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Affordable Turkey

Budget Travel to Central Turkey 2024

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Map of Central Turkey

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Available Travel Guides

There are two travel guides that cover the main tourist destinations in this region of Turkey.

 

 

Ankara

Cappadoica.

 

Welcome to Central Turkey!

In Cappadocia, you can explore the area’s incredible history, including open are museums with rock-carved churches and monasteries. Göreme is the main touris town where tourist choose to stay, although I personally prefer the small nearby town of Uçhisar, which is calmer and less of a tourist trap. If you are a history buff like me, you won´t want to miss a visit to one of the underground cities, like Derinkuyu, which go down as many as 18 stories.

 

For those travellers who love adventure, hot air balloon rides give you a breathtaking view of this moon-like landscape, it´s not cheap, but maybe it´s worth it for a special treat. Another, cheaper option is going on one of the many hiking trails through the valleys and canyons that let you connect with nature. 

 

If you’re a wine lover, the region produces some of the best Turkish wines, which you can pair with some of the area’s inexpensive and delicious Turkish cuisine, like Testi Kebab.

 

As you travel further north, you will come to the capital city of Ankara, which is a place of contrast. It´s home to the monumental Anitkabir mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, Ankara also has a historic citadel, (Ankara Castle), some impressive mosques, and some lively nightlife, thanks to its large student population. 

 

The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is a must-visit and one of my favourites, with artefacts that tell the story of Turkey’s ancient history. The city, as a gateway to the region and is an excellent base for exploring Central Turkey’s other highlights, including the ancient Hittite ruins of Hattusa. If you are travelling by bus from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Ankara is the perfect stopping off point and is definitely worth a visit.

 

Cultural Events in Central Turkey

Ankara

  1. Ankara International Film Festival (April-May)
    • Type: Cinema
    • Features Turkish and international films, documentaries, and short films.
  2. Ankara Music Festival (April)
    • Type: Classical music
    • Organized by the Sevda-Cenap And Music Foundation, featuring orchestras and soloists.
  3. Ankara Capital Culture Road Festival (Date varies)
    • Type: Multi-disciplinary arts and culture
    • Part of the broader Cultural Road Festivals initiative in Turkey.

Cappadocia (Kapadokya)

  1. Cappadocia Balloon and Culture Road Festival (September-October)
    • Type: Cultural and aerial spectacle
    • Over 300 events including exhibitions, concerts, and hot air balloon activities.
  2. Cappadox (June-July)
    • Type: Music, contemporary art, outdoor activities, and culinary
    • Held in the picturesque scenery of Cappadocia since 2015.
  3. Ürgüp International Wine Festival (October)
    • Type: Wine and culture
    • Celebrates the region’s wine-making tradition.
  4. Göreme Historical Grape Festival (September)
    • Type: Agricultural and cultural
    • Celebrates the grape harvest with traditional activities.

Konya

  1. Konya Mystic Music Festival (Date varies)
    • Type: Spiritual and cultural
    • Part of the Cultural Road Festivals, celebrating Sufi music and culture.
  2. Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival (December)
    • Type: Spiritual and cultural
    • Commemorates Rumi with Sema ceremonies and educational programs.

Nevşehir

  1. Hacı Bektaş Veli Commemoration Ceremonies (August)
    • Type: Cultural and spiritual
    • Honors the 13th-century Sufi philosopher Hacı Bektaş Veli.
  2. Nevşehir Golden Horse Festival (September)
    • Type: Cultural and sports
    • Features horse races and cultural activities.

Central Turkey FAQs

What are the best ways to get around central Turkey? 


While big cities like Ankara are fairly simple to get to by train, bus, or air, Cappadocia is a little more difficult. Cappadocia doesn’t have any train links, so getting there by air is possible, but flights are limited and quite expensive. Buses are generally the most economical and easy way to get there, and Turkey has an excellent and inexpensive bus network. Of course, you could rent a car, which would give you more freedom, but just remember that some roads may be a bit rough and prices may be a little expensive. 


How can I avoid crowds at the top attractions in Cappadocia? 


To dodge the crowds in Cappadocia, try visiting in the spring or fall. Try to visit places like the Göreme Open Air Museum and Uçhisar Castle early in the morning before the tour buses get there.  What are some lesser-known cultural experiences in Ankara? Besides the famous Anitkabir mausoleum and Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Ankara has some other interesting places to visit. Check out the Hamamönü historic district for old Ottoman buildings and cute craft shops. 


Is it safe for a woman to travel solo in central Turkey? 


Central Turkey is usually safe for solo female travellers, but it’s advised to be careful. Dress modestly, avoid being alone in quiet areas at night, and maybe join a small group tour, especially in rural places. Lots of hotels and hostels in big cities like Ankara have rooms just for women. Also, learn about local customs so you don’t accidentally offend anyone. 


What are some unique local dishes to try in Cappadocia? 


Besides the usual Turkish kebabs and sweets and desserts like baklava, Cappadocia also has some special dishes. Try testi kebabı, which is meat and veggies cooked in a clay pot. Mantı, little dumplings with meat, are also popular. For a traditional Turkish breakfast, have gözleme, which are flatbreads stuffed with cheese, potatoes, or greens. 


How can I best experience the natural landscapes of Ankara? 


Despite its reputation for politics and culture, Ankara boasts stunning natural surroundings. If you like nature, you will love the opportunity to hike through Kızılcahamam-Çamlıdere Geopark to see amazing rock formations. Or, maybe take a day trip to Souksu National Park for hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. 


What are some tips for taking the best photos in Cappadocia? 


Cappadocia is an awesome place for photography with its cool landscapes and rock formations. For amazing shots of hot air balloons over the fairy chimneys, go to Göreme National Park at sunrise. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the big valleys, and try different angles and compositions to make your photos stand out. 


How can I learn more about the history and culture of Ankara? 


Besides the main museums, take a walking tour of Ankara’s historic Ulus district to see places like the Ankara Citadel and Hacı Bayram Mosque. Visit the ethnography museum to learn more about traditional crafts.  


What are some unique outdoor activities to try in Cappadocia? 


Besides hot-air ballooning, which is quite expensive these days, there are lots of other fun outdoor activities in Cappadocia. You can go rock climbing or hiking among the fairy chimneys and valleys. On rugged terrain, try off-road driving. For a more relaxing time, go horseback riding through the valleys at your own pace. 

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