The capital of Turkey (Türkiye), Ankara, in the heart of Central Anatolia, is the city where you can observe tourist attractions such as the historical Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi), the beautifully preserved Ottoman-era Hamamönü Neighbourhood with 19th-century houses, the Roman Temple of Augustus (Augustus Tapınağı) built in 25 BC, the Hacı Bayram Mosque (Haci Bayram Veli Camii) and the Roman Bath Ruins from only one spot of the super contemporary Atakule Tower.
Best Places to Visit in Ankara
Ankara has been continuously inhabited since the Phrygian, Galatian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuks, and Ottomans eras and was once a major location along the Silk Road and the Royal Road. Capital since 1923, it has developed into the political and administrative midpoint, housing important universities, government buildings, and foreign embassies. There are many museums, cultural venues, old buildings, green areas, and unique culinary experiences for visitors to explore as top things to do in Ankara.
Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum)
Available with Museum Pass Turkey, Anıtkabir is the tomb and the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of contemporary Turkey. The site has a ceremonial road lined with neo-Hittite lion statues and a large courtyard. Inside the hall is a cenotaph made from a single block of marble, with Atatürk’s actual tomb underneath. The museum displays Atatürk’s personal items, letters, photographs, and a wax figure. Inscriptions from his 1932 speech are engraved in gold at the entrance. Visiting Anıtkabir is among the top things to do in Ankara and a key stop on any Ankara city guide.
Museum of Anatolian Civilisations
Housed in restored 15th-century Ottoman buildings, including the Mahmut Paşa Bedesteni and the Kurşunlu Han, a caravanserai, near Ankara Castle, Museum of Anatolian Civilisations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi) is one of the best places to visit In Ankara, showcasing artefacts from the Palaeolithic to Ottoman periods. Exhibits are organised chronologically and by civilisation, featuring important pieces from Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and Neolithic cultures. Highlights include a wall painting from Çatalhöyük, the bronze tablet of Tudhaliya IV, and statues of Kybele and King Mutallu. The museum also has a research centre with labs and a library, representing a major stop for anyone interested in archaeology and Ankara sightseeing.
Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi)
This historic castle is one of the top attractions in Ankara and a fortified complex with Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman traces. It overlooks the city and includes towers, mosques, trade inns, and historic Ankara houses. The İçkale (Inner Castle) contains Alaaddin Mosque and remains of the first museum of the Republic. The outer walls enclose historic squares where markets like Atpazarı, Samanpazarı, and Koyunpazarı are still active today. The Kaleiçi neighbourhood features preserved two- and three-story houses with bay windows and traditional layouts, standing as a must-see in the Ankara travel guide.
Hacı Bayram Mosque and Mausoleum
Central to Ankara tourist attractions, the 15th-century Hacı Bayram Mosque (Hacı Bayram Veli Camii) in Ulus quarter is a reflection of Ottoman architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. It has Arabic calligraphy inscriptions, Kütahya tiles, a beautifully designed mimbar, and ornamental wooden ceilings. The mausoleum of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli, the founder of the Bayrami Tariqah Sufi order, is situated next to the mosque and is highly recommended in Ankara travel tips. In the courtyard is another 18th-century famous tomb – Osman Fazıl Pasha Mausoleum.
Ankara Temple of Augustus and Rome
Neighbouring Haci Bayram Mosque, the Temple of Augustus and Rome, known for the Monumentum Ancyranum, which is the most complete copy of the Res gestae divi Augusti, is notable for its Corinthian columns. It, represents a key stop for Ankara sightseeing and one of the most significant Roman-era structures in the city. After the Hacı Bayram Mosque was built, it was converted into a Byzantine church and later a madrasah. Today, visitors can explore this archaeological site and its many levels of historical change as one of the main Ankara must-see places.
CerModern
One of the best things to do in Ankara is visit CerModern, which is a prominent centre for contemporary art. The museum is in a restored train maintenance facility from the early Republican era. It has rotating exhibitions, art events, conferences, and movie screenings. Regularly hosting international and Turkish artists, the venue provides an innovative cultural break in numerous Ankara travel guide tips.
Hamamönü Neighbourhood
Walk through a restored Ottoman neighbourhood of Hamamönü, dating back to the 19th century, dotted with historic mansions, cobblestone streets, and traditional wooden homes. The 15th-century Karacabey Hamam is still in operation today. Visit art galleries, peruse regional handicrafts, or savour Turkish cuisine at tiny eateries and cafes in one of the best places to visit in Ankara for cultural experiences. Don’t miss the Mehmet Akif Ersoy House Museum and the nearby clock tower.
