Local Guide

The ochre-hued central Anatolian plateau, cleft by ravines and dominated by volcanic peaks, forms the heartland of Turkey and is one of the cradles of human civilisation. Ankara is full of ancient sights with a diverse history dating back to Palaeolithic Anatolia, the Celts and the 19th C founding of modern Turkey: remains of settlements from as early as the eighth millennium B.C. have been unearthed at Catalhoyuk, and it has been established that Ankara was the summer capital of the Roman emperors around A.D. 400. Ankara is well on its way to becoming one of Turkey's vibrant and diverse metropolises. Child-friendly, Ankara is pleasantly green, distances are manageable and traffic is still relatively light.

Local Events

Ataturk's Mausoleum

1 Jan

No trip to Ankara is complete without a visit to the final resting place of the founder of modern Turkey, Kemal Ataturk. Ataturk's Mausoleum, which dominates the Ankara skyline, is the symbol of the secular republic Ataturk built from the debris of the Ottoman Empire. 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2012

Atakule Tower

1 Jan

Close to Swissotel Ankara is the symbol of the capital, Atakule Tower - a 125m communications and observation tower. The top section of the tower houses an open terrace and a revolving restaurant, offering a magnificent view of the city with a full 360-degree rotation every hour. 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2012

Citadel of Ankara

1 Jan

The Citadel of Ankara is located in the old city centre. Traditional restaurants, spice & antique shops and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations are the main attractions. 1 Jan - 31 Dec 2012