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Turkey
Things to do in Ankara
878 attractions · Turkey
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Central Anatolia, Turkey · 39.867, 32.867
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.
Good to know
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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.
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The city is home to a unique breed of cat, the Angora, which is historically significant for its soft, long-haired white coat.
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The Ankara region contains a geological formation known as the Ankara Conglomerate, which has influenced local architecture for centuries.
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Despite its inland location, the city operates as the primary rail junction for the entire Turkish national railway network.
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Ankara was historically known as Angora, a name that persists in the nomenclature of several animal breeds originating from the area.
Plan your visit to Ankara
Best time to visit
Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) offer the most temperate weather for exploring outdoor historical sites.
How many days
2-3 days, sufficient to cover the primary historical sites and major museums.
Getting around
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.
Where to stay
Stay in Çankaya for proximity to major government buildings and embassies, or choose Kavaklıdere for a high density of dining and shopping options.
Budget
Ankara is generally considered a mid-range destination, often more affordable for dining and accommodation than Istanbul.
Highlights of Ankara
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
Anıtkabir
This monumental mausoleum houses the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and serves as the country's most significant site of national memory.
Ankara Castle
These ancient stone fortifications offer a panoramic view of the entire city and house traditional residences within the outer walls.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
This institution preserves artifacts ranging from Paleolithic tools to Hittite masterpieces, documenting the deep history of Anatolian civilizations.
Kocatepe Mosque
Representing modern Islamic architecture, this large-scale structure is defined by its four minarets and expansive interior capacity.
Gençlik Park
Originally established as a focal point for urban recreation, this park features landscaped gardens and historical fairground features.
Ulucanlar Prison Museum
Once a notorious detention center, this complex now operates as an educational museum dedicated to the history of the Turkish penal system.
Haci Bayram Mosque
This site features a mosque and the tomb of a local religious scholar, standing as a landmark of spiritual life in the historic district.
Beştepe Millet Camii
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 878 most popular places in Ankara.
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31
Venues Popular
Büyük Tiyatro / Opera
Büyük Tiyatro, also known as the Ankara State Opera House, serves as the primary venue for the State Opera and Ballet in...
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32
Parks Popular
Lausanne Park
Lausanne Park, formally known as Yildiz Lozan Park, is a municipal recreation facility located in the Çankaya district o...
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33
Historical places Popular
Muhsin Yazicioglu Kabri
The Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Kabri is the final resting place of Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu, the founder and former leader of the Great...
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34
Parks Popular
Orange Blossom Park
Orange Blossom Park, known locally as Portakal Çiçeği Parkı, is a prominent urban green space situated in the heart of t...
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35
Temples Popular
Melike Hatun Mosque
The Melike Hatun Mosque is a modern monumental religious complex located in the historic core of Ankara. Opened in 2017,...
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36
Museums Popular
Kelime Müzesi
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37
Historical places Popular
Alparslan Türkeş Kabri
Alparslan Türkeş Kabri is the final resting place of Alparslan Türkeş, the founder and long-time leader of the Nationali...
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38
Venues Popular
ODTÜ Kültür ve Kongre Merkezi
The ODTÜ Kültür ve Kongre Merkezi (METU Culture and Convention Center) is the primary academic and cultural hub located...
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39
Venues Popular
Akün Sahnesi
Akün Sahnesi is a prominent theater venue operated by the Turkish State Theatres in the Çankaya district of Ankara. Orig...
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40
Venues Popular
Ankara Metropolitan Municipality
The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality building serves as the central administrative hub for the capital city of Türkiye,...
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41
Venues Popular
Turkish State Theatres
The Turkish State Theatres, headquartered in the historic Ulus district, serves as the primary government-run theatrical...
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42
Museums Popular
T.C. Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı Etnografya Müzesi
The Ankara Ethnography Museum is a specialized institution dedicated to the history and traditions of Turkic civilizatio...
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43
Museums Popular
PTT Stamp Museum
The PTT Stamp Museum is housed in a restored historic building that formerly served as the headquarters of the Committee...
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44
Museums Popular
Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum
The Gökyay Foundation Chess Museum houses one of the world's largest private collections of themed chess sets, featuring...
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45
Museums Popular
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Home Museum
The Mehmet Akif Ersoy Home Museum is the residence where Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the author of the Turkish National Anthem, l...
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46
Parks Popular
Anıt Park
Anıt Park is a central urban green space located in the Bahçelievler district of Ankara, situated directly adjacent to t...
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47
Temples Popular
Maltepe Mosque
Maltepe Mosque is a prominent example of 1950s Turkish Republican architectural style located in the heart of Ankara. De...
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48
Parks Popular
İsmet İnönü Parkı Birlik Mahallesi
İsmet İnönü Parkı is a prominent public recreational space located in the Birlik neighborhood of the Çankaya district in...
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49
Venues Popular
19 Mayıs Stadium
The Ankara 19 Mayıs Stadium is a historic sports venue currently undergoing a major redevelopment project to replace the...
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50
Museums Popular
Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum
The Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum occupies three restored historical Ankara houses situated at the foot of the Anka...
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51
Parks Popular
Üreğil Millet Bahçesi
Üreğil Millet Bahçesi is a sprawling public recreational park located in the Mamak district of Ankara, spanning a vast a...
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52
Parks Popular
Şafaktepe Park
Şafaktepe Park is a significant urban green space situated in the Mamak district of Ankara. It spans a prominent hillsid...
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53
Historical places Popular
Suluhan Caravanserai
Suluhan Caravanserai is a 16th-century Ottoman-era commercial building, commissioned in 1508 by Hasan Pasha during the r...
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54
Museums Popular
Ankara Palas
Ankara Palas is a historic state guesthouse and newly transformed museum located in the Altındağ district of Ankara, Tür...
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55
Amusement parks Popular
Testere Ankara Korku Evi
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56
Temples Known locally
Aslanhane Mosque
Aslanhane Mosque, also known as the Ahi Şerafettin Mosque, is a 13th-century Seljuk-era structure located in the Ulus di...
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57
Venues Known locally
Tatbikat Sahnesi Ankara
Tatbikat Sahnesi is a prominent independent performing arts venue in Ankara, founded by renowned Turkish actor Erdal Beş...
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58
Museums Known locally
Ataturk & Independence War Museum
The Atatürk and Independence War Museum is located beneath the Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the fo...
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59
Museums Known locally
Türkiye İş Bankası İktisadi Bağımsızlık Müzesi
The Türkiye İş Bankası Museum of Economic Independence is housed in the historical Ankara branch building of İşbank, whi...
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60
Parks Known locally
Metin Oktay Parkı
Metin Oktay Parkı is a neighborhood green space in the Bahçelievler district of Çankaya, Ankara. It is named after the l...
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Ankara on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Ankara?
Aventuro lists 878 curated attractions in and around Ankara, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Ankara?
Anıtkabir is the most popular place to visit in Ankara right now.
What kind of attractions does Ankara have?
The largest category is parks, with 341 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Istanbul, İzmir, Bursa.
