Ankara
Save28 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓Show on the map
Tips
8 places on the map
Museums
- 1
World-class museum of Anatolian history from the Neolithic to Rome.
- Tip: Allow a few hours
2 tips
- Hittite reliefs are highlights
- Combine with the castle above
📷 Photos
- 2
Monumental mausoleum of Atatürk with a museum and ceremonial avenue.
3 tips
- Free entry, security checks
- See the changing of the guard
- Museum covers the War of Independence
📷 Photos
- 3
Industrial and transport museum in a restored Ottoman han.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Great for families
- Café in the courtyard
📷 Photos
- 4
Open-air remains of a large 3rd-century Roman bath complex.
3 tips
- Small entry fee
- Quick 30-minute visit
- Combine with Ulus sights
📷 Photos
- 5
The first Turkish parliament building, now a museum.
3 tips
- See the original assembly hall
- Short visit
- On Ulus Square
📷 Photos
- 6
Modern museum of Roman-era artefacts below the citadel.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Well presented, English labels
- Café with a view
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- 7
Ethnography museum with Turkish crafts in a striking building.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Atatürk's first resting place inside
- Next to the painting museum
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- 8
Contemporary art centre in old railway workshops.
3 tips
- Changing exhibitions
- Café on site
- Near the train station
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Ankara tips
Transportation
- Get an AnkaraKart: this rechargeable card works on the Metro, Ankaray, EGO buses and the airport bus; top it up at station machines and kiosks.
- Take the airport bus: EGO bus 442 links Esenboga Airport with Kizilay and the AsTi bus terminal, a cheap alternative to a long taxi ride.
- Ride the YHT: Turkish high-speed trains leave from the Ankara YHT station near Ulus for Istanbul, Konya and Eskisehir; book seats ahead at weekends.
Security
- Steer clear of demonstrations: rallies often gather around Kizilay and Guvenpark; walk away from crowds and police lines and follow local news.
- Use taxi apps: hail registered yellow taxis via BiTaksi or insist on the meter, and check the route, especially from the bus terminal and airport.
- Carry your ID: police checks happen in central areas and near government buildings; keep your passport or a copy with you and avoid photographing official sites.
Saving
- Eat esnaf lokantasi style: tradesmen's canteens around Ulus and Kizilay serve home-style stews and rice by the plate for a fraction of restaurant prices.
- Visit Anitkabir for free: Ataturk's mausoleum and its museum charge no entry and are among the city's most impressive sights.
- Shop at the Ulus markets: the old bazaar streets below Ankara Castle sell dried fruit, spices and local goods cheaper than the malls in Cankaya.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for cold winters: Ankara sits high on the Anatolian plateau, so winters are freezing with regular snow; bring a warm coat, gloves and waterproof boots.
- Expect dry, hot summers: July and August are sunny and hot but low in humidity, with cool nights; bring sunglasses, a hat and a light layer for evenings.
- Choose spring or autumn: April to June and September to October bring mild weather ideal for walking around Ulus and the castle; layer up as days can swing.
Cultural
- Show respect at Anitkabir: Ataturk is deeply revered; dress neatly, keep your voice down and avoid any joking poses in the mausoleum area.
- Dress modestly in mosques: at Kocatepe and Haci Bayram mosques, cover shoulders and knees, women bring a headscarf, and remove shoes before entering.
- Try Ankara tava: this local dish of lamb baked over rice or orzo is a city speciality; follow it with tea, which is offered constantly and best accepted.
Local Hacks
- Start at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: right below the castle, it holds Hittite and Phrygian treasures; pair it with a climb up to the citadel walls.
- Hang out on Tunali Hilmi: the street in Kavaklidere is lined with cafes and bars where students and locals spend evenings; it is livelier than the old town.
- Wander Hamamonu: the restored Ottoman wooden houses near Ulus hide small cafes and craft shops, a peaceful contrast to the modern government districts.
1-day itineraries in Ankara
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.