – since most information is in Turkish and maps are not common. Taxis are recommended for travelling shorter distances within the city. For more seasoned travellers, municipality buses, public buses, dolmuş (a special transport service found only in Turkey) and the subway are amongst some of Ankara's transport options that provide a quick and cheap way to get around the city.
Visit the Anitkabir and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Travellers sightseeing in Ankara will be able to see several historic buildings and landmarks in the city – particularly in the area of Ulus. Two-must visit attractions when visiting Ankara include the Anıtkabir – the mausoleum of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – as well as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations located towards the south of Ankara Castle which gives a fascinating look at Turkey's ancient past.
