Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum)
Grand mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's most-visited monument. Free entry; guard change hourly; allow 2+ hours for the mausoleum, museum, and peace park.
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About Ankara
Ankara sits at the heart of the Anatolian plateau, 850 metres above sea level, and serves as Turkey's political, diplomatic, and cultural capital. The city's historic core — Ulus — contains some of Turkey's most compelling ancient sites: a Byzantine-Ottoman citadel, the Roman Temple of Augustus bearing Augustus's autobiography in stone, the world-class Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (housing Hittite, Phrygian, and Roman artefacts), and the grand Anıtkabir mausoleum on a hilltop above the city. Modern Ankara radiates south through the embassy district of Kavaklıdere, the bustling commercial Kızılay, and the leafy residential Çankaya. The city is significantly less touristy and more affordable than Istanbul, offering authentic experiences — student café culture, traditional lokantas, and a vibrant art and theatre scene — without the crowds.
- Capital
- Ankara
- Largest city
- Ankara
- Population
- ~5.8 million (metropolitan area)
- Languages
- Turkish
- Currency
- Turkish Lira
- Time zone
- TRT (UTC+3)
Explore Ankara by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Ankara
The 8 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
World-class Hittite, Phrygian, and Roman collections in a 15th-century Ottoman bedesten. Closed Mondays. 400 TRY (~$12 USD).
Ankara Citadel (Ankara Kalesi)
Byzantine and Ottoman fortress with panoramic city views, artisan shops, and cafés inside the ancient walls. Outer walls free; tower 30 TRY.
Temple of Augustus and Rome
Best-preserved Roman temple in Anatolia, bearing Augustus's autobiography carved in stone, adjacent to Hacı Bayram Mosque.
Hacı Bayram Mosque
Revered 15th-century mosque combining Seljuk and Ottoman styles, adjacent to the Temple of Augustus. Free entry.
Hamamönü
Restored Ottoman neighbourhood with cobbled streets, 19th-century houses, tea gardens, craft shops, and galleries. Free to explore.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Ankara Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Ankara, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Ankara
- Days 1-2Ankara city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Ankara
- Days 1-3Ankara comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Ankara, departure
Where to stay in Ankara
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ₺800–1,400 (about $24–42)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ₺2,000–4,500 (about $61–136)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ₺8,000–20,000+ (about $242–606+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
JW Marriott Ankara
Check rates on Booking.comSwissôtel Ankara
Check rates on Booking.comSheraton Ankara Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comHilton Ankara
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Ankara
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Hacı Arif Bey Restaurant
Trilye Restaurant
Bent Restaurant
Köşk-i Meşk
Boğaziçi Restaurant
Uludağ Kebapçısı
Getting around Ankara
Ankara has one of Turkey's best urban transit networks outside Istanbul, with four metro lines (M1–M4), the Ankaray light rail, and an extensive EGO bus network. The Ankara Kart transit card (26 TRY / ~$0.79 USD per ride) works on all public transport. The Ulus historic core is walkable within 15 minutes. Taxis are widely available — use BiTaksi or Uber for price transparency. Esenboğa International Airport (ESB) is 28 km north; the Havaş airport bus runs every 30 minutes to Kızılay for 120 TRY (~$3.60 USD).
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in TRY, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₺400–700 (about $12–21) | ₺1,200–3,000 (about $36–91) | ₺4,500–10,000 (about $136–303) |
| Food (per day) | ₺150–300 (about $4.50–9) | ₺300–700 (about $9–21) | ₺800–2,000 (about $24–61) |
| Transportation | ₺80–120 (about $2.40–3.60) | ₺150–300 (about $4.50–9) | ₺2,000–4,000 (about $61–121) |
| Activities | ₺100–200 (about $3–6) | ₺300–600 (about $9–18) | ₺1,500–3,000 (about $45–91) |
| Daily total | ₺800–1,400 (about $24–42) | ₺2,000–4,500 (about $61–136) | ₺8,000–20,000+ (about $242–606+) |
Best time to visit Ankara
Ankara's continental climate at 850 m altitude gives it distinct seasons. Spring (April–May) is the finest period: wildflowers bloom on the plateau, temperatures are mild, and tourist crowds remain manageable. Autumn (September–October) is equally excellent and culminates in the Republic Day celebrations on October 29. Summers are hot but dry and manageable if mornings and museums are prioritised. Winters are cold with possible snow — atmospheric at the Citadel and Anıtkabir, and the indoor museum scene is outstanding year-round.
