Things To Do In Ankara

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Things To Do In Ankara

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1. Panoramic View of Ankara from Ankara Castle

Panoramic View of Ankara from Ankara Castle
4.2 /5

1 km
from city center
1 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

One of Turkey's oldest sites, the Ankara Castle is a historical fortification dating back to the 7th century. The castle overlooks the city from its peak and is often associated with Ottoman, Seljuk, Roman and Byzantine empires. One of Ankara's must-visit destinations, the castle embodies different architectural styles and is home to twenty pillars and two gateways. The streets leading to the castle are studded with old Ankarian houses.

2. Explore Roman Baths of Ankara

Explore Roman Baths of Ankara

2 km
from city center
2 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Roman Baths of Ankara is an open-air museum featuring the ruined remains of an ancient Roman bath complex. It is situated on Çankırı Avenue around 400 m from Ulus, the heart of the old Ankara district. Along with the baths, this site includes an entire building featuring a palaestra (area for physical exercise), a colonnaded street, and other unidentified structures.

3. Visit Ataturk Museum at Antikabir

Visit Ataturk Museum at Antikabir
4.5 /5

2 km
from city center
3 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The father of the modern Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, found his resting place at the Anitkabir, a mausoleum in Ankara. Standing tall on a hilltop, this mausoleum is elaborate and carved with intricate designs. The complex has many areas to explore, like the Hall of Honor, Peacock Park, Aslanlı Yol’, and Monument Block, among others. The mausoleum looks mesmerizing at night, with its well-lit walls and borders.

4. Haci Bayram Mosque

Haci Bayram Mosque

1 km
from city center
4 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Haci Bayram Mosque is one of the most historically significant mosques in Ankara and Turkey. An iconic religious centre based on the 17th century and 18th-century mosque architectural styles, it is home to the mausoleum of Turkish poet and Sufi Haci Bayram Veli, whose name it takes. The site also includes a Roman Temple of Augustus where the walls depict how it looked during the Roman times.

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5. Kecioren Falls

Kecioren Falls

5 km
from city center
5 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Snuggled in Kalaba in the Keçiören metropolitan, the Keçiören Falls is a man-made waterfall that offers a mesmerizing view. There is a glass bridge over the falls, which is worth visiting. There are many pools and fountains in the area surrounding the waterfall.

6. Aqua Vega Aquarium

Aqua Vega Aquarium

8 km
from city center
6 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Aqua Vega Aquarium is Turkey's longest shopping mall aquarium that houses nearly 12,000 sea creatures in thematic salt and freshwater tanks. Most of the magical creatures here, including sharks, are brought from all over the world's rivers and oceans and are only seen in documentaries.

7. Museum of Anatolian Civilization

Museum of Anatolian Civilization
4.3 /5

1 km
from city center
7 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Located in the Atpazarı area of Ankara, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is based in two Ottoman buildings near the Ankara Castle. The museum houses artefacts, handicrafts, tools, and furniture, among more pieces of history from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic and Bronze ages.

8. Enjoy Panoramic Views from Atakule Tower

Enjoy Panoramic Views from Atakule Tower
3.7 /5

5 km
from city center
8 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Located in the Canakaya district, the Atakule Tower overlooks Ankara from a height of 125 meters above the sea level. The panoramic view of the city alongside good food is definitely a plus, with a revolving restaurant and a café, Atakule is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner at. The bottom structure of this tower is home to a shopping complex.

9. Erimtan Museum

Erimtan Museum

1 km
from city center
9 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Erimtan Museum is an archaeology and art museum and a popular museum venue in Ankara. It houses nearly two thousand portable artefacts of Anatolian origin. Located in the Ulus region of Ankara, the Erimtan Museum showcases works that belong to civilisations such as the Hittites, Urartu, Assyrians and Achaemenids. Concerts are also held in the museum building every Tuesday, with each season having about 16 concerts.

10. Ataturk Statue

Ataturk Statue

12 km
from city center
10 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Ataturk Statue, located in Ulus Square of Ankara near Atatürk Boulevard, is a group of bronze statues depicting soldiers in a battlefield. Built during the Turkish War of Independence, the central figure of the monument is that of an equestrian figure of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey and a military officer during World War I. There are three more figures of two soldiers and one woman.

11. Kocatepe Mosque

Kocatepe Mosque

2 km
from city center
11 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Kocatepe Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world. It is also the largest mosque in Ankara that can be seen from almost anywhere in the central city. Standing 288 ft tall, the four minarets of the mosque and its gorgeous gold-plated dome are a mesmerising view. Like several other attractions in Ankara, you have to climb a hill to reach the mosque which is located near the city’s famous plaza, Kizilay Square.

12. Rahmi M Koc Museum

Rahmi M Koc Museum

37 km
from city center
12 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Rahmi M. Koç Museum is the first industrial and transport museum in Ankara. Facing the Ankara Citadel, it is situated in the old quarters of two historic caravanserais. There are certain sections dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. A large chunk of the collection is believed to be donated by the famous Koc family.

13. Aslanhane Mosque

Aslanhane Mosque

0 km
from city center
13 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Aslanhane Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Turkey, with magnificent woodwork and stone elements. The 13th-century mosque is located in the old quarter of Ankara, next to Ankara Castle. The Aslanhane Mosque, literally translating to the house of the lion, derives its name from the lion statues surrounding it, which were buried in the walls of Şerafettin's mosque facing it.

