Ankara, Turkey's modern capital, is not only important for its governance but also as the historical heart of Anatolia and a launch point for exploring Central Turkey's diverse landscape. This region, rich in history and natural beauty, offers an array of single-day escapes for every interest—from ancient Hittite sites and preserved Ottoman towns to therapeutic hot springs and stunning salt lakes. These excursions provide a refreshing break for city dwellers and tourists alike, making them essential for anyone eager to discover the treasures of Central Anatolia.
Beypazarı, situated approximately one and a half hours north-west of Ankara, is a cultural treasure trove that transports visitors back to the peak of the Ottoman era. The theme here is rich local culture, history, and a fiercely proud regional cuisine. The town’s fame rests on its impeccably preserved architecture, characterised by over three thousand registered, two- and three-storey Ottoman houses. These residences, with their distinctive white stucco walls and dark, exposed wooden frames, cluster elegantly along the steep, narrow streets, creating a charming, labyrinthine atmosphere that invites deep exploration.
Visitors are encouraged to wander through these alleys, taking in the serene, historic atmosphere. A vital stop is the Living Museum, which actively demonstrates traditional crafts and offers an immersive glimpse into 19th-century Turkish life. Beypazarı’s commercial soul resides in the Silver Market, Gümüşçüler Çarşısı, which is famous across Turkey for its telkari, or delicate filigree silverwork. This intricate, hand-crafted jewellery represents a unique local heritage and serves as a beautiful memento.
Beyond its architectural and artisanal appeal, Beypazarı is an epicentre of distinctive Turkish cuisine. No visit is complete without sampling the famous 80-layer flaky pastry, known locally for its lightness and richness, or the slow-cooked Beypazarı stew, güveç. The town is also inexplicably famous for its local carrots, often celebrated at an annual festival. For a magnificent photograph and a comprehensive view of the town's sprawling red-tiled roofs, you must climb Hıdırlık Hill.
A longer, yet profoundly rewarding, day trip of roughly three hours takes one into the heart of the ancient world: Hattusa, the former capital of the mighty Hittite Empire, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This destination is essential for any scholar or enthusiast of ancient history and archaeology, offering tangible evidence of one of the most powerful Bronze Age civilisations. From the 17th to the 13th century BC, the Hittites reigned supreme over Anatolia and parts of the Levant, and Hattusa served as their monumental centre.
Exploring the massive, fortified ruins requires a full day, revealing the city's scale and engineering prowess. Key highlights include the monumental gates that once guarded the citadel. The Lion's Gate, featuring carved stone beasts, and the King's Gate, which depicts a god-figure, demonstrate the powerful art and religion of the era. The vast stone walls and the remnants of the temples and royal archives—which revealed thousands of cuneiform tablets—underscore the sophisticated administrative structure of the empire.
Just outside the main city lies Yazılıkaya, the nearby open-air rock sanctuary. This is perhaps the most spiritually resonant spot, featuring incredible rock-cut reliefs depicting the entire Hittite pantheon of gods and goddesses in a ceremonial procession. These reliefs, carved directly into the natural rock faces, are remarkably well-preserved and offer unparalleled insight into Hittite mythology and religious practice. A brief stop at the Boğazköy Museum, located near the site, is highly recommended for viewing excavated artefacts that detail the empire’s daily life and military might.
For a stark contrast to ancient stone and Ottoman timber, the journey south-east from Ankara leads to the surreal landscape of Tuz Gölü, or the Salt Lake, approximately one and a halfto two hours away. This destination is a marvel of natural wonder and unique geographical phenomena, making it an indispensable site for photographers and those seeking an otherworldly view. As Turkey’s second-largest lake, Tuz Gölü is notable not for its size but for its extreme shallow depth and extraordinary salinity.
The magic of the lake occurs during the height of summer, when the water evaporates almost completely, leaving behind a thick, brilliant white crust of crystallised salt that stretches to meet the horizon. The expanse of white is blindingly bright and eerily quiet, giving the impression of walking across a vast, frozen plain. One of the popular activities here is simply walking barefoot upon the salt, which is purported to have beneficial, mineral-rich properties for the skin.
Given the uninterrupted, flat landscape, the Salt Lake is an ideal spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset, when the low-angle light creates striking reflections across the white expanse and turns the sky into a canvas of vivid colour. The sheer scale and simplicity of the environment offer a profound sense of isolation and tranquillity, a true palate cleanser from the city's intensity.
Situated roughly one and a half hours west of Ankara, Gordion offers another crucial chapter in Anatolia’s ancient history. This site was the capital of the Phrygian Kingdom, flourishing around the 8th century BC, and its history is deeply intertwined with legend and myth. It serves as a fascinating day trip for those interested in the crossover between archaeology and classical storytelling. The historical importance of Gordion stems from its association with two major figures: the legendary King Midas, famously associated with the "golden touch", and Alexander the Great.
