Ankara’s Tourist Attractions: A List of the Best Places to Visit in the Turkish Capital

Ankara, Turkey's cultural and political capital, is a unique tourism destination combining ancient heritage and modern living. This lively city provides various attractions, including numerous museums and historic buildings, shopping centers, and beautiful parks, giving guests a fantastic experience.

Ankara's Tourist Attractions

Ankara is unique in Turkey and around the world due to its rich historical, cultural, and recreational sites, continental climate, and green open spaces. It was named Turkey's capital in 1920, and since then, it has grown to be the nation's second-biggest city and the home of many cultures. With its tourism and enjoyable attractions, the city offers a wonderful stay by promising unforgettable moments.

Renting a car in Ankara is an ideal choice to make the most of this experience and facilitate more accessible city exploration. Whether in Ankara on vacation or visiting friends and family, car rental in Ankara lets you fully appreciate the city's beauty and rich history. This article will serve as a travel guide to Ankara, providing insights into the top tourist destinations so that visitors can begin their journey well-informed and enjoy it.

Ankara’s Historical Sites

Ankara, Turkey's ancient capital, has a lot of cultural history. Every part of the city is interesting to visit because of its many historical sites. Some of the sights in the city that show off its long past are grand mausoleums and old castles.

·         Anıtkabir in Ankara

Anıtkabir is one of the most famous places in Ankara and the eternal resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. This mausoleum, with its outstanding architecture, stands as a symbol of the nation's pride and honor. The design reflects Seljuk and Ottoman architectural elements, emphasizing balance and beauty. It was carefully put together from carved stones.

The "Lions' Road," a 262-meter path lined with 24 lion statues that reflect the 24 Oghuz tribes from Central Asia's Turkic societies, is one of the most interesting things about Anıtkabir. Anıtkabir attracts more than 9 million visitors annually and consists of two main sections: "Barış Parkı" and the "Monument Block (Anıt Bloku)." The site also includes a library, art gallery, and exhibits showcasing Atatürk’s personal belongings and gifts presented to him.

·         Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle, one of the city’s oldest landmarks, is located in the Altındağ district and houses remnants of various civilizations. While the exact construction date is unclear, some sources suggest the Persians built it in the 7th century. Thanks to its strategic location atop a hill, the castle offers a stunning panoramic view of Ankara.

Ankara Castle consists of two main sections: the inner and outer castles, and entry to both is free. Beyond its historical significance, the castle’s prime location offers easy access to other tourist spots, such as the Rahmi Koç Museum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Around the castle, visitors can find various shops selling souvenirs, offering a unique taste of local culture.

Tourists can further immerse themselves in local culture by renting a furnished home in Ankara, allowing them to experience traditional life and enjoy the city’s calm and charming atmosphere.

·         Hamamönü Historic Houses

Hamamönü, one of Ankara's historic districts, is located in the Altındağ area. Hamamönü is famous for its old houses and streets, creating a nostalgic atmosphere where visitors feel like they've stepped back in time.

After exploring Hamamönü, visitors can also check out other nearby attractions, such as the historical Karacabey Bath, Tacettin Sultan Lodge, Ulucanlar Prison Museum, and Pirinç Han Caravanserai. To better access all these tourist sites, visitors can book a stay at one of the popular hotels in the area, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Best Parks and Gardens in Ankara

Ankara's parks and gardens give quiet green spaces for tourists to rest and engage in fun activities despite the city's rush. From historic parks to modern gardens, each offers spectacular views and plenty of activities for tourists seeking a calm place.

·         Atatürk Forest Farm

Atatürk Forest Farm (Atatürk Orman Çiftliği), once considered one of the most modern and advanced agricultural facilities of its time, was donated to the Turkish government in 1937 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Today, under the supervision of Turkey's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, it has become one of Ankara’s most important educational centers.

This huge complex offers various attractions for visitors, including a museum and exhibition hall, Gazi Forest Farm Park, a replica of Atatürk's house in Thessaloniki, and a state cemetery. At the Atatürk Forest Farm, visitors can learn about Turkey's past in a peaceful setting while enjoying the area's natural beauty.

·         Gençlik Park

Gençlik Park, a historic park in Ankara, was established on a 28-hectare place during the republic's early years. Located in the city center, it has remained a popular spot for locals and tourists, offering attractions for people of all ages.

The park features a well-equipped amusement park, a pool, and huge green spaces. It also hosts many concerts, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.

·         Mavi Göl Park

Located 12 kilometers from Ankara along the Samsun Road, Mavi Göl (Blue Lake) Park gets its name from the blue and clear waters of Bayındır Dam. This tranquil and beautiful location is great for avoiding the city's intense environment and spending a relaxed day with family and friends.

There are a lot of different things to do in the park, like picnic areas, horseback rides, wooden walking paths, and boating. This makes sure that everyone has a great time.

Famous Mosques in Ankara

Ankara’s famous mosques, with their blend of Islamic architecture and traditional artistry, symbolize the city’s rich history and culture. From the huge Kocatepe Mosque to the old Hacı Bayram Mosque, these religious places offer a spiritual and artistic experience that can't be found anywhere else.

·         Kocatepe Mosque in Ankara

Another symbol of Ankara is the Kocatepe Mosque, designed in the style of Mimar Sinan (Ottoman architect). The mosque has four minarets, each standing 88 meters high, with a central dome supported by four massive pillars and surrounded by four semi-domes. Although it is relatively new, locals consider the Kocatepe Mosque a historical site.

At night, the brightly colored outside of the mosque makes for a beautiful view. People can look around the mosque for free, and it's open from 9 AM to 7 PM in the summer and from 8 AM to 5 PM in the winter.

·         Hacı Bayram Mosque in Ankara

Completed in 1428, the Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque is one of Ankara’s historic mosques. Named after its founder, the mosque also houses his tomb. The mosque is next to the ancient Temple of Augustus, and its cylindrical brick minarets rest on square stone bases. The mosque’s wooden decorations, painted woodwork, and tiled ornaments are striking and draw visitors' attention.

Top Museums in Ankara

Visitors can learn a lot about Turkey's history and culture by visiting the museums in Ankara. These museums offer visitors a fascinating journey into Turkey’s rich history and culture. Every museum connects the past and the present, giving everyone a chance to have a different kind of cultural experience.

·         Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is one of Ankara's best and most complete museums. Visitors should definitely go there. It holds important items from the Paleolithic era to things found in Anatolia. The museum’s main attraction is its ancient wall section, dating back over 8,000 years.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations was named by UNESCO as the best museum in Europe in two different years. It's open every day from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

·         Rahmi Koç Museum in Ankara

The Rahmi Koç Museum, Ankara’s first industrial museum, is located in the historical caravanserai of Çengel Han. This museum is highly recommended for history and culture enthusiasts, not only for its historical building but also for its rich collection.

Along with many models and statues, the museum shows tools and equipment used in industry since the 1850s. It's important to know that the museum is closed every Monday.

Atakule Shopping Center in Ankara

Atakule Shopping Center, a symbol of Ankara, is best known for its rotating restaurant tower, which can be seen everywhere in the city. This shopping center, with its unique architectural design, is Turkey’s second and Ankara’s first shopping mall. It is located in the Çankaya district and sits at the intersection of Cinnah Street.

One of the notable features of Atakule is that it is considered one of the most affordable shopping centers in Ankara, making it a favorite destination for tourists and locals. The Atakule Shopping Center, built by Turgut Özal in 1989, is also important because it was built on the 66th anniversary of Ankara being named the capital.

The shopping area and the tower are the two main parts of Atakule's structure. Different things caused damage to the building over time, and it went through several repairs and big changes.