Central Anatolia Region, Turkiye Travel Guide

Explore Central Anatolia: A Journey Through Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys, Ankara's Ancient Ruins, and the Serene Landscapes of Turkey's Heartland.

Home
Travel Guides
Turkiye
Central Anatolia Region

Central Anatolia is a mesmerizing region in Turkiye, known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural treasures. This vast area is home to ancient cities, stunning natural wonders, and traditional villages that offer a glimpse into the country’s past and present. One of the most famous sights in Central Anatolia is Cappadocia, a land of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides. The unique rock formations and underground cities make it a must-visit for any traveler. The region's historical significance is evident in cities like Ankara, Turkiye's capital, which boasts impressive museums and ancient ruins. For nature lovers, the salt flats of Lake Tuz and the lush greenery of Ilgaz National Park provide a serene escape. The region is also famous for its traditional cuisine, including dishes like manti and gozleme, which can be enjoyed in local eateries and bustling bazaars. Central Anatolia is a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination for tourists.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Central Anatolia Region.

Visit Cappadocia early in the morning for the best hot air balloon experience.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the underground cities and ancient ruins.
Try local dishes like manti and gozleme for an authentic culinary experience.
Pack layers of clothing as the region can have varying temperatures throughout the day.
Consider renting a car to explore the region’s remote and scenic areas at your own pace.

Top City Travel Guides in Central Anatolia Region

The cities of Central Anatolia Region, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Istanbul

Antalya

Alanya

Bursa

Ankara

Destinations in Central Anatolia Region

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Uludag

Lycian Way

Kemer

Explore Central Anatolia Region: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Central Anatolia Region

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Goreme Historical National Park

Explore the natural wonders and rich history of Göreme Historical National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cappadocia, Turkey.

4.7

Pigeon Valley

Discover the mesmerizing landscapes and rich history of Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia, a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

4.6

Asmali Konak

Discover the rich heritage and architectural beauty of Asmali Konak in Ürgüp, a captivating tourist attraction in the heart of Cappadocia.

3.9

Imagination Valley

Experience the enchanting landscapes of Imagination Valley, where nature's artistry creates whimsical rock formations that spark creativity and wonder.

4.7

Best landmarks in Central Anatolia Region

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Browse the full guide

All Landmarks

Basilica Cistern

Discover the hidden depths of Istanbul at the Basilica Cistern, an ancient marvel of architecture and engineering.

4.6

Mevlana Museum

Explore the Mevlana Museum in Konya, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Rumi, the Sufi mystic and poet, and immerse yourself in Turkish spiritual heritage.

4.7

Apollon Temple

Explore the enchanting Apollon Temple in Side, a stunning historical landmark that offers breathtaking views and a rich tapestry of ancient culture.

4.8

Goreme Historical National Park

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Göreme Historical National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Cappadocia, Turkey.

4.7

Best restaurants in Central Anatolia Region

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Browse the full guide

All Restaurants

Hanzade Terrace Restaurant

Experience exquisite Turkish cuisine at Hanzade Terrace Restaurant with stunning views of Istanbul's skyline.

4.8

Hidden Garden

Discover Hidden Garden in Istanbul: A charming eatery blending Turkish flavors with European cuisine amidst serene garden settings.

4.9

Garden 1897 Restaurant

Discover culinary bliss at Garden 1897 Restaurant in Istanbul, where traditional Anatolian flavors meet enchanting garden ambiance.

4.9

Mivan Restaurant & Cafe

Experience authentic Turkish cuisine at Mivan Restaurant & Cafe in Fatih – where tradition meets taste in a cozy atmosphere.

4.9

Best bars in Central Anatolia Region

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Browse the full guide

All Bars

Old English Pub Cafe & Restaurant

Discover the warmth of British hospitality at the Old English Pub Cafe & Restaurant in Kadıköy, Istanbul, where delightful food meets a cozy atmosphere.

4.3

U2 Istanbul Irish Pub

Discover the lively spirit of Ireland at U2 Istanbul Irish Pub, where live music and delicious Irish cuisine meet in Istanbul's vibrant Beyoğlu district.

4.7

Sponge Pub Kaleiçi

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Sponge Pub Kaleiçi, Antalya's premier live music venue, where local culture and entertainment come alive.

4.1

Balkon Restaurant & Bar

Experience the best of Turkish cuisine and vibrant nightlife at Balkon Restaurant & Bar in the heart of Beyoğlu, Istanbul.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Central Anatolia Region

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Browse the full guide

All Nightclubs

Escape Club İstanbul

Experience the vibrant nightlife of İstanbul at Escape Club, where electrifying music and a stylish atmosphere guarantee an unforgettable night out.

