Welcome to Ankara, Turkey’s vibrant capital city, where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to explore a new city, Ankara has something for everyone. From ancient ruins and bustling markets to serene parks and cutting-edge museums, the city offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the 35 best things to do in Ankara, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Table of Contents
1. Explore Anıtkabir
Anıtkabir, one of the most visited symbolic structures in Ankara and Turkey, spreads over a large area of 750,000 m2, including the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Located in Çankaya, one of the central districts of Ankara, Anıtkabir includes the Independence Tower, Freedom Tower, Mehmetçik Tower, Defense of Law Tower, Victory Tower, Peace Tower, 23 April Tower, National Pact Tower, Revolution Tower, Road of Lions, Ceremony. There are many impressive sections such as the Square, İsmet İnönü’s Sarcophagus, and Peace Park.
Entrance fee
- Entrance to Anıtkabir and the museums inside is free.
Opening hours
- Between 01 February and 14 May between 09.00-16.30
- Between 15 May – 31 October 09.00-17.00
- Between 01 November – 31 January 09.00-16.00
- Open until 22.00 on 10 November
Author’s Note: We recommend that you spare at least 3 hours for your visit to Anıtkabir. This period may be extended during public holidays. If you are coming during busy periods, there is no entrance by car. We recommend that you arrive early to avoid parking problems. You should watch the guard change at 10 minutes past.
2. Visit Anatolian Civilizations Museum
The Anatolian Civilizations Museum appears as one of the most important museums in Turkey with its collections displaying thousands of unique works. So much so that it was deemed worthy of the European Museum Forum’s EMYA award. With its comprehensive collections spanning the Chalcolithic Age, Old Bronze Age, Assyrian Trade Colonies Age, Hittite Imperial Age, Phrygian period, Late Hittite period, and Urartu period, Göbeklitepe replicas attract history, culture, and archeology enthusiasts from all over the world.
Entrance fee
- 60 TL
- Free with MuseumKart
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 08.30-20.00
Author’s Note: The Anatolian Civilizations Museum is a point where you can buy a Museum Card. There is also a very beautiful museum garden here. We recommend you take a short break at the Museum Cafe.
3. See Ankara Castle
Ankara Castle, located in the Altındağ district of Ankara and one of the most important historical symbols of the city, dates back to B.C. It is estimated that it was built by the Galatians in the 2nd century. Offering an impressive view of the region on a high hill, Ankara Castle has hosted the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman Empires throughout history. In Ankara Castle, you can visit the 42 110-meter-high 5-cornered towers, examine the inner castle rooms, and take magnificent panoramic photos from the walls.
Entrance fee
- Free
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 10.00-18.00
Author’s Note: You can reach the castle by car, as there is a parking lot available outside. We recommend visiting the castle in the evening. If you can’t make it during open hours, there’s an area where you can still enjoy the view after entering the castle gate.
On your way out, make sure to visit Divan Çukurhan, located opposite the castle. There, you can enjoy a unique pear dessert that you can only find in Ankara. Divan Çukurhan will fascinate you with its authentic ambiance.
4. Visit the Temple of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus, one of the historical treasures in Ankara, is located in Hacıbayram, Altındağ district. B.C. The castle, which is thought to have been built by the Roman Emperor Augustus between 25 and 20 BC, is thought to have been built on an old Phrygian temple. You can observe the effects of the period on the temple walls built with Roman columns and cut stones.
Built on a high podium, the Temple of Augustus has very impressive architecture with its 15-meter Ionic columns. The section with Roman inscriptions is worth seeing as the best-preserved part of the temple.
5. Visit the Erimtan Archeology and Art Museum
Erimtan Archeology and Art Museum, where more than 2000 priceless artifacts obtained from archaeological excavations in Anatolia are exhibited, is located on Gözlü Street in the Altındağ district of Ankara. The museum, located in a historical stone mansion between the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and the Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum, dates back to B.C. There are rich collections decorated with historical artifacts dating back to 3000 BC to the Byzantine and Roman periods, cuneiform tablets, impressive seals, personal belongings, pottery, gold, silver, and bronze coins.
