Hostels in ANKARA, TURKEY

Ankara – Bustling Capital of Turkey

Ankara, Turkey’s capital and second largest city is a leading tourist destination for its picturesque backdrops, museums and archaeological remains.

History
The city’s history dates back to the 2nd millennium B.C when it was inhabited by the Hittites. Since then, the city has been controlled by the Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Galatians, Greeks, Romans and Byzantines before being finally taken over by the Turks. It played a crucial role in the nation’s independence movement against the allied forces after the World War I. It was declared as the Turkish capital after Turkey gained independence in 1923.

Popular Places and Attractions
The Citadel and the Temple of Augustus and Rome are Ankara’s biggest attractions. These archaeological sites were built by the Romans and are marked by traditional architecture and ancient inscriptions respectively. The Roman Bath typically contains a cold room, warm room as well as a hot room. It was built in 3rd century A.D for honouring Asclepios, the Medicine God.

The city also has several open spaces and parks notable among which are Genclik Park with its rowing facilities, Botanical Garden, Guven Park, Kurtulus Park with its ice-skating rink and the Ataurk Forest Farm and Zoo which is popular for its hiking, biking and picnic facilities. Some other popular attractions in the city are the Ethnography Museum, Roman Theatre, Column of Julian, Yeni Mosque, Kocatepe Mosque, Victory Monument, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Locomotive Museum, Kemal Ataurk Mausoleum-Museum, Painting and Sculpture Museum, Atakule Tower and the War of Independence Museum.

Getting Around
Buses, taxis, dolmus and metro trains are the means of public transport available for helping tourists guide their way around Ankara.

Places for Entertainment
Restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, concert halls, operas and shopping centres are the usual places for entertainment in Ankara. Ankara’s castle (Kale) is a popular shopping avenue with its carpets, antiquities, kilims and leather items. The Bazaar of Coppersmiths can be visited for exploring intricate items of jewellery, carpets, embroidery, costumes and antiques. Similarly the weaver’s road can be visited for its leather products, hand-woven carpets and traditional fabrics. The Atakule Tower and its revolving restaurant are popular not only for their shopping facilities but the visitor also enjoys magnificent city views from this elevated point. The city’s nightlife is concentrated around Bahceli 7th Street, Tunali Hilmi Street and Kizilay Square. Nightclubs are marked by enthralling music performances and great service.

Accommodation
Hotels, hostels, apartments, guesthouses, budget hotels, B&B’s (bed and breakfast) and house rentals are available for fulfilling tourist accommodation requirements.

Currency
The Turkish Lira (TL) is the official currency of Turkey. Acceptability of credit cards and traveller’s cheques is also wide enough. Banks, hotels and currency exchange offices are authorized for providing currency exchange services. It is suggested to know the latest exchange rates from internet or local news publications before bartering your money.

Group accommodation in Ankara | Cheap Hostels