Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second-largest city, home to around 5.8 million people in the metropolitan area. Founded as the Republic's capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the seat of government and grew rapidly throughout the 20th century. The city blends its ancient Hittite and Roman heritage with modernist Republican architecture and a vibrant contemporary urban scene. Anıtkabir — Atatürk's mausoleum — is the defining landmark, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations ranks among the world's finest archaeological collections. Ankara sits on the central Anatolian plateau at roughly 850 metres above sea level, giving it a continental climate with hot dry summers and cold snowy winters.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
JW Marriott Ankara
The flagship luxury property in Ankara, occupying a prominent position in the affluent Çankaya district. The hotel features an indoor spa with a pool, multiple dining concepts including the award-winning JW Steakhouse, a luxury fitness centre, and exceptional personalised service. Popular with visiting heads of state.
Swissôtel Ankara
Set in the embassy district of Çankaya, the Swissôtel delivers Swiss-standard precision in a distinctly Turkish setting. The spa complex is one of the best in the city, and the Panorama Bar on an upper floor offers the finest cocktail experience in Ankara.
Sheraton Ankara
A long-established luxury institution in Ankara, the Sheraton has hosted state visitors and international delegations for decades. The outdoor pool and spa are popular in summer. The Club Lounge provides premium all-day service for business and leisure guests.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Trilye Restaurant
Consistently rated among the finest restaurants in Ankara, Trilye specialises in daily-fresh Aegean and Black Sea seafood flown in from the coasts. The tasting menu showcases the best of the Turkish Aegean tradition — sea bream in olive oil, prawn casserole, sea bass carpaccio. Chef-patron-driven kitchen with impeccable sourcing.
JW Steakhouse (JW Marriott)
The premier steakhouse in Ankara, serving dry-aged USDA prime cuts alongside an extensive wine list. The dining room is dark wood, leather booths, and attentive table service. One of few restaurants in Turkey where an authentic American-style ribeye is matched with a serious sommelier service.
Bent Restaurant
Ankara's most creative fine dining address, presenting seasonal Anatolian ingredients through a modern lens. The tasting menu changes quarterly and emphasises Central Anatolian wild herbs, highland dairy, and sustainably sourced meats. The wine list covers the best of Turkish vineyards.
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Private Guided Anıtkabir Visit
A private licensed guide can arrange a VIP-priority morning visit to Anıtkabir with in-depth historical narration covering the Turkish War of Independence, Atatürk's life, and the architectural symbolism of the mausoleum. Contact the Official Ankara Licensed Tourist Guides Association: +90 312 231 5572
Private Museum of Anatolian Civilizations Tour
A specialist archaeologist-guide can provide a private 2–3 hour tour of the museum's Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian collections with academic depth not possible in group settings. Book through a licensed guide agency in Ankara.
Luxury Day Trip to Gordion by Private Car
Hire a private car with a driver and licensed guide for a full-day expedition to Gordion combining the tumulus field, museum, and a gourmet picnic on the Phrygian steppe. Arrange through hotel concierge at JW Marriott, Sheraton, or Swissôtel.
Turkish Hammam at Tarihi Karacabey Hamamı
An authentic 15th-century Ottoman bathhouse in the Hamamönü district, offering traditional kese (exfoliation scrub) and köpük masajı (foam massage). One of the oldest functioning hammams in Ankara.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon — Premium Flight
A sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia's fairy chimney landscape is one of the world's great travel experiences. Depart Ankara very early (04:00), drive 3 hours to Göreme, fly at dawn, then return to Ankara by evening. Premium operators: Royal Balloon (+90 384 271 3300, royalballoon.com); Butterfly Balloons (+90 384 271 3010, butterflyballoons.com).