The capital city of Turkey, Ankara is a fascinating mix of the old and the new, where ancient ruins and crowded tiny streets are interspersed with modern structures and spacious efficiency. One of the undisputed highlights is the shopping – exploring every one of the endless stalls and shops on each street would take a lifetime. Beautiful structures such as the Victory Monument and the Atatürk Mausoleum are fascinating, and the rich, hearty cuisine is fantastic.
Deep in the heart of Turkey lies the stately capital Ankara, a stunning mixture of past and present. Ancient ruins rub shoulders with modern infrastructure in this fabulous place, also home to a number of monuments, museums, universities and libraries. The old town, or Ulus, is a network of tiny streets brimming with bars, restaurants and ruins; and highlights here include the Kale, the Atatürk Mausoleum, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Victory Monument.
The newer side of the city is like many others across Europe with bustling streets, trendy bars and plush hotels. The cuisine throughout the city is fantastic, while the nightlife, particularly around Kizilay, can be very exciting. There are also some beautiful parks including Gençlik Park, the Botanical Garden and Anayasa Park, perfect for an afternoon of lazing about and watching the world go by.
Highlights
The Kale: this imposing fortress in the old town keeps a watchful eye over the city.** **
Victory Monument: in the heart of the old town in Ulus square, this impressive monument honors the heroes of the War of Independence.****
Monument to a Secure and Confident Future: this patriotic icon can be found in Gençlik Park.** **
Atatürk Mausoleum: this outstanding combination of old and new architecture was built in honor of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.** **
Museum of Anatolian Civilization: this collection of monuments and museums paints a fascinating historical picture.****
Roman Baths: not a lot is left of this once grand Roman structure but it’s still well worth a look.****