Presidential Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall (CSO Ada Ankara)
Among the ideal things to do in Ankara is attending a performance by one of the oldest orchestras in the world, the Cumhurbaşkanlığı Senfoni Orkestrası, founded in 1826. Housed in the contemporary CSO Ada Ankara building, the venue hosts events all year-round, including symphonic concerts and music festivals. Its current hall, which features cutting-edge acoustics, opened in 2020. If there are any concerts during your visit, check the schedule beforehand.
Kocatepe Mosque
Explore the largest mosque in Ankara, positioned in Kızılay. Built between 1967 and 1987, it can accommodate 24,000 worshippers and features a neo-classical Ottoman architectural style. Inspired by the Selimiye and Sultan Ahmet Mosques, the Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii) showcases what contemporary religious architecture looks like. Centrally located and visible from much of the city, it is part of the top Ankara tourist attractions.
Atakule Tower
From Atakule Tower (Atakule Alışveriş Merkezi) in the Çankaya district, you can spot almost all the city details of Ankara from its 125-metre-high observation terrace. The revolving restaurant at the top - one of the major stops in the Ankara city guide - completes a 360-degree rotation every hour. Underneath, there are a non-revolving restaurant and a non-revolving café, and a new shopping mall is being built.
Ankara Ethnography Museum
This museum (Etnografya Müzesi) is a must-visit in Ankara travel tips, showcasing Turkey’s cultural history through artefacts from the Seljuk, Ottoman, and early Republican periods. Visit the galleries dedicated to Islamic manuscripts, Turkish carpets, woodwork, ceramics, and traditional clothing. The entrance hall was once Atatürk’s temporary mausoleum. The museum has 10 galleries and is located near the city centre.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum Ankara
Rahmi M. Koç Museum, housed in the renovated Ottoman-era structures of Çengelhan and Safranhan, is one of the city's best places to visit in Ankara. Historical relics from the fields of manufacturing, engineering, transportation, medical, and communication are on display at the museum. The museum also has Atatürk artefacts and a recreated artisan street. For those who enjoy both history and technology, it's among the top destinations in Ankara.
Day Trip to Hattusa, Alacahöyük, and Yazılıkaya
For tourists interested in archaeology and ancient civilisations, a day trip to Hattusa, Alacahöyük, and Yazılıkaya is a must. See the 4,500-year-old sphinx gate, ceremonial ruins, and Anatolia's first dam at Alacahöyük. Discover the Lion Gate, Great Temple, King's Gate, and Sphinx Gate of Hattusa, the former capital of the Hittite Empire that is now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Visit the outdoor sanctuary Yazılıkaya, with carved reliefs of Hittite kings and gods. One of the best places to learn about early Anatolian history while sightseeing in Ankara.
Kızılay
Kızılay is the central district and one of the best places to see in Ankara, known for shopping, transportation, and authentic local culture. Visit Güvenpark and Kızılay Square, both major public spaces surrounded by restaurants and stores. Main streets include Selânik Street for shopping and Atatürk Boulevard for government buildings. Kızılay also has metro, Ankaray, and bus access, making it ideal for getting around. For food and nightlife, it’s included in most popular Ankara must-see places with lots of cafes and entertainment spots.
Day Trip to Gordion Ancient City
Gordion, the former capital of Phrygia, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is situated in Yassıhüyük, 70 to 80 kilometres from Ankara. The site contains remains from the Bronze Age to the Roman era, city walls, and burial mounds (tumuli). It is well-known for the mythical tale of King Midas and the Gordian Knot. Gordion is among the top destinations in Ankara, easily accomplished as a day trip from the city using Ankara guided tours.
Kuğulu Park (Swan Park)
The Kavaklıdere neighbourhood is home to Kuğulu Park, which is well-known for its symbolic geese, ducks, and swans. The park has seating areas, a small café, a children's playground, and a remodelled pond, where you can unwind by the water and take in the beautifully designed gardens featuring redbud and sycamore trees. This first-degree natural protected area is just a 15-minute walk from Kızılay Square and represents another best place to visit in Ankara for a quiet break.
Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo
Established in 1925 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this large area includes a farm, zoo, brewery, dairy, restaurants, and greenhouses. The zoo houses various animals, including big cats, monkeys, snakes, and Angora cats. Visitors can try fresh dairy products, beer, ice cream, and grilled meat dishes at the Merkez Lokantası. The area also includes a replica of Atatürk’s birthplace and is ideal for recreation in Ankara.
What to Do in Ankara in 1 Day?
Many of Ankara's main attractions are within walking distance of the Ulus historic quarter and the Ankara Citadel area, so if you only have one day to spend in the city, concentrate on exploring as much as possible.
