10 Best Places to Visit in Ankara

Introduction: Best Places to Visit in Ankara

Ankara, Turkey’s capital and second-largest city, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient heritage and contemporary vibrancy. Often overshadowed by Istanbul’s glamour, Ankara stands tall as a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and culture seekers. From Roman ruins to Ottoman-era mosques, sprawling parks to avant-garde museums, this city offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re wandering through millennia-old castles, soaking in panoramic city views from sleek towers, or savoring Anatolian cuisine in bustling markets, Ankara promises unforgettable adventures. Let’s explore the best places to visit in Ankara that capture its unique essence, along with hidden gems and practical tips to elevate your journey.

Ankara’s Crown Jewels: Must-See Attractions

1. Anıtkabir: The Mausoleum of Atatürk

Anıtkabir isn’t just a mausoleum—it’s a symbol of modern Turkey. This colossal structure honors Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the visionary founder of the Turkish Republic. Designed by architects Emil Onat and Ahmet Orhan Arda, the site combines stark modernist architecture with intricate marble reliefs and symbolic motifs. The Ceremonial Plaza, flanked by 24 lion statues representing power and unity, leads to the Hall of Honor, where Atatürk’s tomb lies beneath a 40-ton sarcophagus. The adjacent museum chronicles Turkey’s struggle for independence through personal artifacts, wartime documents, and immersive multimedia displays. Don’t miss the panoramic view of Ankara from the courtyard, especially during sunset when the city glows in golden hues.
Pro Tip: Visit on November 10th to witness the annual commemorative ceremony marking Atatürk’s passing—a deeply moving experience.

2. Ankara Castle: A Timeless Sentinel

Perched atop a rocky hill in the Ulus district, Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi) has stood guard over the city since the 7th century. Built by the Phrygians and later expanded by Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, this fortress is a living chronicle of Anatolian history. Its labyrinthine alleys, weathered stone walls, and hidden courtyards transport visitors back in time. Climb to the highest tower for sweeping views of the Old Quarter’s red-tiled roofs juxtaposed against the modern city skyline. The castle’s surroundings are dotted with cozy cafés serving menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs) and artisan shops selling handwoven textiles. For photographers, the golden hour casts a magical light on the castle’s ancient stones.

3. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: A Journey Through Millennia

Housed in a restored 15th-century Ottoman caravanserai and covered bazaar, this UNESCO-awarded museum is a gateway to Turkey’s ancient past. Its exhibits span 10,000 years, from Paleolithic flint tools to Hittite lion sculptures and Roman mosaics. The star attraction? The Hittite Sun Disk, a 4,300-year-old bronze symbol of divinity, and the King Midas Tomb artifacts, including intricate gold jewelry. The museum’s layout guides visitors chronologically, making it easy to grasp Anatolia’s layered history. Don’t skip the rooftop café—it offers a quiet spot to reflect over Turkish tea with views of Ankara Castle.

4. Atakule Tower: Ankara’s Modern Icon

Rising 125 meters above the Çankaya district, Atakule Tower is Ankara’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. The observation deck, accessible via a glass elevator, offers a 360-degree view stretching from the Kızılay business district to the distant Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake). The tower’s sleek design and revolving restaurant, Sevilla, make it a favorite for romantic evenings. Try the mezze platter paired with rakı (anise-flavored spirit) as the city lights twinkle below. For families, the adjacent Atakule Shopping Center features a cinema and kid-friendly eateries.

5. Hamamönü Restored Area: Ottoman Charm Reimagined

This revitalized Ottoman neighborhood, once a neglected district, now buzzes with life. Cobblestone streets wind past pastel-colored houses adorned with wrought-iron balconies, boutique galleries, and traditional tea gardens. The 19th-century Karacabey Hamam, a restored Turkish bathhouse, offers a luxurious soak in marble-clad chambers. Time your visit for the Hamamönü Culture and Art Festival, where local musicians, painters, and chefs showcase Ankara’s creative spirit. Don’t leave without sampling Ankara tavası (lamb stew with garlic yogurt) at a family-run lokanta.

Curated Experiences: For Every Traveler’s Taste

For History Buffs

• Ulucanlar Prison Museum: A haunting yet enlightening look into Turkey’s political past. This former prison, operational until 2006, now displays cells preserved with graffiti, personal letters, and exhibits on notable inmates like poets and activists. The courtyard’s eerie silence contrasts with the vibrant street art outside.
• Roman Temple of Augustus: Built in 25 BCE, this temple’s walls bear the Res Gestae Divi Augusti—a Latin inscription detailing Emperor Augustus’ achievements. Nearby, the Column of Julian commemorates Emperor Julian’s 362 CE visit.

