Discover Ankara
Turkey's Modern Capital. Explore Anitkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara Castle, Kocatepe Mosque, and find the best hotels with our complete guide.
Turkey's Modern Capital
Ankara, Turkey's capital city since 1923, is a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern ambition. Perched on the central Anatolian plateau, this city of over 5 million people is the political and administrative heart of Turkey — a place where gleaming business districts and government buildings stand alongside ancient monuments and historic neighborhoods.
The city's most important and visited landmark is Anitkabir — the magnificent mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. Set on a hilltop with sweeping views over Ankara, this monumental complex is a masterpiece of modern architecture and a symbol of Turkish national identity. Every visitor to Ankara should experience the solemn grandeur of this site.
For history lovers, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is an absolute must. Housed in a beautifully restored 15th-century caravanserai, the museum contains an extraordinary collection of artifacts from Turkey's 10,000 years of civilization — from Hittite stone reliefs and Phrygian bronze artifacts to Roman statues and Byzantine mosaics. It's consistently ranked as one of Turkey's very best museums.
Ankara also boasts a charming old quarter centered around Ankara Castle — a hilltop fortress with winding streets, old wooden houses, and sweeping views of the city below. The Kocatepe Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Turkey, dominates the skyline with its four soaring minarets. While Ankara may not have the immediate romantic appeal of Istanbul, it rewards curious travelers with its depth of history, excellent museums, and a contemporary cultural scene all its own.
Must-See Places in Ankara
Discover the unmissable sights and experiences that make Ankara special.
Anitkabir (Ataturk Mausoleum)
The monumental mausoleum of Turkey's founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. A magnificent hilltop complex with museum, ceremonial halls, and sweeping city views — a symbol of modern Turkey.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
One of Turkey's finest museums, housed in a restored 15th-century caravanserai. Features extraordinary artifacts from Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and other Anatolian civilizations.
Ankara Castle
A historic hilltop fortress with winding cobblestone streets, old Ottoman houses, and panoramic views of the city. Explore the inner citadel and the surrounding old neighborhoods.
Kocatepe Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Turkey, with four minarets and a massive dome. Built in a modern interpretation of Ottoman architecture that can hold up to 24,000 worshippers.
Genclik Parki
Ankara's largest public park with gardens, walking paths, a lake, an amusement park, and the Ataturk Cultural Center. A popular spot for locals and families to relax.
Atakule Tower
Ankara's iconic observation tower with a revolving restaurant and panoramic views of the entire city. The city's answer to a landmark skyline tower.
Taste of Ankara
Indulge in the local flavors and culinary specialties of the region.
Ankara Tava
A local Ankara specialty — tender cubes of lamb cooked with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and garlic in a special pan. Simple, hearty, and full of flavor.
Cevizli Sucuk
A beloved Ankara street food — walnut-stuffed garlic sausage, grilled and served in bread with herbs and spices. Look for it at street carts and local bakeries.
Manti
Turkish dumplings filled with ground meat, served topped with yogurt, melted butter, and paprika. Ankara has some of the best manti in Turkey — try it at a traditional manticisi.
Turkish Coffee
Ankara is a great city to experience traditional Turkish coffee culture. Try it in historic coffeehouses or at one of the city's many modern specialty cafes.
Dining Tips & Where to Eat
For traditional Ankara cuisine, head to the Ulus district near the castle where you'll find restaurants serving Ankara tava and other local specialties. Kizilay has plenty of modern cafes and international options. For the best manti, look for dedicated manti restaurants (manticisi) — these tiny shops serve just this one dish, and they do it perfectly.
Plan Your Ankara Visit
Choose your trip length and explore our recommended day-by-day itinerary.
