Places to Visit in Ankara

Travel notes

Population recorded at publication: 5,270,575

I lived here for many years, and some of my happiest childhood memories are from Ankara. My last visit was a few years before writing this, so I will share what I know and have seen. Ankara is Turkey's capital and second-largest city, roughly in the country's centre. My notes also described it as the province with the most universities. As the capital, it has an official, bureaucratic character, earning the nickname 'civil servants' city'. Some people say there is nothing to do, or find it boring. Yet there are so many places to explore. Shall we look at a few? 😊

What is Ankara famous for?

Its goat, rabbit, pear and crocus, of course, and the mineral waters of Kızılcahamam and Beypazarı.

Anıtkabir

Anıtkabir is the final resting place of Atatürk, the great leader to whom I feel we owe so much. It is one of Turkey's most important monuments. İsmet İnönü, the first prime minister and second president, is buried here too. It is an absolute must: pay your respects to Atatürk and explore the complex.

Ankara Castle

The castle's exact construction date is unknown. In Altındağ, its strong, high bastions and architectural features led my original account to suggest a Roman origin.

Kızılay Square

One of Turkey's best-known squares, lively with shopping, cafés, restaurants, entertainment and cultural venues. It is associated with official buildings, parliament and Güvenpark, and should not be missed on an Ankara visit.

Sakarya Street

This pedestrian street in Kızılay is perhaps one of my favourite Ankara places. Unusual shops, fish sellers, cafés, restaurants, bars, florists and live music give it character. It is especially popular with university students. Don't leave without visiting; put it on your list.

Karanfil Street

Rather like Sakarya, Karanfil runs from Ziya Gökalp Street towards Akay. The famous Dost bookshop is here. It used to be a meeting place for black-clad young metal and rock fans; I don't know whether that is still the case. There are silver-jewellery and trinket shops, rows of cafés and a distinctive atmosphere.

Ankara Ethnography Museum

My notes described it as Turkey's first official museum. Its magnificent architecture catches your eye immediately. The original account mentioned paintings and sculptures from around the world, works from Seljuk and later periods, and a large library inside.

Atatürk Forest Farm

Founded on 52,000 dönüms of land associated with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this was a modern agricultural enterprise for its time. My original post lamented that land belonging to the farm had become the intercity bus terminal AŞTİ, an army guesthouse and other tourism facilities. It described dairy, wine and fruit-juice production, play areas and the Gazi train, as well as a replica of the house in Thessaloniki where Atatürk was born.

The Republic Museum

Also known as the Second Grand National Assembly building, this belongs on your Ankara list. Before parliament moved here because its first building was too small, it had served as a Republican People's Party centre. Rooms once used for parliamentary purposes now help tell the Republic's history.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations

The museum presents objects from Anatolia's civilisations in historical sequence, including Hittite and later works.

Kocatepe Mosque

One of Ankara's largest mosques, Kocatepe covers an area recorded here as 4,500 square metres and took twenty years to build. Below it are a library, commercial spaces, administrative offices, a conference hall and parking. Its impressive architecture makes it worth adding to your itinerary.

Estergon Castle

Within Keçiören municipality, this castle-style complex offers Uzbek, Kyrgyz and other food. Explore it and enjoy the wonderful view over Ankara.

Hamamönü

In Altındağ, Hamamönü aims to bring history back to life. Houses, Ottoman-style coffeehouses and old-fashioned street lamps attract many visitors. Summer and Ramadan are especially good times, with street music, traditional Ottoman-themed activities and entertainment in the coffeehouses. Sit down for Ottoman sherbet or Turkish coffee, or enjoy dinner at one of the many venues.

Tunalı Hilmi Street

One of Ankara's most famous streets, named after the parliamentarian known for progressive views in the Republic's early years. Shops, cafés and restaurants make it a pleasant place to browse and spend time. Kuğulu Park, one of the city's best-known green spaces, is also here.

Hacı Bayram Mosque

Hacı Bayram-ı Veli was a religious scholar and founder of the Bayramiyye order. The mosque is in Ulus, Altındağ, beside his tomb, from which it takes its name.

Ulucanlar Prison Museum

Its wards reveal a powerful history. Many important figures in Turkish political and literary life were imprisoned here, and the wax figures are worth seeing.

Atakule

Opened on 13 October 1989, this Ankara landmark was described in my notes as Turkey's second and Ankara's first shopping centre. Its 125-metre tower is famous for a rotating restaurant. It stands where Cinnah and Çankaya avenues meet, above the Botanical Park and near presidential and prime-ministerial residences and embassies, with sweeping city views. At the time of the original post, it was undergoing renovation and expected to reopen soon.

Gençlik Park

You have to come and enjoy yourself here. It is perhaps one of Ankara's oldest amusement parks. Almost anyone who has lived in or visited the city seems to have memories of it.

Harikalar Diyarı—Wonderland

In Sincan, this park was described in my notes as Europe's largest. It has artificial ponds for rowing boats and pedal boats, cartoon characters, picnic areas and plenty of space for an enjoyable day.