Ankara

A Two-Day Escape to Ankara: Day One Highlights

We recently took a short but delightful trip to Ankara. In this post, I’d like to share our impressions from the first day of our two-day getaway. If you're planning a quick weekend in Ankara, these notes might be just what you need!

Hitting the Road and Arriving in Ankara

We set off around 9:00 AM and arrived in Ankara at about 1:30 PM after a roughly 4.5-hour drive. Upon arriving in the city, we quickly checked in to our hotel and then headed straight to meet up with our friends.

First Stop: Hamamönü

Our first stop was Hamamönü, one of the city’s historic neighborhoods. Known for its nostalgic streets and traditional Ankara architecture, it’s a charming area—but it’s good to keep your expectations modest. Our visit lasted about 15 minutes, so it’s safe to say the area is quite small. Still, it’s worth a short visit, especially if you’re interested in architecture.

A Stroll Through Çankaya

After Hamamönü, we made our way to Çankaya, where we found a lovely pedestrian-only street lined with cafes and restaurants. It’s a great spot in the city center for a relaxing walk and a drink. After a short stroll and a coffee break, we moved on.

Final Stop of the Day: Lake Mogan and Mogan Park

Toward the end of the day, we decided to visit Lake Mogan. Situated along the lake, Mogan Park offers a particularly pleasant atmosphere in the evening. There is an entrance fee (as of 2025, 50 TL per vehicle), and access is restricted after 10:00 PM.

Inside the park, you’ll find a variety of cafes and even designated barbecue areas. For a city without a coastline, this park is a wonderful breathing space—ideal for spending quality time with family or friends.

Ankara Travel Diary: Anıtkabir and Meaningful Sights (Day Two)

Our second day in Ankara began with a visit to Anıtkabir, the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Visiting this meaningful site was both emotional and deeply impressive.

Visiting Anıtkabir: Security and Entry Process

We entered Anıtkabir by car and were directed to the on-site parking lot. Security is taken very seriously here. First, the car is pulled over for inspection—guards search the vehicle and separate any items that need to be checked in. Then a K9 unit conducts an additional sweep.

We had to check in two tripods, a speaker, and even my friend’s son’s scooter. After handing over the items, you’re given a receipt, which you use to retrieve them upon leaving.

The Lion Road and the Majesty of Anıtkabir

After passing through security, we walked along the Lion Road toward the mausoleum. The gradually building atmosphere of the walkway brings you to an emotional crescendo. The grandeur of Anıtkabir is nothing short of breathtaking.

We visited on May 18, just before May 19 (Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day), so the site was extremely crowded. Even getting close to the tomb required waiting in line—though, as we all know, lines can be more of a suggestion than a rule in some crowds!

Museum and Souvenirs

The museum area also had long lines. Since we had already visited it before, we skipped the wait and headed to the souvenir shop instead. After picking up a few small but meaningful mementos, we left Anıtkabir.

Visiting the First Parliament and Atatürk House

Next, we stopped by the First Grand National Assembly of Turkey building. Due to the crowds, we only managed to take photos from the outside. Afterward, we visited the Atatürk House at Atatürk Forest Farm, located near Beştepe.

This house is a replica of Atatürk’s birthplace in Thessaloniki and sits just at the end of Beştepe on the right side of the road. It may look closed at first glance, but it’s actually open and free to enter. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful exhibits about Atatürk’s life and period-specific artifacts.

A Tasty Farewell: Dinner at Aoç Kaşıbeyaz

After wrapping up our visits, we ended our Ankara trip with a delicious meal at AOÇ Kaşıbeyaz. This short trip, filled with history and emotion, left us with unforgettable memories.

Final Thoughts on Ankara

Though two days might seem short, with the right planning, you can experience quite a lot in Ankara. The city offers a rich mix of history, nature, and cultural stops. Until the next adventure—see you soon!