Is Ankara Worth Visiting?, Ankara, Turkey

Ankara is definitely worth visiting. It may not have Istanbul’s fame or glamour, but Ankara has a quieter, more genuine ambience. As a solo female traveller, I felt totally comfortable walking around, using public transportation and exploring by myself.

I spent a week house-sitting there for two adorable cats, and despite everyone warning me that I would probably get bored in Ankara, I found myself really loving it.

The city has a unique charm, blending modernity with deep historical roots. I discovered fantastic museums like the Rahmi M. Koc Museum, wandered around historic neighbourhoods like Samanpazari, and found fantastic cafes and traditional Turkish restaurants.

A monumental tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, Anıtkabir is a must-visit for its historical importance.

And if you time it right, you might also see the Changing of the Guard. When I was there, it happened at 1:20 pm.

While you are visiting Anitkabir, don’t miss the excellent museum beneath the mausoleum, which showcases Atatürk’s personal items and the history of the Turkish War of Independence.

The museum is free to enter. You can pick up an audio guide at the entrance for a small fee, but there is plenty of signage in the museum with an English explanation. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).