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Excited to Explore: List of Things to Do in Ankara, Turkey

Ankara goes back to the Neolithic era, somewhere around 5000 BCE or so. The Hittites ruled it from 1400 down to 1200 BCE. Phrygians came after. The Temple of Augustus is 1st century BC, and the castle carries Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman work inside the same walls. Ankara only became the capital in 1923, which makes it much the newest thing about the whole place.

Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, is a working metropolis that runs a broad range of things for visitors to do. Whether you want the city’s history, the local cooking, or simply to stand in the middle of the place and take it, Ankara has your version. In this article we look at the things to do in Ankara, so you get the most out of the visit.

Historical Overview Ankara carries a history running thousands of years. From the ancient Hittite empire to the modern-day Republic of Turkey, the city has taken its share of triumphs and disasters. Visitors can work that history by taking some of the city’s many museums and historical sites, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the Ankara Castle and the Ataturk Mausoleum among them.

Key Takeaways

• Ankara offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy, from exploring the city’s rich history to sampling local cuisine.
• The city has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years, and visitors can explore this history by visiting museums and historical sites.
• Some of the top things to do in Ankara include visiting the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, exploring the Ankara Castle, and paying a visit to the Ataturk Mausoleum.

Historical Overview

Ankara carries a history running over thousands of years. From the Neolithic era to the present day, this city has stood through civilizations, empires and dynasties. In this section you learn the major historical eras of Ankara, the Neolithic to Byzantine era, the Ottoman era and the Republic era among them.

Neolithic to Byzantine Era

The history of Ankara goes back to the Neolithic era, around 5000 BCE. The Hittites, one of the powerful empires of the ancient world, ruled the city from 1400 to 1200 BCE. After the Hittites, the city was ruled by the Phrygians, Persians and Romans. During the Byzantine era, Ankara was an important religious center and a hub for trade and commerce.

Ottoman Era

The Ottoman Empire ruled Ankara from the early 14th century until the end of World War I. Through that period, Ankara was a major center for agriculture, trade and craftsmanship. It was also an important military base and a center of Islamic culture and learning.

Republic Era

Ankara became the capital of the newly founded Republic of Turkey in 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, began a series of reforms that turned the country from an Islamic empire into a secular republic. Ankara took a crucial part in that turn, serving as the center of government and the site of many important institutions.

Today, Ankara is a working city that runs history, culture and the modern world at once. Whether you want the ancient ruins of the Hittites or the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara has something for you.

Architectural Marvels

Ankara holds some of the architecture Turkey is known by. From towering mosques to ancient castles, the city runs something for anybody who follows buildings. Here are the architectural sites in Ankara that earn the stop:

Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle, also known as Ankara Kalesi, is a historic castle going back to the Roman era. The castle stands on a hill above the city and opens out over the surrounding country. It has been through several renovations across history, and the current structure carries Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman work together. The castle now works as a museum and visitors come to it in numbers.

Haci Bayram Mosque

Haci Bayram Mosque stands in the Ulus district of Ankara. The mosque is known for its architecture and its interior. It was built in the 15th century. It is named after the founder of the Bayrami Sufi order, Haci Bayram Veli. The mosque is open to visitors. Dress modestly when you go.

Atakule Tower

Atakule Tower is a modern piece of architecture that opens out over Ankara. The tower stands 125 meters tall and runs an observation deck with the city laid out below it. The tower also holds a revolving restaurant serving Turkish cooking. Atakule Tower earns the stop in Ankara and works for an evening out or a family day.

Kocatepe Mosque

Kocatepe Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Turkey. It stands in the Kocatepe district of Ankara. The mosque is known for its architecture and its interior. It was built in the 1980s. It carries Ottoman and modern work together. The mosque takes 24,000 worshippers. Visitors come to it in numbers.

Ankara carries history and culture, and its architecture stands for both its past and its present. Whether you follow buildings or simply want something you will not get elsewhere, Ankara has it.

Museums and Art Galleries

Ankara holds a range of museums and art galleries that set out the culture and history of Turkey. Here are the museums and art galleries in Ankara that earn the stop:

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is known well beyond this country and holds artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period. The museum sits inside the historic Ankara Castle and runs exhibits on the Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians and the other ancient civilizations that once held Anatolia. The museum also runs a section on the famous Catalhoyuk settlement, counted among the oldest human settlements anywhere.

CerModern

CerModern is a contemporary art museum showing the work of Turkish and international artists. The museum sits inside a former train station and runs a range of exhibitions, workshops and events through the year. CerModern also holds a cafe and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs nobody else will have.

State Art and Sculpture Museum

The State Art and Sculpture Museum earns the stop for anybody who follows art. The museum runs a vast collection of Turkish art from the Ottoman period to the present day. It also holds a sculpture garden showing work by prominent Turkish sculptors such as Arif Hikmet Koyunoglu.

Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum

The Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum sets out the history of transportation, industry and communication in Turkey. The museum sits inside a restored caravanserai and runs exhibits on everything from steam engines to telegraphs. It also holds a cafe and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs tied to transportation and industry.

