Ankara

The juxtaposition of a modern city and an old town means that tourists can choose from a diverse range of accommodation. There’s an abundance of options to suit your trip from stays in the business district, to boutique hotels found close to local bars and restaurants.

For guests looking to spend their time in the lap of luxury, the Latanya Hotel in the features a spa and sauna, as well as other prestigious hotels such as Sheraton Hotel & Convention Centre popular with business guests. For those who would like a more cultural experience the Divan Çukurhan has carefully preserved heritage fabric with vintage style furniture, whilst providing modern amenities. There are also more budget friendly options such as the Ankara Gold Hotel.

No matter what type of accommodation you are searching for, there are sure to be endless suitable options to take your fancy.

You can shop ‘til you drop in the capital, with every shoppers dream available from high end boutiques and big name brands, to bric-a-brac bargains in the markets.

At the bustling Kizilay Square, you can find a plethora of popular stores from high street favourites such as Mango, to world famous brands and independent bookstores. Ankamall claims the title of one of the most popular shopping centres in Ankara with various levels of both fashionable and affordable stores, as well as a fabulous Food Court.

In the Ulus district, the Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu market is awash with counters selling spices, handmade souvenirs, and other beautiful accessories in a haven of emporiums.

Ankara can proffer both modern and time-honoured shopping experiences, and its markets, shopping centres and squares provide an eclectic mix, so you’re guaranteed to find something to take home.

Around the Citadel there are a plethora of traditional and tasty restaurants to delight your taste buds, such as Zenger Paşa Konağı and Hatipoğlu Konağı, which boast spectacular views in the historic part of town. Seafood is a specialty for many restaurants as proximity to the Black Sea means freshly caught fish is readily available. Turkey is also renowned for its kebabs and koftes, and the thoroughfares are saturated with stands selling sumptuous street food.

Café culture is a cardinal part of Turkish culture, with coffee having been credited to the Turkey for its introduction to Europe. The proverb “the memory of a cup of coffee lasts for forty years” is indicative of how symbolic café culture is for Turkey, thanks to its ability bring people together in friendship and entertainment.

Regardless of which dining option you choose, you are guaranteed to be pleased.

Ankara Film Festival

March

Hosted in March, this major festival brings together up and coming directors and actors, as well as cinematic lovers from across the globe. This festival focuses on the future of National Cinema and investing in promising cinematographers. There are also panels, workshops and conferences which are aimed at varying age groups. The aim of the festival is to bring together both creators and content consumers in celebration.

Ankara Music Festival

April

Ankara’s foremost music celebration is a festival that takes place over the course of about 3 weeks in Spring. This festival sees performances from international musicians alongside unknown acts in a jampacked calendar of concerts and performances.