Visitors can explore the remnants of the ancient citadel, but the most compelling feature is the collection of massive burial mounds, or tumuli, that dot the surrounding landscape. The most significant of these is Tumulus MM, known as the Great Tumulus. Excavations suggest this is the final resting place of a powerful Phrygian ruler, widely believed to be King Midas himself. The sheer size of the mound is breathtaking, a testament to the power and wealth of the Phrygian royalty.
Furthermore, Gordion is the famous site where Alexander the Great confronted the intricate Gordian Knot. The legend recounts that whoever could untie the complex knot was destined to rule Asia, and Alexander’s decisive action—cutting it with his sword—is immortalised in historical accounts. The nearby Gordion Museum houses artefacts recovered from the site, including stunning bronze vessels and intricate burial goods from the tumuli, providing context for the life and death of the kingdom’s elite.
For those seeking wellness, nature, and relaxation, Kızılcahamam, located about an hour north of the capital, offers the perfect, accessible escape. This day trip is entirely focused on rejuvenation. The town is justly famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and its abundance of natural hot springs, which have been utilised for their therapeutic properties for centuries. Visitors can easily spend several hours soaking in the public baths or one of the many hotel spas, letting the heat and minerals work their restorative magic.
Beyond the thermal appeal, Kızılcahamam is the gateway to Soğuksu National Park. This vast protected area, dominated by dense pine forests, provides a magnificent opportunity to breathe genuinely fresh mountain air and engage in light physical activity. The park is crisscrossed with well-maintained trails, ideal for hiking, jogging, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk amongst the towering trees.
Numerous designated picnic areas make it an excellent choice for a family outing. The park also boasts a considerable variety of wildlife, giving keen observers the chance to spot squirrels, deer, and diverse species of birds, particularly during the migratory seasons. Kızılcahamam successfully combines the restorative power of water with the tranquil beauty of the Anatolian forest.
A slightly longer commitment, demanding a two-and-a-half to three-hour journey, is required to reach Safranbolu, but the reward is a visit to arguably the best-preserved Ottoman town in Turkey, earning it another UNESCO World Heritage designation. Situated on the edge of the Black Sea region, this town is a masterclass in Ottoman architecture and the traditional Turkish life that revolved around trade. It remains one of the most culturally significant destinations accessible from Ankara.
The town’s historic quarter is a stunning visual feast of distinct half-timbered houses. Built strategically into the surrounding valleys, these homes typically feature ground floors made of stone for stability and upper storeys constructed with light timber frames, often painted in muted colours. They were designed not just for living but also for trading, frequently featuring prominent overhangs and elaborate woodworking. Strolling through the cobblestone alleys is like walking through an open-air museum, where every corner reveals architectural detail.
Central to the town’s historical function is the Old Bazaar, Çarşı, a hub of commerce that still thrives today. Other key structures include the magnificent Cinci Han Caravanserai, a former roadside inn for travelling merchants, and the historic Köprülü Mosque. As the town’s name suggests, the area was historically known for saffron cultivation, and visitors should make a point of tasting the famous Turkish Delight, lokum, often flavoured with this prized spice, providing a sweet finish to a culturally rich day.
For those days when a quick, immediate antidote to the urban environment is needed, the Gölbaşı district, less than 30 minutes from the city centre, offers a pair of vital nature escapes: Mogan and Eymir Lakes. These lakes provide the quickest transition from the traffic and towers of Ankara to peaceful, recreational natural areas, making them immensely popular with locals. The theme here is urban nature, simple recreation, and accessible leisure.
Eymir Lake, in particular, is highly valued for its tranquil atmosphere and recreational facilities. The trails that loop around the lake’s perimeter are popular spots for walking, jogging, and cycling, offering gentle gradients and peaceful, waterfront views. It is a favourite location for university students and families seeking safe, open spaces.
Mogan Lake, whilst equally scenic, tends to be slightly more developed, featuring lakeside restaurants and cafes that are perfect for enjoying a relaxed breakfast or a leisurely dinner with a view across the water. Both lakes offer opportunities for boating and are significant spots for birdwatching, particularly during the seasonal migration periods when a wide variety of species can be observed resting on the water. This twin-lake region serves as an essential, easily reachable lung for the capital city.
The breadth of experiences available just a short drive from Ankara is truly exceptional, proving that the Turkish capital is not merely a destination but a powerful launchpad. The regional variety appeals to history enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers alike. These excursions are more than mere sightseeing; they are necessary acts of cultural and psychological renewal.
To reach the most scenic and culturally significant remote sites mentioned, and to travel at one’s own pace without strict schedules, it is strongly recommended to rent a car. This independence is the key to unlocking the full, unbridled beauty and history of the heart of Anatolia. Book your rental car from Final Rentals today and begin exploring!
