Top Things to Do in Ankara: Explore the Best of Turkey’s Capital

Ankara is much more than Turkey’s capital city, as it has a large historical and cultural heritage. It also features modern architecture and art, which perfectly blend with the ancient sites. This gives different types of tourists a wide spectrum of things to do in Ankara.

This city has the perfect balance of attractions and activities that range from ancient ruins and museums to parks and Turkish cuisine. But the things to do in Ankara mostly depend on your interests. Check our recommendations and decide what to do on your vacation.

Check Out Anıtkabir: Atatürk’s Mausoleum

We start off with Anıtkabir, as it’s one of the most important sites in the entire country. Our Ankara travel guide wouldn’t be complete without it. This magnificent monument is the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. It’s an architectural masterpiece, which comes with a monumental entrance, a hall of honour, and a wide ceremonial courtyard. The hall of honour features Atatürk’s tomb, where you’ll find a symbolic 40-tonne sarcophagus and a Seljuk/Ottoman architectural-styled room. Anıtkabir also symbolises the ideals that influenced the Turkish nation and the creation of the Republic. All of these features make it a must-visit site for locals and international tourists.

Outside the mausoleum is the Peace Park. Here, you’ll discover trees and plants from all around the world, which are a representation of Atatürk’s message for peace. The Turkish War of Independence Museum appears beneath the monument. Inside, you’ll find Atatürk’s personal belongings as well as historical photos and moments from Turkey’s founding days. There is no entry fee at the Anıtkabir, and the atmosphere is respectful and reflective. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds. Want to see the guard-changing ceremony? It occurs every hour, so make sure to stay long enough to see it.

• Opening hours: 09:00-16:30 (Spring) / 09:00-17:00 (Summer & Fall) / 09:00 16:00 (Winter)
• Ticket price: None
• Location: Çankaya
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation

Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations

If you want to explore Ankara museums, then you must go to the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. It’s one of Turkey’s most prestigious galleries of historical artefacts. Here, you’ll come across antiquities from the Palaeolithic era to the Classical period. The museum focuses strictly on the ancient Anatolian cultures like the Hittites, Phrygians, and Urartians. It comes as a set of beautifully restored Ottoman-era buildings, which include a covered bazaar and caravanserai.

There are one million artefacts in this museum, and it’s impossible to see them all in just one visit. So, we suggest starting with the key exhibits, such as the mother goddess statues, Hittite reliefs, bronze sun discs, and cuneiform tablets. We should note that this is a well-organised museum that showcases its artefacts chronologically and with English signage. For a good and thorough exploration, we suggest setting aside 1-2 hours. Now, you’ll find this place near the Rahmi M. Koç Museum in the Old Quarter. Make sure to go there early in the day, especially over the weekends, to avoid crowds. Additionally, you can take photographs without the flash.

• Opening hours: 08:30-19:15
• Ticket price: €2.29
• Location: Ulus, Altındağ
• How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation

Explore the Ankara Castle (Kale)

Up next is the Ankara Castle, another spectacular historical site that you must explore. This fortress appears on a hill in the Ulus region, the oldest district of the city. It features stone walls, observation towers, and ancient gates. Different civilisations rebuilt and reinforced this structure many times in its ancient history. Among them were the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Apart from the fortress ruins, the Ankara Castle also provides strategic views over the capital. Climbing its inner ramparts and enjoying the panoramic views is a must-do. You’ll agree that it’s one of the most beautiful places in Ankara once you reach the top. Plus, it’s free to enter and it offers a more relaxed sightseeing experience compared to crowded museums.

When making your way up to Ankara Castle, you’ll notice the unique neighbourhood. This part of the Turkish capital features old Ottoman-style houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and a quiet and authentic atmosphere. You’ll walk past many restored houses turned artisan shops, local art galleries, and cafés. It’s a great place for browsing through handmade crafts, drinking traditional Turkish coffee or tea, and taking memorable photos. We recommend going on a slow-paced morning or afternoon walk in this area. Despite not being as commercialised as other parts, it still provides a deep sense of Ankara’s cultural and historical roots.

Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 (Weekdays) / 08:00-22:00 (Saturday) / 08:00-21:00 (Sunday)
Ticket price: None
Location: Ulus, Altındağ
How to get there: Mainly accessible by car or public transportation

Get Familiar with the Restored Ottoman Quarter: Hamamönü

Hamamönü is one of the oldest, most attractive, and culturally rich neighbourhoods in Ankara. Today, you’ll find a beautifully restored Ottoman-style city with a peaceful and charming vibe. It offers a getaway from the modern chaos and a chance to learn the local history and art. Here are the main attributes of the Hamamönü neighbourhood:

• Cobblestone Streets & Ottoman Architecture: This stunning area of the city features wooden homes and stone-paved alleys restored in accordance with the 19th-century Ottoman style. You’ll find boutique shops, tea gardens, and art galleries in most houses. We recommend going on peaceful walks and capturing the moments with casual photography.
• Craftsmen, Cafés & Cultural Spaces: Hamamönü houses numerous local artisans, ranging from calligraphers and ceramicists to woodworkers. They have workshops where they create and sell handmade pieces. In this historical place, you’ll also find pleasant café courtyards and cultural centres such as Tantavi Culture and Art House. Check them out and learn about local traditions.
• Live Music & Local Flavours by Night: The evenings in this area are vibrant, as there is live Turkish folk music and street performers all around. You’ll also stumble upon attractive restaurants that serve delicious Ankara-style dishes and desserts. The slower pace and romantic lighting will please all visitors, especially couples who are looking for a relaxing evening.

Hamamönü isn’t another typical Ankara sightseeing experience. Here, you get to soak in a unique atmosphere, explore the city’s cultural roots, and support local artisans. It’s a hidden gem that you should spend a couple of hours exploring.

To navigate around this area without hassle, we recommend acquiring an Esimatic eSIM.

Discover the Kocatepe Mosque

This Muslim temple is one of the most historically significant mosques in the country. It’s the largest mosque in Ankara and a defining landmark of the city’s skyline. Constructed in 1987, it features stunning neoclassical Ottoman architecture, large domes, four elegant minarets, and eye-catching decorative details. The atmosphere inside the mosque is peaceful, with light passing through the stained glass windows and quiet prayers echoing all around. Many tourists overlook this town attraction, which makes the experience more authentic and quieter. Also, there is no entry fee, just like at Haci Bayram Mosque.

Don’t forget to respect the dress code before entering the Kocatepe Mosque. This includes wearing clothes that cover your knees and elbows and removing your shoes at the entrance. Women must also cover their hair and shoulders by wearing a headscarf. Coverings and scarves are often provided at Kocatepe Mosque and Hacı Bayram Mosque. Make sure to check the prayer schedule before visiting. Also, respect the sacred place when taking photos. The best time to explore the mosque is late morning or just before sunset. You can easily access this place on foot or by public transportation, as it’s centrally located.

Wander Around the CerModern Contemporary Art Museum

One of the best places to visit in Ankara for Turkish art exploration is CerModern. It’s a premium contemporary art museum that offers something different from the city’s historical places. The museum’s location is very much artistic, as it’s actually a converted railway depot. It features a big open space, a modern flair, and an industrial-style design. CerModern regularly organises art shows provided by Turkish and international artists who specialise in painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Performances, installations, and open-air cinema are also on the schedule. Its dynamic cultural atmosphere makes it perfect for tourists who like to learn about Ankara’s creative and contemporary side.

While exploring this art museum, you’ll also come across a bookshop and café. Getting there is super easy, as it’s centrally located, near the main train station. You can reach it without hassle via metro or taxi. Set aside 1-2 hours to explore CerModern and consider attending an art event. Taking photos isn’t an issue, but you should still check the signage or ask the staff for any restrictions. If you want a quieter exploration, we suggest visiting during weekdays. It’s an ideal place for taking a cultural break from historical sightseeing and enjoying modern art and architecture. Please note that the exhibitions are closed on Mondays, while the library is closed on Mondays and Sundays, and the prices vary depending on the activity.

Opening hours: Exhibitions and Shop: 10:00–19:00 / CafeModern: 10:00–20:00 / Library: 10:00–17:00
Ticket price: Exhibitions: ~€2.75 / Flow Digital Art Exhibition: ~€7
Location: Sıhhiye
How to get there: Mainly accessible by public transportation

Visit Ankara’s Famous Local Parks

Want to get away from the crowds featured at the historical sites in Ankara? If so, we strongly recommend relaxing at Ankara’s beautiful parks and green open spaces. Despite being the second largest city and the capital of Turkey, this town still has plenty of gardens, parks, and open spaces. Below, we’ll mention its most popular parks.

Gençlik Park

Located east of the Ulucanlar Prison Museum, Gençlik Park is one of the oldest and most family-friendly parks in Ankara. It comes with a large green space, an artificial lake with light shows, and walking paths. There are plenty of things to do here, such as:

• Enjoying the rides at the amusement park
• Checking the outdoor theatre
• Going on the swings with your family
• Using the tables for a picnic gathering
• Testing your skateboarding skills in the dedicated area
• Exploring the historic tea gardens

It’s the perfect place for local and foreign nature lovers, especially in spring and summer. You can find it near the main Ankara train station and access it from the city centre.

