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.
Top spas
Curated picks for treatments and day spas.
Tarihi Karacabey Hamamı
One of Ankara's oldest functioning hammams, dating to the 15th century. A fully traditional Ottoman experience with marble basins, steam rooms, and attendants for kese and soap massage.
Şengül Hamamı
Well-maintained traditional hammam in Ulus district, popular with locals. No-frills but authentic hammam experience at good value.
JW Marriott Spa
Full-service spa at the JW Marriott with indoor pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, and professional therapists. Day use available for non-hotel guests.
Dedeman Ankara Spa
Good-value hotel spa with indoor pool, Turkish bath, and professional massage services. Day use available for non-guests.
Hilton Ankara Spa
Modern spa at the Hilton with indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and a full menu of classic massage and beauty treatments.
Patalya Thermal Resort (Kızılcahamam)
Mineral-rich thermal spring resort 80 km north of Ankara. The water is rich in calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate. An ideal day trip combining forest walking in Soğuksu National Park with thermal bathing.
Wellness travel tips
Get the most from your wellness experience.
The traditional hammam experience (kese + soap massage) takes about 1.5 hours — allow adequate time and avoid booking immediately before other activities.
Kızılcahamam thermal pools are at their most therapeutic in winter when the outdoor air is cold — the contrast heightens the heat experience.
Drink at least 500ml of water after a hammam session; the steam bath causes significant fluid loss.
Most hotel spas require advance booking for massage treatments, especially at weekends.
The mineral water (maden suyu) bottled from Kızılcahamam springs is sold in supermarkets across Ankara — try Erikli or Kızılcahamam brands.