The Most Beautiful Places in Ankara: What to Explore in the Capital of Turkey

Most people see Turkey’s capital as the political and cultural centre, but there’s much more to explore among the most beautiful places in Ankara. The city has been an important location for thousands of years, with historical sites from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.

Visitors will find a mix of ancient attractions like the Roman Baths, Ankara Castle, and the Temple of Augustus, alongside modern developments. Ankara’s layout reflects this blend, with areas such as Kızılay and Çankaya offering shopping centres, museums, and government buildings, while older parts of the city preserve their deep historical roots.

The city’s ability to combine history, culture, and modern life makes it a unique destination. In one trip, travellers can visit historic landmarks, walk through old neighbourhoods, or experience modern cafes and cultural venues. Ankara also offers clean parks, important monuments like Anıtkabir, and a growing arts scene.

Facts About Ankara: Turkey’s Dynamic Capital

Today, Ankara is the second-largest city in Turkey and welcomes millions of visitors every year. People from all over the world come here to explore its rich heritage, modern architecture, and beautiful public spaces. The city blends history and progress in a way that feels natural and full of life.

Many travellers visit Ankara to dive into its Greek, Roman, and Ottoman past. You can explore ancient sites like Ankara Kalesi, the Temple of Augustus, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, landmarks mentioned in almost every Ankara travel guide.

Of course, Ankara isn’t just about ancient monuments. Places like Anıtkabir and Kocatepe Mosque showcase the city’s more recent history, while modern architecture and green parks add even more reasons to stay a little longer. It’s a city that’s easy to enjoy, whether you’re chasing history or just looking for a nice spot to relax.

Ankara’s Incredible Modern Architecture: A Perfect Mix of Traditional and Modern Monuments

Ankara’s rich history is reflected in its diverse architecture, shaped by centuries of conquerors and cultural shifts. Even after the Ottoman Empire fell, Turkey continued to enrich the city with striking monuments—some inspired by Ottoman design, others boldly modern. This blend of old and new gives Ankara a distinctive charm, uniting Eastern and Western architectural influences. The city offers something for every type of visitor, and knowing the best time to visit Ankara can help you make the most of your experience.

History lovers can explore ancient landmarks like Ankara Castle, the Temple of Augustus, and various museums. Those interested in religious heritage can visit the Kocatepe and Hacı Bayram Mosques. Anıtkabir, a monumental tribute to Atatürk, showcases a powerful mix of classical and contemporary design, highlighting Ankara’s role as a bridge between past and present.

If you’re searching for more advanced modern things to see in Ankara, then explore the following structures:

• The Presidential Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall and Choir
• YDA Center
• YP Auditorium
• TED Ankara College Foundation Performing Arts Center
• Merkez Ankara Showroom
• Bilkent University Student Residences

Atatürk’s Mausoleum: A Stunning Monument in Tribute to the Founder of Turkey

The Atatürk Mausoleum, also known as Anıtkabir, is a majestic structure in Ankara that opened its doors in 1953. It’s of significant value to the country and its people, as it’s the resting place of Turkey’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

This is one of the most famous places in Ankara, visited by millions of locals and tourists every year. Checking it out and paying your respects to this grandiose historical figure is a must-do in this city.

When you enter Anıtkabir, you’ll instantly notice that the large mausoleum is a big open space. This structure, also known as the Hall of Honour, is 27 m tall, 57.35 m long, and 41.65 m wide. There is a 40-ton sarcophagus inside it, and Atatürk’s tomb is situated right below it.

Besides the mausoleum, this site also comes with three other main parts. Those are the Ceremonial Plaza, the Road of Lions, and the Peace Park. Here, you’ll also find ten towers that symbolise the ideals that influenced the Turkish nation and the establishment of the Republic.

Anıtkabir is open daily, usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in summer and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM in winter, with a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Hours may vary. Admission is free, including access to the museum.

Kocatepe Mosque: A Religious Site With Ottoman Architecture

If you want to explore the religious parts of Ankara and Turkey, then you should visit Kocatepe Mosque. It’s the largest mosque in the city and the best place in Ankara for Islamic prayers. This structure is so big that you can see it from any part of the centre.

It dates from 1987, but it is still one of the best examples of neoclassical Ottoman architecture. Inspired by the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, this structure took 20 years to complete. It features four minarets, each 88 metres tall, and an incredible gold-plated dome.

Once you enter this magnificent mosque, you’ll immediately notice numerous stained glass windows and beautiful patterns on the walls and dome. The intricate lighting ornaments that hang from the roof will also attract your attention.

The mosque is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though hours may vary during religious holidays or events. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome to enter and explore. Just remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes at the entrance. Women should also cover their hair with a headscarf out of respect for religious customs.

Ankara Castle: An Ancient Structure With an Amazing View of the City

The Ankara Castle, or Ankara Kalesi, is an ancient site known for its magnificent walls that are several thousand years old. Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Ankara, especially if you’re a history enthusiast. It’s also conveniently located just 7 minutes away from another major monument, the Aslanhane Mosque.

There’s no entry fee, making it even more attractive for visitors. It’s best to explore it during pleasant Ankara weather, preferably in spring or autumn for the most comfortable experience.

The castle’s story dates back to the 8th century BC, when it was first built by the Phrygians. Over the centuries, the Galatians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans all left their mark here. You’ll spot ancient ruins, renovated walls, towers, and gates. The main gate near the clock tower is especially worth seeing.

At the top, Ankara Castle offers some of the best scenic views of the city, perfect for those unforgettable, cinematic photos. The castle is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though hours may vary depending on the season or holidays. Admission is free, making it an easy and rewarding stop for travellers.

