VISIT ANKARA, PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO

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Often overlooked in favor of Istanbul’s glamour or Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, Ankara quietly holds its own as a capital steeped in republican history, vibrant arts, and dynamic modern life. Located in the heart of Anatolia, Ankara is more than just the political center of Turkey—it’s a city where past and present merge, from ancient Roman ruins to wide boulevards lined with galleries, embassies, and bustling cafés.

For travelers seeking deeper cultural insight and an authentic taste of modern Turkish life, Ankara is a sophisticated and surprising stop.

Top Places to Visit in Ankara

Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s Mausoleum): The most iconic site in Ankara, Anıtkabir is the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. The neoclassical mausoleum and its ceremonial square are surrounded by landscaped gardens and a museum chronicling the Turkish War of Independence. It’s a moving experience for anyone interested in Turkish history.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: This award-winning museum is a must-see. Housed in restored Ottoman-era buildings at the foot of Ankara Castle, it displays artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Roman period, with standout collections from the Hittites, Phrygians, and Urartians. It’s one of the best archaeological museums in the country.

Ankara Castle (Kale): Overlooking the city from a strategic hill, this ancient fortress offers panoramic views and a stroll through cobbled streets filled with craft shops, cafés, and restored Ottoman houses. The surrounding district of Hamamönü is a charming area with art studios and traditional eateries.

Ethnography Museum of Ankara: Dedicated to Turkish cultural heritage, this museum showcases costumes, carpets, woodwork, and Ottoman-era artifacts. The building itself is a beautiful example of early Republican architecture.

CerModern Art Center: Ankara’s premier modern art venue, featuring contemporary exhibitions, performances, and film screenings in a converted railway warehouse. It reflects Ankara’s more youthful, creative side.

Kocatepe Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Turkey, this striking 20th-century mosque dominates the city skyline. Its massive dome and four minarets resemble classical Ottoman design but were built in the 1980s.

Top Things to Do in Ankara

Stroll through Gençlik Park or Atatürk Forest Farm: These green areas offer locals a break from the urban pace. The Atatürk Forest Farm includes a zoo, gardens, and replicas of historical buildings—including Atatürk’s former house in Thessaloniki.

Explore the lively district of Kızılay: This is Ankara’s shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. From local bookshops to rooftop bars and modern malls, it’s the perfect area to feel the pulse of the capital.

Taste Ankara’s Regional Flavors: Don’t miss Ankara tavası (lamb and rice stew), Beypazarı-style stuffed grape leaves, and höşmerim, a local semolina dessert. Visit traditional restaurants in Ulus or modern spots in Çankaya.

Catch a concert or opera: As Turkey’s cultural capital, Ankara boasts prestigious venues like the State Opera and Ballet House and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra Hall, offering high-caliber performances year-round.