25/09/2025
Ankara offers a rewarding tourist experience, blending a rich history with modern city life. As the administrative capital, it features major museums, monuments, and a thriving arts scene, though with less tourist congestion than Istanbul. Key attractions, excellent restaurants, and charming historic neighborhoods are concentrated in central districts, making the city very walkable.
Top historical and cultural sights
Anıtkabir: This monumental mausoleum is the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. The site also includes the Museum of Atatürk and the War of Independence, with exhibits on his life and personal effects.
Ankara Castle: Perched on a hill above the old town, this castle offers sweeping panoramic views of the city. Inside the citadel walls, you can explore narrow cobblestone streets with restored Ottoman-era houses, shops, and cafes.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Located in a beautifully restored Ottoman building, this is one of Turkey's top museums. It provides a comprehensive journey through Anatolian history, with artifacts dating from the prehistoric era to the classical period.
Temple of Augustus and Rome: Near the Hacı Bayram Mosque, you can find the ruins of this Roman temple. The walls feature a rare, surviving inscription of Emperor Augustus's deeds known as the Monumentum Ancyranum.
Roman Baths: Explore the extensive remains of a 3rd-century Roman bath complex, located in the Ulus district. The layout of the different rooms is clearly visible in the open-air site.
Hamamönü Restored Area: This meticulously restored Ottoman-era neighborhood is a perfect spot for an evening stroll. Its historic houses have been converted into cafes, restaurants, craft shops, and boutique hotels.
Modern attractions and relaxation
Atakule Tower: A 125-meter-tall communications and observation tower in the Çankaya district. An open terrace and a revolving restaurant offer breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
Kocatepe Mosque: This massive and imposing mosque, built between 1967 and 1987, is one of the city's newest and largest. Its neo-classical Ottoman design is visible from many points in Ankara.
Gençlik Park: Known as "Youth Park," this large, central park offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a lake, fountain shows, and an amusement park area with classic fairground rides.
CerModern: Housed in a former railway depot, this contemporary art venue showcases an exciting roster of Turkish and international artists.
Food and drink
Ankara's culinary scene is a diverse reflection of Turkey's various cultures, offering both local Ankara specialties and gourmet international dining.
Local dishes: Try signature Ankara dishes such as Ankara Tava, a flavorful meat dish, and Beypazarı Güveci, a stew prepared in a traditional earthenware pot. Don't miss the crunchy street food favorite, Ankara Simit.
Recommended restaurants:
Trilye Restaurant: A highly-rated restaurant known for its seafood, with stylish decor and outdoor seating.
Fige Restaurant: Offers delicious food in a great atmosphere, with live music and outdoor garden seating.
Bogazici Lokantasi: A traditional, no-frills restaurant praised for its authentic and delicious Turkish cuisine.
Shopping
For souvenirs and local goods, head to the markets in the old quarter near Ankara Castle.
Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu: This charming hillside street, known as "Pulley Makers' Lane," is a must-visit for antique dealers, vintage finds, and quirky flea market items.
Samanpazarı: An ancient market in the oldest settlement of Ankara, where you can find spices, legumes, traditional handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Day trips from Ankara
Beypazarı: Located 100 km west of Ankara, this historic town is famous for its preserved Ottoman-era houses and traditional handicrafts.
Cappadocia: This incredible region with its volcanic valleys and hot air balloon tours is a 4-hour drive away, making for a long but worthwhile day trip.
Konya: Easily accessible by high-speed train, Konya offers a rich history and is known as the home of the Mevlevi order (the "Whirling Dervishes")