10 Things to Do in Ankara Turkey

You’ve probably heard that Ankara is just a government hub with little to offer visitors, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Turkey’s capital holds centuries of civilizations within its borders—from ancient Hittite settlements to Ottoman neighborhoods that’ll transport you back in time. While most travelers rush through on their way to Istanbul or Cappadocia, those who pause here discover archaeological treasures and cultural experiences that rival anywhere else in the country. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss.

Pay Your Respects at Anıtkabir

When you visit Ankara, no trip is complete without paying your respects at Anıtkabir, the magnificent mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey’s founding father and first president. Located on Rasattepe hill, this architectural masterpiece blends Art Deco, Ottoman, and neo-Hittite elements across 750,000 square meters.

You’ll enter through the Lions Road, lined with 24 stone lion statues, leading to the Hall of Honour where Atatürk’s marble cenotaph rests. The red marble interior features mosaics representing Turkey’s rich civilizations.

Don’t miss exploring Peace Park, inspired by Atatürk’s famous quote “Peace at home, peace in the world.” History enthusiasts can visit the on-site Atatürk and War of Independence Museum, which houses his personal items and provides essential context about Turkey’s transformation from the Ottoman Empire to the modern republic.

Plan extra time if you’re visiting on November 10th (Atatürk Memorial Day) or Republic Day, when special ceremonies draw large crowds honoring Turkey’s beloved leader.

Explore the Ancient Layers of Ankara Castle

As you climb the winding paths toward Ankara Castle, you’ll discover one of Turkey’s most fascinating archaeological puzzles where 2,800 years of civilizations have literally built upon each other’s foundations. You’ll spot ancient Roman fragments embedded directly into Byzantine walls—a treasure hunt of spolia that tells the story of resourceful builders recycling history.

Navigate between the inner citadel (İç Kale) and outer citadel (Dış Kale), where 62 towers total provide stunning vantage points over modern Ankara. Don’t miss the East Tower’s visible Roman stonework or the Ottoman wooden houses still standing within the fortress walls.

While the White Fort remains closed, you can explore narrow streets lined with restored homes-turned-cafes, creating an authentic living museum experience. The castle’s 43,000 square meters encompass an entire neighborhood where local families continue to live within these ancient walls.

Dive Deep Into Anatolian History at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Just steps away from Ankara Castle, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with nearly 200,000 artifacts spanning from caveman tools to Ottoman treasures at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations—winner of Europe’s most prestigious museum award despite being located squarely in Asia.

You’ll explore the world’s most all-encompassing Hittite collection within two stunning 15th-century Ottoman buildings: a former covered bazaar and caravanserai.

Don’t miss the Çatalhöyük displays showcasing one of humanity’s oldest agricultural settlements, or the fascinating Assyrian trade colony artifacts from ancient Kanesh.

The museum’s virtual tours and Göbeklitepe replicas bring ancient civilizations to life. The museum was conceptualized by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself, who originally envisioned creating an Eti Museum in Turkey’s capital.

Plan at least three hours to properly absorb the chronological journey through Anatolia’s multicultural past, from Paleolithic hunters to Byzantine emperors.

Walk Among Roman Ruins at the Temple of Augustus

From ancient Anatolian artifacts, you’ll want to step outside and experience where history actually unfolded—at the Temple of Augustus, where Rome’s first emperor left his mark on what was then called Ancyra. Built between 25-20 BC, this temple houses the most complete surviving copy of Augustus’ Res Gestae—his autobiographical account of political and military achievements carved in Latin and Greek on the walls.

You’ll find the ruins in Altındağ district, adjacent to the 15th-century Hacı Bayram Mosque. The surviving pronaos and cella walls showcase remarkable preservation despite the temple’s conversion to a Byzantine church in the 6th century. The site reflects Ankara’s deep historical roots, as the city dates back to the Phrygian Kingdom before the 7th century BC.

Walk through the remnants where you can still identify six original column locations and examine the ornamented doorframe that’s survived nearly two millennia.

Get Lost in the Ottoman Charm of Hamamönü Neighborhood

While the Temple of Augustus showcases Ankara’s Roman heritage, you’ll discover the city’s Ottoman soul by wandering through Hamamönü’s cobblestone streets. This beautifully restored neighborhood centers around the 15th-century Karacabey Hamam, where you can still experience traditional Turkish baths today.

You’ll find yourself transported back centuries as you explore 250 meticulously restored Ottoman houses with their characteristic bay windows and courtyards. Duck into traditional cafes for Turkish coffee, browse artisan shops selling local handicrafts, and snap photos of the picturesque architecture that once housed Mehmet Akif Ersoy, Turkey’s national anthem composer.

