Ankara Castle

Ankara's continental climate directly affects the period you visit the castle. April, May, September, and October are the most balanced periods in terms of both temperature and crowds. In spring, the greenery and blossoms at the foot of the castle add a special beauty to the view, while in autumn, yellow-orange tones are perfect for photographs.

Ankara is quite hot and sunny in summer; coming early in the morning or late in the evening during this period offers a more pleasant walk and the opportunity to watch the sunset from the walls. In winter, occasional snowfall gives the castle a completely different atmosphere; however, it is advisable to be careful as the stone streets can be slippery.

The most common way to reach the castle is via Ulus metro station. From the station, you can reach the castle in about 30–60 minutes on foot, or in 5 minutes by taxi. It is also possible to see the historical bazaar and Samanpazarı along the walking route.

The free electric shuttle services organized by Ankara Metropolitan Municipality provide access to the castle from around Ulus every day between 10:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00, every half hour. It is also possible to walk up from Sıhhiye or Samanpazarı. Since there is limited parking near the castle for those coming by private car, public transport is recommended.

Ankara Castle is like an open-air photo studio in itself. It is possible to capture the entire Ankara skyline in a single frame from the outer castle walls; especially at sunset, when the golden light spreads over the city, this place functions as an observation deck.

The restored stone houses, wooden bay-windowed structures, and narrow paths in the inner castle streets are ideal for documentary-style photographs. The areas in front of the castle gates and the towers also offer strong compositional frames. The castle view in the fog at sunrise is a special reward for early visitors.

The area around Ankara Castle and Samanpazarı offers the capital's most unique flavors. You can visit the long-established restaurants at the foot of the castle to experience local tastes such as Ankara tava and beyin tost (brain toast). In the morning, the duo of freshly baked Ankara simit and tea is an indispensable start.

Sitting in the small cafes inside the castle and drinking coffee in the shadow of the walls also offers a special pleasure. When you go down to Samanpazarı, you can find cağ kebabı, kokoreç, and various street foods. For places that get crowded at lunchtime, it might be a good idea to go early or make a reservation.

It is extremely easy to find Ankara-specific souvenirs in the streets inside the castle and in the Samanpazarı bazaar immediately at its foot. Copper-embossed kitchenware, handmade ceramics, traditional jewelry, and products made from Ankara goat wool are among the most preferred.

For antique enthusiasts, Samanpazarı is a treasure trove; old Turkish coins, vintage objects, and collectible items can be found here. Don't hesitate to bargain when shopping; bargaining is both a traditional and expected shopping ritual in these bazaars.

The walk up to Ankara Castle, especially when coming from Ulus, involves a quite steep ramp. Wearing comfortable and non-slip shoes is important for both safety and comfort. Walking on the cobblestone streets with high heels can be quite difficult.

Since the castle is a living neighborhood, it is necessary to respect the daily lives of the residents; pay attention to private property boundaries. Some parts of the walls may be closed from time to time due to restoration work. We recommend taking water and sunscreen with you, and not forgetting a hat, especially in summer. Since there are no ATMs inside the castle, it will be practical to meet your cash needs beforehand.