Turkey's capital, Ankara, is the country's second-biggest metropolis and is regarded as the country's administrative hub. Situated in the heart of the Anatolian region, the city is home to numerous well-preserved Roman and Ottoman artifacts scattered across its landscape. At first glance, Ankara may seem like a concrete jungle, but as you look closer, you will get to know that this city has more than meets the eye. From magnificent mosques and world-class museums to remarkable historical sites and breathtaking natural places, the city guarantees a fulfilling experience for every tourist.

From Antakbir, which is the mausoleum of the founder of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, to the museum of Anatolian civilizations, which displays artifacts from prehistoric Anatolia and transports visitors to the area's ancient past, Ankara's cultural diversity is truly impressive. But, how do you make the most of your 48 hours in this dynamic city? Where should you go to witness its legacy, feel its rhythm, and taste its expert flavors? To help you with that, we have curated this Ankara guide, promising a whirlwind of experiences capturing the city’s essence in just 2 days! Let’s get in!

Güvenç Konyalı, a beloved local Turkish breakfast restaurant, is a great place to start your day, known for its authentic flavors of Central Anatolia. Early risers will love a refreshing tomato-based menemen (a Turkish-style scrambled egg), gözleme (a savory classic Turkish flatbread), a selection of olives, cheeses, and honey with kaymak (clotted cream). Sipping on a strongly delicious Turkish tea or coffee in this traditional atmosphere is the ideal way to begin your trip to Ankara.

After that, you can head straight over to Anıtkabir, one of the best Ankara attractions, and a burial place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Constructed from marble, travertine, and concrete, the building looks stunning and intimidating, providing insight into Turkey's past and Atatürk's significant impact on the nation.

A history buff? Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and you will be transported back in time. It is housed in a renovated Ottoman structure, featuring an intriguing collection of ancient Turkish antiquities, including displays from the Hittite and Neolithic periods and the Assyrian, Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman Empires.

After working up an appetite exploring the city’s rich history, visit Süha'nın Yer, renowned for its wood-fired-cooked döner kebab. Enjoy a bite with the locals here (more precisely, a döner sandwich served with ayran, a Turkish yogurt beverage) before carrying on with your journey.

If you want to bring back some sweets from Ankara as a souvenir, make your way to Ali Uzun, a historic confectionery store that has been there since 1935. Lokum (Turkish pleasure), pişmaniye (floss candy), almond paste, and akide şekeri (Turkish hard candy) with hazelnut, mint, strawberry, lemon, or cinnamon are among the best options to try out.

Ankara Kalesi, often known as the Ankara Citadel neighborhood, is a must-visit in the late afternoon to get mesmerized by the expansive city views. Explore the old districts and take a stroll around the historic fortress, and later you'll come across charming stores that sell carpets, antiques, and traditional Turkish crafts. The narrow alleyways are dotted with intact or renovated Ottoman-style residences, providing insight into Ankara's historical strata.

To finish off your day, enjoy a wonderful dining experience at Kalbur Et Kebap that focuses on premium ingredients and traditional recipes. This restaurant specializes in a range of grilled meats and kebabs. The aroma of delicious grilled meat gradually fills the air, enticing you to savor their smoky lamb chops, mezes, and tender kebabs.

Explore Kızılay, the center of Ankara, as you start your second day. Wander through its vibrant streets lined with numerous stores, cafés, and street sellers. Enjoy a typical Turkish tea at one of the cafés, pick up a simit (a bread ring wrapped in sesame seeds) from a street seller, and see the city come to life.

One of the best things to do in Ankara for those who love contemporary art is to visit CerModern. This modern art venue showcases a diverse range of works by both Turkish and international artists through rotating exhibitions, seminars, and cultural events. An added highlight is the outdoor display area, which offers an extra dimension to the experience, especially on sunny days.

Explore the rich history of Ankara by visiting the historic district of Hamamönü. From the cobblestone streets to the typical wooden Turkish homes, this newly renovated area is a veritable cultural legacy. Explore Art Street, serving as a gathering place for regional craftspeople, or unwind in one of the quaint cafés. Also, keep an eye out for the sporadic live music performances or cultural events that happen here.

Visit one of Ankara's high-end shopping centers, like Armada or Next Level, in the late afternoon if you're looking for contemporary conveniences and global names. From designer boutiques to well-known high-street names like Zara, H&M, Apple, Hugo Boss, and Cartier, both malls provide a large selection of shops all set to bewitch your senses.

Wrap up your trip to Ankara with a delicious dinner at Pak Pide & Pizza, where you can enjoy authentic Turkish pide—a boat-shaped flatbread topped with a variety of savory ingredients, often referred to as Turkish pizza.

Of course, no meal can be complete without a dessert, and in Ankara, there’s no better option than having some baklava at Hacıbaba, the city's most well-known baklava store.

For night owls, Ankara’s nightlife offers plenty of great spots to unwind with a drink. Head to Sakal Pub for a solid selection of both local and international beers—or sample raki, Turkey’s famous anise-flavored spirit.