Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second-largest city, home to around 5.8 million people in the metropolitan area. Founded as the Republic's capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the seat of government and grew rapidly throughout the 20th century. The city blends its ancient Hittite and Roman heritage with modernist Republican architecture and a vibrant contemporary urban scene. Anıtkabir — Atatürk's mausoleum — is the defining landmark, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations ranks among the world's finest archaeological collections. Ankara sits on the central Anatolian plateau at roughly 850 metres above sea level, giving it a continental climate with hot dry summers and cold snowy winters.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Ankara.
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1
Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum)
Grand mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's most-visited monument with changing of the guard every hour.
Tip: Arrive before 09:30 on weekdays to avoid school groups and tour buses that arrive by midday · Photography is permitted outdoors and in both museums but is strictly prohibited inside the Hall of Honour · Dress modestly; sleeveless tops and very short garments are considered disrespectful at this national monument · Allow at least 30 minutes for each of the two museums; both are included at no extra charge · Avoid visiting on 10 November (death anniversary) and 29 October (Republic Day) unless attending formal ceremonies
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2
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
World-class Hittite, Phrygian and Roman collections in a 15th-century Ottoman bedesten.
Tip: The museum is closed every Monday — plan accordingly · Audio guides available at the ticket desk provide essential context for older unlabelled exhibits · Photography without flash is generally permitted in the permanent galleries; check signage at temporary exhibitions · Combine with a walk up to Ankara Citadel, a five-minute climb from the museum entrance · Arriving before 10:00 avoids peak weekend queues at the ticket booth
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3
Ankara Citadel (Ankara Kalesi)
Byzantine and Ottoman fortress with panoramic views, artisan shops, and cafés inside.
Tip: Wear sturdy footwear — the cobblestones and approaches are steep and uneven throughout · Morning visits offer the best light for photography from the towers and wall tops · Most tea houses and shops open by 10:00; the neighbourhood is liveliest from late morning to early afternoon · Combine with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations at the base of the hill for a logical half-day itinerary · Weekday visits are noticeably quieter than weekends, especially on Sunday afternoons
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4
Temple of Augustus and Rome
Best-preserved Roman temple in Anatolia bearing Augustus's autobiography carved in stone.
Tip: Visit in the morning when the inscription walls receive direct light, making the carved text easier to read · Combine with Hacı Bayram Mosque next door and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations downhill for an efficient half-day in Ulus · Bring binoculars or a zoom camera to read the higher inscription panels clearly · Crowds are light most days; the site is at its quietest on weekday mornings · The on-site information panels provide a good summary of the Res Gestae text and the temple's conversion history
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5
Hacı Bayram Mosque
Revered 15th-century mosque combining Seljuk and Ottoman styles, adjacent to Temple of Augustus.
Tip: Remove shoes before entering and dress modestly — a headscarf for women is respectful though not always enforced · Non-Muslim visitors are welcome but should avoid entering during the five daily prayer times · The courtyard between the mosque and the Temple of Augustus is one of the best photography spots in Ulus · Visit early in the morning for calm; the mosque can be busy with pilgrims on Fridays and religious holidays · Combine with the Temple of Augustus directly next door and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations a short walk downhill
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6
Hamamönü
Restored Ottoman neighbourhood with cobbled streets, tea houses, craft shops, and galleries.
Tip: The neighbourhood is most atmospheric in the morning before tour groups arrive and in the early evening · Tea houses within restored courtyards offer a peaceful break from sightseeing with affordable çay and Turkish coffee · Many craft shops allow visitors to watch artisans at work — ebru marbling demonstrations are particularly popular · Hamamönü is a short walk from Ankara Citadel; combine the two for a half-day in the old city · Weekend afternoons are lively with domestic visitors but can feel crowded in the narrower lanes
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7
Eymir Lake
Tranquil reservoir 20 km south with 7-km paved walking trail and boat hire.
Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds of Ankara families who fill the picnic areas · Bring your own food and water; the refreshment options near the lake are limited, especially on weekdays · The full 7-km trail circuit takes approximately 1.5–2 hours at a relaxed walking pace · Cycling the circuit is popular; bicycle hire may be available near the main entrance on weekends · Early mornings offer the best birdwatching before trail users disturb the shoreline birds
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8
Ethnography Museum of Ankara
First national museum of the Republic housing Ottoman and Seljuk artefacts, carpets, and jewellery.
Tip: The museum is a short walk from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations — combine both for a full day in Ulus · Photography policies vary by room; check signage at each gallery entrance · The carpet gallery is particularly well-presented and benefits from a slow, close examination of the individual pieces · Admission is low (100 TRY) and the museum is rarely crowded, making it one of Ankara's more peaceful cultural stops · Allow 1–1.5 hours for a thorough visit; carpet and costume enthusiasts may want 2 hours
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9
Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Museum of transport, industry and communications with steam locomotives, automobiles, and submarines.
Tip: The submarine tour is the highlight — allow 20–30 minutes for the internal walkthrough and check access restrictions before visiting with mobility limitations · Combine indoor and outdoor exhibits; the outdoor area requires an additional walk so factor in extra time · The on-site café is a pleasant stop for lunch within the restored gas-plant architecture · The museum is less crowded than Istanbul's Rahmi M. Koç Museum — weekday visits are particularly calm · Children engage well with the model trains section and the hands-on displays in the science and technology galleries
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10
Kocatepe Mosque
Ankara's largest mosque with four minarets, completed 1987, capacity 24,000 worshippers.
Tip: Remove shoes and dress modestly before entering — women should cover their hair in the prayer hall · Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside the five daily prayer times; avoid the Friday midday prayer when the mosque is at capacity · The broad courtyard is a good vantage point for photographing the four minarets against the sky · Mid-morning on weekdays offers the quietest conditions for exploring the interior · A shopping centre is built into the lower levels — entrances to the mosque and the shops are separate
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
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 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, Cappadocia, 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 to the parks and plateau.
Are museums in Ankara free?
Anıtkabir is free. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations costs 200 TRY (~$6 USD). Most museums are free with the Müze Kart (600 TRY annual pass). All state museums are closed on Mondays.
Is Ankara safe for tourists?
Ankara is one of Turkey's safest cities for tourists, with a strong police presence as the national capital. Standard urban precautions apply — watch for pickpockets in crowded Ulus bazaar and Kızılay metro areas.