Ankara

Tourist Attractions in Ankara

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Ankara. Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps.

20 Attractions
4.6 Average rating
6 Categories

About Ankara

Ankara blends ancient allure with modern Turkish vigor, making it a surprising standout beyond its role as the country’s capital. The city rewards curious travelers with world-class museums like the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, home to artifacts that trace Anatolia’s long, layered history, and the monumental Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir) that powerfuly honors Turkey’s founder. Wander through the Ankara Castle district for dramatic skyline views, stroll leafy Gençlik Park and the riverside promenades, or sip coffee in bohemian Kızılay. Nearby reservoirs and Lake Eymir offer easy day-trips, while savory kebabs, çiğ köfte, and traditional bakeries round out a quintessential Turkish urban experience.

Top-20 Tourist Attractions in Ankara

Anıtkabir — Monument, rated 4.9/5 1
Monument Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Anıtkabir

4.9 ★★★★★ 140,350 reviews

Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, towering above Ankara on a hill overlooking the city. Its monumental, neoclassical design blends Turkish architectural motifs with grand ceremonial spaces, built between 1944 and 1953 under architects Emin Halid Onat and Ahmet Orhan Arda. Visitors explore a vast complex with the Royal Staircase, the Statue Court, the Hall of Honour, and a museum housing Atatürk’s personal belongings. Expect solemn guard ceremonies, panoramic city views, and timeless inscriptions—an essential stop for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about Turkey’s republic.

Mebusevleri, Anıttepe, Anıtkabir, 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Haci Bayram Mosque — Religious site, rated 4.8/5 2
Religious site MosquePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or Organization

Haci Bayram Mosque

4.8 ★★★★★ 25,498 reviews

Hacı Bayram Mosque is a historic Ottoman-era religious complex in Ankara’s old Ulus district, anchored by the tomb of the revered Sufi mystic Hacı Bayram-ı Veli. This sacred site draws both worshippers and curious travelers for its serene prayer galleries, ornate calligraphy, and a sense of living tradition that has shaped the city for centuries. Visitors can expect a peaceful atmosphere, glimpses of traditional Turkish religious life, and easy access to nearby historic streets and markets. It’s a meaningful stop for those interested in spiritual heritage, architecture, and the story of Ankara’s religious heart.

Hacı Bayram, Sarıbağ Sk. No:13, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Entrance Parking Restroom
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations — Museum, rated 4.8/5 3
Museum

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

4.8 ★★★★★ 17,024 reviews

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara is a premier archaeological museum housed in a historic bedesten near Ulus, offering a sweeping panorama of Turkey’s ancient past. Its compact, well-lit galleries display artifacts from the Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu, Lydian and Bronze Age cultures, including cuneiform tablets, carved stelae, and dazzling metalwork. Visitors can trace millennia of commerce, art and daily life through well-captioned exhibits and immersive displays, culminating in the awe-inspiring collection of Anatolian bronze and marble. It is a must for history lovers seeking context for Turkey’s rich civilizations.

Kale, Gözcü Sk. No:2, 06240 Ulus/Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Monday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday8:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Republic Museum (The Second Parliament Building) — Museum, rated 4.9/5 4
Museum

Republic Museum (The Second Parliament Building)

4.9 ★★★★★ 8,156 reviews

The Republic Museum (The Second Parliament Building) in Ankara is a historic museum housed in the former parliament complex that played a pivotal role in Turkey’s early republican era. It preserves and interprets the birth of the Republic through curated exhibits of founding documents, period rooms, political memorabilia, and multimedia displays that trace the transition from Ottoman rule to a modern nation. Visitors can expect engaging storytelling, preserved interiors, and archival photographs that bring the 1920s–1930s to life, offering insight into Türkiye’s constitutional journey and key statesmen.

