Budget Travel to Ankara 2024
Welcome to Ankara!
Ankara is the capital of Türkiye and it has a population of over 5.5 million people. There are parts of the city that are very modern and other areas that are a legacy of the Ottoman empire
It isn´t as beautiful as Istanbul, nor does it have so many historical landmarks and perhaps for that reason it is not a popular destination among international travellers. However, it´s big and lively city that has a lot for visitors to do and see, especially for those who like architecture, monuments, and museums.
This Ankara travel guide is aimed at giving you insider tips and recommendations for exploring the city without breaking the bank.
It´ll cover affordable accommodations, free and low-cost attractions, budget-friendly food, shopping, and transportation.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore iconic free landmarks such as the Anıtkabir and Ankara Castle.
- Ankara’s cultural scene by is wonderful, you can visit wonderful museums like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and admire the architecture of the biggest mosque in Turkey.
- You should try some of delicious Turkish cuisine at affordable restaurants and street food stalls including some the Ankara´s speciality dishes.
- Ankara has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and metros that helps to make exploring the city affordably
- You can choose from a range of budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels, budget hotels, and apartment rentals at reasonable prices.
- Ankara´s central location makes it a good stop off destination on long bus and train journeys.
Where is Ankara?
The city is located in the heart of Turkey, nearly 450 kilometres by road south-east of Istanbul. It´s geographical position in the centre of Anatolia makes it an ideal place to stop when touring around the country. For example, if you are travelling by bus between Istanbul and Cappadocia, Ankara is a great stop off point.
Thıngs to Do ın Ankara
Ankara offers a wide range of affordable and free must-visit attractions and activities for travellers. Especially for those who enjoy culture, history, and great food.
This city is not only the home of the government but is also the university capital of Turkey, with lots of young people and a great nightlife. In fact, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this modern and dynamic city.
Map of Ankara
Anıtkabır
The Anıtkabir is not only the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who helped win the Turkish War of Independence and was the founder of modern Turkey but is also an architectural wonder.
You can explore this huge mausoleum, filled with impressive sculptures, and enjoy the surrounding beautifully landscaped gardens in about an hour or so. If you go in the morning, you might be lucky enough to see the changing of the guards, which is a fantastic spectacle.
There is a small exhibition with a coffee shop below where you can rest and drink a cup of tea at the end of your visit. It gets busy at the weekends, on national holidays, and in the afternoons. So, try to go there on a weekday in the morning.
This landmark is a little bit far from the other attractions in the city. Getting there by taxi from the centre will cost you about 5 euros. There is no entry fee.
The mausoleum is spectacular and should probably be the first place that you visit on your trip to the capital.
The Mausoleum of Kemal Atatürk
Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi)
Ankara is not as new a city as many people may think. In fact, it is a historical city that even has a magnificent 8th-century castle. The castle is also referred to as the Ankara Citadel and is one of the oldest functional historical sites in the city.
The entrance to the castle is impressive, and it is a great place to take photos. After passing through the entrance, you will see an open courtyard that is surrounded by a type of sophisticated bazaar, which includes souvenir shops and cafes.
You can take a leisurely walk along the winding pathway inside the castle that goes up to the top. You will need to climb up a lot of steps to get there, but the panoramic views of the city a clear day make it worth the effort.
You can easily spend around an hour or more in the castle and learn about the history of Ankara. if you decide to do some souvenir shopping and stop for a Turkish coffee, you´ll need an hour and a half. It is free to enter the castle, and it is another great free attraction in the city.
A good idea is to start your day at the Anitkabir and then get a taxi to Ankara Castle, which will cost about 5 or 6 euros.
The castle is situated at the top of a steep hill, and walking up the hill to get to the castle entrance can be very tiring especially at the start of a busy day of sightseeing.
However, after your visit to the castle, you should walk down the hill because there are lots of interesting things to see on the way down.
Çengel Han Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Just opposite the castle entrance is a very nice museum called the Çengel Han Rahmi M. Koç Müzesi. The name is extremely difficult to say, but it is definitely worth visiting.
This museum has a large collection of vintage cars, scientific instruments, locomotives, and more. It is a fascinating place to learn about the history of technology and industry.
Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive and fun for both kids and adults. The entrance tickets cost around 7 euros, and you can spend about an hour exploring the museum.
Ancient Historical Gems
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
As you walk down the hill from Ankara Castle you will come to perhaps the most important and best museum in Turkey. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a must-see attraction for anyone who is interested in history.
You are going to love this museum because it displays so many fascinating artefacts from ancient civilizations that once lived in the Anatolian region. You can see items ranging from Hittite treasures to Roman artefacts, the museum displays an amazing collection of objects that help you to understand the area’s rich cultural heritage.
There are also items on display that were found in Göpeklitepe, the site of the world´s first human settlement, situated near Sanliurfa, in southeast Turkey, 12.000 years ago. (See the Şanlıurfa travel guide).
You are allowed to take photos in the museum without a flash. The entrance costs about 10 euros and is worth every penny.
It can take you a couple of hours to see everything properly, but perhaps you can do it in an hour if you are in a rush. There is a nice tea garden on the terrace outside the museum where you can sit down and relax after visiting this epic museum and one of my favourites in Turkey.
Hamamönü Neigbourhood
After you leave the museum keep on walking down the hill. When you reach the bottom of the hill, you can walk another 15 minutes or so until you reach the Hamanonu area of the city.
This neighbourhood is filled with charming Ottoman-era housing that has been restored and some new buildings that have been built in a similar style. The renovation work was completed in 2011 and was given an EDEN (European Destination of Excellence) award.
This is a trendy neighbourhood of Ankara, and is the lively area where you can many charming and relatively inexpensive coffee shops and restaurants. It is also a great place to take photos and relax after a busy sightseeing session.
Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara is home to several stunning mosques with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. You should at least try to visit the Kocatepe Mosque, which is one of the largest in Turkey and was finished in 1987.
Although it is not as old as other mosques in the country, it is still an architectural wonder, both inside and outside. You should take time to admire the beautiful tilework and elegant designs that make this mosque truly breathtaking.
The mosque is located centrally, within a few minutes of Kizilay Square on foot. It is definitely worth visiting, and the entry is free, but you should try to avoid visiting at prayer times.
Kizilay Square
You should try to experience the bustling heart of Ankara at Kizilay Square, either in the daytime or in the evening.
This lively square is not only a great place for shopping and dining but also a gathering spot for both locals and visitors.
You can enjoy a leisurely walk, soak up the atmosphere, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many inexpensive cafes and restaurants. The square is within easy walking distance of the Hamamonu district.
Ankara´s Parks
If you want to escape the bustling city and unwind in one of Ankara’s tranquil parks, then perhaps Gençlik Park is the place to go. This is one of the city’s largest green spaces and is the perfect spot for a picnic or leisurely walk. You can get some nice snacks from a bakery, take them with you to the park, and spend some time taking it easy.
The Botanical Garden is another favourite destination to find peace and quiet in this busy city. It´s located in the upmarket and trendy Çankaya neighbourhood. There, you will find lots of lovely coffee shops and restaurants that are still affordable.
A Day Trip to Eskisehir
If you have extra time in Ankara and would like to go on a day trip to a nearby town, then Eskişehir just might be the place to go.
This charming university town is located 235 kilometres from Ankara, but the good thing is that you can go there for about 25 euro return on the high speed train in less than an hour and a half.
The town is often referred to as the Venice of Turkey due to the fact that here are lots of canals. You can take a relaxing river boat trip or even go on an authentic gondola.
There are some very nice ottoman style neighbourhoods with cosy coffee shops and tasty affordable dishes on offer. There is a laid back feeling in the town, perhaps as an influence of its student population.
Eskisehir is actually worth more than a day trip and if you have the time, you should try to spend at least a couple of days to get to know this wonderful city.
What to Eat in Ankara
Ankara has a great food scene, and you can experience the authentic Ottoman flavours of traditional Turkish cuisine even on a budget. The city is known for its delicious dishes that are typical of the unique tastes and ingredients of the region.
One of the best ways to explore Ankara’s culinary delights is by walking around and trying some street food. Be sure to sample the mouth-watering kebabs, such as Döner Kebab and Şiş Kebab, which are a famous part of Turkish cuisine.
