A beautiful hilltop historic center and other gems of the authentic Turkish capital

Just thinking about Turkey is the first thing that comes to mind: Istanbul, one of the most beautiful cities in the world and a top holiday destination for many travelers from Spain. And although it's hard to deny it the title of one of the most fascinating places, we suggest going a step further and discovering Ankara , the city chosen by Kemal Atatürk (1923) to be the capital of modern Turkey and the second largest after the ancient Constantinople. It will be a great discovery if you like huge cities full of contrasts.

And while it's true that Ankara doesn't usually appear on the list of most visited places, we'll show you that if you're looking for an authentic place, it's well worth a trip to this enormous Turkish city. It can also be a good travel option if you're planning to visit Cappadocia and don't mind the 250-kilometer road trip.

Ankara, a melting pot of cultures

To get the best views of this city, marked by the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, you'll have to climb to the Citadel , located high above the historic center. From this fortification, which dates back to the Roman period (although it has been expanded over the centuries), you can take some of the best photos of your trip. You access it by passing through the Hisar Kapisi gate , which leads to a second, smaller but better-preserved wall. It's true that the climb to the fortress requires some effort, but the entire area is truly worth it. Dating from the Ottoman period, it features magnificent battlements on four enormous walls and 42 pentagonal towers scattered along its length.

The historic neighborhood of Ottoman houses

This majestic building is part of the historic heart of Ankara, a charming place with narrow cobblestone streets lined with Ottoman houses , many beautifully restored, and shops selling everything. If you like to haggle, you can spend time with the street vendors who abound in the area.

Also take the opportunity to visit the Aslanhane Cami , one of Ankara's most interesting mosques. Its interior features a mihrab decorated with ceramic tiles.

Other temples we recommend not missing are the Haci Bayram Mosque. Dating back to the 15th century and dedicated to the Turkish poet and Sufi Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, it is considered one of the most important in the capital. We highlight the Arabic calligraphy on the walls. And another more modern one (20th century) in neoclassical and Ottoman style: the Kocatepe Mosque, which is striking for both its design and its size.

The modern Kizilay

You've already seen the more traditional side of Ankara, and now it's time to change neighborhoods. Designer shops , open-air markets, elegant restaurants, and bars await you in the center of the capital. It's one of the liveliest areas and where the city shows off its most cosmopolitan side. The surroundings of this spacious square are filled with pedestrian alleys lined with restaurants where you can explore the best of Turkish cuisine, such as Ankara tava: a lamb or beef dish with rice and vegetables, or the popular mezzes (dishes with salad, hummus, or stuffed eggplant, among other delicacies).

The best panoramic view and the most visited place in Ankara

If you enjoyed the views from the Citadel, you can't miss the 360-degree panoramic view from the Atakule Tower observation deck. Located downtown in the Çankaya district, the best time to visit is at dusk, just as the sun begins to set. Since it was incorporated into Ankara's skyline in 1986, its 126-meter height makes it the tallest building in the city and a must-see for locals and tourists alike. Its modern, pointed pencil-shaped design on a circular structure is striking.

And don't leave Ankara without visiting the mausoleum of Atatürk (founder of modern Turkey), located on Anıttepe Hill. Every year, millions of visitors flock to this impressive structure, including foreign diplomats and politicians who, as part of protocol, must lay flowers and sign the book of honor during their visits to Turkey.