Doğanbey Mahallesi, Cumhuriyet Cd. No:7, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Museum of the War of Independence — Museum, rated 4.9/5 5
Museum History Museum

Museum of the War of Independence

4.9 ★★★★★ 5,719 reviews

The Museum of the War of Independence in Ankara presents the story of Turkey’s 1919–1923 struggle for sovereignty through immersive dioramas, period artifacts, maps, weapons, and personal memorabilia. Located within a grand, historically themed complex, it guides visitors from the collapse of the Ottoman Empire to the liberation and founding of the republic, highlighting key campaigns and Atatürk’s leadership. Expect well-curated displays, informative captions, and a sense of national memory, plus reconstructed battle scenes and archival documents that illuminate the resilience and unity of the Turkish people.

Hacı Bayram, Cumhuriyet Cd. No: 2/1, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Ulucanlar Prison Museum — Museum, rated 4.7/5 6
Museum

Ulucanlar Prison Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ 17,984 reviews

Ulucanlar Prison Museum in Ankara is a compelling historic site housed in a former Ottoman-era jail that later became a symbol of Turkey’s political history. Visitors wander through restored prison blocks, dark cells, and yard spaces while exhibits showcase photographs, documents, and personal stories from inmates, staff, and activists. The museum offers insightful context on political upheaval, human rights, and justice, with guided tours and multimedia displays bringing the era to life. Expect a moving, educational experience that deepens understanding of Turkey’s modern past and resilience.

Hacettepe, Ulucanlar Cd. No:63, 06030 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Entrance Parking Restroom
Rahmi M. Koc Museum Ankara — Museum, rated 4.8/5 7
Museum

Rahmi M. Koc Museum Ankara

4.8 ★★★★★ 7,628 reviews

Rahmi M. Koç Museum Ankara is a branch of the Istanbul-based museum that celebrates industrial heritage, transport, and applied sciences in the Turkish capital. Visitors can expect an engaging, hands-on experience with interactive exhibits, restored machines, vehicles, ships, and other engineering masterpieces that bring history to life. The museum blends indoor galleries with outdoor displays and workshops, offering demonstrations and educational programs for all ages. It’s a great destination for curious families and adults alike, delivering a clear sense of how industry shaped daily life and modern travel.

Kale, Hacettepe, Depo Sokak No:1, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Kuğulu Park — Park, rated 4.5/5 8
Park

Kuğulu Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 26,458 reviews

Kuğulu Park, literally Swan Park, is a compact urban oasis in the heart of Ankara near Kızılay. Set around a tranquil pond where graceful swans glide among lilypads, it offers a shady escape with benches, walking paths, and lively street-corner ambience as locals and visitors pass by. It's ideal for a relaxed lunch break, a postcard-worthy moment with the swans, pigeons, and fountains, and a chance to observe Ankara's daily rhythms. Families, couples, and travelers can expect easy access, photo ops, and a sense of calm amid the city bustle.

Çankaya, Kuğulu Park, 06690 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance
Ataturk Statue — Museum, rated 4.4/5 9
Museum SculptureMonument

Ataturk Statue

4.4 ★★★★★ 27,838 reviews

Ataturk Statue, a museum set around the monumental tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, stands as the city’s most emblematic homage to Turkey’s founder. The museum preserves the life and republic-era legacy through deftly curated exhibits, archival photographs, period memorabilia, and multimedia presentations that trace Atatürk’s reforms and the birth of modern Turkey. Visitors can expect a contemplative stroll through history, informative displays, and occasional lectures or school programs; the centerpiece remains the imposing, seated statue that dominates the gallery. Easy to reach from central Ankara, it rewards curious travelers with context and inspiration.

Hacı Bayram, Anafartalar Cd No:62, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Entrance Parking
Ankara Castle — Castle, rated 4.4/5 10
Castle Historical LandmarkHistorical Place

Ankara Castle

4.4 ★★★★★ 22,449 reviews

Perched atop Ankara’s oldest hill, Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi) is a centuries-old fortress defining the city’s historic heart. Wander its narrow, cobbled lanes lined with traditional houses, little craft shops, and atmospheric cafes, then explore surviving walls and watchtowers that offer panoramic views over modern Ankara’s gleaming avenues. Inside, you’ll find ruins and small museums that recount the city’s layered past—from Phrygian and Roman times to the Ottoman era. It’s a wonderful spot for sunset vistas, a gentle stroll, and a sense of being immersed in the capital’s enduring history.

Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Monday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Good for kids Parking Cards accepted
Independence Park — Park, rated 4.4/5 11
Park

Independence Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 14,912 reviews

Independence Park in central Ankara is a spacious, leafy oasis that honors Turkey’s War of Independence with broad lawns, shaded avenues, and memorial sculptures set along winding paths. A haven for locals and visitors alike, it offers pleasant picnics, easy strolls, and plenty of benches to people-watch or read. Travelers can expect well-kept gardens, seasonal flowers, and occasional open-air concerts or national celebrations nearby. It’s an ideal baseline for exploring Ankara on foot, with easy access to nearby districts, embassies, museums, and the city’s historic heart.

Fidanlık, Prof. Dr. Nusret Fişek Cd. No:39, 06420 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum — Museum, rated 4.7/5 12
Museum Art Museum

Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum

4.7 ★★★★★ 3,620 reviews

The Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum is a dedicated city museum that showcases Turkish and international painting and sculpture across several centuries, from late Ottoman art to contemporary works. It offers a curated study of evolving styles, bold declarations of modern Turkish art, and notable sculptures alongside evocative canvases. Visitors can expect well-lit galleries, thematic rooms, and occasional temporary exhibitions that deepen understanding of artistic movements. The museum provides a calm, contemplative atmosphere, with informative captions and occasional workshops, making it a rewarding stop for art lovers seeking context, variety, and inspiration in Ankara.

Hacettepe, Türkocağı Sk., 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Altınköy Open Air Museum - Altındağ — Park, rated 4.4/5 13
Park Museum

Altınköy Open Air Museum - Altındağ

4.4 ★★★★★ 13,322 reviews

Altınköy Open Air Museum in Altındağ is a cultural park that recreates a traditional Anatolian village with relocated stone houses, windmills, water wheels and craft workshops set along shaded lanes. Visitors wander from one courtyard to another to glimpse rural life, watch artisans at work, and shop handmade textiles and ceramics in rustic stalls. It’s ideal for families and history buffs, offering photo opportunities, picnic spots, and seasonal demonstrations of weaving, pottery, and folk dancing. Set amid Ankara’s urban edge, the museum provides a peaceful, informative escape within easy reach of the city.

Beşikkaya, 2022. Sk, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Hamamonu Historical Ankara Houses, rated 4.6/5 14
Tourist attraction

Hamamonu Historical Ankara Houses

4.6 ★★★★★ 4,482 reviews

Hamamonu Historical Ankara Houses is a beautifully restored enclave in the Altındağ district that preserves Ottoman-era wooden mansions and narrow, cobbled lanes around Ankara Castle. Worth visiting for its living history, the district blends preserved architecture with vibrant present-day culture—local artisans, coffeehouses, and small museums sit beside restored paneling and ornate carvings. Expect guided tours that explain the houses’ heritage, photo-worthy façades, and a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. It’s perfect for wandering, people-watching, and sampling traditional Turkish snacks, offering a tangible glimpse into early Ankara life.

Hacettepe, Sarıkadı Sk. No:31, 06230 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids Restroom Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
Keçiören Falls, rated 4.4/5 15
Tourist attraction

Keçiören Falls

4.4 ★★★★★ 2,626 reviews

Keçiören Falls is a scenic waterfall located in the Keçiören district of Ankara, tucked within a leafy city park that makes a surprisingly tranquil escape from urban life. Visitors are drawn by the cascading waters, shaded terraces, and easy walking paths that wind around the site. The area offers good viewpoints, picnic spots, and photo-worthy moments, especially in spring and early summer when the flow is strongest. Expect a family-friendly outing with well-marked trails, gentle climbs, and practical amenities, making it a refreshing half-day excursion near the capital.