For Nature Lovers

• Eymir Lake: A serene escape 20 km south of Ankara. Rent a bike or kayak to explore the pine-fringed shores, or enjoy a lakeside picnic with simit (sesame bread rings) and olives. Birdwatchers flock here for sightings of kingfishers and gray herons.
• Gençlik Parkı: Ankara’s oldest park, revitalized in 2023 with new walking trails and eco-friendly playgrounds. In summer, the open-air theater hosts jazz concerts, while winter transforms the central pond into an ice-skating rink.

For Art and Culture Aficionados

• CerModern: Housed in a renovated 1920s railway depot, this avant-garde space hosts cutting-edge exhibitions, film screenings, and live performances. The industrial-chic café, with its exposed brick walls, is a hotspot for Ankara’s creative crowd.
• Rahmi M. Koç Museum: A tech lover’s paradise featuring vintage cars, planes, and interactive science exhibits. Kids adore the replica of the Wright Brothers’ plane and the 19th-century pharmacy display.

Hidden Gems & Local Secrets

1. Altınköy Open Air Museum

Step into a recreated 19th-century Anatolian village, complete with windmills, blacksmith workshops, and farm animals. Watch artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like carpet-weaving and pottery. The onsite restaurant serves hearty köy kahvaltısı (village breakfast) with fresh cheeses, olives, and honey.

2. MTA Şehit Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum

Geology enthusiasts will marvel at the dinosaur skeletons, meteorite displays, and a replica of Turkey’s oldest mineral mine. The “Earth’s Layers” exhibit, with its glowing volcanic models, is a hit with families.

3. Hacı Bayram Mosque & the Temple of Augustus

This 15th-century Ottoman mosque, named after the Sufi poet Hacı Bayram Veli, stands beside the Roman Temple of Augustus—a unique fusion of faiths. The mosque’s intricately carved wooden doors and cobalt-blue tiles contrast with the temple’s Corinthian columns. Join locals at dusk for the melodic ezan (call to prayer).

People Also Ask About Ankara

What are the best places to visit in Ankara with friends?

• Kızılay District: Ankara’s bustling heart, packed with cafés like Kahve Dünyası for cardamom coffee, theaters like CSO Ada Ankara, and rooftop bars with live DJs.
• Aqua Vega Aquarium: Walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and neon-colored tropical fish. The VR diving experience is a crowd-pleaser.

Where can couples find romantic spots in Ankara?

• Atakule Tower: Book a table at Sevilla’s revolving restaurant for a candlelit dinner with cityscape views.
• Seğmenler Park: Stroll through rose gardens, relax by the cascading fountains, or rent a paddleboat shaped like a swan.

Which historical sites are unmissable?

• Ethnography Museum of Ankara: Displays Ottoman-era textiles, Seljuk ceramics, and nomadic kilim rugs. The temporary exhibitions on Anatolian folk dances are a delight.
• Gordion (Ancient Phrygian Capital): A 90-minute drive from Ankara, this archaeological site features King Midas’ tomb and 2,700-year-old mosaics.

What cultural attractions should I prioritize?

• Kocatepe Mosque: One of the world’s largest mosques, blending classical Ottoman design with modern acoustics. The crystal chandeliers and calligraphy-lined dome are awe-inspiring.
• State Art and Sculpture Museum: Showcases Turkish art from the late Ottoman era to modernism. Don’t miss Halil Paşa’s impressionist landscapes.

Ankara Beyond the Basics: Tips & Tricks

When to Visit

• Spring (April–June): Mild weather, blooming tulips in Gençlik Parkı, and the Ankara International Music Festival.
• Fall (September–November): Crisp air, autumn foliage at Eymir Lake, and the Ankara International Film Festival.

Getting Around

• Ankara Kart: Buy this rechargeable card for buses, metro, and the nostalgic Ankaray tram.
• Taxis: Affordable but insist on using the meter. Ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi work well.

Local Delicacies to Try

• Ankara Döner: Juicy lamb roasted on a vertical spit, served in flatbread with pickled veggies.
• Çubuk Turşusu: Pickled cucumbers from Çubuk district, a tangy street food staple.
• Ankara Balı: Chestnut honey drizzled over kaymak (clotted cream).

Final Thoughts: Why Ankara Deserves Your Itinerary

Ankara is more than a political hub—it’s a city where ancient citadels coexist with sleek towers, where vibrant bazaars sit steps from tranquil parks. Whether you’re marveling at Hittite artifacts, bargaining for spices in the Old Quarter, or enjoying a sunset from Atakule, Ankara offers a rich, multifaceted experience. Pair it with iconic Turkish destinations like Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar or Cappadocia’s lunar valleys for a trip that balances history, culture, and natural beauty.

Ready to explore? Start packing, and let Ankara’s timeless charm captivate you.