Essential travel tips
- Buy an Ankara Kart (transit card) immediately on arrival at the metro station — 26 TRY per ride
- The Müze Kart (600 TRY / ~$18 USD) covers unlimited access to all state museums for 1 year — pays off after 3–4 visits
- Museums are closed on Mondays — plan outdoor sites (Citadel, Anıtkabir, Hamamönü) for Mondays
- Dress modestly at mosques; loaner scarves available free at Kocatepe Mosque entrance
- Havas bus from Kızılay to Esenboğa Airport departs every 30 min — no booking required, allow 2.5 hours before international flights
- Book Trilye (+90 312 467 0000) and Bent (+90 312 467 0070) restaurants 2–3 days ahead — they fill quickly on weekends
Safety information
Ankara is Turkey's capital and generally one of the country's safest cities for tourists, with a strong police presence around government buildings, embassies, and major monuments
Check your government's current travel advice before travelling: the US State Department places Türkiye at Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) nationwide due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions; Ankara city itself has no heightened sub-advisory
Keep valuables secure and bags zipped across the body in the crowded Ulus bazaar, around Kızılay metro station, and in Gençlik Parkı where pickpocketing risk, while low, is higher than elsewhere in the city
Traffic in Ankara is heavy and drivers can be assertive; always use marked pedestrian crossings and obey traffic signals — do not assume vehicles will stop
Always insist taxi drivers use the meter (taksimetre açın) before departure; use BiTaksi or Uber for price-transparent rides, especially from Esenboğa Airport, where some unlicensed drivers operate
Photograph your passport and store the digital copy in cloud storage — Turkish law requires carrying identification at all times; a certified photocopy is acceptable for day-to-day purposes
Do not photograph military installations, police checkpoints, government buildings, or personnel without explicit permission; at Anıtkabir, the Hall of Honor has photography restrictions during ceremonies
Register with your country's embassy in Ankara if staying more than a few days (US citizens can use the STEP programme at step.state.gov)
Drink bottled water, which costs 10–20 TRY (~$0.30–0.60) per 0.5L and is available everywhere; tap water is treated and technically safe but locals and visitors generally prefer bottled
Dress modestly when visiting mosques — covered shoulders and knees required, women should carry a light scarf; free loaner scarves are available at Kocatepe Mosque
Avoid unlit streets in Ulus and the steep lanes around the Citadel after dark; Hamamönü, Kızılay, Çankaya, and Kavaklıdere are well-lit and safe at night
Carry a note of your accommodation's name and address written in Turkish — taxi drivers and locals outside the centre may not speak English
Frequently asked questions
Is Ankara worth visiting as a tourist?
Yes. Ankara is home to Turkey's finest historical museum (Museum of Anatolian Civilizations), the country's most iconic monument (Anıtkabir), an impressive Byzantine citadel, and excellent authentic restaurants. It is less touristy than Istanbul, which means more authentic experiences and lower prices.
How many days do I need in Ankara?
Two to three days comfortably covers the main city attractions. A week allows day trips to Gordion, Beypazarı, and Kızılcahamam thermal springs.
What is the best time to visit Ankara?
April–May and September–October offer the best weather for sightseeing. Winters are cold (snow possible) and summers are hot and dry (30°C+). Spring brings wildflowers and pleasant temperatures. October 29 Republic Day is spectacular to witness in the capital.
Are museums in Ankara free?
Anıtkabir is free. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations costs 400 TRY (~$12 USD). Most museums are free with the Müze Kart (600 TRY annual pass). All state museums are closed on Mondays.
How do I get from Esenboğa Airport to Ankara city centre?
The Havaş airport bus runs from Esenboğa Airport to Kızılay (central Ankara) every 30 minutes from 05:30 to midnight for 120 TRY (~$3.60 USD), taking 35–55 minutes. Official metered taxis cost 350–450 TRY (~$10.60–13.60 USD) and take 25–45 minutes.