Kalaba, Fatih Cd., 06120 Keçiören/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum — Museum, rated 4.5/5 16
Museum

Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,607 reviews

The Erimtan Archaeology and Art Museum in Ankara is a private, purpose-built museum that concentrates on Anatolian archaeology and art, spanning antiquity from the Neolithic to late classical eras. Housed in a contemporary, well-lit space, it offers a thoughtfully arranged sequence of galleries showcasing Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and Greek-era artifacts, along with ethnographic displays and sculptural works. Visitors can expect engaging interpretive signs, occasional temporary exhibitions, and a calm, gallery-like atmosphere ideal for contemplative viewing. It’s a compact, high-quality supplement to Turkey’s larger museums, ideal for focused, accessible culture lovers.

Kale, Gözcü Sk. No:10, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • MondayClosed
  • Tuesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Restroom Seating
Ataturk & Independence War Museum — Museum, rated 4.8/5 17
Museum

Ataturk & Independence War Museum

4.8 ★★★★★ 882 reviews

The Atatürk and Independence War Museum in Ankara is a dedicated tribute to Turkey’s founding era, housed within the Anıtkabir complex. It presents the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk alongside detailed exhibits on the Turkish War of Independence, from battles and diplomacy to the national liberation movement. Visitors encounter personal items, weapons, maps, archival photographs, and reconstructed rooms that bring the period to life. It’s a concise, moving educational experience for history buffs and families, offering context for modern Turkey and inspiring reflections on resilience, leadership, and nation-building.

Maltepe, Anıt Cd., 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Monday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Good for kids
Entrance Parking Restroom
Ankara Evi Park — Park, rated 4.4/5 18
Park

Ankara Evi Park

4.4 ★★★★★ 1,026 reviews

Ankara Evi Park is a leafy urban oasis in central Ankara that blends green space with glimpses of traditional Turkish architecture. The park surrounds a cluster of restored historic houses known as Ankara Evi, offering a peek into old neighborhood life and occasional cultural events. Visitors wander tree-lined avenues, pause by a reflective pond, and enjoy shaded benches and kid-friendly play areas. It's ideal for a relaxed afternoon, family outings, or a gentle sunset stroll, with nearby cafés and art installations that capture Ankara’s heritage.

Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking
Gençlik Parkı — Park, rated 4.2/5 19
Park

Gençlik Parkı

4.2 ★★★★★ 1,229 reviews

Gençlik Parkı is a sprawling green oasis in the heart of Ankara, dating to the early republic era. Visitors stroll tree-lined avenues around a tranquil lake, rent pedal boats, and enjoy fountains, playgrounds, and cafes. The park hosts cultural events and light shows, plus an old amusement area with carousels and a small fairground. It's ideal for families and couples to relax, jog, or picnic, while locals gather for weekend concerts and markets, offering a snapshot of modern Turkish urban life.

Doğanbey Mahallesi, Talatpaşa Blv No:38, 06050 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Good for kids Cards accepted
Entrance Parking
Temple of Augustus — Historic site, rated 4.4/5 20
Historic site Historical Place

Temple of Augustus

4.4 ★★★★★ 599 reviews

The Temple of Augustus in Ankara is a well-preserved Roman temple ruins set in the heart of Turkey’s capital. Built in the early 1st century CE and dedicated to Emperor Augustus and his wife Livia, it stands as a key artifact from Ancyra’s imperial era. Wander through the strollable complex to see the battered but imposing podium, fluted columns, and inscriptions that illuminate Roman urban life. The site pairs with nearby museums for context, making it a must for architecture lovers and curious travelers seeking tangible links to ancient Anatolia.

Hacı Bayram, 06030 Altındağ/Ankara, Türkiye
Opening hours · Today: Open 24 hours
  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours
Good for kids
Entrance Parking