Erimtan Museum

The Erimtan Museum is a private museum setting out the history and culture of Ankara and the country around it. The museum sits inside a restored Ottoman mansion and runs exhibits on everything from traditional Turkish handicrafts to contemporary art. It also holds a cafe and a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs nobody else will have.

Whether ancient civilizations, contemporary art, or Turkish history and culture is what you came for, Ankara runs a museum or art gallery that will hold you. Do not miss the chance to work these institutions during your visit to Ankara.

Memorials and Mausoleums

If history is what you came for, Ankara runs plenty of memorials and mausoleums to work. Here are the notable ones:

Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir is a mausoleum holding the remains of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. It is a structure built at scale, put up between 1944 and 1953. The mausoleum stands on a hill above the city and sits inside a large park.

Inside the mausoleum you can see Atatürk’s tomb, alongside an exhibition hall displaying his personal belongings and photographs. The hall also runs a display of the gifts presented to Atatürk by foreign leaders during his lifetime.

Temple of Augustus

The Temple of Augustus is a well-preserved Roman temple. It was built during the reign of Augustus in the 1st century BC. It was dedicated to the emperor and to the goddess Roma.

The temple stands in the Ulus district of Ankara. It is one of the city’s important historical sites. It is where you learn the Roman period in Ankara’s history.

Inside the temple you can see the remains of the original structure, the walls and columns among them. There is also a small museum displaying artifacts from the Roman period.

Whether the history of Turkey is what you came for or simply the architecture itself, the memorials and mausoleums in Ankara are worth the walk.

Outdoor Activities

Ankara runs a broad range of outdoor activities. Whether you want open country or sport, the range covers you. Here are the outdoor destinations in Ankara you should not miss:

Gençlik Park

Gençlik Park, also known as Youth Park, earns the stop in Ankara. This park sits in the heart of the city and locals and visitors both come to it. The park runs a lake, walking paths, picnic areas and playgrounds for children. You can rent a bicycle or a paddle boat to work the park and take the views. In the summer, the park hosts concerts and festivals, which makes it a busy place to be.

Eymir Lake

Eymir Lake sits on the outskirts of Ankara. It suits anybody who came for the country and for time outdoors. You can fish, hike, or picnic by the lake. The lake also draws people for water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing. There are cafes and restaurants around it where you can eat with the water in front of you.

Both Gençlik Park and Eymir Lake are where to get out of the noise of the city and take some air. They run a range of activities for people of all ages and interests. Bring your camera for the country and for what you will want to remember later.

Scale sorts itself by era. The Temple of Augustus is Roman, and it is small enough to walk in no time at all. Ankara Castle is Roman underneath, Byzantine on top of that, and Ottoman on top of that again after it. Kocatepe Mosque was built in the 1980s and it takes 24,000 worshippers inside it. Atakule Tower is 125 meters. Stand in any one of them and the arithmetic of the place quietly does the work on you.

Local Cuisine

On food, Ankara runs a great deal. You find a range of dishes, from traditional Turkish cooking to international flavors. Here are the dishes to order when you are in Ankara:

Kebabs

Kebabs are an essential part of Turkish cooking, and Ankara is no exception. You find a range of kebabs in the city, from Adana kebab to Iskender kebab. One of the places people go for kebab in Ankara is Düveroğlu Kebap Salonu. Their Adana kebab is the one to order.

Lahmacun

Lahmacun is often called Turkish pizza, but it is a great deal more than that. This crispy, thin dough is topped with a mixture of ground meat, onions and spices. You find Lahmacun at most bakeries and street food stalls in Ankara.

Pide

Pide is a Turkish flatbread close to pizza. It is topped with a range of ingredients, cheese, meat and vegetables among them. One of the places to order Pide in Ankara is Pidecim Bufe. They run a broad range of toppings to choose from.

Meze

Meze is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers. They suit sharing with friends and family. You find a range of meze in Ankara, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and eggplant salad among them. One of the places to order meze in Ankara is Köşebaşı.

Desserts

No meal is complete without dessert, and Ankara runs strong options. Try the kazandibi, a thick pudding with a slightly burned caramelized top, at Hacı Dayı. The other dessert people order is baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and honey syrup. You find the baklava in Ankara at Güllüoğlu.

Ankara’s local cooking reflects its history and its mixed culture. Order some of these dishes to get a proper taste of what the city runs.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Ankara is a strong place to shop for souvenirs and gifts to take home. With a range of options running from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion, you will find something that suits your taste and your budget.

One of the places to buy souvenirs in Ankara is the Samanpazari district. Here you find a working market with vendors selling everything from handmade textiles to copper goods. You also find traditional Turkish sweets and spices, alongside ceramics and pottery.

If you want a more upscale shopping run, head to one of Ankara’s many shopping malls. Kentpark, Cepa, AnkaMall and Panora all draw people, and you find international brands there alongside local designers.

For shopping you will not get elsewhere, visit Ankara’s antique shops. Here you find rare and valuable items such as Ottoman-era furniture, antique jewelry and vintage clothing. Bargain with the shopkeepers to get the price down.

On souvenirs, there are plenty of options. The items people take home include Turkish carpets, Turkish delight and traditional Turkish tea sets. You also find handmade jewelry, leather goods and Turkish towels.