Seğmenler Park

Next up is Seğmenler Park, which appears between upscale neighbourhoods and embassies. It’s a quiet park that features several peaceful walking trails, a lot of sculptures, and shady spots. Locals use it for various activities, including reading, jogging, dog walking, and others.

It’s the ideal place for Ankara day trips away from the city noise. But this park is more like a local secret or hidden gem than a tourist stop. The perfect time to check out this green area and admire its natural beauty is in spring and autumn.

Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

Lastly, we have a park that combines history, nature, and recreation. Founded by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself, Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo holds a small zoo, botanical gardens, and picnic areas. You’ll even find a historic brewery that produced beer, but it’s now out of use.

You can explore over 1,200 different plant species inside the greenhouses and taste local dairy products. Inside this park, you’ll also discover a replica of Atatürk’s house. It’s the ideal place for families, nature and animal lovers, and history buffs. You can find it on the west side of the city, away from the main Ankara attractions.

The Delicious Side of Ankara: Traditional Food & Dishes

Ankara has a rich food culture influenced by traditional Turkish cuisine and Anatolian flavours. As such, you get to try delicious local specialities and authentic dishes at a variety of places ranging from street food vendors to rooftop revolving restaurants.

The Best Dishes to Try

There is a wide selection of foods that you can try at local Ankara restaurants. But the ones that you shouldn’t miss out on are the following:

• Ankara Tava: A local baked dish that comes with rich and hearty lamb and rice.
• Döner: A classic Turkish speciality made of seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
• Kuzu Tandır: A slow-cooked lamb in an oven called a tandır, often found at traditional restaurants.

These three main foods perfectly reflect the Anatolian plate, which is savoury, warm, and comforting. Every dining place in Ankara offers at least one of these dishes.

Places to Eat

We recommend checking out a variety of different Ankara restaurants to experience the local cuisine the right way. Visit traditional lokantas for home-style meals. You can find them all around Ankara, especially in the city centre. Go to rooftop restaurants in neighbourhoods like Kızılay and Çankaya for scenic dining.

Checking out local markets or food courts for casual eating is something that every tourist does. While exploring the places to eat, you’ll also encounter many family-run dining places. These are a must-try as they offer authentic recipes.

Turkish Culture of Tea and Desserts

Ankara, Turkey, has a great dessert scene that includes specialities like Baklava, Turkish Delight, Kadayıf, Fırın Sütlaç, Tavukgöğsü, and many more. We must also mention the delicious Ayva Tatlısı, which is a baked quince dessert often topped with cream or nuts.

Apart from desserts, this city also has a strong tea and coffee-drinking culture. You can often see locals enjoying these beverages at comfy tea houses or garden cafés. These places are perfect for post-meal relaxation.

Go On a Trip Away from Ankara

After exploring Ankara’s Roman ruins, museums, mosques, and parks, you should consider a one-day trip to a nearby location. Within 1-2 hours, you can get away from the urban space and reach a local historical village. Below, we’ll briefly cover just two such destinations.

Beypazarı

This is a charming Ottoman-era town that’s 1:30 hours away from the Ankara city centre. It features cobbled streets, preserved wooden houses, and traditional silverwork known as Telkari. When visiting, make sure to explore the local museums and restored mansions as well as the shops for handmade jewellery.

Also, don’t forget to try the local dish Beypazarı Güveci, which is similar to a casserole. Beypazarı is full of visitors during its local cultural festivals. It’s the ideal place if you like authentic Turkish hospitality, learning about the heritage, and checking out crafts.

Gordion

Gordion is the ancient capital of Phrygia, mostly known for its connections with the Gordian Knot and King Midas. Here, you’ll come across remnants of fortifications, archaeological museums, and burial mounds called tumuli. It has a significant historical value, and it’s perfect for ancient history enthusiasts.

You can find it near a town called Polatlı and reach it within a 1:10 hour drive from Ankara. It’s the perfect one-day trip where you get to see what it was like living in the 8th century BCE.

Preparing Yourself for a Trip to Ankara? Here’s What You Need to Know

In this Ankara What to Visit guide, we mentioned some of the city’s biggest attractions. Among them were several ancient sites and modern monuments, as well as top art museums and parks. This shows Ankara’s rich historical and cultural heritage, political importance, and modern city life. It’s an authentic and quiet place that can please all types of travellers. Use this extensive guide to plan a unique trip that extends beyond the typical Ankara tourist journey.

Know that the best time to visit Ankara and explore its sites is in spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October). This is due to the pleasant weather and fewer crowds. To get around the city, we suggest using the metro, buses, and taxis. Most importantly, make sure to acquire an Esimatic Turkey eSIM plan for hassle-free mobile connectivity. It’s ideal for navigating public transport schedules, purchasing tickets, and staying connected throughout your vacation.