Ankara Tourist Attractions

This content was last updated on 17.03.2024 15:23

With a population of more than 5 million, Ankara is Turkey's second-largest city and its capital, bearing deep traces of many civilizations and cultures over its history spanning over 5000 years. From the Hittites to the Ottoman Empire, you can witness historical treasures from various periods throughout the city, which also played crucial roles in the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

Ankara, characterized by its harsh continental climate, experiences cold and snowy winters with temperatures dropping below zero, while summers are hot and dry, with temperatures soaring to 35-40 degrees Celsius. The best times to explore the city are during the cool spring and hot summer months.

In this article, we're bringing you closer to Ankara and its notable attractions. Let's start our Ankara Travel Guide article and examine the places to visit in Ankara.

Where is Ankara

Ankara, located in the Central Anatolian Region of Turkey, is located right in the middle of the country.

It is surrounded by Kırıkkale and Çankırı in the north, Eskişehir and Bolu in the west, Konya in the south and Aksaray and Kırşehir in the east.

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How to go to Ankara

As we mentioned, Ankara is located in the middle of Turkey and with this feature, it is very easy to reach from many cities of the country and it is not far from any city.

How to go to Ankara by plane?

There is only one international airport in Ankara. The name of this airport is "Esenboğa International Airport".

If you are in Turkey and there is an airport in your city, it is not difficult to reach Ankara by plane. Transportation to Ankara by plane should perhaps be your first choice.

There are direct flights to Ankara from dozens of big cities such as Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon, Adana and Diyarbakir. With these flights, you can reach Ankara in an average of 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on the city you are in.

How to go to Ankara by High Speed ​​Train?

Trains are one of the most enjoyable means of transportation and if you are one of those who prefer transportation by train, you are very lucky. Especially for the train journey from Istanbul to Ankara, you can choose YHT Istanbul - Ankara flights. You can easily reach Ankara from Istanbul Söğütlüçeşme Train Station in approximately 4 hours. You can reach Ankara from Konya in 2 hours by using these trains.

How to Go to Ankara by Bus?

The bus is the most common and most advanced transportation option for intercity transportation in Turkey. Especially as a city to travel to, Ankara is perhaps the easiest because of its location. It is possible to travel to Ankara by bus on any day you want by using the bus companies in your city. Transportation times from some big cities to Ankara are as follows;

• How many hours is the bus journey from Istanbul to Ankara: 5 - 7 hours
• How many hours is the bus journey from Izmir to Ankara: 8 hours
• How many hours is the bus journey from Antalya to Ankara: 6 hours 30 minutes

Places to Visit in Ankara

There are some famous sayings about Ankara in Turkey. “Actually, if it has a sea, Ankara is a beautiful city”, “The only shortcoming of Ankara is that it does not have a sea”…

True, Ankara may not have a sea, but Ankara does not have any shortcomings in terms of places to visit. Some cities have a soul and the city is loved for this reason, Ankara is one of these cities. The sea is not at all a necessary element to understand the spirit of Ankara.

In this part of our article, we have compiled the places to visit in Ankara for you.

1. Anıtkabir (Memorial Tomb)

Anıtkabir is undoubtedly one of the places to visit in Ankara.

Anıtkabir, the eternal resting place of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is one of the most visited landmarks not only in Ankara, but also in all of Turkey. This fascinating complex, which has an area of ​​750,000 square meters, is divided into two parts as the Peace Park and the Monument Block.

Anıtkabir, which is located in the Tandoğan region of Ankara's Çankaya district, is located in the very center of the city, so it is very easy to reach, but it is possible to reach by many vehicles. (You can reach Anıtkabir by using Ankaray and city buses)

Anıtkabir, whose construction started in 1944 and was completed in 1953, was built by world-renowned architects Prof. Emin Onat and Assoc. It was designed by Orhan Arda.

Entrance to Anıtkabir, one of Turkey's most magnificent structures, is free of charge.

