Guide to Spending a Weekend in Ankara, Turkey
The capital of Türkiye, Ankara sits just a short 45-minute flight or roughly a six-hour drive from Istanbul. For most globetrotters, it’s often ventured as a daytrip from an Istanbul-focused trip. Although it is notably smaller and less frenetic than its famous counterpart, Ankara more than compensates with depth. Here, there’s a rich concentration of culture and history that comfortably fills a weekend.
The city is home to impressive archaeological sites, museums, and landmarks that trace the story of ancient Anatolian civilizations through to the modern republic. Its manageable size allows visitors to explore at a relaxed pace. Here’s our comprehensive guide to spending a weekend in Ankara;
Best Time to Visit Ankara
The best time to visit Ankara is during spring from April to June and again in autumn between September and October. During these two windows, the weather is comfortably warm and ideal for exploring the city on foot. These shoulder seasons bring pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler evenings, making it far easier to wander around landmarks without battling extreme heat or icy winds.
Spring, particularly from March to May, also adds a natural flourish to the experience as wildflowers bloom across central Turkey. By contrast, summer from June to August can be intensely hot and dry. Temperatures often climb into the mid-30s Celsius. Winter, stretching from November to March, is cold and frequently snowy, yet it rewards visitors with fewer crowds and more budget-friendly rates.
Also Read: Guide to Sending A Weekend in Istanbul.
Top Things to Do in Ankara
Check Out Roman Baths
The Roman Baths offer a vivid glimpse into the city’s ancient role as a crossroads between East and West during the Roman era. Significant construction took place in the 3rd century CE, when the settlement flourished under Roman influence, although only fragments of that grand development survive today. Located close to the oldest quarter of the capital, the baths were once among the largest in the Roman Empire.
Entry requires a modest fee of around 5 lira, after which visitors step onto a broad open field scattered with architectural remnants. The paths are lined with broken columns decorated with intricate Corinthian details and gravestones etched with inscriptions and human figures. There are also scattered building elements that resemble artifacts displayed in major museums yet remain exposed in the open.
Crossing the field leads to the main bath complex, enclosed by walls with a raised walkway that provides an elevated perspective over the ruins. Exploring the site reveals the layout of traditional Roman bathing facilities, including the hot bath, warm bath, cold bath, dressing area and pool.
Visit the Ankara Castle
Ankara Castle, known locally as Ankara Kalesi, is a historic landmark situated in the lively Ulus District of Ankara. It has been a defining feature of the city since its construction in the 12th century under the Seljuks. Positioned strategically on a hill that rises above the surrounding skyline, the site is enclosed by walls that date back to the Byzantine period.
Its imposing entrance is framed by two rounded towers built with dark stone blocks mixed with recycled marble pieces. Inside, narrow pedestrian streets wind through wooden-framed houses, brick infills, clay-tiled roofs, gift shops, and small restaurants before leading up to the inner walls at the summit.
The walls remain largely untouched for modern safety upgrades, and many visitors choose to walk along them for sweeping views of Ankara. However, the surfaces here are uneven and lack guardrails, so be careful. Getting to the castle is relatively convenient, often involving a short taxi ride from nearby areas.
Visit Local Markets
Exploring the local markets in Ankara offers an immersive way to experience daily life in the city. There are plenty to go around, especially in the Ulus district. Stalls display bright piles of Turkish spices, seasonal fruits, and fresh produce alongside freshly grilled kebabs and sweet baklava.
The combination of vibrant colors, rich scents, and lively vendor chatter creates an atmosphere that feels both authentic and welcoming. Many visitors find practical items here as well, including hijabs and other traditional garments, often available at affordable prices from friendly family-run shops.
In some cases, quality headscarves can be purchased for under $2 each, making it convenient to prepare for mosque visits while supporting local businesses. Beyond shopping for essentials or souvenirs, spending time in these markets provides a genuine glimpse into community life and everyday traditions in Ankara.
Head to the Hacı Bayram Mosque
After visiting the markets, walk straight to the Hacı Bayram Mosque in the Ulus district. The mosque dates back to the 15th century. Many opt for a quick taxi ride instead, which typically takes only a few minutes and costs just a small amount. The mosque sits around a broad plaza with fountains on the surrounding edges. There’s an open space where locals relax, especially during quiet weekday mornings.
Dress code is a big deal here, with guards checking visitors and advising on appropriate attire. Women must wear headscarves out of respect after observing local practice. Shoes must be removed before entering the small mausoleum section beneath the minaret.
Here, the tomb of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, a respected Sufi spiritual leader, occupies most of the space and worshippers pray in a calm atmosphere. Decorative details line the ceiling, adding subtle beauty to the setting. Access to the main prayer hall may vary depending on gender and local regulations, with separate arrangements sometimes in place for female visitors.
Check Out the Temple of Augustus and Rome
Located right beside Hacı Bayram Mosque, the Temple of Augustus and Rome isone of Ankara’s most remarkable ancient landmarks. Originally constructed in the 1st century, the structure was rebuilt in the 2nd century and later transformed into a church during the 6th century. Access to the interior is not allowed, so visitors typically appreciate the monument from the outside while observing its architectural details.
Conclusion
A weekend in Ankara proves that charisma does not always need a coastline. The city wins you over gradually, through meaningful monuments, layered history and a dining scene that takes its pleasures seriously. It is confident without being flashy and cultured without being stiff.
