Ankara, Türkiye: Visit Like You're A Local
When most people think of Turkey, Istanbul often takes the spotlight. But if you venture a little further into the heart of the country, you’ll stumble upon Ankara, Turkey’s vibrant capital city, brimming with charm, history, and a unique cultural vibe. And trust me, if you’re planning a trip to this bustling metropolis, you’re in for a treat. We have now lived in Ankara for 9 months, and I’m sharing with you everything you need to know when you visit.
Here’s a personal guide to some of Ankara’s must-visit spots and some of my hidden gems.
Visit Anitkabir
Start your Ankara adventure with a visit to Anıtkabir, the majestic mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. This awe-inspiring site is a blend of powerful architecture and serene gardens. Walking through the Hall of Honor and gazing at the eternal resting place of Atatürk will leave you feeling a deep sense of respect for Turkey’s history. Pro tip? Visit in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the peacefulness of the area.
Ulus (Kizilay area)
If shopping is on your travel agenda, Kızılay is the beating heart of Ankara’s hustle and bustle. From modern malls to quirky roadside vendors, you can find just about anything here. It’s also lively in the evenings, with local hangouts and street food vendors coming alive. The district is ideal for catching a glimpse of the everyday life of Ankara locals.
Here are a few of my favorite local shops.
- Yore– If you’re looking for Turkish towels, scarves, or tablecloths, this is one of the best places to shop in Ulus. Very affordable prices. On average, one towel costs $5.00.
- Oz Otantik- This is where I have purchased my absolute favorite towels in Ankara! 100% cotton and bamboo. If you’re serious about finding good quality turkish towels for cheap, this is the place you need to visit.
- Nigde Hali– I’ve purchased a few Turkish rugs from here. Make sure you have Google translate, and that you are ready to bargain.
- Osmanli Hali ve Kilim– I love kilim rugs and this shop has the most affordable brand new kilims I’ve found in Ankara. I also love them because it’s zero pressure and they speak English. I have bought 3 rugs from them and I can’t recommend them enough.
- Guvenler Tekstil: This is my favorite Turkish blanket shop! For 150 ($4.00) Lira you can get a really nice Turkish blanket. The more you wash them the softer they get. It’s one of my favorite places in Ankara.
- Tasis-Government runs the liquidation of the home and craft store. It’s overwhelming when you go in there because there’s so many people, but it’s a great place if you’re looking for discounted home items.
My Favorite Bazaars & Markets in Ankara
Shopping in Ankara is quite different from shopping in Istanbul. The prices are more affordable and the people don’t pressure you as hard to buy. I love shopping in Ankara; it’s actually how I’ve learned almost all my Turkish.
Istanbul Bazaar– This bazaar is off the beaten path, and you’ll find affordable clothing, towels, carpets, shoes, and blankets here. It has everything. I love going here and walking the aisles.
AYRANCI Market (Antique Market)- This market is on the first Sunday of every month.
Bosna Sosyete Pazari- This is a second-hand or thrift store type pazari.
Favortie Cafes to Visit & Local Shops
Amelie’s Garden– This is one of the cutest coffee shops in Ankara. They make the most incredible designs on top of lattes. I was very impressed. If you’re in Ankara and looking for a cool place to hang out and get a cup of coffee, I highly recommend Amelie’s Garden.
Selini Bahcesi- A cute local shop full of local artists’ art, jewelry, and textiles.
Vinni The Vegan Witch– A cute little vegan-friendly cafe. Vegan and vegetarian options are scarce in Ankara.
Fun Parks To Visit With Children
Morgan Park– This is a great place to grab Turkish breakfast in the morning. After eating, you can get the kids’ scooters and walk around. There’s also a cute little train that will pick you up and drive you around the park. My 6-year-old had a great time doing this.
Sincan Park– Is one of the newest park in Ankara. It has a fun walking track, a brand new playground with a huge slide and parking.
Golbasi Sehir Parki– Located in Ankara city. It’s home to a Ferris wheel that looks over the city. It also has a nice playground.
Ankara is a great place to visit over a long weekend or if you’re passing through. It doesn’t get a lot of credit because it’s not a super touristy city. However, if you’re in the market for Turkish carpets or towels, the prices in Ankara will be much better than in the more touristy towns. I hope this helps you find something off the beaten path to do in Ankara. I’ll continue to add on to this blog post as I learn more about the city.