36th NATO Summit Ankara Guide: Weather, Transport and Practical Info for Guests and Journalists
Turkey will host a historic summit on July 7-8, 2026. Presidents of 32 member countries, hundreds of ministers, and thousands of international press members will gather in the capital for the Ankara NATO Summit. We have compiled all the practical information about Ankara in a single guide—especially tailored for foreign guests visiting the city for the first time and journalists following the busy agenda.
So, what will the weather be like in Ankara on July 7-8? How long does it take to get from Ankara Airport to the city center? Where to go in Ankara, and what to buy?
Here are the details.
Weather in Ankara: What's the Weather Like During the NATO Summit Dates?
The summit will take place on July 7th and 8th, 2026, with summer conditions expected throughout Ankara. According to the latest data from the General Directorate of Meteorology, the weather forecast for the summit days is as follows:
Tuesday, July 7th: The weather in Ankara will be partly cloudy. The lowest temperature is expected to be 16°C, and the highest will reach 29°C. Humidity levels are expected to vary between 34% and 87%, while wind speeds will be quite light, around 6 km/h.
Wednesday, July 8th: On the second day of the summit, the temperature will increase slightly, reaching a maximum of 31°C, with an overnight low of 16°C.
Note: Due to Ankara's continental climate, the temperature drops quickly in the evening. Journalists broadcasting outdoors and delegations arriving late are advised to bring a light jacket.
What Time Zone is Turkey in: What Time is it in Ankara?
Turkey observes the UTC+3 (GMT+3) time zone year-round. To help foreign guests and delegates track the time difference during the summit, the current local times for key international centers relative to Ankara are as follows:
London (BST): 2 hours behind Ankara
Brussels / Berlin (CEST): 1 hour behind Ankara
Washington, D.C. (EDT): 7 hours behind Ankara
Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) - Beştepe Transportation
All delegations and leaders arriving for the summit will enter the city via Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB). The airport is located approximately 30 km from the Presidential Complex in Beştepe, the heart of the summit.
VIP and Protocol: Special protocol routes and escorted vehicles will be allocated for heads of state and official delegations.
Press and General Participants: 24/7 Havaş shuttle buses and airport taxis are available for transportation from the airport to key city centers (such as Kızılay and AŞTİ).
Traffic Advisory: On July 7-8, certain main arteries and specific metro stations (including Bahçelievler and Söğütözü) will be closed to traffic or subject to controlled passage by order of the Ankara Governorship. Consequently, travel times are expected to be longer than usual.
Inter-City Transportation: How to Travel from Ankara to Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya?
Fastest transportation alternatives for foreign guests and press members who want to visit other major cities or tourist centers of Turkey after the summit:
Transportation Between Ankara and Istanbul
High-Speed Train (YHT): The journey from Ankara Station to Istanbul (Söğütlüçeşme) by YHT will take approximately 4 to 4.5 hours. It is one of the most comfortable options.
Airplane: Flights from Esenboğa Airport to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) take approximately 1 hour.
Road: Travel by bus or private car via the highway will take approximately 5 hours.
Transportation Between Ankara and Izmir
Airplane: Direct flights from Ankara to Izmir (ADB) take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is the most ideal route for those who want to save time.
Road: For those who want to travel by bus or private car, the distance is approximately 590 km, and the journey will take an average of 6-7 hours.
Transportation Between Ankara and Antalya
Airplane: Direct flights from Esenboğa to the Mediterranean's tourism center take 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Road: The distance between Ankara and Antalya is approximately 480 km. The journey by bus or car via Afyonkarahisar will be completed in approximately 6-7 hours.
What to See in Ankara? Iconic Stops of the Capital
Whether during a break in the intense diplomatic schedule or after the summit concludes, here are the must-visit landmarks you should definitely make time for during your stay in Ankara:
- 1. Anıtkabir:
The ultimate landmark of Ankara, Anıtkabir is the eternal resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. Beyond being the traditional venue for official wreath-laying ceremonies for visiting foreign dignitaries, it is an absolute must-see, featuring a vast museum complex and captivating War of Independence galleries.
- 2. Ankara Castle and Historic Samanpazarı:
As the oldest settlement in the city, Ankara Castle offers the perfect vantage point for panoramic views of the capital. You can stroll through narrow streets lined with beautifully restored Ottoman-era mansions and capture stunning photographs while exploring local antique shops and handicraft boutiques.
- 3. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations:
Recognized globally as one of the world's most prestigious museums, this center houses an extraordinary collection of artifacts from civilizations that shaped Anatolia since the Paleolithic Age, including the Hittites, Phrygians, and Urartians. Located just below the castle, it offers a visual feast for history enthusiasts.
- 4. The First and Second Parliament Buildings (Ulus):
Located in Ulus Square, where the modern Republic was founded and its initial critical decisions were made, these historic parliament buildings (now the War of Independence and Republic Museums) are unmissable stops for foreign journalists and guests wishing to understand Türkiye's modern history firsthand.
- 5. Kuğulu Park and Tunalı Hilmi Street:
To experience the city's modern, vibrant, and bustling social scene, head over to Çankaya's famous Tunalı Hilmi Street. Here, you can take a relaxing coffee break while watching the iconic swans at Kuğulu Park (Swan Park).
What to Buy from Ankara? Most Popular Souvenirs
For foreign guests looking to take home a summit souvenir or a premium gift, the most prestigious options unique to Ankara are as follows:
Ankara Angora Goat and Mohair Products: Scarves, shawls, and premium fabrics crafted from Ankara’s world-famous Angora (mohair) goats make exceptionally high-quality gifts.
Beypazarı Silver (Filigree): Exquisite silver jewelry crafted using the traditional telkari (filigree) technique in Ankara’s historic Beypazarı district serves as a memento of high artistic value.
Ankara Honey and Beypazarı Kurusu: For gourmet guests, authentic products from the Atatürk Forest Farm (AOÇ), including local honey, or Beypazarı Kurusu (a traditional, long-lasting crunchy biscuit) are excellent packable treats.
Handcrafted Copper from the Historic Coppersmiths' Bazaar: Handmade copper coffee sets, traditional pots (cezve), and authentic decorative items from the antique shops around Ankara Castle are among the most popular items attracting international visitors.
What to Do in Ankara? Cultural and Gourmet Experiences
Ankara is not just about historical buildings; here are some activities that will allow you to experience the city like a local:
Savor 'Ankara Tavası' in Historical Mansions: Be sure to try Ankara’s certified delicacy, Ankara Tavası (a mouth-watering dish of slow-baked lamb served over orzo pilaf), at restaurants around Ankara Castle or in beautifully restored historical baths.
Visit the Presidential National Library: See the enchanting Seljuk architecture and massive dome of the Presidential National Library. Situated adjacent to the summit area in Beştepe, it holds the title of Turkey's largest library.
Enjoy Panoramic Views from Atakule: Head up to the observation deck of Atakule—one of the city's iconic landmarks—for a bird's-eye view of Çankaya and the embassy district.
Taste the Local Street Food: Amidst the hustle and bustle, don't leave the city without trying a freshly baked Ankara Simidi (a traditional sesame-crusted bread ring dipped in molasses) and the city’s famous yaprak döner kebab.
Make Time for Art at CerModern: Be sure to add the current exhibitions and outdoor events at CerModern—a modern art center transformed from a historic railway hangar in Sıhhiye—to your itinerary.
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