Begin your morning with a light breakfast at Gramofon Cafe on Koyunpazarı Street with a potato gözleme and Turkish tea in a vintage interior full of gramophones. From here, walk through Koyunpazarı Street, where you’ll find spice shops, copper studios, and handicraft stores. This is one of the best places to visit in Ankara for shopping for local goods. Just across the street, enter Pilavoğlu Bazaar, a hidden courtyard filled with art studios and an authentic Ottoman atmosphere.
Continue your early afternoon up on the Ankara Citadel. Walk along its walls and take in panoramic views of the city, which is a must in any Ankara city guide. Inside the Citadel, local women sell homemade goods, and you’ll hear live music by street performers. Close by, visit the Sultan Alaaddin Mosque, a Seljuk-era structure with Roman fragments in its design.
After having lunch with savoury kebabs, you can see the Rahmi Koç Museum (technology and industrial history) or the Erimtan Archaeology and Arts Museum (Hittite and Roman artefacts). Then head 5 minutes downhill to the Anatolian Civilisations Museum, one of the top attractions in Ankara, housing artefacts from the Palaeolithic to Classical periods.
What to See in Ankara for 2 Days?
On the first day in Ankara, start with Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk – one of the top attractions in Ankara. After exploring this national landmark on your Ankara holiday, continue to the nearby Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
Next, walk up to Ankara Castle, where the climbing walls provide a panoramic view, and inside, you'll find craftsmen shops and historic houses in the Hamamönü area. Nearby, stop for lunch at Süha’nın Yeri for wood-fired döner kebab and ayran. In the afternoon, visit the Roman Baths, another must-see for the ancient architecture exploration in Ankara. Then, enjoy some baklava at Baklavacı Hacıbaba, and later unwind in Kızılay, where you can drink Turkish tea, taste local street food, and explore the Ankara shopping scene. In the evening, have dinner in the Ottoman-style Hamamönü district, known for its charming streets and local restaurants.
On day two, begin at the peaceful Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo. A favourite for families and nature lovers, it includes gardens, animal enclosures, a brewery, and picnic spots. Then, explore Hacı Bayram Mosque and the neighbouring Temple of Augustus. For lunch, grab a simit and doner from local vendors around Ulus quarter.
Spend your afternoon at the Ethnography Museum, which documents Turkish cultural traditions, and then head to CerModern, Ankara’s leading contemporary art centre. You can grab coffee there too. If you prefer nature, go to Lake Eymir or Gençlik Park for a relaxing walk or paddle boat rental. These are some of the most popular outdoor things to do in Ankara. Later, visit Kocatepe Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the city, and end your evening with dinner at Meşhur Bursa Hacıbey Kebapçısı, a long-standing favourite for classic Turkish kebab.
How to Spend 3 Days in Ankara?
Three days of holiday in Ankara can be enough to explore its rich history, modern vibe, green spaces, and hidden treasures if you plan well and stay flexible. On the first day, begin your Ankara sightseeing at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. Right next door is Ankara Castle. Close by, the Roman Baths and Temple of Augustus and Roma are among the top sights. For lunch, Ulus quarter has many spots where you can enjoy local dishes like döner kebab or Turkish meze platters. In the afternoon, make your way to Anıtkabir. End your day at Kızılay Square with a walk, some Turkish tea, and simit at one of the cafés.
Day two can start with a half-day trip to Lake Eymir (Eymir Gölü), a peaceful area where locals cycle, jog, and enjoy breakfast by the water. It’s one of the calmest escapes and a smart Ankara travel tip for slowing down. On your return, stop at CerModern. Around noon, pick up lunch at a central restaurant serving grilled meats or gözleme. In the afternoon, visit the Ethnography Museum. Then make your way to Atakule Tower and have dinner in the rotating restaurant while watching the city skyline light up.
On the third day, begin in Hamamönü. This restored Ottoman neighbourhood is one of the most charming areas listed in many Ankara travel guides. Browse handicraft stores, sip Turkish coffee in a courtyard café, and try Beypazarı kurusu biscuits. From there, walk or take a short ride to Hacı Bayram Mosque, an active worship site with historical value and a peaceful square. Then, go to the Ulucanlar Prison Museum (Ulucanlar Cezaevi Müzesi), which used to be home to political prisoners and writers. For lunch, head to a nearby lokanta and try tarhana çorbasi, a regional soup, or testi kebab. Later in the day, visit the Rahmi M. Koç Museum, which is often overlooked but is one of the most enlightening places in Ankara for understanding the development of industry, communication, and transport in Turkey. If time allows, spend the evening in Kuğulu Park for a relaxed walk. For your last meal, go to a restaurant in Kavaklıdere or a rooftop patio to have a fusion of Turkish and European food.