Shopping in Ankara is a run you will not want to miss. Traditional souvenirs or modern fashion, this city covers both. So set aside some time for shopping during your trip to Ankara.

Performing Arts

Ankara is the center of performing arts in the Anatolia Region. If you follow music, ballet and theater, the range here will please you. Here are the prominent institutions to check out:

Ankara State Opera

The Ankara State Opera is one of the prestigious institutions in Turkey. It was founded in 1948 and has been a center of cultural activity since. The opera house seats 1,200 and hosts a broad range of performances through the year. You catch everything from classical operas and ballets to contemporary plays and musicals. The Ankara State Opera is known for its productions and its performers. If you follow the performing arts, you cannot miss a show at this venue.

Presidential Symphony Orchestra

The Presidential Symphony Orchestra is the other institution to check out. Founded in 1930, it is one of the oldest orchestras in Turkey and carries a long history. The orchestra performs a broad range of music, running from classical to contemporary, and has worked with some of the larger names in the industry. It is made up of over 100 musicians, and their performances hold you. If you follow music, catch a performance by the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.

Opera, ballet or music, Ankara runs plenty. The Ankara State Opera and Presidential Symphony Orchestra are among the many institutions that make Ankara a center of cultural activity. So why not put yourself inside the performing arts and take a live performance?

Travel and Accommodation

You are planning a trip to Ankara, Turkey, and you want to work everything the city runs. On travel, the easiest way to reach Ankara is by flying into Esenboga Airport, about 28 km northeast of the city center. From there you can take a taxi or use public transportation to reach your hotel or other accommodation.

Ankara runs an extensive public transportation system, buses, metro and light rail among it. Buses are the most common form and they are relatively inexpensive. You can buy a bus card at any kiosk or station and load it with money. The metro and light rail systems are newer and more modern, but their routes are more limited.

On accommodation, Ankara runs a range of options to suit any traveler and any budget. From comfortable hotels to budget hostels, the range covers everybody. The hotels people rate in Ankara include the Divan Ankara Hotel and the Mimi Hotel Ankara, both of which run comfortable rooms and strong amenities.

If you want something cheaper, there are plenty of hostels and guesthouses in the city. Many of them run private rooms alongside dorm-style accommodation. The options people go for include the Ankara Hostel and the Otel 19.

Wherever you choose to stay, book your accommodation ahead, especially over the busy travel periods. That way you have a bed and you avoid the last-minute scramble.

Ankara runs plenty for visitors, from its history and culture to its modern amenities and attractions. With a little planning, the trip to this city will hold up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems to explore in Ankara?

Ankara holds plenty that people walk past. One of them is the Atakule Tower, which opens out over the city. Another is the Anadolu Medeniyetleri Museum, which holds a vast collection of ancient artifacts. You can also work the Genclik Park, in the heart of the city.

What are the top must-see attractions in Ankara?

Ankara runs plenty of attractions worth the visit. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a popular choice, because it holds a serious collection of ancient artifacts. The Ankara Citadel is the other one to catch, and it opens out over the city. You can also visit the Ataturk Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founder of modern Turkey.

What are some unique shopping experiences in Ankara?

Ankara runs plenty of shopping you will not get elsewhere. The Hamamonu district is where to start, with its traditional Ottoman-style houses and shops selling handmade crafts. You can also visit the Kizilay district, which holds many modern shopping malls and boutiques.

What makes Ankara a must-visit destination?

Ankara earns the trip because of its history and its culture. The city runs a great deal, from ancient ruins and museums to modern shopping centers and restaurants. It is also a strong base for working the surrounding region, with plenty of natural sites and historical ones within easy reach.

What are some fun winter activities to do in Ankara?

Ankara runs plenty over the winter. You can ski or snowboard at the nearby Elmadag Ski Resort, or take a sleigh ride through the snowy country. You can also warm up with a cup of traditional Turkish tea or coffee at a cafe.

How many days should I plan to explore Ankara?

To work Ankara properly, plan to spend at least 2-3 days in the city. That gives you enough time to take the main attractions, find the quieter ones, and take the culture and cooking of the region.

Frequently asked questions about Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Ankara, Turkey

Which one of the Ankara museums should you actually be going to first?

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which holds artifacts from the Paleolithic era right through to the Ottoman period itself, is the one. It sits inside the historic Ankara Castle itself, right up on the hill. There are exhibits on the Hittites, the Phrygians and the Urartians, and a whole section on Catalhoyuk in there too. CerModern.

Is Gençlik Park worth a whole afternoon of it out in Ankara?

It sits in the heart of the city with a lake, walking paths, picnic areas and playgrounds all across it. You can rent a bicycle or a paddle boat and take it out on the water. Concerts. Eymir Lake is the other one, out on the edge of the city itself instead of that.

How tall is the Atakule Tower in Ankara exactly, then, in meters?

125 meters, with an observation deck sitting right at the very top of it. Ankara, all of it. There is a revolving restaurant serving Turkish cooking right up at the top. Ankara Castle sits up on a hill and gives you the other angle on it entirely.

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