- Ankara became the capital of the Republic of Turkey in 1923 specifically due to its central geographic location and its strategic position during the War of Independence.
- The city is home to a unique breed of cat, the Angora, which is historically significant for its soft, long-haired white coat.
- The Ankara region contains a geological formation known as the Ankara Conglomerate, which has influenced local architecture for centuries.
- Despite its inland location, the city operates as the primary rail junction for the entire Turkish national railway network.
- Ankara was historically known as Angora, a name that persists in the nomenclature of several animal breeds originating from the area.
About Ankara
Ankara serves as the political heart and administrative capital of Turkey, functioning as a central hub for the nation's governance. Built upon a rugged plateau, the city uniquely blends ancient history within the walls of Ankara Castle and modern statehood exemplified by the monumental Anıtkabir. Visitors can explore deep regional roots at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations or find tranquility in expansive green spaces like Gençlik Park. As a seat of power, the city reflects Turkey's transition from the Ottoman era to a secular republic through its mix of grand mosques like Kocatepe Mosque and civic monuments.
Highlights of Ankara
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
This monumental mausoleum houses the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and serves as the country's most significant site of national memory.
Historical places
These ancient stone fortifications offer a panoramic view of the entire city and house traditional residences within the outer walls.
Museums
This institution preserves artifacts ranging from Paleolithic tools to Hittite masterpieces, documenting the deep history of Anatolian civilizations.
Temples
Representing modern Islamic architecture, this large-scale structure is defined by its four minarets and expansive interior capacity.
Parks
Originally established as a focal point for urban recreation, this park features landscaped gardens and historical fairground features.
Museums
Once a notorious detention center, this complex now operates as an educational museum dedicated to the history of the Turkish penal system.
Temples
This site features a mosque and the tomb of a local religious scholar, standing as a landmark of spiritual life in the historic district.
Temples
Designed with a contemporary aesthetic, this major mosque complex serves as a primary center for worship near the Presidential Palace.
Top things to do in Ankara
The 2,672 highest-rated places in Ankara, ranked by travellers.
1
Historical places
Anıtkabir is the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Republic of Türki...
2
Temples
The Hacı Bayram Mosque is an Ottoman-era religious complex situated adjacent to the Temple of Augustus and Rome in Ankar...
3
Parks
Güvenpark is a historic public park situated at the epicenter of Ankara’s Kızılay district. It serves as a vital green l...
4
Places of interest
The Ataturk Statue in Ulus, Ankara, is a bronze equestrian monument commissioned in 1927 to commemorate the Turkish War...
5
Museums
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is housed within two restored 15th-century Ottoman structures, the Mahmut Paşa Bed...
6
Museums
Ulucanlar Prison Museum is a former high-security detention facility turned cultural site that reflects Turkey's 20th-ce...
7
Historical places
Ankara Castle is a fortified hilltop complex featuring defensive walls that trace their origins to the Galatian, Roman,...
8
Parks
Gençlik Park is a historic urban park in central Ankara, commissioned as part of the capital's early Republic-era city p...
9
Temples
Kocatepe Mosque is the largest mosque in Ankara, designed in the neo-Ottoman architectural style. Construction began in...
10
Parks
Göksu Parkı is a large recreational space built around the 127,000-square-meter Suat Çakır Lake in the Eryaman district...
11
Parks
Independence Park, located in the Fidanlık neighborhood of Çankaya, serves as a central recreational hub in Ankara featu...
12
Parks
Seğmenler Parkı is an iconic terraced public park located in the heart of the Çankaya district. Spanning approximately 6...
13
Museums
Altınköy Open Air Museum is an expansive ethnographic reconstruction located on a 500-acre site in the Altındağ district...
14
Museums
The Republic Museum, housed in the former Second Turkish Grand National Assembly building, serves as a primary site for...
15
Temples
Beştepe Millet Camii is the principal mosque located within the Presidential Complex (Cumhurbaşkanlığı Külliyesi) in Ank...
16
Museums
The Şehit Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum is Turkey's premier national natural history institution, operated by the Gene...
17
Parks
Botanical Park is a centrally located green lung in the Çankaya district of Ankara. It features an artificial pond and a...
18
Parks
Dikmen Valley is a sprawling urban park situated in a steep, naturally indented valley in the Çankaya district of Ankara...
19
Museums
The Rahmi M. Koç Museum in Ankara is housed within the historic Çengelhan, a 16th-century caravanserai located opposite...
20
Zoos
Aqua Vega Aquarium is one of the largest tunnel aquariums in Europe, located within the Nata Vega Outlet shopping center...
21
Zoos
Keçiören Belediyesi Deniz Dünyası is the first and only tunnel aquarium located within the municipal boundaries of Ankar...
22
Zoos
Keçiören Evcil Hayvanlar Parkı is a municipal animal park located in the Keçiören district of Ankara, designed specifica...
23
Natural attractions
The METU Forest, managed by Middle East Technical University in Ankara, serves as a significant afforestation project co...
24
Parks
50th Year Park (50. Yıl Parkı) is situated on a high-altitude ridge in the Çankaya district, providing a panoramic vanta...
25
Parks
Çansera Kent Bahçesi is a 60,000-square-meter urban park located in the Çukurambar district of Ankara. The park features...
26
Museums
CerModern is a contemporary art gallery housed within the repurposed 1920s railway workshop of the Ankara Railway Statio...
27
Venues
28
Parks
Gazi Park Belpa Kafe Restorant is a municipal-run recreational facility located within a large green space in the Etimes...
29
Parks
30
Temples
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Ankara on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Ankara
Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) offer the most temperate weather for exploring outdoor historical sites.
2-3 days, sufficient to cover the primary historical sites and major museums.
The city features a comprehensive metro system and an extensive network of EGO public buses, while central areas are often explored by taxi or walking.
Stay in Çankaya for proximity to major government buildings and embassies, or choose Kavaklıdere for a high density of dining and shopping options.
Ankara is generally considered a mid-range destination, often more affordable for dining and accommodation than Istanbul.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 2,672 curated attractions in and around Ankara, ranked by traveller ratings.
Anıtkabir is the highest-rated place to visit in Ankara right now.
The largest category is parks, with 1,164 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Istanbul, Beykoz, Bursa.
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Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