The neighborhood offers a peaceful retreat from Ankara’s modern hustle while keeping you centrally located. The area sits at the foot of Ankara Castle, one of the city’s oldest and most historic settlements. Visit during Ramadan evenings for cultural events that bring the historic streets to life.

Take in Panoramic Views From Atakule Tower

After exploring Hamamönü’s historic charm, you’ll want to see Ankara from above at the 125-meter Atakule Tower in Çankaya district.

The observation deck’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer 360-degree views of the entire city, including Anıtkabir. You’ll pay around 3 Turkish Lira for admission, though this fee’s waived with dining reservations.

Time your visit for golden hour if you’re into photography – professional cameras are allowed for personal use. The revolving restaurant provides constantly changing views while you dine, though expect premium prices.

Operating hours run 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM with timed entry slots. The tower sits conveniently just 4 km from Esenboga Airport, making it an easy stop for travelers.

Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and don’t expect spotless windows – they’re not always perfectly clean, which can affect photo quality.

Experience Turkey’s Independence Story at the War of Independence Museum

Where better to understand Turkey’s fight for independence than inside the actual building where it all began? You’ll step into the original First Grand National Assembly of Turkey, where Atatürk and his colleagues made pivotal decisions between 1920 and 1924.

The preserved assembly hall still features the original school benches where deputies sat during historic sessions.

You’ll see authentic artifacts including Atatürk’s personal binoculars, Independence War weaponry, and medals awarded to freedom fighters.

The chronological exhibits walk you through key moments from 1918-1923, covering everything from the constitution’s approval to the republic’s proclamation.

Don’t miss the symbolic National Pact carpet and the wartime telephone switchboard in the lobby. Your combined ticket also grants access to the Second Parliament Museum located just 100 meters away.

This isn’t just another museum—it’s where modern Turkey was born.

Hunt for Treasures at Samanpazarı Market

From learning about Turkey’s political birthplace, you’ll want to experience where its commercial heart still beats strongest. Samanpazarı Market, Ankara’s historic hay market, winds downhill from the castle through cobbled streets lined with centuries-old shops.

You’ll discover handcrafted copperware, vibrant textiles, aromatic spices, and traditional musical instruments. Don’t miss the silver jewelry and authentic carpets—just verify authenticity certificates for expensive purchases.

The real experience lies in bargaining with local vendors, a cultural dance you won’t find in modern malls. The vibrant market atmosphere creates an authentic cultural shopping adventure that immerses you in traditional Turkish commerce.

Visit Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Explore Samanpazarı Meydanı for antiques and grab local food nearby. This isn’t just shopping—it’s diving into Ankara’s living heritage where traditional craftsmanship thrives.

Escape to Nature at Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo

Just fifteen minutes from Ankara’s city center, you’ll find Turkey’s most historically significant green space—Atatürk Forest Farm and Zoo. This 1925 creation by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk transformed swampland into a model agricultural paradise that’s now free to explore daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

You’ll discover greenhouses, orchards, a 32-hectare zoo with big cats and primates, plus restaurants serving farm-fresh dairy and traditional kebabs. Don’t miss the replica of Atatürk’s birth house or the farming museum showcasing antique tools.

The zoo’s Angora cat breeding program highlights local heritage. Russian Spiritual Christians once managed the farm’s operations from 1926, contributing to its renowned animal breeding programs.

Wear comfortable shoes—this place is massive. Pack water and plan for a full day exploring picnic spots, playgrounds, and rose gardens while tasting locally brewed beer.

Discover Ancient Hittite Civilization at Nearby Hattusa

Two hours northeast of Ankara lies one of archaeology’s greatest treasures—Hattusa, the sprawling capital of the mighty Hittite Empire that ruled Anatolia over 3,000 years ago.

You’ll walk through massive stone gates and fortified walls that showcase Bronze Age engineering at its finest. Don’t miss the Great Temple with its dual cult rooms dedicated to ancient storm and sun deities, or the stunning Yazılıkaya sanctuary featuring intricate rock reliefs of Hittite gods and kings.

The site’s called the “city of a thousand gods” for good reason—temples and sacred spaces dominate the landscape. The empire mysteriously declined around 1200 BCE, with scholars still debating whether invasions, internal conflicts, or environmental changes caused this ancient civilization’s sudden collapse.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hattusa offers you an unparalleled glimpse into one of history’s most influential civilizations, making it an essential day trip from Turkey’s capital.

The Sum Up

You’ve got enough history, culture, and experiences in Ankara to fill several trips. Don’t try cramming everything into one visit—you’ll burn out fast. Pick three or four spots that genuinely interest you and explore them properly. The city’s compact enough that you can always return to tackle your wishlist. Skip the tourist traps everyone raves about if they don’t speak to you. Your Ankara adventure should reflect your interests, not someone else’s itinerary.