- Morning exploration of Ankara's main attractions
- Visit the most iconic landmark and surrounding area
- Local lunch at a traditional restaurant
- Afternoon museum visit and cultural exploration
- Sunset at the best viewpoint in Ankara
- Dinner with local specialties
- Full-day exploration of nearby historical sites
- Visit archaeological ruins and ancient monuments
- Traditional lunch at a local village
- Afternoon nature excursion to nearby natural wonders
- Sunset hike or scenic drive
- Dinner featuring regional cuisine
- Leisurely morning with Turkish breakfast
- Browse local bazaar for souvenirs and handicrafts
- Visit a hidden gem you missed on day one
- Final lunch with all your favorite local dishes
- Relax with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee
- Departure or onward travel to next destination
Top Hotel Recommendations
Handpicked accommodation for every budget — book your perfect stay on Trip.com.
Ankara Hilton Hotel
Iconic luxury hotel in central Ankara with panoramic city views, multiple restaurants, spa, and pool — a landmark of the city.
Swissotel Ankara
Modern luxury hotel in the business district with spacious rooms, excellent restaurants, spa, and top-notch service — perfect for business travelers.
Kizilay Business Hotel
Comfortable hotel in central Kizilay with modern rooms, a restaurant, and easy access to shopping, restaurants, and public transport.
Ankara Castle Boutique Hotel
Charming boutique hotel in the historic castle district with unique rooms, a rooftop terrace, and views of the old town and fortress.
Know Before You Go
Essential details to help you plan a smooth Ankara trip.
Getting There
Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB) is the main airport with domestic and international flights. The high-speed train (YHT) connects Ankara with Istanbul (about 4 hours) and Konya — a comfortable and scenic way to travel.
Local Transport
Ankara has an extensive metro and bus system. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable. The ANKARAY light rail connects major districts. Walking around Kizilay and the old town is pleasant.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (May-June) and autumn (Sep-Oct) have the best weather. Summer is hot and dry, winter is cold with occasional snow. Anitkabir is particularly beautiful in spring with blooming gardens.
Budget Guide
Budget: $30-55/day (budget hotel, street food, public transport). Mid-range: $70-140/day (business hotel, restaurants, taxis). Luxury: $200+/day (5-star hotels, fine dining). Generally cheaper than Istanbul.
Ankara Travel Questions
Answers to the most common questions about visiting Ankara.
Yes, absolutely! While Ankara isn't as iconic as Istanbul, it has a lot to offer. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is one of the best museums in the entire Middle East. Anitkabir is a powerful and moving experience. The city has a more relaxed, modern feel than Istanbul, with excellent restaurants, cafes, and a thriving cultural scene. It's especially worth a visit if you're interested in history or modern Turkey.
Plan for 1 to 2 full days in Ankara. With one day, you can visit Anitkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations — the two absolute must-sees. With a second day, add Ankara Castle, Kocatepe Mosque, a walk around the old town, and some of the city's museums and galleries. If you have more time, day trips to nearby Hattusa (the Hittite capital) are fascinating.
The high-speed train (YHT) is the best way to travel between Istanbul and Ankara — it takes about 4 hours and offers comfortable seats, food service, and great views of the Anatolian countryside. There are also frequent flights (about 1 hour), and overnight buses if you're on a tight budget. The train is generally the most comfortable and hassle-free option.
Yes, Ankara is generally very safe for tourists. As the capital city, it has a strong security presence. The main tourist areas like Anitkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kizilay, and the castle district are all safe to visit during the day and evening. Exercise normal city precautions — be aware of your belongings on public transport and in crowded areas.
Ankara has excellent food with specialties you won't find elsewhere in Turkey. Don't miss Ankara tava (a lamb dish), cevizli sucuk (walnut-stuffed sausage), and the city's famous manti (Turkish dumplings). The city also has a great cafe culture — both traditional Turkish coffee houses and modern specialty coffee shops. Prices are generally lower than Istanbul.
Yes, Hattusa — the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire — makes for a fantastic day trip from Ankara. The drive takes about 2 hours east of the city. The massive archaeological site includes city walls, the Great Temple, royal gates with stunning stone carvings, and the incredible Yazilikaya rock sanctuary. It's a must for anyone interested in ancient history.