Day Trips to Seven Different Destinations from Ankara.

The countryside around Ankara is less known than Istanbul's, but if you ask us it is more varied; a Hittite capital, the tomb of a Phrygian king, a white salt flat, a bird sanctuary, an Ottoman town, a thermal forest and a bird's-eye view of the steppe. We have compared seven day-trip options by direction, distance and means of transport; detailed plans are in the separate trip articles.

West, 100 km. Beypazarı. The easiest escape by bus, with EGO 548 from Ulus or district buses from Etlik. Mansions, silversmiths, clay-pot stew and baklava. Very crowded at weekends, so go midweek. Mulberries and hot springs at Ayaş on the way back.

North, 80 km. Kızılcahamam and Soğuksu National Park. Bus 527 from Ulus ends at the park gate. A morning walk in black pine forest, an afternoon in a thermal pool. Come separately for autumn colour and winter snow. Indoor pools make it safe for families in winter.

South-west, 95 km. Gordion (Polatlı). High-speed train to Polatlı in 30 minutes, then a taxi. The wooden burial chamber of the Midas Tumulus and a small but fine museum; UNESCO-listed since 2023. Half a day is enough and you are back in Ankara by afternoon.

East, 200 km. Hattusa (Boğazkale, Çorum). A car is essential and a 7 am start. Hittite walls, the Lion Gate, the Yerkapı tunnel and the Yazılıkaya reliefs. A long day you will not forget; Alacahöyük needs a separate trip.

South-east, 150 km. Lake Tuz (Şereflikoçhisar). On the Konya road; arrive an hour before sunset. Salt flats and reflections in summer, flamingos in spring. Leaving in the afternoon and returning at night is enough.

North-west, 130 km. Nallıhan Bird Paradise. A car is essential, via Beypazarı and Çayırhan. The reed beds of the Sarıyar reservoir, an observation tower and coloured clay hills. Migration seasons (spring and autumn) are the most rewarding; dinner in Beypazarı on the way back.

South, 20 km. Lakes Eymir and Mogan. A half day rather than a full one; cycling at Eymir with EGO 190, fish at Mogan with the Gölbaşı buses. With a car, add Tulumtaş Cave. For those who want nature without leaving the city.

So which should you choose? Without a car, Beypazarı, Kızılcahamam, Gordion and the lakes; with a car, Hattusa, Lake Tuz and Nallıhan. For history, Hattusa and Gordion; for photography, Lake Tuz and Nallıhan; for rest, Kızılcahamam. Beypazarı and Kızılcahamam are the easiest with children; Hattusa is tough with small children because of the walking and heat.

A few notes that apply to all of them. Shade is scarce on the steppe, so carry a hat and water on every route. District museums may close on Mondays. In winter snow chains may be needed on the Kızılcahamam and Hattusa roads. On bus routes note the last return time in advance; taxis are hard to find on the steppe. Fill up on fuel and cash in the city; ATMs are limited in villages such as Boğazkale and Yassıhüyük.

The country around Ankara cannot be exhausted in a weekend, do not worry; this list is for choosing which direction to give to which day.