Ankara Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 7/10
- Best time to visit
- Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather, while the high-altitude winters are cold and summers hot.
- Population
- 5.7M
Overview
Ankara is Turkey's capital and second-largest city, a planned modern metropolis centered on the monumental Anıtkabir mausoleum of Atatürk. Beyond its government district lie a hilltop citadel, Roman ruins, and the superb Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Getting around
Ankara has a clean metro and Ankaray light rail plus extensive buses; taxis and ride-hailing fill the gaps.
Local etiquette
Dress modestly at mosques, removing shoes and covering hair for women. Turks are hospitable, and accepting tea is a friendly gesture.
Safety
Ankara is generally safe with typical big-city petty crime; stay alert around crowds and transport hubs. Avoid any political demonstrations.