Ankara has a lot of great budget-friendly restaurants that are often family run. These are called Lokantas. Here you will find a lot of typical, tasty and low-cost dishes, including the following:
- Ankara Tava is a meat stew using either lamb or beef that’s cooked with onions and spices. It is served with rice and is a great winter dish.
- Ankara Mantı is a type of Turkish dumplings that are similar to Italian ravioli.
- Içil Köfte are stuffed meatballs and are a delicious, affordable snack.
- Kokoreç is hugely popular dish made of cleaned lamb intestines that is rolled onto a huge skewer, then cooked over a charcoal grill, sliced, and served on fresh bread. Maybe this is not a dish for people who don´t like eating unusual part of a lamb´s body.
You’ll also find tasty traditional desserts, such as baklava or Ekmek Kaydayifi (bread pudding that is served with cream and syrup). These desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Remember, alcohol is only really served in more expensive restaurants; if you go to a “Lokanta” (family-style restaurant), you will only be able to order “Ayran” (a slightly salty yoghurt drink), water, or soft drinks.
Where to Eat
If you’re looking for budget-friendly dining options, head to the neighbourhoods of Ulus and Kızılay. These areas are home to many restaurants that offer delicious meals at affordable prices.
- Tevfik Kış Pide Kebab Restaurant in Kizilay is a good option for tasty and affordable Kebabs and Pide (Turkish pizza)
- Kara Deniz Restaurant in Kizilay is great for typical Black Sea dishes and delicious Pide.
- Bogazici Lokantasi in Ulus: located not far from Gençlik Park, is a great restaurant with affordable, and very tasty traditional Turkish food.
- Angara Sofrasi Ulus: one of the best and most budget-friendly kebab restaurants in the Ulus area.
Cafes and Bars
Ankara has a great cafe culture and lively nightlife, offering a wide range of options to suit every budget. You can explore the city’s upmarket cafes in neighbourhoods such as Çanakaya, where you can expect to pay less than in any regular Western European coffee shop.
After the sun sets, Ankara comes alive with its diverse nightlife scene. From trendy bars and clubs to live music venues and traditional Turkish taverns called meyhanes, there’s something for everyone.
Student areas are probably the best places to find alcoholic drinks at a lower price. For example, Kizlay has a lot of bars and cafes where you can spend less on a night out on the town. You´ll also have the chance to meet locals who are very happy to chat with foreign travellers.
- Yolcu Bar is a typical pub bar with that can get busy Kizilay.
- Baha Cafe Bar is a nice choice and also serves reasonably priced food as well as beer and wine.
- James Cook Bar in Çankaya is a popular place for non-students and foreigners.
Accommodation Options
Finding good and affordable accommodation in Ankara is essential for a memorable and cost-effective trip.
The city offers a wide range of neighbourhoods to choose from, but two popular choices are Ulus and Çankaya.
The latter being a little more upmarket and slightly more expensive. As you travel further away from the city centre, the price of accommodation will generally become cheaper.
However, sometimes the inconvenience of staying far from the city centre does not compensate for lower prices. (Check the Guide on Accommodation in Turkey)
Hostels and Budget Hotels in Ankara
If you’re looking for affordable and social accommodations, hostels in Ankara are a great choice. Many hostels offer dormitory-style rooms and communal spaces, perfect for meeting fellow travellers and exchanging stories.
Some popular hostels in Ankara include:
- Ankara Han Hostel
- Ikta Hostel
- Palace Hostel
- Bigonvil Girls House – women only.
Hostelworld is a good website for finding the best cheap deals on hostels. Budget hotels are the next step up from hostels; they are a little more expensive but offer more privacy.
You can expect to spend around 25 euros a night for a budget hotel, depending on the time of year and neighbourhood.
Some budget hotels worth checking out are:
- Blueline Hotel Ankara
- Royal Sweet Hotel
Apartment Rental and Apartment Sharing
For a more home-like experience during your time in Ankara, you should consider the option of apartment rentals or apartment sharing.
This can be a cost-effective choice, especially for longer stays or if you prefer the convenience of having your own kitchen and living space. Both Airbnb.com and hometogo.com offer a wide range of apartment rentals.
To try and cut the cost of travel, you can always rent a room with a local Turkish host in a shared apartment. These tend to be a good way to experience life like a local on your trip to Turkey.
