Things to do in Ankara

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Anitkabir which includes street scenes, industrial elements and a square or plaza

Ankara Attractions

If you haven't traveled to Ankara yet, you're in for an incredible time. Rich history, superb restaurants and fantastic tourist attractions are just some of the things that make this lively city a delight. Ready to unearth the very best of it?

Explore the best sights in Ankara with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {5 fun activities in Ankara fun activities in Ankara}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel all your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.

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Ankara must see attractions

1. Kizilay Square

Kizilay Square is the political plaza of the city, where you will see many events, rallies and protests. Around the square are many charming alleys full of cafés and restaurants. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow pedestrianized streets on foot among vendors and fisheries to get a real sense of Turkish culture. The spacious plaza has several water features, a central statue and rows of trees along the flanks.
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Kizilay Square featuring street scenes

2. Anitkabir

The leader of the Turkish War of Independence is buried in the mausoleum of Anitkabir. After the country’s government held a competition for construction design, architects built the winning entry in the 1940s. Visit the structure for its cultural significance as well as its majestic appearance. It stands out because of its large presence with towers, arcades and a vast courtyard.
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Anitkabir featuring heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

3. Kocatepe Mosque

The largest mosque in Ankara, Kocatepe Mosque strikes an imposing chord with its rising minarets and tiers of domes. It has become an icon in the city’s skyline, visible from most parts of the city on a clear day. Be one of the 24,000 visitors that the enormous mosque can accommodate at one time.
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Kocatepe Mosque which includes heritage architecture, religious aspects and a mosque

4. Ankara Citadel

The exact origins of the Ankara Citadel, which looms grandly over the Ankara skyline, remain unknown. The iconic structure has passed under the control of the Romans, the Byzantines and other dynasties over approximately 2,000 years. Now on a clear day, locals and visitors to Ankara can see the fortress sitting atop a hill from almost anywhere in the city. Visit the citadel and its museums to learn about its fascinating history in detail.
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Ankara Citadel featuring a square or plaza, heritage architecture and chateau or palace

5. Haci Bayram Mosque

The Haci Bayram Mosque is an architectural wonder from the 15th century with several remarkable features. Today, it is one of the most respected religious sites in the city. Visit the spiritual center to see the ornamental wood ceiling, elegant water features and floral arrangements. Beside the mosque, you will find a Roman temple, a park and a spacious plaza where you can purchase memorabilia.
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Haci Bayram Mosque which includes a mosque and a sunset

What to do in Ankara

Things to Do in Ankara with Kids

Ankara boasts plenty of close by fun activities for you and the kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep everyone happy for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ankara? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Ankara on a sunny day?
When the weather is perfect, these outdoor activities guarantee a great time:


What to do in Ankara on a rainy day?
With appealing indoor activities like a Primeclass Domestic Lounge at Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) and a Primeclass International Lounge at Esenboga Airport (ESB) to keep you amused, you’ll barely notice it raining cats and dogs outside.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ankara

Image for Kizilay Square

Kizilay Square

4/5(61 reviews)

This spacious square in the center of Ankara is a lively political and cultural hub, surrounded by malls, restaurants and hotels.

Kizilay Square
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Anitkabir

5/5(48 reviews)

Relive Turkey’s fight for independence and learn about the life of its first president, who is buried in this symmetrical mausoleum.

Anitkabir
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Kocatepe Mosque

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Marvel at the modern design of one of the largest mosques in the world, which welcomes about 24,000 worshippers at a time.

Kocatepe Mosque
Image for Ankara Citadel

Ankara Citadel

4.5/5(41 reviews)

Gaze up at the city’s iconic hilltop fortress that has survived several ruling dynasties. It dates back around 2,000 years.

Ankara Citadel
Image for Haci Bayram Mosque

Haci Bayram Mosque

4.5/5(28 reviews)

An iconic religious center from the 1400s is home to the mausoleum of the poet after whom it takes its name.

Haci Bayram Mosque
Image for Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Travel through time as you examine exhibits that tell the story of the people who lived in the Anatolian region for more than 10,000 years.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
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Atakule Tower

4/5(10 reviews)

Experience Ankara from above as you dine in the revolving restaurant at the summit of the city’s tallest tower.

Atakule Tower
Image for Tunali Hilmi Caddesi

Tunali Hilmi Caddesi

4.5/5(6 reviews)

During your visit to Cankaya, you can do some window-shopping at Tunali Hilmi Caddesi. You can enjoy the restaurants while in the area.

Tunali Hilmi Caddesi
Image for Armada Shopping and Business Center

Armada Shopping and Business Center

4.5/5(11 reviews)

During your visit to Ankara, you can do some window-shopping at Armada Shopping and Business Center. Take in the museums while you're in the area.

Armada Shopping and Business Center

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ankara

Grand Bazaar featuring interior views and markets

Kizilay

4/5(18 area reviews)

Travelers enjoy Kizilay for its restaurants and shopping. Consider checking out Ankara Art Playhouse while you're in the area.

Kizilay
Ethnographic Museum featuring heritage architecture

Ankara City Center

4.5/5(154 area reviews)

The heart of Turkey’s capital is alive with grand mosques, atmospheric shopping streets, chic malls, leafy parks and a memorial to the nation’s independence hero.

Ankara City Center
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Yenimahalle

4/5(22 area reviews)

Get to know Yenimahalle and its many features like its bars and museums. You might want to explore sights like Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo and Presidential Complex, and you can jump on the metro at Mesa Station or Istanbul Yolu Station to get around the city.

Yenimahalle
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Çukurambar Mahallesi

While Çukurambar Mahallesi might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Armada Shopping and Business Center and Next Level AVM.

Çukurambar Mahallesi
Ulus which includes heritage elements

Ulus

4/5(38 area reviews)

Noted for its museums and historic sites, there's plenty to explore in Ulus. Top attractions like Haci Bayram Mosque and Genclik Park are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Ulus Station or ASKI Station to see more of the city.

Ulus
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Bahçelievler Mahallesi

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Even though there aren't top sights in Bahçelievler Mahallesi, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Anitkabir Ataturk Museum. Jump on the metro at Besevler Station to see more of the city.

Bahçelievler Mahallesi
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Popular day trips from Ankara

Ankara featuring a mosque, heritage architecture and interior views

Golbasi

Grand Bazaar featuring interior views and markets

Cankaya