Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and is an important city that hosts many cultural values and natural beauties. It is possible to easily come to Ankara by purchasing a plane ticket or a bus ticket. Many people living in the city of Ankara have the chance to go on a daily trip to nearby tourist spots. You can choose places close to the city to travel with your private vehicle and have a pleasant time. Additionally, there may be those who come to Ankara for sightseeing and want to see other places before leaving. These visitors can either go on an exploration tour with their own vehicles or travel by public transportation such as buses if they wish. In this article, we will give you information about places to visit near Ankara.
Before moving on to the tourist spots near the city of Ankara, we would like to talk about how to get to Ankara. You can reach here by road, air, or railway. Visitors who plan to come with their own vehicles can get directions using a navigation system. Those who do not plan to come with a private vehicle can prefer air transportation. There are many airline companies that operate flights to Esenboğa Airport from all parts of our country. You can choose the one that best suits your budget among these companies and buy a plane ticket. After arriving at the airport, you can take shuttle buses from there and reach the city center. Another transportation network is railway transportation.
Visitors who prefer to travel by railway from our city of Istanbul can use the High-Speed Train line. Those who are considering coming from our city of İzmir can choose the Blue Train line. Another frequently preferred transportation method to Ankara is by bus. You can come to the bus terminal located in the Yenimahalle district of the city by purchasing a bus ticket from your location. After arriving at the terminal, you can go to the center with other means of transportation. Among the tourist spots near our city of Ankara are Salt Lake, Gordion Ancient City, Elmadağ Ski Resort, Soğuksu National Park, Kartalkaya Ski Resort, Yeşil Karadere Vineyards, and Beypazarı. You can easily come to these places from Ankara and have a wonderful time.
Salt Lake
At the top of our list of places to visit near Ankara is Salt Lake, which hosts a wonderful lake view.
This lake, which is the second-largest lake in Turkey, is located approximately 125 kilometers from the city center of Ankara. This lake, which is one of the most frequently visited spots by tourists, fascinates and impresses its visitors with its pure white appearance.
Here, you can also closely observe various bird species. In addition, if you are coming here with your group of friends, you can set up a tent around the lake and camp. This lake, which is a true natural wonder, should be the first item on your travel plan.
Gordion Ancient City
Gordion Ancient City, which stands out with its historical texture and cultural richness, is among the places to visit near Ankara for a daily trip.
This ancient city is located in the Polatlı district, which is known as the closest district to the city. You can reach here by private vehicle in about one and a half hours. Apart from a private vehicle, you can also easily get here by purchasing a bus ticket from the city center and taking a bus.
Various historical artifacts uncovered through excavation works are found within the ancient city. Here, you can see many important historical pieces from the Hellenistic period to the Bronze Age, from the Roman Empire to the Lydian period.
Elmadağ Ski Resort
Would you like to leave Ankara and go skiing? One of the most frequently preferred areas for skiing is Elmadağ Ski Resort.
It is located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. You can come here not only in the winter season but also in the spring or summer period. Because on sunny and warm days, this place becomes a complete natural wonder. In winter, as its name suggests, it is preferred for skiing. If you enjoy skiing, you can come here and spend a beautiful day away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Soğuksu National Park
After purchasing a plane ticket to Ankara, you can visit Soğuksu National Park, which is located near the city.
This park is located in the Kızılcahamam district of Ankara. Positioned approximately 82 kilometers from the city center, this national park allows you to discover various natural beauties and spend peaceful hours. Here, you can also have a picnic with your loved ones, breathe the fresh air, and recharge your energy.
Kartalkaya Ski Resort
Another tourist spot that offers the opportunity to ski is Kartalkaya Ski Resort, located approximately 128 kilometers from the city center of Ankara.
This ski resort, located in Bolu, can also be reached by purchasing a plane ticket if you wish. In this ski resort, which is one of the indispensable destinations for winter sports, you can both experience skiing and spend time in touch with nature. There are also slopes here that offer the opportunity to snowboard.
Yeşil Karadere Vineyards
The next route on our list of places to visit near Ankara is Yeşil Karadere Vineyards, located in the Ayaş district of the city.
It is approximately 60 kilometers from the city center. The most striking feature of these vineyards is the mulberry trees they contain. Many local and foreign tourists, especially the local people, come here to eat mulberries. You can also taste these famous mulberries. Here, you can also take a walk accompanied by birds chirping and take plenty of landscape photos.
Beypazarı
Another popular destination that you can visit for both a nature and cultural trip is the Beypazarı district of Ankara.
This district, located approximately 115 kilometers from the center of Ankara, can also be reached by purchasing a bus ticket. Here, you can closely see historical houses from the Ottoman era, visit areas surrounded by natural beauties, and have a great time. There are also various handicraft workshops here that may attract your attention, such as copperworking and carpet weaving.