Entrance fee
- Exactly 70 TL
- 35 TL for students, teachers, and over 65 years of age
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 09.00-18.00
6. Visit Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Located opposite the main entrance gate of Ankara Castle, Rahmi M. Koç Museum is Ankara’s first industrial museum. In the impressive collections of the museum, which was opened in 2005, you can examine Turkey’s land transportation, rail transportation, maritime and aviation fields, as well as science, history, medicine, pharmacy, and print collections.
Entrance fee
- Exactly 100 TL
- Student 50 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Tuesday-Friday 10.00-17.00
- Saturday-Sunday 10.00-18.00
7. Visit Hamamönü
Hamamönü, a historical district of Ankara’s Altındağ district, survives to this day by preserving its mystical atmosphere. In addition to the historical mansions, mosques, monuments, and museums listed in Hamamönü, which is one of the must-see places of Ankara with its classical Ottoman houses of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, Hamamönü’s Hamamönü district includes Karacabey Bath, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Park, and Mehmet Akif Ersoy House Museum. You can also see the most visited places. You should stop by Hamamönü to examine the museum collections or take a small journey back to the Ottoman period among the furniture revolving around the classical Ottoman houses.
8. See Ataturk House
Atatürk House, built as part of the 100th anniversary of Atatürk’s birth, is a must-see for everyone who visits Ankara. The house, which has a wonderful atmosphere, was built similar to Atatürk’s house in Thessaloniki. It is possible to see sections such as the living room and kitchen in the house, which operates as a museum, in a prototype similar to the house in Thessaloniki.
Entrance fee
- Free
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 09.00-17.00
9. Visit Ataturk Forest Farm
Atatürk Forest Farm, one of Ankara’s oxygen tanks and most important green areas was built on land donated by Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1925. The place, which is one of the most important green areas not only of the capital but also of Turkey, was protected as a first-degree historical and natural protected area in 1992. There are various areas within the Atatürk Forest Farm, such as a zoo, picnic areas, walking paths, the Atatürk House Museum decorated with period furniture, where you can see Atatürk’s personal belongings, and the Gazi Forest Farm.
Organic dairy products produced in the facilities located within the Atatürk Forest Farm are distributed throughout Turkey. You can both take a pleasant nature tour at this impressive farm and examine historical treasures in the exhibition hall of the Atatürk House Museum.
10. Explore Aslanhane Mosque
Aslanhane Mosque, also known as Ahi Şerafeddin Mosque, is located in Aslanhane District in Samanpazarı district. Aslanhane Mosque, which was built by the Ahi Brothers in the 13th century and attracts attention as one of the oldest buildings in Ankara, is a short walk from Ankara Castle. The interior of the mosque, which has 13th-century architectural features, amazes those who see it with its Seljuk period decorations. It is one of the oldest mosques in Ankara and takes its name from the lion statues on the outer walls.
Author’s Note: You can also visit the Ahi Şerafettin Tomb in the northeast of Aslanhan Mosque.
11. Visit the Turkish Grand National Assembly Building
You can discover details that shed light on the history of the republic in the museum, which was opened to visitors after the restoration of the 2nd Turkish Grand National Assembly building in the Ulus district of Altındağ district and operates as the Republic Museum. Located in the building where the activities of the Turkish Grand National Assembly were carried out between 1924 and 1960, the museum’s collections include photographs of Turkey’s first presidency, private belongings of the presidents, parliamentary decisions, and laws taken during that period.
The most important parts of the Ankara Republic Museum include the parliament hall, the terrace where the Atatürk statue is located, and the microphone where Atatürk read his 10th Anniversary Speech. Ankara Republic Museum, which is also famous for being Turkey’s first child-friendly museum, has special sections and explanations for children.
Entrance fee
- Free with MuseumKart
- 60 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 09.00-17.00
12. Visit the 1st Grand National Assembly of Turkey Building
The historical building in Ankara’s Ulus Square, which hosted the 1st Grand National Assembly of Turkey between 1920 and 1924, can now be visited as the War of Independence Museum. You can take a journey among decorations, medals, badges, and special souvenirs from the 1920s in the War of Independence Museum, which was opened in 1981 and attracts attention with its striking stone architectural exterior.
You can visit sections such as ministers’ rooms, recreation hall, administration room, and council meeting hall within the War of Independence Museum; You can examine photographs and documents from the early periods of the Republic of Turkey.
