When is the best time to fly to Ankara?
The city is on a high plain in the centre of the country, and it has hot, humid summers and winters that are cool and often snowy. The dry season - from June till October is considered the best time to book a flight to Ankara, but April till May is also good and conditions are less humid than during peak months.
To find cheap flights to Ankara, plan a visit from November till March, but the weather can often be cold and snowy. Unless you enjoy wintry conditions it may be better to consider April to June or October to November for a visit; flights to Ankara are generally lower in price than at the peak period of June till September and it is mild and pleasant.
No matter when you decide to book your flight to Ankara you will never be short of entertainment when visiting the city as it offers a wide range of great annual festivals, celebrations and events throughout the year.
Ankara overview
Ankara is the capital of Turkey and this sprawling metropolis in the heart of the country is its second largest city after Istanbul. Its unique cultural and historical landmarks make it an inspired choice for holidays and breaks, and thanks to the many foreign diplomats and international students in the city, you'll find services and goods that aren't readily available in other parts of the country.
The city found itself at the centre of the Turkish war for independence when military commander Kemal Ataturk made it his base. The Anitkabir, the mausoleum of this national hero and first president of the Republic of Turkey is an essential stop for visitors today. Be sure to see the cenotaph of Ataturk's comrade and friend, General Ismet Inonu at the western colonnade as you approach the impressive courtyard and the Anitkabir itself.
The city was once little more than a village that had grown around its castle or citadel, where traders would sell textiles and carpets made from soft, local goat hair. The Angora goat got its name from the city, and you can still take a walk round the fortified hilltop citadel and Ankara Castle today. Its outer walls date from 800AD, and were built by the Byzantine emperor Michael II, and traders still sell carpets and good quality leather goods at the nearby covered market.
See the magnificent Kocatepe Mosque in the Kizilay district, it can be seen from almost any part of the city. Visit the Haci Bayram Mosque or explore Roman landmarks like the Temple of Augustus and Rome which is right next to the mosque. The Column of Julian is another reminder of Roman rule, while the Atakule Tower in the Cankaya district is one of the city's highest structures.
A strong diplomatic presence and the high number of students in the city means that there is plenty of entertainment, nightlife and other activities to appeal to all ages, and this friendly city is also a great stop off point on trips to Cappadocia or Konya.