Your host will usually be able to give you travel advice and insider tips on activities in Ankara that will make your stay even more special.
You should always check the location on a map and read comments left by previous guests before booking. Airbnb is the best option for finding a room to rent.
Free Accommodation
Websites like Couchsurfing.com and Homestay.com connect travellers with locals who are willing to open their homes and provide accommodation for free, normally in exchange for English language practice.
It’s a great way to experience the local culture and make new friends along the way. However, you should check for comments left by previous guests and try to get their mobile number and personal details before arriving at their home. Let you loved ones know where you´re staying for extra security.
Luxury Accommodation on a Budget in Ankara
A recommended luxury boutique hotel on a budget is the
Hotel Ickale. This luxury hotel probably offers the best value for money in the city for luxury accommodation.
To check for the best prices and availability, it may be easier to find them by using a hotel comparison website such as Trivago.com
Shopping in Ankara
The city offers a variety of shopping streets and shopping centres where you can find everything from unique souvenirs to locally made products.
One of the most popular neighbourhoods for shopping is Kızılay, where you can explore a range of boutiques and shops. You can find items including traditional crafts, clothing, accessories, and more.
Suhuhan Bazaar is the oldest and perhaps most interesting street market in Ankara, it is centrally located and is said to be more than 500 years old.
Getting to Ankara
Ankara Airport
If you’re flying to Ankara, Esenboğa Airport is your main entry point. The modern airport is located 28 km outside the city and offers a variety of domestic and international flights.
To save money on flights to Ankara, you should consider booking your flight in advance or finding budget airlines that fly to this airport, such as Pegasus and SunExpress.
Turkish Airlines often tends to be more expensive than other companies but offers more baggage allowance than low-cost carriers.
International Flights
Most of the direct international flights that go to Ankara originate from European cities. However, there are also flights to the city from Central Asia and the Middle East.
If you are fly from other parts of the world, you may have to fly to Istanbul and then get a connecting flight Istanbul is a much more important hub for international flights.
- Berlin – Ankara – 3h.20m – Sun Express
- London STN – Ankara – 4h.35m – Pegasus
- Dubai – Ankara – 4 hours – Fly Dubai.
Domestic Flights to Ankara
There is a huge number of domestic flights operating out of Ankara Airport to cities around the country, which also include low-cost airlines such as SunExpress and Pegasus. The most popular domestic destination is of course Istanbul.
- Istanbul (IST) – Ankara 1h.15m Turkish Airlines
- Istanbul (SAW) – Ankara 1 hour (The low-cost carrier Pegasus flies from Sahiba Göken Airport)
- Antalya – Ankara – 1h.05m – Pegasus
- Mardin – Ankara – 1h.25 – Turkish Airlines
- Trabzon – Ankara – 1h.15m – Turkish Airlines
You can find the best deals online on apps such as Skyscanner or Kayak.
Many people who travel between Istanbul and Ankara prefer to take the high-speed train, as it is cheaper and there is not so much difference in travel time.
How to get to Ankara from the Airport?
After you arrival, you can choose to take either a taxi or use public transportation to get to your destination. The airport offers shuttle buses and public buses that connect the airport to different parts of the city.
Probably the best way to get to the city is by using the comfortable and regular Havaş Airport Shuttle Bus service. These shuttle buses operate for most of the day and for about 5 euros these luxury buses will take you to either the AŞTI bus terminal or the High-speed Train Station. When you arrive in the city centre you can then get a taxi, bus or metro to your accommodation.
There are of course taxis available 24 hours per day, as well as regular buses. Taxis should always run with the metre switch on and the average cost of a taxi to the centre of town during the day will be about 30-35 euros, depending on the time of day , the traffic and the neighbourhood in Ankara. In General, the price of taxis in Ankara, seems to be slightly more reasonably priced than in Istanbul.
Trains to Ankara
Another option to consider is taking a train to Ankara. Turkey has a well-developed railway system, with high-speed and standard train services that connect the city to various destinations.
If you prefer a scenic and comfortable journey, the train can be a great option. If you take a train you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and arrive at the heart of the city, ready.
There is also the famous Eastern Express Train to Kars in Eastern Turkey, which is especially popular among tourists.