Entrance fee
- Free with MuseumKart.
- 60 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 09.00-17.00
13. Visit PTT Stamp Museum
Another interesting museum you can visit in Ankara, which is a city of museums, is the PTT Stamp Museum, located on Atatürk Boulevard in Altındağ district and opened to visitors in 2013. You can also have the chance to examine more than 6000 stamps brought from various countries of the world in the collections of the museum, where 4400 original stamps printed in Turkey are exhibited. Don’t forget to take a look at the many historical photographs and official documents at the PTT Stamp Museum, which is organized with a modern museum approach and has 7 different themes.
Entrance fee
- Free
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 09.00-17.00
14. Visit Türkiye İş Bankası Economic Independence Museum
İş Bankası Economic Independence Museum is located in the Ulus district of Ankara. The museum, located in a four-floor building, has a section specially reserved for Atatürk. The historical bank hall and old safes are among the areas that attract the most attention from visitors.
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 10.00-18.00
15. Explore Ankara Palace
Ankara Palace, formerly known as Ankara Vakıf Hotel, is a guest house dating back to the early periods of the Republic and has hosted many historical events. It immediately draws attention to Cumhuriyet Street in Altındağ district. The ballroom, dining hall, and suites in Ankara Palas, which were designed by taking the rectangular architecture of the Ottoman and Seljuk periods as an example, are worth seeing with their impressive decorations from the early 1900s.
16. Visit Museum Evliyagil
Museum Evliyagil, Ankara’s first and only modern and contemporary art museum, offers Sarp Evliyagil’s print series and sculptures of different sizes to art lovers. Founded in 2015, the museum also has areas such as a garden where three-dimensional works of art are exhibited, a movie hall, and a library. Art lovers should visit Museum Evliyagil, which hosts the works of many artists such as Burhan Doğançay, Bedri Baykam, Abidin Dino, and Semiha Berksoy with periodic exhibitions.
Entrance fee
- Free
Opening hours
- check-in time 11.00-17.00
17. Discover Atakule
Atakule, one of the modern symbols of Ankara, is located in the Çankaya district. The construction of the tower, which will attract attention, started in 1987 and was completed in 1989. The shopping mall, movie theaters, cafes, observation decks, and restaurants in the tower section of Atakule are visited by thousands of people every year. You can have romantic dinners in front of the most beautiful views of Ankara, and take the best panoramic photos of the city in the observation areas of Atakule.
Author’s Note: There are special playgrounds for children.
18. Explore Roman Bath
Ankara Roman Bath, a historical treasure located in the center of the city on Çakır Street in Ulus Square, is known to have been built in the name of Asklepios, the god of health, during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. Around the Roman Bath, which covers a large area, there are also works from the Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuk periods.
Ankara Roman Bath, where you can visit the bath walls made of stone and bricks measuring 80 meters by 130 meters, impressive Roman columns, and sports and wrestling arenas, is among the places you can go for a historical tour in the middle of the city.
Entrance fee
- MuseumCard is valid
- Turkish citizens over the age of 65 free of charge
- 0- 8 years old – foreign children are free of charge
- 0-18 years old – Young people and children who are citizens of the Republic of Turkey are free of charge
- Students (students studying in art history, archeology, and museology departments of universities) free of charge
- Adult (all local and foreign adults) 60 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 08.30-17.00
19. Explore Kuğulu Park
Kuğulu Park, one of the first places that come to mind when Ankara is mentioned, is located in the Kavaklıdere district of Çankaya district. The park, which takes its name from the swans found in every season of the year, is loved by the people of Ankara and those who come to the city. In Kuğulu Park, where you will have fun, there are ducks, geese, and dozens of bird species in addition to swans. Offering a different beauty in every season of the year, Kuğulu Park offers different colors in spring and summer and has a spectacular view with its magnificent snow views in winter.
Author’s Note: We recommend that you take an Ankara bagel with you when you go to enjoy the park. By the way, let us remind you that you should not feed the swans!
