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Ankara, Turkey

Destination Guide

Ankara

Turkey

Best things to do in Ankara

31 curated attractions in Ankara, Turkey. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Ankara

Ankara, Turkey's political capital, is defined by its role as the administrative heart of the country, a title it earned in 1923 when the capital moved from Istanbul. Its layout reflects this, with wide avenues that seem to lead nowhere in particular and government buildings dominating the skyline. Despite the serious tone set by politics, the city has a cultural side that attracts visitors: the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations showcases artifacts from various eras, while the Kocatepe Mosque towers over the skyline as one of the largest mosques in the country. The city also features historical sites like Ankara Castle and Hamamonu Historic Area, providing a glimpse into its past. People visit Ankara to experience its unique blend of history and modernity, with a side of bureaucratic charm that can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers.

Who it's for

History buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those curious about Turkey's political landscape will find much to explore. However, the city might disappoint those looking for a coastal escape or a nightlife scene; there are hills to climb but no sea in sight, and the atmosphere can feel a bit too functional at times.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • Walking from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to Karanfil Street takes about twenty minutes
  • Public transport is reliable, with buses and a metro system connecting most areas
  • Taxis are available, but the wider streets can lead to longer journeys than expected
  • The Ethnography Museum of Ankara is about a ten-minute bus ride from the Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara Opera House

Ankara Opera House

Theatres & opera houses
Atatürk Statue

Atatürk Statue

Fountains, statues & public art
Turkish Aviation Museum

Turkish Aviation Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
State Art and Sculpture Museum

State Art and Sculpture Museum

Art museums & galleries
Altınpark

Altınpark

City parks
Aqua Vega Aquarium

Aqua Vega Aquarium

Aquariums
Karum Shopping Mall

Karum Shopping Mall

Malls & department stores
Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Rahmi M. Koç Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Hacı Bayram Mosque

Hacı Bayram Mosque

Mosques
War of Independence Museum

War of Independence Museum

History museums
Ataturk House Museum

Ataturk House Museum

Historic houses & mansions
Roman Baths of Ankara

Roman Baths of Ankara

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Hamamonu Historic Area

Hamamonu Historic Area

Old towns & historic quarters
Erimtan Museum

Erimtan Museum

History museums
Ankara Arena

Ankara Arena

Stadiums & sports venues
Segmenler Park

Segmenler Park

City parks
Hamamonu

Hamamonu

Cultural
Ethnography Museum of Ankara

Ethnography Museum of Ankara

History museums
Augustus Temple

Augustus Temple

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Women's Handicraft Centre

Women's Handicraft Centre

Local & craft markets
Eymir Lake

Eymir Lake

Lakes
Anitkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk)

Anitkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk)

Cemeteries & tombs
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

History museums
Kocatepe Mosque

Kocatepe Mosque

Mosques
Botanik Park

Botanik Park

Botanical gardens
Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle

Castles & palaces
Altınköy Open Air Museum

Altınköy Open Air Museum

Cultural
Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

Zoos
Grand National Assembly of Turkey

Grand National Assembly of Turkey

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Gençlik Park

Gençlik Park

City parks
Karanfil Street

Karanfil Street

Streets & neighbourhoods

Travel Tools

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