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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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91
Parks Known locally
Munzeviler Parki
Munzeviler Parki is a local neighborhood park situated in the residential district of Ertuğrulgazi in the Çankaya munici...
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92
Venues Known locally
CSO ADA ANKARA
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93
Historical places Known locally
Temple of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus and Rome is an ancient Roman structure built between 25 BC and 20 BC following the conquest of ce...
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94
Historical places Known locally
Korean War Memorial
The Korean War Memorial in Ankara honors the 721 Turkish soldiers who lost their lives while serving under the United Na...
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95
Venues Known locally
Mamak Şehir Stadı
Mamak Şehir Stadı is a municipal multi-purpose sports facility located in the Türközü neighborhood of Ankara, primarily...
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96
Venues Known locally
Farabi Theater
Farabi Theater, situated in the Çankaya district of Ankara, serves as a prominent cultural venue for theatrical performa...
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97
Places of interest Known locally
Kült Kavaklıdere
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98
Museums Known locally
Ali Kuşçu Gökbilim Merkezi
The Ali Kuşçu Gökbilim Merkezi is a specialized science and astronomy facility located in the Mamak district of Ankara....
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99
Museums Known locally
Black White
Galeri Siyah Beyaz is one of Ankara's oldest contemporary art galleries, established in 1984 by Faruk Sade. It functions...
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100
Temples Known locally
St. Theresa's Catholic Church
St. Theresa's Catholic Church, located in the historic Kale district of Ankara, serves as the primary spiritual center f...
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101
Parks Known locally
Aşık Veysel Parkı
Aşık Veysel Parkı is a municipal green space located in the Mamak district of Ankara, maintained by the local Mamak Muni...
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102
Parks Known locally
Democracy Park
Democracy Park is a public green space located in the Mamak district of Ankara. The park serves as a local recreational...
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103
Temples Known locally
Abidinpaşa Cami
Abidinpaşa Cami is a prominent neighborhood mosque located in the Mamak district of Ankara. The structure serves as a pr...
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104
Parks Known locally
Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Parkı
Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Parkı is a neighborhood-scale public park located in the Mamak district of Ankara, situated along Mehm...
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105
Places of interest Known locally
French Cultural Center in Ankara
The French Cultural Center in Ankara serves as the primary diplomatic and educational hub for French language and arts i...
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106
Venues Known locally
Devlet Tiyatroları Ziraat Sahnesi
Devlet Tiyatroları Ziraat Sahnesi is a professional performance venue operated by the Turkish State Theatres, located in...
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107
Parks Known locally
Hacı Bektaş Veli Parkı
Hacı Bektaş Veli Parkı is a neighborhood recreational space located in the Mamak district of Ankara, situated within the...
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108
Parks Known locally
Cumhuriyet Parki
Cumhuriyet Parkı is a neighborhood green space located in the Mamak district of Ankara, primarily serving the local resi...
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109
Temples Known locally
Zincirli Cami
Zincirli Cami, located in the historic Ulus district, is a significant example of 17th-century Ottoman architecture in A...
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110
Temples Known locally
Bahçelievler Merkez Camii Ankara
Bahçelievler Merkez Camii is a prominent neighborhood mosque located in the Yukarı Bahçelievler district of Ankara. The...
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111
Parks Known locally
Hamamönü Saat Kulesi
Hamamönü Saat Kulesi is a centrally located clock tower serving as a focal point in the historic Hamamönü district of An...
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112
Museums Known locally
Ankara Vakıf Museum
The Ankara Vakıf Museum, also known as the Ankara Foundation Museum, is housed in a restored historical building that sh...
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113
Parks Known locally
Birlik parkı
Birlik Parkı is a neighborhood park located in the İşçi Blokları district of Çankaya, Ankara. It serves as a local green...
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114
Temples Known locally
Cenâbî Ahmet Paşa Camii
Cenâbî Ahmet Paşa Camii is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque commissioned by the governor of Ankara, Cenâbî Ahmet Paşa. It w...
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115
Temples Known locally
Başyazıcıoğlu Cami
Başyazıcıoğlu Cami is a functional modern mosque serving the Söğütözü business district in Ankara. Located in the Çankay...
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116
Venues Known locally
Düşkapanı Sanat Merkezi/Necdet Ersan Sahnesi
Düşkapanı Sanat Merkezi, known for housing the Necdet Ersan Sahnesi, is a prominent independent performance venue situat...
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117
Places of interest Known locally
Akplaza
Akplaza is a commercial business center located in the Beştepe district of Ankara, serving primarily as a hub for profes...
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118
Parks Known locally
Assembly Park
Assembly Park, known locally as Meclis Parkı, is a prominent green space located in the heart of Ankara's administrative...
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119
Museums Known locally
Ankara Turkish Aviation Association Museum
The Ankara Turkish Aviation Association Museum is an open-air aviation museum dedicated to the history of Turkish civil...
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120
Museums Known locally
Toy Museum
The Ankara University Toy Museum is a specialized institution dedicated to the history of childhood through a collection...
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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.
