Things to do in Ankara

Activities, attractions and tours

Kocatepe Mosque which includes religious elements, interior views and heritage architecture
Kocatepe Mosque which includes religious elements, interior views and heritage architecture
Anitkabir featuring street scenes, cbd and heritage architecture
Monumentum Ancyranum featuring a pool and a park
State Art and Sculpture Museum which includes interior views and château or palace
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Top places to visit

1. Kizilay Square

Kizilay Square is the political plaza of the city, where you will see many events, rallies and protests. Around the square are many charming alleys full of cafés and restaurants. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow pedestrianized streets on foot among vendors and fisheries to get a real sense of Turkish culture. The spacious plaza has several water features, a central statue and rows of trees along the flanks.
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Kizilay Square showing a fountain as well as a large group of people

2. Anitkabir

The leader of the Turkish War of Independence is buried in the mausoleum of Anitkabir. After the country’s government held a competition for construction design, architects built the winning entry in the 1940s. Visit the structure for its cultural significance as well as its majestic appearance. It stands out because of its large presence with towers, arcades and a vast courtyard.
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Anitkabir which includes heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

3. Ankara Citadel

The exact origins of the Ankara Citadel, which looms grandly over the Ankara skyline, remain unknown. The iconic structure has passed under the control of the Romans, the Byzantines and other dynasties over approximately 2,000 years. Now on a clear day, locals and visitors to Ankara can see the fortress sitting atop a hill from almost anywhere in the city. Visit the citadel and its museums to learn about its fascinating history in detail.
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Ankara Citadel showing heritage architecture, landscape views and château or palace

4. Atakule Tower

Rising proudly above the Ankara skyline, the Atakule Tower is an icon. The skyscraper, at a height of 410 feet (125 meters), stands on a hill as an ever-present guardian of the city. Dine at the revolving restaurant at the summit for 360-degree views of the historic city. The tower has two restaurants and a café.
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Atakule Tower featuring street scenes

5. Haci Bayram Mosque

The Haci Bayram Mosque is an architectural wonder from the 15th century with several remarkable features. Today, it is one of the most respected religious sites in the city. Visit the spiritual center to see the ornamental wood ceiling, elegant water features and floral arrangements. Beside the mosque, you will find a Roman temple, a park and a spacious plaza where you can purchase memorabilia.
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Haci Bayram Mosque featuring a mosque and religious elements

What to do in Ankara

Popular places to visit

Kizilay Square showing street scenes

Kizilay Square

4/5(5 reviews)

This spacious square in the center of Ankara is a lively political and cultural hub, surrounded by malls, restaurants and hotels.

Kizilay Square
Anitkabir which includes heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

Anitkabir

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Relive Turkey’s fight for independence and learn about the life of its first president, who is buried in this symmetrical mausoleum.

Anitkabir
United States of America Embassy in Istanbul, Turkey. United States embassy in Istanbul is one of the most important embassies in the world.

Embassy of the United States

After visiting Embassy of the United States, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ankara. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Embassy of the United States
Ankara Citadel which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and château or palace

Ankara Citadel

4/5(5 reviews)

Gaze up at the city’s iconic hilltop fortress that has survived several ruling dynasties. It dates back around 2,000 years.

Ankara Citadel
Atakule Tower

Atakule Tower

4/5(2 reviews)

Experience Ankara from above as you dine in the revolving restaurant at the summit of the city’s tallest tower.

Atakule Tower
Haci Bayram Mosque showing a mosque and a sunset

Haci Bayram Mosque

3.5/5(4 reviews)

An iconic religious center from the 1400s is home to the mausoleum of the poet after whom it takes its name.

Haci Bayram Mosque
Kocatepe Mosque which includes a mosque, religious elements and heritage architecture

Kocatepe Mosque

3.5/5(3 reviews)

Marvel at the modern design of one of the largest mosques in the world, which welcomes about 24,000 worshippers at a time.

Kocatepe Mosque
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

3.5/5(3 reviews)

Travel through time as you examine exhibits that tell the story of the people who lived in the Anatolian region for more than 10,000 years.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Tunali Hilmi Caddesi

During your trip to Ankara, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Tunali Hilmi Caddesi. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its cafes.

Tunali Hilmi Caddesi

Areas of Ankara

Swan Park is a public park in the Cankaya neighborhood of Ankara, Turkey; Shutterstock ID 661912588; PO: Hcom Destination Content neighborhoods; Client: Hotels.com; Other: Hcom brand budge

Cankaya

Noted for its cafes and spas, there's plenty to explore in Cankaya. Top attractions like Atakule Tower and Karum Shopping Mall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dikimevi Station or Sihhiye Station to see more of the city.

Cankaya
Ankara, Turkey - Guven Park in Kizilay Square; Shutterstock ID 699040459; PO: Hcom Destination Content neighborhoods; Client: Hotels.com; Other: Hcom brand budge

Kizilay

3.5/5(6 area reviews)

Visitors to Kizilay like its restaurants and shopping, and Ankara Art Playhouse is a sight worth a stop.

Kizilay
Panoramic view of Ankara Castle with Turkish flag on rocky hill, surrounded by traditional red rooftops and cityscape under dramatic cloudy blue sky, showcasing Turkey’s historic and urban contrast.

Yenimahalle

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

The bars and museums are just a few things visitors like about Yenimahalle. Presidential Complex and Armada Shopping and Business Center are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Mesa Station or Istanbul Yolu Station to get around the larger area.

Yenimahalle
Ethnographic Museum which includes heritage architecture

Ankara City Center

4.5/5(15 area reviews)

Get to know Ankara City Center and its many features like its museums and monuments. You might want to explore sights like Kocatepe Mosque and Tunali Hilmi Caddesi, and you can jump on the metro at Sihhiye Station or Anadolu Station to get around the city.

Ankara City Center
Divine Craftsmanship: The Tranquil Beauty of Islamic Art Inside a Mosque

Etimesgut

Etimesgut is well liked for its museums and parks. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Goksu Park and Kuğulu Parkı are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Eryaman Station or Devlet Mahallesi Station to get around.

Etimesgut
Imrahor Valley just near Muhye Village, Ankara, Turkey

Mamak

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Mamak. You might want to make time for a stop at Ulucanlar Prision Museum or Aqua Vega.

Mamak
SANLIURFA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 22, 2022: Water channel in Golbasi Park in Sanliurfa, Turkey

Golbasi

Frequently asked questions

Is Ankara worth visiting?
Ankara offers a unique blend of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Ankara?
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Presidential Complex are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Ankara while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ankara?
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is one of the top tourist attractions in Ankara and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Ankara?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo and Fantasyland with a three-day escape to Ankara. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Cankaya.
Is Ankara a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Ankara is a good place to see on foot. Wander between Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Fantasyland. Then take a stroll around Ankara City Centre, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Ulus, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ankara with kids?
Deciding what to do in Ankara with kids has never been easier. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.
What to do in Ankara for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Ankara, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Ankara Vineyard House or Ankara Arena.
Are there free things to do in Ankara?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Ankara. If you're in need of ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Şehit Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

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