Ankara Sights

Turkey’s capital city of Ankara is steeped in tradition and has also thrived in recent years, developing into a destination where you can enjoy the best of both worlds. From Roman Baths to café culture, museums and much more, explore all Ankara has to offer.



If you fancy taking a peek at what was once a focal point of life in Ankara, take a trip to ruins of the 3rd century Roman Baths which lie just 500m north of the central quarter, Ulus Meydan?. Public baths were a huge part of life in Ankara and it is still possible to view the different sections of the remains, from dressing rooms to the baths themselves, sparking your imagination of what life here was once like.



If you fancy a spot of public bathing, head to ?engül Merkez Hamam? where you will find several bathhouses, or hamams, where you can join the locals and scrub up in a totally different way.



For a completely different kind of aquatic experience, the Aquapark Club Watercity is situated just outside of the city centre and is ideal for a fun family day out. Water slides, pools, flumes and more will keep everyone amused and buses run regularly between the water park and the Opera Meydan? area.

Another popular family attraction is Gençlik Park? which can be reached by walking south from Ulus Meydan? along Atatürk Bulvar?. The Luna Park funfair is a hit with kids as well as grown-ups and the tea gardens make a pleasant stop on a sunny day.



Lovers of the outdoors would most likely enjoy Botanik Park?, the botanical gardens which offer a true oasis of tranquillity in the city centre.



Ankara has an impressive array of museums, each of which offers something a little different. The Ethnography Museum makes an interesting stop and houses several collections, from embroidery and porcelain to woodwork and etchings.



The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is another popular choice with tourist and locals alike. Winner of the 1997 ‘Best European Museum’ award, this large museum offers insight and knowledge into the story of Turkey’s past, and how it has shaped the present.



From ancient Anatolian civilisations, such as the Neolithic and Bronze Ages, to classical artefacts from Greek and Roman eras, there is a highly varied collection of sights to be seen here and anyone with an interest in history and culture should make time for a visit.



Depending on what time of year you visit, there may be a local festival in full swing. Annual events that are favoured by tourists include the International Ankara Music Festival which usually takes place in April and the Efes Pilsen Blues Festival, held every November.



A trip to Turkey will probably require the organisation of accommodation, which you can book before you travel or organise once you arrive. Remember that festivals and other events can place hotels in Ankara in high demand so booking before you travel in peak periods is advised.



Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.