4.8

Taksim Club IQ

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul at Taksim Club IQ, where every night is a celebration of music, culture, and unforgettable memories.

4.7

Ritim

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Istanbul at Ritim, a premier night club in Beyoğlu offering music, dance, and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Nirvana Night Club

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Nirvana Night Club in Ankara, where electrifying music meets stylish ambiance.

4.9

Best shops in Central Anatolia Region

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Browse the full guide

All Shops

İstanbul Cevahir Shopping Mall

Explore the vast shopping, dining, and entertainment options at İstanbul Cevahir Shopping Mall, a premier destination in Turkey's vibrant capital.

4.2

Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping

Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Viaport Asia Outlet Shopping in Istanbul, featuring top brands, dining, and entertainment options for every traveler.

4.3

Mall of Antalya

Explore the vibrant Mall of Antalya, where shopping meets entertainment in a stunning modern setting, perfect for all visitors.

4.4

Alara Grand Bazaar

Discover the enchanting Alara Grand Bazaar, a vibrant market in Antalya filled with unique crafts, delicious foods, and a lively local atmosphere.

4.1

Explore Central Anatolia Region on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Central Anatolia Region, mapped for you.

Central Anatolia Region Essentials

Central Anatolia is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The main gateway to the region is Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB), located about 28 kilometers northeast of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. From the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or rent a car to reach the city center. High-speed trains connect Ankara with other major cities like Istanbul, Konya, and Eskişehir. Buses and coaches are also a popular option, with various companies offering services to and from different parts of Turkey.
Public transportation in Central Anatolia is reliable and efficient. In Ankara, you can use the metro, buses, and taxis to get around. The metro network is extensive and covers most of the city. For intercity travel, the high-speed train (YHT) is a convenient option, connecting Ankara with cities like Konya and Eskişehir. Renting a car is another viable option, especially if you plan to explore the region's more remote areas. Taxis are widely available, but it's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running.
The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments or rural areas where card payment might not be available. ATMs are plentiful in cities and towns, and many offer instructions in multiple languages. It's advisable to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
Central Anatolia is generally a safe region for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it's essential to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Be cautious of your belongings in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. Certain neighborhoods in larger cities like Ankara might have higher crime rates; it's best to ask locals or your accommodation for advice on areas to avoid. Always keep emergency contact numbers handy.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for medical emergencies, 155 for police assistance, and 110 for fire emergencies. Most urban areas have well-equipped hospitals and clinics. Pharmacies are also available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of important contact numbers, including your country's embassy or consulate, in case you need assistance.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, remove your shoes and women should cover their heads with a scarf. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Central Anatolia like a local, visit traditional markets where you can buy fresh produce and local handicrafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and eager to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss visiting historic sites like the ancient city of Hattusa, Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, and the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Ankara. For a unique experience, attend a traditional Turkish tea house and enjoy a cup of tea or Turkish coffee while chatting with locals.

When is the best time to visit Central Anatolia Region?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Central Anatolia Region