The hours when Anıtkabir is open to visitors are as follows;

• From 1 February to 14 May: 09:00 - 16:30
• From May 15 to October 31: 09:00 - 17:00
• From 1 November to 31 January: 09:00 - 16:00

2. Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle, located in Altındağ district of Ankara, is one of the most important historical symbols of the city. Located on a hill overlooking the city, the castle offers an impressive view to its visitors.

The Ankara Castle, which is estimated to have been built by the Galatians at the beginning of the 2nd century BC (it is not known exactly when), was used by the Romans and Byzantines before, and after the Battle of Manzikert, the Seljuks dominated the region. The castle, which was repaired and expanded by the Seljuks in this period, was later used by the Ottoman Empire.

Ankara Castle, which has 42 towers with 5 corners at 110 meters high, is free to visit.

You can visit Ankara Castle, where various festivals and events are held every year, between 10:00 and 19:00 every day.

3. Kızılay Square

Kızılay Square is one of the most well-known squares not only in Ankara but also in Turkey.

Taking its name from the "Red Crescent Headquarters" building, this square is one of the most lively places in Ankara.

Kızılay Square, which is a colorful and lively place with its shopping centers, streets and shops, is the central point of buses, metro and Ankaray main stops.

4. Güvenpark

Located in Ankara's central Kızılay Square, this large park is the second most visited place by the guests coming to Ankara.

Located on an area of 19,000 m2, this park also includes a monument called Güvenpark Monument. This monument, made using Ankara's famous Ankara stone, was made by two Austrian sculptors. This Güvenpark Monument, which is the symbol of the park, commemorates Atatürk and his friends and Anatolian farmers, with whom he was with in the War of Independence and revolution movements. The monument is 37 meters long, the central block is 8 meters, the side wings are 2 meters, and the bronze figures are 6 meters tall. At the base of the monument, Atatürk's Turkish, Öğün, Çalış, Güven maxim is written. Entrance to Güvenpark, which offers a beautiful sightseeing experience away from the noise in the heart of Ankara with its historical trees, playgrounds and sightseeing areas, is free of charge.

5. Kocatepe Mosque

Located in the Kocatepe district of Çankaya, Kocatepe Mosque is approximately 3 km from Kızılay Square and is one of Turkey's iconic mosques. The construction of Kocatepe Mosque, which started in 1967, took 20 years to complete and was completed in 1987. Kocatepe Mosque, which has 4 minarets with a length of 88 meters, also has a conference hall and a library. You can see traditional Ottoman and Turkish architectural examples together in this mosque, which was built on a large area of 4500 m2.

6. Hamamönü

Hamamönü is a district of Ankara's Altındağ district.

Hamamönü, one of the must-see places in Ankara, is famous for its houses from the late Ottoman period. These houses are completely adorned with Turkish motifs and you feel like 150 years ago while walking on the streets of Hamamönü. Historical Karacabey Bath, Mehmet Akif Ersoy Park where the Turkish National Anthem was written, and Mehmet Akif Ersoy Museum House are located in the park.

Hamamönü is also famous for its Handicrafts Market and breakfast. During your visit to Hamamönü, you can have a good time with your loved ones at the full breakfast tables.

7. Beypazarı

Beypazarı is a district of Ankara, famous for its famous Beypazarı houses, where you can see the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. Beypazarı, which is almost an open-air museum, was included in the UNESCO temporary world heritage list in 2020. In Beypazarı, which has hosted many civilizations throughout history, there are many historical buildings from the Hittites, Phrygians, Galatians, Roman, Byzantine, Anatolian Seljuk and Ottoman periods. But it owes its real fame to Beypazarı mansions. Beypazarı houses with their cobblestone streets and wooden decorated windows and balconies with bay windows are among the most visited places in Ankara by those who love to take pictures. While visiting Beypazarı, do not forget to visit the famous handicraft workshops of the district.

8. Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque

One of the most important mosques in Ankara, Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque was built by Architect Mehmet Bey in the early 1400s. Transportation is possible with all public transportation vehicles in Ankara. Located in the Ulus district of Ankara's Altındağ district, next to the mosque is the Hacı Bayram Veli mausoleum. Hacı Bayram Veli, one of the most famous scholars of his time, is the founder of the Bayramiye Sect.