20. Discover Dikmen Valley
Dikmen Valley, one of the most beautiful city parks in Turkey, is located in the Çankaya district of Ankara. Welcoming its visitors with its 107,000 m2 green area, the park resembles an oasis in the middle of Ankara with thousands of plant species. In the valley, there are flower gardens, ornamental pools, ponds, walking paths, playgrounds for children, recreation areas, and country gardens where you can see every shade of color. We believe that you will have a pleasant day in Dikmen Valley, where you can see magnificent views, especially during the winter months when it snows.
Author’s Note: Towards the end of April, sakura blooms in Dikmen Valley. To see this natural wonder, be sure to go to Dikmen Valley in late April.
21. Discover Kurtuluş Park
Kurtuluş Park, which was opened in 1980 and is one of the oldest city parks in Turkey, covers a large green area of 110,000 m2. Kurtuluş Park, located in a central location in the Çankaya district of Ankara, and renewed in 2000; With its 2000 m2 pool, 9000 m2 grass area, 10,000 m2 picnic area, 3000 m2 children’s area, and well-equipped sports fields, it among the parks you can easily reach in the center of Ankara to do sports on weekends or spend time alone with nature.
Author’s Note: The cafe in the park serves delicious pancakes. We recommend you try it.
22. Explore Seymenler Park
Seymenler Park, a lush green area between Atatürk Boulevard and Iran Street, located close to Çankaya Mansion, has a total size of 67,000 m2. Seymenler Park, one of the oxygen tanks of Ankara with its 171 m2 children’s playground and 46,418 m2 grass area, is very lively at all hours of the day.
In Seymenler Park, where you can watch magnificent views of Atakule on the walking trails, you can relax on the large grass areas, visit the landscape flower gardens, and attend concerts and art events held in the amphitheater. Many events such as book reading festivals, theater plays and concerts are held in Seymenler Park throughout the year.
23. Visit Genclik Park
Genclik Park, one of the oldest city parks in Turkey, was opened in 1943 by landscaping a 28-hectare swamp area. Genclik Park, located in the Ulus district of Altındağ district, attracts the attention of the public with its famous amusement park with giant Ferris wheels.
The landscaped flower gardens surrounding the 45,000 m2 ornamental pool of Genclik Park, which is a beautiful sightseeing area with miniature trains, ornamental pools, impressive sculptures, and monuments running throughout the park, are also worth seeing. Turkey’s first science center, which is a must-visit place in Ankara for families with children, is also located in Genclik Park.
Author’s Note: You can benefit from the free Wi-fi service in the area where the pool is located in the park.
24. Explore Güvenpark
Güvenpark, with a size of 19,100 m2, is located in Kızılay Square in the center of Ankara; It offers a beautiful sightseeing experience, away from the noise, in the heart of the city with its impressive monuments, historical trees, large children’s parks and sightseeing areas. Güvenpark Monument, which has become the symbol of the park, commemorates Atatürk, his companions during the War of Independence, and Anatolian farmers with its 37-meter-high bronze figures. On the base of the monument, you can see Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s famous saying.
25. Visit Kızılay Square
Kızılay Square, one of the most well-known and lively squares not only in Ankara but also in Turkey, takes its name from the Red Crescent Center located in the region in 1929. Kızılay Square, the city center of the capital Ankara; is in a very central location with Ziya Gökalp Street in the east, Gazi Mustafa Kemal Boulevard in the west, and Atatürk Boulevard in the north.
It is open at all hours of the day with its dozens of stores, quality restaurants, souvenir shops, cafes, and entertainment centers in Kızılay Square, which spreads over a wide area.
26. Explore Tunali Hilmi Street
Tunalı Hilmi Street, one of Ankara’s most popular shopping and sightseeing streets, stretches for 1.5 kilometers. Dozens of stores of national and international brands, cafes, restaurants, and art galleries line the street.
After shopping, you can take a break at Kuğulu Park on Tunalı Hilmi Street and watch the cute swans and ducks.
Tip: You should be careful when parking your car on the central streets. If you park on the side of the road, you may receive a traffic fine.
27. Explore Argentina Street
Located in Çankaya, Kavaklıdere district, Argentina Street is the Nişantaşı of Ankara. You can have pleasant times both day and evening on the street where luxury brands and restaurants are located. You can also visit Argentina Street, located next to Tunali Hilmi Street, for shopping.