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Central Anatolia Region. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloMerhaba
  [mehr-HAH-bah]
- GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [hosh-CHA kal]
- YesEvet
  [EH-vet]
- NoHayır
  [HAH-yuhr]
- Please/You're welcomeLütfen/Rica ederim
  [LOOT-fen/ree-JAH eh-DAY-rim]
- Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [teh-shehk-KOOR eh-DAY-rim]
- Excuse me/SorryAffedersiniz/Üzgünüm
  [ah-feh-DER-see-neez/OOZ-goo-noom]
- How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [NAH-suhl-suhn-IZ]
- Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz nasılsınız?
  [EE-yee-yeem. SEEZ NAH-suhl-suhn-IZ]
- Do you speak English?İngilizce biliyor musunuz?
  [een-GEE-leez-jeh bee-LEE-yor moo-soo-nuz]
- I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [AHN-lah-muh-YOHR-uhm]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek isterim lütfen
  [meh-NOO-yoo GOHR-mehk ees-TEH-rim LOOT-fen]
- I don't eat meatEt yemiyorum
  [ET yeh-MEE-yor-uhm]
- Cheers!Şerefe!
  [sheh-REF-eh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [uh-DEH-mehk ees-TEH-yor-oom, LOOT-fen]
- Help!Yardım edin!
  [YAR-dum eh-DEEN]
- Go away!Defol!
  [DEH-fol]
- Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [POH-lee-see ah-RAH-yin]
- Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [DOK-tor CHAH-uh-rin]
- I'm lostKayboldum
  [KAHY-bol-doom]
- I'm illHastayım
  [HAS-tah-yum]
- I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [sah-TUHN al-MAHK ees-TEH-yor-oom]
- I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [SAH-deh-jeh bah-KIH-yor-oom]
- How much is it?Bu ne kadar?
  [boo NEH kah-DAHR]
- That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [boo CHOK pah-HAH-luh]
- Can you lower the price?Fiyatı düşürebilir misiniz?
  [fee-YAH-tuh doo-SHOO-reh-bee-LIR mee-SEE-neez]
- What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [sah-AT kahch]
- It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [sah-AT beer]
- Half past (10)On beş geçiyor
  [ON BEHSH geh-CHIH-yor]
- MorningSabah
  [sah-BAH]
- AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [uh-LEH-den SOHN-rah]
- EveningAkşam
  [ahk-SHAHM]
- YesterdayDün
  [DOON]
- TodayBugün
  [boo-GOON]
- TomorrowYarın
  [YAH-ruhn]
- 1Bir
  [beer]
- 2İki
  [ee-KEE]
- 3Üç
  [ÜCH]
- 4Dört
  [DÖRT]
- 5Beş
  [BESH]
- 6Altı
  [AHL-tuh]
- 7Yedi
  [YED-ee]
- 8Sekiz
  [SEH-kiz]
- 9Dokuz
  [DOH-kuz]
- 10On
  [ON]
- Where's a/the...?Nerede ...?
  [NEH-reh-deh ...?]
- What's the address?Adres ne?
  [AH-dres NEH?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Haritada gösterebilir misiniz?
  [HAH-ree-tah-dah GÖS-teh-reh-bee-LIR mee-SEE-neez]
- When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [SON-rah-kee (oh-toh-BÜS) NEH zah-MAHN?]
- A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....)
  [beer bee-LET (....)]

History of Central Anatolia Region

Central Anatolia was the heartland of the Hittite Empire, one of the earliest civilizations in Anatolia. The Hittites established their capital at Hattusa (modern-day Boğazkale) around 1600 BCE. The city was a marvel of ancient urban planning, featuring massive fortifications, palaces, and temples. The Hittites were known for their advanced legal system and monumental architecture. Their influence extended across Anatolia and into the Levant, making them one of the major powers of the ancient Near East.
After the decline of the Hittite Empire around 1200 BCE, the Phrygians emerged as the dominant power in Central Anatolia. The Phrygian Kingdom, with its capital at Gordion (near modern-day Polatlı), is best known for the legendary King Midas, who supposedly turned everything he touched into gold. The Phrygians left behind significant archaeological remains, including intricate rock-cut tombs and the famous Gordian Knot, which Alexander the Great famously 'untied' by cutting through it with his sword.
Alexander the Great's conquest of Anatolia in 333 BCE brought Hellenistic culture to the region. Central Anatolia became a melting pot of Greek and local cultures. Cities like Gordion and Ankara (then known as Ancyra) flourished under Hellenistic rule. The region saw the construction of theaters, temples, and other public buildings in the Greek style, blending native and Hellenistic influences.
Central Anatolia became an important part of the Roman Empire after it was annexed in the 1st century BCE. The city of Ankara became a key administrative center. The region continued to prosper under Byzantine rule, with significant developments in architecture and art. Early Christian communities thrived here, and several important councils of the early Church were held in the region, including the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, which was not far from Central Anatolia.
In the 11th century, the Seljuk Turks began to conquer Central Anatolia, establishing it as a crucial part of their empire. The Seljuks made Konya their capital, transforming it into a cultural and intellectual hub. The region saw the construction of grand mosques, caravanserais, and madrasahs. The famous Sufi mystic Rumi settled in Konya during this period, making it a center of Sufi thought and culture.
Central Anatolia became integral to the Ottoman Empire after its rise in the late 13th century. The region was strategically important, providing agricultural produce and serving as a military staging ground. Cities like Ankara and Kayseri grew in significance. The Ottomans built numerous public works, including mosques, bridges, and bazaars, which still stand today as a testament to their architectural prowess.
Central Anatolia played a pivotal role in the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923). Ankara was chosen as the headquarters of the nationalist movement led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The city became the capital of the newly established Republic of Turkey in 1923. This period saw significant political and social changes, as the new republic embarked on a series of reforms to modernize Turkey.