Under $100: Ankara

Grab breakfast at Elizinn, one of the city’s favorite patisseries. The breakfast options are a great introduction to Turkish cuisine, with a mix of the familiar and the not-so-much. Try the Turkish country-style breakfast with a variety of cheese, jams, Turkish clotted cream, honey, olives, Turkish-style sausage and thick pitas.

Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Ankara, Turkey © Mesut Doğan | Dreamstime

See one of the city’s top sites, Anıtkabir, the mausoleum commemorating the founder of modern Turkey. Much more than a tomb, there’s a museum, courtyard and more, which all take about two hours to explore. Audio guides are around $3.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations teaches guests everything they need to know about Turkey’s history and the area’s ancient past. You’ll see artifacts and exhibits on nearly every part of the region, from the Paleolithic time period through the Bronze Age, Roman times and onward. Entry is only around $7.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations © Nikolai Sorokin | Dreamstime

Another interesting history-themed museum, which is also relatively new, is the Erimtan Archaeology and Arts Museum. See a large variety of artifacts from the Romans, Bronze Age, Hittites and Byzantine Empire. Everything is arranged in an artistic way to enhance visitors’ experiences.

Enjoy a traditional lunch or dinner in another historic spot. The first floor of Zenger Paşa, a centuries-old mansion, is covered in items from the Ottoman Empire. The second-floor dining room overlooks the city as you enjoy Turkish-style pizza for less than $10.