High Speed Trains
There are several high-speed train routes available from Ankara, and several more are currently under construction.
They are very comfortable and relatively inexpensive to other high speed trains in the West.
- Ankara to Istanbul – (Pendik station) 3.5 hours. From there you will need to take a 1-hour bus trip to Kadikoy in the centre.
- Ankara to Konya – (1h.15m)
- Ankara to Eskisehir – (approx. 1h.30m)
Regular Trains
If you are planning to travel to Ankara on a regular train, then the journey might be slower and more expensive than taking a bus. So check your options and choose the one that makes more sense.
Ankara Train Station
Ankara Train Station is located in the city centre and from there you can easily access other parts of the city using public transportation or taxis.
Intercity Buses to Ankara
When it comes to affordable transportation in Ankara, intercity buses are a great option to help you cut your travel costs.
These buses provide a convenient and cost-effective way to reach the city. Many reputable bus companies offer routes to Ankara from various locations across the country, making it easy to find a bus that suits your travel needs.
You can either buy tickets at the bus terminal itself or online using apps such as Busbud. This app in particular is useful because it shows you all the different bus schedules and prices for each destination and can help you choose the right option that suits your needs and budget.
- Istanbul to Ankara (about 7 hours)
- Ankara – Goreme (Cappadocia) (between 3h.30m and 4 hours)
- Ankara to Antalya (between 8 and 9 hours)
- Ankara to Trabzon (about 12 hours)
- Ankara to Mardin (about 16 hours, compared to a 1.30-hour flight)
Ankara Bus Station AŞTI
Ankara bus station (AŞTI- pronounced Ashty) is huge and has two floors; the ticket offices are located on the upper floor. There are many companies offering tickets to destinations all over the country. It is important to have an idea of which company you want to travel with before you arrive at the terminal; otherwise, the choice of companies can be a little overwhelming.
There are shops, cafes, restaurants, and even a barber shop on the ground floor. Buses leave from both floors, so be sure to ask from which floor the bus leaves. It is easy to miss your bus by going to the wrong floor. Check the platform number on your ticket.
Some companies do not give you a physical ticket but send you a ticket as a message to your mobile phone. Getting a Turkish SIM card or and E-sim is important if you are planning to travel around turkey and it is inexpensive.
However, there is usually a public wi-fi on board most buses. See the Intercity bus guide for Turkey for more information about bus travel.
How to Get to the City from the Bus Statıon
Once you arrive in Ankara by bus, you’ll find that the Ankara Bus Station is well connected to the city centre. You can easily get to the centre using public buses, metro or taxis.
How to get Around Ankara
The city offers a range of convenient and cost-effective types of public transport to help you get around its busy streets.
One of the most popular ways to get around Ankara is by using public buses or the metro system. The city has a well-developed and affordable public transport network.
However, you need to buy an AnkaraKart travel pass before you can use it because it isn´t possible to pay cash. The AnkaraKart ıs not always easy to fınd on sale and you need to have enough money on your card to be able to use ıt.
In my experience people tend to put too much money on the travel cards and not use it. This can be a waste of money.
If you are only staying a day or two in the city, it is just easier to walk around the centre or get a relatively cheap taxi for longer distances.
When to Vısıt to Ankara
If you are planning to visit Ankara, it’s important to choose the best time to visit based on the seasons and weather conditions.
Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons to visit Ankara. In spring, the city comes to life. The spring festival and the Ankara music festival are also good reasons to visit the city in the springtime.
Autumn also offers pleasant temperatures and is a good time for walking around the city.
During the summer months of June to August, Ankara experiences hot and dry weather, with temperatures often soaring above 30 degrees Celsius. Winters can be very cold and there is occasional heavy snowfall.
Is Ankara Worth Visiting?
Ankara is not a popular travel destination, nor is it a beautiful city. However, there are lots of interesting monuments, museums and a nice castle to explore.
It can be a good stop off destination if you are travelling around Turkey, due to its geographical location. For example, If I were travelling between Istanbul and Cappodocia by bus, I would definitely stop over in Ankara if I had enough time.
As a travel destination, I believe that there are other more interesting and more beautiful places to visit in the country if you are on a tight holiday schedule.
