28 Dec What to do in Ankara: a guide to discovering the capital of Turkey

Ankara is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity in a fascinating way. Serving as the political, economic, and social center of Turkey, it hosts numerous attractions that are well worth a visit. If you’re curious about what to see in Ankara, read on to discover its key highlights.

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Places to Visit in Ankara

Ankara boasts a diverse range of monuments and museums that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Some must-visit attractions include:

• Ankara Citadel (Ankara Kalesi): This symbol of the city, located in the old town, is a fortress dating back to the 7th century BC. Offering panoramic views of Ankara, the citadel houses ancient Ottoman houses, mosques, and craft shops.
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: One of Turkey’s most important museums, it showcases an archaeological collection spanning from the Paleolithic era to the Ottoman period. Notable exhibits include the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great, the Hittite Lion, and the Treaty of Kadesh.
• Mausoleum of Atatürk (Anıtkabir): The final resting place of Turkey’s founder and first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, this imposing monument is surrounded by gardens and fountains. Inside, visitors can explore a museum dedicated to Atatürk’s life and legacy.
• Kocatepe Mosque: Ankara’s largest and most modern mosque, built between 1967 and 1987. With a capacity for 24,000 worshippers, it stands out for its neoclassical architecture and four minarets. The interior is adorned with marble, tiles, and crystal chandeliers.

Things to Do in Ankara

Ankara not only offers monuments and museums but also a range of activities to enjoy the city. Some interesting options include:

• Stroll through Hamamönü District: A historic and picturesque neighborhood at the foot of the citadel. Its cobbled streets are lined with restored wooden houses hosting cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and souvenir shops—a perfect place to enjoy tea, sample local cuisine, and purchase souvenirs.
• Socialize in Modern Kızılay: The epicenter of Ankara’s nightlife and commerce, offering a plethora of shops, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. It’s the perfect place to mingle with locals, savor international cuisine, and have fun until dawn.
• Relax in Gençlik Park: Ankara’s largest and most popular park, located in the city center. Covering 550,000 square meters, it features green areas, lakes, fountains, bridges, sports facilities, and an amusement park. An oasis of tranquility and fun amidst the urban hustle.

What to Eat in Ankara

Ankara boasts a varied and flavorful cuisine influenced by the diverse cultures that have traversed the region. Some must-try dishes include:

• Döner Kebab: Turkey’s most famous dish, consisting of vertically roasted meat, sliced thinly, and served in pita bread or on a plate with salad, yogurt sauce, and spices. Ankara’s döner kebab, often made with lamb and beef, is especially delicious.
• Mantı: Small dumplings filled with minced meat and spices, steamed and topped with a sauce of yogurt, butter, and paprika. A typical dish of Anatolian cuisine, often served as an appetizer or main course.
• Ankara Tavası: A lamb stew with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic, cooked in a clay pot and seasoned with parsley and mint. A flavorful dish usually accompanied by rice or bread.

Best Time to Visit Ankara

Ankara has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers. The best time to visit Ankara is during spring and autumn when temperatures are milder and more pleasant, and the landscape is lush and blooming. Additionally, these seasons experience fewer tourists, resulting in more affordable prices.

Brief History of Ankara

Ankara has a history that stretches back thousands of years. Originally known as Ancyra, it served as a significant center for various civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.

During the Roman era, Ancyra prospered as an important administrative and trading hub. It gained particular prominence when Emperor Augustus made it the capital of the Roman province of Galatia.

In the early 20th century, Ankara rose to prominence once again. After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, it became a focal point in the Turkish War of Independence led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk chose Ankara as the base for the nationalist movement, strategically located away from the coastal areas under foreign control.

Following the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Ankara was declared the new capital, superseding Istanbul. This decision was symbolic of Turkey’s shift towards a more centralized and modernized state.

Today, Ankara is a bustling metropolis, serving as the political and administrative center of Turkey. It embodies a blend of rich history, modern development, and cultural diversity, reflecting the country’s dynamic evolution over the centuries.

Ankara is a city that captivates visitors with its monuments, museums narrating its history, vibrant neighborhoods, and lively parks. Ankara surprises and enchants, leaving an indelible impression. To discover what to see in Ankara, follow this guide and explore its charms.

Prepare for your trip to Ankara by obtaining your travel visa or electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for Turkey in advance, and make sure to plan your visit according to your interests and the time of year. Don’t wait any longer to discover all that Ankara has to offer