Ankara, Turkey’s capital, often gets overshadowed by Istanbul, but it offers its own set of compelling tours. Whether you’re interested in exploring local neighborhoods, diving into Ottoman history, or taking an excursion to Cappadocia, Ankara is surprisingly rich in options. What makes Ankara stand out is its blend of modern life with layers of history and authentic Turkish culture. For example, a private walking tour with a local can turn the city’s lesser-known corners into a personal exploration, far from the usual tourist spots.
If you’re craving a more immersive experience, a day trip to Cappadocia or a half-day visit to Istanbul’s highlights can add a memorable dimension to your trip. Our favorite is the private Cappadocia & Underground City tour, which offers an intimate look at some of Turkey’s most iconic landscapes. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at these top-rated options, helping you choose the perfect tour based on your interests and schedule.
1. Ankara: Private Walking Tour with a Local
For around $41 per person, this private walking tour offers an intimate and flexible way to experience Ankara’s hidden corners. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 44 reviews, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers who want a deeply personalized connection with the city. Since it’s 100% private and flexible, you can tailor the route to your interests—whether that’s uncovering secret cafes, historical sites, or local markets.
What makes this tour stand out is the emphasis on authentic stories and local insights. Your guide will share tips and tricks that aren’t found in guidebooks, making the experience more meaningful. The guide’s passion for Ankara shines through, and you can ask questions or steer the tour based on your curiosity. The route isn’t fixed, so if you’re interested in Turkish cuisine, architecture, or local traditions, your guide can focus there. The tour is perfect for travelers who prefer a more relaxed pace and want to connect with the city’s everyday life.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for those who want a personal and authentic introduction to Ankara, with the flexibility to explore what interests you most.
2. Istanbul: Half-Day Tour with Topkapi Palace
While based in Istanbul, this tour makes it onto our list because many travelers combine Ankara with a trip to Istanbul. For $145, you get a 4.5-hour guided tour that covers the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. It’s a rundown of Istanbul’s Ottoman and Byzantine highlights, all seen comfortably in a luxury vehicle.
This tour offers a great way to see Istanbul’s major sights without the hassle of navigating on your own. The guide provides rich historical context, taking you through the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans and explaining the significance of each site. The Blue Mosque’s minarets and the Hagia Sophia’s domes are especially breathtaking in person. With only 13 reviews rated at 4.7, the emphasis is on quality and depth of knowledge.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers with limited time who want a well-rounded introduction to Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, especially if you prefer guided convenience.
3. Ankara: Daily Private Cappadocia & Underground City Tour
At number 3, this full-day private tour is a 15-hour extravaganza for $1,174 per person. It’s a rare opportunity to explore the famed Cappadocia region, including the Goreme Open Air Museum, Urgup, Uchisar, Kaymakli Underground City, and several scenic valleys. Rated 5 out of 5 from 4 reviews, it’s a standout for travelers seeking a deep dive into Turkey’s most surreal landscapes.
This tour is unique because it compresses what would typically take two days into a single, expertly guided experience. The guide shares local secrets and provides insights that often get lost in large group tours. The itinerary includes stops at highlights like Devrent Valley and Pigeon Valley, along with a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City, where you can explore miles of subterranean tunnels. The tour combines sightseeing with scenic drives, offering stunning views along the way.
While the price is high, the value lies in the personalized experience and avoiding the crowds that often overwhelm these popular sites. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see Cappadocia without the hassle of organizing transport and guides on their own.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for independent-minded travelers who want a comprehensive, private experience of Cappadocia’s highlights in a single day.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Ankara
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend exploring. If you prefer a personal, flexible experience, the private walking tour is hard to beat. For those with limited time but wanting a taste of Istanbul’s grandeur, the half-day Topkapi Palace tour offers a quick, insightful visit. Meanwhile, adventure seekers or photography lovers should consider the private Cappadocia day trip, which delivers a full day of awe-inspiring scenery.
Budget-wise, the private Ankara tour is the most accessible, while the Cappadocia experience is an investment for those wanting a premium, personalized adventure. Timing-wise, the Cappadocia tour requires a full day, so plan accordingly; the Ankara walk and Istanbul day tour fit well into shorter stays.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the Cappadocia trip, which is popular and requires special arrangements. All these tours suit different tastes—whether you want culture, historical insights, or breathtaking landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Ankara offers diverse ways to explore its streets and beyond. For a truly local experience, the private walking tour is hard to beat—perfect for first-time visitors or those seeking a relaxed, authentic connection. If time is tight and you’re in Istanbul, the Topkapi Palace half-day provides a quick but rundown of Turkey’s urban history.
For travelers with a sense of adventure and a full day to spare, the Cappadocia private tour stands out as a memorable way to see some of Turkey’s most iconic scenery without the hassle of multiple travel arrangements. Whichever you choose, booking early will ensure you get your preferred time and a spot on these highly-rated tours.
In the end, Ankara and its surroundings truly have something for every traveler—whether you want a relaxed stroll, a cultural deep dive, or an awe-inspiring landscape adventure.