The Best Day Trips From Ankara Turkey

Enjoying a very central location in Turkey, Ankara is the perfect place to rent a car and take a day trip to go skiing, sightseeing, or even to bathe in a healing natural spring. Check out our favorite destinations that are only a few hours away by car.

1. Hattuşa

Ruins, Archaeological site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hattuşa was the capital of the Hittite Empire, which ruled over north-central Anatolia in 1600 BC. Today, the city’s ruins continue to exude the empire’s grandeur, from the reconstructed city walls to the pillars and carvings of the Lion’s gate.

2. Kartalkaya

Ski Resort

Located in the Köroğlu Mountain in the Bolu province, Kartalkaya is one of the most popular destinations for skiing in the winter months. The ski resort is ideal for alpine as well as cross-country skiing; it’s recommended to visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

3. Konya

Building

Konya’s beautiful historic architecture dates back to its days as the former capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate. The city is also known for the Mevlana Museum, which serves as the mausoleum of Sufi mystic and poet Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī.

5. Safranbolu

Historical Landmark

Located in Turkey’s Black Sea region, Safranbolu is another UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its many historic structures that are typical of the Ottoman era. The historic wooden houses as well as the Old Bath, Old Mosque, and the Süleyman Pasha Medrese are all essential sights.

6. Beypazarı

Building

A great getaway from the city where a more rural atmosphere prevails, Beypazarı’s Ottoman houses, rocky countryside, and delicious food all attract visitors. The small town is also known for producing around 60% of Turkey’s carrots as well as its silverwork and natural mineral water.

7. Eskişehir

Building

With two of Turkey’s largest universities (Anadolu and Eskişehir Osmangazi), Eskişehir is a very young and liberal city even though its name translates to ‘old city’. Take a stroll by the Porsuk River, which runs through the city, and enjoy Eskişehir’s European feel with its parks, bridges, statues, and trams.

8. Kızılcahamam

Building

Another great getaway from city life, the quiet market town of Kızılcahaman is known for its flora and fauna as well as healing hot springs and mineral water. You can book a stay at one of the spa hotels or take a long walk on a 16 km long trail that leads through the lush Soğuksu National Park.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.