There were many woodworkings on the outer walls of the mosque, but most of these engravings were removed with the last restoration work in 2011. As a result of these restorations, the exterior walls were simplified, while the interior decorations were largely preserved. It draws attention especially with its embroideries made by Nakkaş Mustafa Pasha in the interior.

9. Kuğulu Park

Kuğulu Park in Ankara's Kavaklıdere neighborhood, famous for its pool, swans, geese and ducks, is one of the most beautiful places to spend time in the heart of the city.

The park, named after the swans gifted by the City of Vienna, is one of the favorite spots of travelers who want to take pictures. Today, the park, which hosts more than 20 bird species, is located between Atatürk Boulevard and Tunalı Hilmi Street. The current residents of the green area, which hosts ideal options for those who enjoy street delicacies, came from Beijing.

10. Gençlik Park

Youth Park, located in Ulus, started to be built in 1936 and took 7 years to build. Youth Park, which started hosting its guests in 1943, is one of the first urban parks in Turkey. The park, which was completely renovated in 2007 with the work of the metropolitan municipality, includes the Ankara Metropolitan Theatre, a cultural center, a buffet, a tea garden, a parking garage and a youth center.

The park, which attracts great attention especially in summer, is famous for its amusement park. The Ferris wheel with a diameter of 150 meters is the most striking element of the amusement park. For those who like calm, spending time by the pool can be a good choice. Entrance to the park, which is illuminated in the evening, is free.

11. Anatolian Civilizations Museum

You should definitely visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, located on the southeast side of the centuries-old city walls of Ankara Castle. The cultural facility owes its uniqueness to the collections that attract the most visitors in the Atpazarı district. . In the cultural facility, which started to host its guests in the Kurşunlu Han and Mahmut Paşa Bedesten in 1940, historical artifacts brought from important excavation areas such as Karain Cave near Antalya and Çatalhöyük, Alacahöyük, Burdur Hacılar are exhibited.

Visiting Hours: 08.30-19.00
Entry Fee: 45 TL

12. Atakule

Atakule, which has become the symbol of Ankara with its interesting architecture, can be seen from almost everywhere in the city. With a height of 125 meters, Atakule is located in Ankara's Çankaya district. The construction of Atakule started in 1987 and was completed in 1989. The shopping center under the building is the first shopping center in Ankara and is also the second shopping center in Turkey. You can take the most beautiful panoramic photos of Ankara in the viewing areas of Atakule, which is visited by thousands of people every year, or you can have romantic dinners against the beautiful view of the city in the restaurant that can rotate 360 degrees.

13. Rahmi Koç Museum

Another delightful attraction in Atpazarı district is the Rahmi M. Koç Museum. The cultural facility, which was opened in 2005, is the first and only industrial-themed museum of our capital.

The museum, which also includes the belongings of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, operates in Çengelhan and Safranhan, which are as interesting as their collections.

Çengelhan, dating from the time of Suleiman the Magnificent, regained its former glory thanks to the works carried out between 2003-2005. A similar project for Safranhan, which was built in 1511, continued from 2012 to 2016.

Vehbi Koç Shop is the most popular part of the museum. After the shop where the deceased industrialist worked during the summer months as a child, you can move on to Uncle İsmail Atelier, which is full of ship and train models.

If you are one of those who are curious about the operation of steam machines like me, I am sure that you will have pleasant moments in the Model Machinery Workshop.

Visiting Hours: 10.00 - 17.00
Entry Fee: 12 TL
Website: rmk-museum.org.tr/ankara/ana-page?city=ankara

14. Tunalı Hilmi Street

When it comes to socializing and shopping, one should never forget Tunali Hilmi Caddesi. Entertainment venues and stores of various brands are waiting for you along the street, which is named after Tunalı Hilmi Bey, who is known for his innovative ideas and served as a member of parliament for three terms. You can find attractive opportunities for eating and drinking in the side streets that open to the street.