Roman Temple of Augustus: Priceless Inscriptions Inside Ancient Ruins

The Temple of Augustus and Rome is an Augusteum built between 25–20 BC, located in today’s Altındağ district in Ankara. Set in the old quarter, it remains one of the most important ancient Roman ruins in the city.

Besides its historical significance, the site is famous for the Monumentum Ancyranum, an inscription that details the works of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus. It’s considered the most complete surviving copy of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, offering a first-person record of Augustus’ life and accomplishments.

Today, only the side walls and the ornamented door frame are still standing, along with the visible bases of six columns. Looking closely, you can spot Byzantine renovations, as the structure was likely turned into a church around the 6th century. Later, in the 15th century, the Hacı Bayram Mosque was built right next to it.

From the temple, it’s an easy 15-minute walk to the Roman Baths and Open Air Museum, letting you explore even more hidden gems in Ankara. The temple is open daily and can be viewed at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Admission is free, and visitors are welcome to explore the site at their leisure.

Gençlik Park: The Perfect Place for Relaxing and Outdoor Entertainment

Ankara has many parks, including the popular Gençlik Park, or “Youth Park.” Covering an area of 275,000 square meters, it features:

• Artificial lake with light shows
• Outdoor theater
• Amusement park
• Picnic tables
• Skateboarding area
• Swings

The park offers a refreshing break from the crowded city, with its water fountains, light shows, and relaxing green spaces. You can enjoy a peaceful picnic at the designated tables or simply stroll around the park’s scenic areas.

If you’re visiting with children, the amusement park rides are a must-try. The entrance ticket for the Luna Park is less than 1€, and each ride costs around 0.81€. With nearby attractions like the Ulucanlar Prison Museum and Ulus Square, Gençlik Park makes a perfect starting point for a day of sightseeing.

While exploring or navigating to nearby landmarks, staying connected with an Esimatic eSIM makes things even easier. Whether you’re looking up directions, checking park hours, or sharing photos instantly, having reliable mobile data keeps your trip stress-free.

Haci Bayram Mosque: Ottoman Architecture and Culture

When you visit Turkey and Ankara, you must include the Haci Bayram Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the biggest Ankara tourist attractions.

Named after the Turkish Sufi and poet Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, this mosque opened its doors to Islamic worshippers in 1428. However, the structure that stands today features architectural characteristics of late 17th-century and 18th-century mosques.

The constructors made the ceiling out of ornamental wood and its walls with sun-dried bricks, which gives it a unique look. You can also find floral and plant motifs all around the ceiling.

The mosque is open 24 hours a day, allowing visitors to experience its serene ambiance at any time. Admission is free, making it accessible to all who wish to explore its historical and spiritual significance.

But make sure to check the prayer schedule before visiting. You must also respect the dress code, which indicates wearing clothes with long sleeves and taking your shoes off. Women must also cover their hair.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Showcasing the Long History of Anatolia

Wondering where to go in Ankara for historical and cultural learning? If that’s the case, then you should visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. It holds artefacts from different periods, starting from the Palaeolithic era and ending with the Ottoman period.

This also includes the Neolithic, Early Bronze, Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Hellenistic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Seljuq periods. All exhibits featured in the galleries come from the Anatolia region, which showcases Ankara’s long-lasting history.

The museum features over 200,000 different artefacts, including sculptures, jewellery, pottery, textiles, weapons, coins, and more. These are arranged chronologically, giving you the chance to explore each era of Anatolian civilisation step by step.

The museum is open daily from 08:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last admission at 4:45 PM. Admission costs 6.49€, and the optional audio guide package is 4.87€, a great choice if you want to get more in-depth knowledge during your visit.

You won’t struggle to find the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations during your Ankara trip. It’s located on the south side of Ankara Castle, in the Atpazarı area.

Atakule Tower: A Stunning Panoramic View of the Entire City

The Atakule Tower is one of the best Ankara sightseeing places you shouldn’t miss. Located in the Çankaya district of central Ankara, it stands 125 meters tall and is visible from almost anywhere in the city. Although it’s farther from most monuments and government buildings, it’s a popular stop for tourists looking for great city views.

At the top, you’ll find an open terrace and a 360-degree revolving restaurant called Sevilla. If you’re hunting for perfect photo spots in Ankara, this is the place to bring your camera. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views and even use binoculars to spot Ankara’s historical sites and natural beauty.

Besides Sevilla, the tower houses a non-revolving restaurant under the cupola called Dome and a café named UFO just below the terrace. The tower is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though hours may vary depending on seasonal conditions. Entry tickets cost 13.92€ for adults, while students, seniors, and disabled visitors pay a discounted rate of 6.96€.

Visiting Ankara’s Beautiful Parks

Ankara is full of green spaces that offer peace, fresh air, and fun for all ages. Scattered across the city, these parks are perfect for relaxing, walking, picnicking, or just escaping the city buzz for a while. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, there’s a park that fits the mood. From serene botanical gardens to lively amusement parks, Ankara’s outdoor spaces are easy to explore.

• Gençlik Park – A lively park with an amusement area, fountains, and a small lake. Best for families and kids looking for fun activities.
• Seğmenler Park – A quiet, tree-filled park with sloping paths and benches. Ideal for romantic strolls or peaceful solo walks.
• Kugulu Park (Swan Park) – Home to swans and ducks, with a cosy, charming feel. Great for couples and photo lovers.
• Botanik Park – A beautifully landscaped garden with walking trails and open lawns. Perfect for joggers and those who love nature.
• Altınpark – One of Ankara’s largest parks, with lakes, gardens, and a science centre. Recommended for groups and day-long outings.

Before heading out to explore, make sure you have stable internet access to navigate, share your photos instantly, or find the next destination. Choosing a Turkey eSIM from Esimatic ensures you stay connected easily throughout your time in Ankara, without any roaming surprises.