14. Temple of Augustus

Temple of Augustus

1 km
from city center
14 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

One of the most important Roman period ruins in Ankara, the Monumentum Ancyranum or the Temple of Augustus and Rome, is home to the “Deeds of the Divine Augustus” (Res Gestae Divi Augusti), the autobiography of the first Roman Emperor. Unfortunately, the temple can be viewed from the outside as it is in danger of collapse due to several climatic factors, including air pollution and earthquakes, and is not accessible to visitors for sightseeing.

15. Bird Watching & Boating at Eymir Lake

Bird Watching & Boating at Eymir Lake

13 km
from city center
15 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

An alluvial set lake, the Eymir Lake, located in the town of Ankara Golbasi, is a famous picnic spot. The Lake is inside a natural park frequented by locals for walking, jogging or cycling with a bike, which can be rented at the entrance. It is also known for bird watching, and the most common bird species found at the lake are mallard duck, elmabaş patka and bahrid. Water sports activities such as rowing and fishing are also available.

16. State Art and Sculpture Museum

State Art and Sculpture Museum

1 km
from city center
16 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Located in Hacettepe, Ankara, the State Museum of Paintings and Sculpture is dedicated to fine arts. It showcases an eclectic range of contemporary art from the late 19th century to the present day. The museum has a collection of permanent works that are the world’s finest pieces of Turkish art as well as some modern temporary exhibits by foreign artists.

17. Altinpark

Altinpark

4 km
from city center
17 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Altinpark is the largest public park in Ankara with beautiful green landscape and artificial pond arrangements. Inside the park are a science centre, buffets and restaurants, playgrounds, lakeside lecture halls, a fair and congress centre, and kindergarten and summer school. There are also rashing boats, skating rink, electric excursion cars and a mini excursion train.

18. Ankara Ethnography Museum

Ankara Ethnography Museum
3.8 /5

0 km
from city center
18 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Ankara Ethnography museum is dedicated to Turkish Arts and Culture, starting from the Seljuk period. From clothes and ornaments to shoes and other accessories, the museum captures the essence of Ankaraian ethnicity quite well. In addition, there is a library that houses a specialized collection of books covering folktales from Ankarian history and ethnography.

19. Altinkoy Open Air Museum

Altinkoy Open Air Museum

9 km
from city center
19 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Altinkoy Open Air Museum is based on village architecture, traditions and culture of the 1930-1950s. A beautiful picnic spot, the innovative museum, located in Altındağ district of Ankara, has a breathtaking green landscape covering 500 acres. Apart from being a delight for nature lovers, there are also many small museums inside, including a laundry place, a weaving workshop, a toy museum and workshop, and a wildlife introduction museum.

20. Cermodern Ankara

Cermodern Ankara

70 km
from city center
20 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

CerModern is a modern art museum for Contemporary Art and Photography located in Anafartalar, Altınsoy Cd. in Ankara. It is set inside an old railway workshop and conveys the essence of art in the present dynamic era. Some significant past exhibits of this museum include the works of Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and the Istanbul Photo Awards.

21. Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque

Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque

9 km
from city center
21 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

One of the largest mosques in Turkey, the Ahmet Hamdi Akseki Mosque in Ankara is a mix of modern architecture, Arabic calligraphy and ancient Islamic features. Designed in a neoclassical style, it has a majestic moonlight effect on the dome, created by directed lights from its four 66 metre minarets.

22. Ankara State Opera House

Ankara State Opera House

0 km
from city center
22 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The largest Opera house in Ankara, Ankara Opera House hosts Ballet and Opera performances. Based in the Atatürk Bulvarı area, the Opera House was originally constructed as an exhibition centre. Also known as Büyük Tiyatro, the building serves as a theatre for Turkish State movies. One can check and book shows on Ankara Opera House’s official website.

23. Admire Architecture of Melike Hatun Mosque

Admire Architecture of Melike Hatun Mosque

1 km
from city center
23 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Believed to be the newest mosque in Ankara, the Melike Hatun Mosque is largely popular among the locals for its exhibition halls and modern features. Built on 19,500 square metres, the mosque can house around 7,000 people at a time and displays a unique style combining Ottoman, Seljuk and modern architecture.

24. Day Trip to Hattusha

Day Trip to Hattusha

0 km
from city center
24 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Hattusha, an archaeological site, once enjoyed the status of the Hittite Empire's capital. Hattusha is known for its urban planning and the various surviving ruins, including temples, royal residences, and fortresses. The lavish Lions' Arch, Royal Gate, and the Yazilikaya group of rock art are some of the architectural delights here. Now recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Hattusha is a must-visit in Ankara.

25. Bestepe Mosque

Bestepe Mosque

7 km
from city center
25 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

The Bestepe National Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Ankara. Located inside the Presidential Palace complex of Ankara's Bestepe district, it symbolises Turkish culture and traditions and is a prominent example of traditional Turkish architecture. The mosque has a beautiful fountain at the entrance and looks stunning at night with its illuminated minarets.

26. Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

6 km
from city center
26 out of 26
Things To Do in Ankara

Located in Yenimahalle, the Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo is an expansive recreational park and the largest zoo in Ankara. It houses several small agricultural farms, greenhouses, restaurants, a dairy farm, and a brewery. The zoological garden is home to some big cats, monkeys, apes, ungulates, snakes, various species of birds, as well as an aquarium.

FAQs on Ankara

How can I commute within Ankara?

This city is known to have a good transportation system and hence you can easily commute to numerous locations with the help of private buses as well as the local train system. If you wish to go to a longer distance then metro would be a good option, however in case planning to travel nearby then you might consider getting a cab.
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What are the top sightseeing places in Ankara?

The top sightseeing places in Ankara are Antikabir, Museum of Anatolian, Anakra Castle, Ankara Ethnography Museum, War of Independence Museum, Atakule Tower.

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