Ankara Mini-Guide
Turkey’s capital Ankara is located in the centre of the country and is a modern city with many preserved ancient remains.
A theatre and a bath are reminders of the Roman influence on early Ankara. The Byzantines and the Ottomans left their mark on the city too. Though the population of Ankara is significantly smaller than that of
Istanbul, it is also considered a meeting point of eastern and western civilisation.
To fly into Ankara you land at Ankara Esenboga International Airport. This is situated quite far out of the city though so you will need to pick up your Rhino rental car and complete the journey by making a half hour drive. Having a car also gives you the freedom to explore other areas of Turkey such as the Black Sea coast.
You will be pleased to know that as well as the airport undergoing substantial renovation in 2007, the roads around it were given the once over as well. The main airplane companies to use Ankara Esenboga International Airport are easyJet, Turkish Airlines, Iran Air, British Airways, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. There is also a route between Ankara and
London Stansted operated by Cypriot Turkish Airlines. Meanwhile the Turkish airline THY has internal flights to Ankara within Turkey.
In terms of culinary delights, there are a couple. You will not find a better doner kebab anywhere else and this is good, authentic and cheap fare for the traveller to enjoy. Should you wish to spend a bit more and frequent a restaurant, Ankara has good fresh fish and plenty of dishes that utilise it.
Car hire Ankara Airport is a fine way to sort out all your transportation needs on holiday as we have lots of cars in the tourist resort.
Due to its large student population Ankara has quite a few places to go out and enjoy a beer. The Sakayra area has plenty of bars and is the place to start.
Heading out of the city it is worth visiting some of the small towns in the area such as Amasya which has incredible tombs carved into hills above the town, though this trip will certainly take a day.
If you head North you can go to Safranbolu, a charming old town which retains some of the architecture from the Ottoman Empire. And if you want a bit of luxury and pampering go to the town of Kizilcihamam which has a resort hotel and some thermal springs. Skiers can also drive to Kartalkaya but although this is cheap it is not of the highest standards.