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Ankara

878 attractions · Turkey

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Turkey

Things to do in Ankara

878 attractions · Turkey

Explore on the map

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

1
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.
2
The city is home to a unique breed of cat, the Angora, which is historically significant for its soft, long-haired white coat.
3
The Ankara region contains a geological formation known as the Ankara Conglomerate, which has influenced local architecture for centuries.
4
Despite its inland location, the city operates as the primary rail junction for the entire Turkish national railway network.
5
Ankara was historically known as Angora, a name that persists in the nomenclature of several animal breeds originating from the area.

Quick facts

Country

Turkey

Attractions

878

Coordinates

39.867, 32.867

Region

Central Anatolia

Population

5,803,000

Languages

Turkish

Currency

Turkish Lira

Timezone

GMT+3

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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.

Historical places

Anıtkabir

Icon

This monumental mausoleum houses the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and serves as the country's most significant site of national memory.

Historical places

Ankara Castle

Very popular

These ancient stone fortifications offer a panoramic view of the entire city and house traditional residences within the outer walls.

Museums

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Very popular

This institution preserves artifacts ranging from Paleolithic tools to Hittite masterpieces, documenting the deep history of Anatolian civilizations.

Temples

Kocatepe Mosque

Very popular

Representing modern Islamic architecture, this large-scale structure is defined by its four minarets and expansive interior capacity.

Parks

Gençlik Park

Very popular

Originally established as a focal point for urban recreation, this park features landscaped gardens and historical fairground features.

Museums

Ulucanlar Prison Museum

Very popular

Once a notorious detention center, this complex now operates as an educational museum dedicated to the history of the Turkish penal system.

Temples

Haci Bayram Mosque

Very popular

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

Beştepe Millet Camii

Popular

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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Ankara on the map

Top attractions plotted across the city.

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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.

Explore more of Turkey

Other cities ranked by number of curated places.

Things to do in Ankara

About Ankara

Good to know

Plan your visit to Ankara

Best time to visit

How many days

Getting around

Where to stay

Budget

Highlights of Ankara

Anıtkabir

Ankara Castle

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Kocatepe Mosque

Gençlik Park

Ulucanlar Prison Museum

Haci Bayram Mosque

Beştepe Millet Camii

Top things to do in Ankara

AKSU AKVARYUM VE PET ÜRÜNLERİ TOPTAN SATIŞ

Fırça Sanat Galerisi / IWS Fırça Art Gallery

Şenyuva Cami

Gürbüz Opşin Kızılırmak Camii

TED Ankara College School Museum

Rüzgarlı Fetih Camii

Enver Kuray Park

Şehit Ertan Akgül Parkı

Fahri Korutürk Parkı

Tiridzade Hacı Hüseyin Efendi Türbesi

Ülküal Mosque

Tarihi Meclis Binası

Çankaya Mer. Cami

Mevlana Cami

Yakupabdal Köyü Cami

ABİDİNPAŞA KÖŞK CAMİİ

Balgat Baglarbasi Mosque

Şht. Üstteğmen Muharrem Kaleli Park

Aktaştepe Cami

Atapark

Emek Köşe camii

Dikmen Huzur Mosque

9 Eylül Parkı

Yunus Emre Cami

Yörük Dede Türbesi

Boğaziçi Merkez Camİİ

Hacı Ahmet Ulusoy Camii

Safa Cami

Mamak Çarşı Cami

DURMAZ CAMİİ

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Ankara on the map

Frequently asked

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