28. Samanpazarı
Samanpazarı, is one of the most beautiful places in Ankara where you can experience the historical atmosphere; It is among the places you can enjoy visiting with its preserved wooden and stone architecture, classical Ottoman mansions, narrow streets, antique shops, shops selling handicraft products and artisan workshops.
You will feel like you are taking a journey through history as you wander the cobblestone streets of the district. We recommend you stop by Samanpazarı during your trip to Ankara to take great photos, examine the local products, and taste the popular Central Anatolia Region dishes in local restaurants.
29. Explore Gordion Ancient City
Gordion Ancient City, which is Ankara’s best-known ancient city and was once the capital of the Phrygian Civilization, is located at the junction of the Sakarya River and Porsuk Stream, 94 kilometers away from Ankara. You can see 128 tumulus tombs closely in the Ancient City of Gordion, which sheds light on the history of Anatolia and is famous for its tumulus tombs.
Many ancient treasures dating from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Ages were found during excavations in the region. The artifacts found are exhibited in the Gordion Museum.
Entrance fee
- Free with MuseumKart.
- 60 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 08.30-19.00
30. Explore Gordion Museum
Gordion Museum and Tumulus Ruins, located in Yassıhüyük Village of Ankara’s Polatlı district, host the most impressive historical treasures of Ankara. Gordion Museum, which was opened to visitors in 1963 after the excavations carried out in Yassıhüyük Village, is a favorite of history lovers from all over the world with its extensive collections dating back to the Old Bronze Age, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. B.C. in the Gordion Museum. In addition to hundreds of artifacts dating from the 6th century to the 4th century AD, you can also take a look at impressive iron tools from the Phrygian period.
Entrance fee
- Free with MuseumKart
- Over the age of 65 – Turkish citizens free of charge
- 0- 8 years old – foreign children are free of charge
- 0-18 years old – Young people and children who are citizens of the Republic of Turkey are free of charge
- Students (students studying in art history, archeology, and museology departments of universities) free of charge
- Adult (all local and foreign adults) 60 TL
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 08.30-17.00
31. Visit Esztergom Castle
Esztergom Castle, located in the Keçiören district, is an impressive structure built as an example of the Esztergom Castle in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Esztergom Castle, which today serves as the Esztergon Turkish Cultural Center, is loved by local and foreign tourists as it is located in a position overlooking the Ankara view.
The restaurants where you can taste traditional Turkish delicacies, ornamental gardens, and the rich collections of the cultural center reflecting Turkish history and culture are worth seeing. Esztergom Castle is among the places we recommend you to visit during your Ankara trip.
Author’s Note: One of our recommendations is to reach Esztergom Castle, which has a cafe where you can taste Uzbek dishes, by cable car.
32. See the Republic of Turkey Presidential National Library
The National Library, where you will feel like you are in a different world when you enter the library, is located in the Yenimahalle district of Ankara. The library, which has extensive study areas, has indoor and outdoor parking. You can choose the M1 and M2 metro lines to reach the library. You can reach there by bus by using the bus lines 169 and 339.
33. Visit CerModern
If you wish, you can visit the art gallery, which hosts modern art events and exhibitions, in Ankara’s Altındağ district, with guided tours. Having a very large area, CerModern hosts an exhibition area and an open-air cinema. You can follow their constantly updated exhibitions on their websites and social media accounts.
Entrance fee
- Exactly 60 TL
- Discounted 40 TL
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 10.00-19.00
34. Visit the Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum
Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum, which is the first place that chess lovers should visit in Ankara, is located in a central location on Ulucanlar Street in Altındağ district. The museum, which started its service with the restoration of a historical Ankara house and covers an area of 1008 m2, has 176 chess sets from 110 countries and exhibition halls arranged according to 4 different themes.
You can participate in the events, talks, and chess tournaments held at the museum during certain periods, or you can buy interesting chess sets at the museum’s souvenir shop.
Opening hours
- Closed on Mondays
- Other days 10.00-18.00
35. Visit Feza Gürsey Science Center
Feza Gürsey Science Center (FGBM), located in Altınpark, aims to explain science to children and young people in an entertaining way. The center, which was opened to visitors on April 23, 1993, has 48 different experimental sections and scientific exhibition areas. Feza Gürsey Science Center is very active with school trips every season of the year.
Opening hours
- Every day of the week 08.00-18.00
