Things to do · Ankara, Turkey

Things to Do in Ankara

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Getting there
The city is served by Esenboğa International Airport, roughly 26 km (about a half‑hour drive) from the center, handling most domestic and European flights. Istanbul’s airports are the most common connection points, with many travelers taking a short domestic hop. A high‑speed train from Istanbul arrives in around four and a half hours, while major highways link Ankara to the rest of Turkey.
Who goes
Ankara welcomes roughly two to three million tourists each year, drawing a mix of business visitors, history enthusiasts, and students. The streets are busiest in late spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild and festivals are on, and they quiet down noticeably in the cold winter months.
Budgeting
A careful traveler can expect to spend around 300‑400 TRY per day (about $16‑$22), while a more comfortable stay typically runs 600‑800 TRY (roughly $32‑$44), with lodging being the biggest expense. One reliable way to stretch the budget is to eat at local lokantas, where meals are tasty and far cheaper than tourist‑focused restaurants. Estimate →

  1. Anıtkabir

    attraction · 4.8 rating

    The monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, and a major national landmark with a museum and ceremonial grounds.

  2. Melike Hatun Mosque

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A large modern Ottoman-style mosque in central Ankara, notable for its scale and elegant architecture. Travelers visit for its impressive design and religious significance.

  3. Gordion Museum

    attraction · 4.5 rating

    A museum near the ancient site of Gordion, capital of Phrygia and associated with King Midas, displaying artifacts and tumulus finds. Travelers visit for archaeology and ancient history.

  4. Ankara Opera & Ballet

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    Turkey's state opera and ballet house in Ankara, hosting classical performances in a historic theater building. Travelers attend for opera, ballet, and cultural performances.

  5. Haci Bayram Mosque

    mosque · 4.6 rating

    A historic Ottoman-era mosque and important religious site in Ankara, adjacent to the Temple of Augustus. Travelers visit for its spiritual significance and traditional architecture.

  6. Kocatepe Mosque

    mosque · 4.5 rating · Free

    Kocatepe Mosque is the largest mosque in Ankara, built in a classical Ottoman style with four minarets and a grand dome. Travelers visit for its impressive architecture and religious significance.

  7. Ankara Castle

    castle · 4.2 rating

    Historic citadel landmark, a must-visit destination in Ankara.

  8. Çankaya Köşkü

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    The presidential residence and museum complex in Ankara, associated with Atatürk and the early Republic. Travelers visit for its historic mansion, gardens, and political history.

  9. Column Of Julian

    attraction · 4.5 rating

    A Roman victory column from the 4th century AD standing in central Ankara, commemorating Emperor Julian's visit. Travelers stop by to see this ancient monument.

  10. Temple of Augustus

    attraction · 3.9 rating

    The ruins of a Roman temple in Ankara, notable for the inscribed record of the deeds of Emperor Augustus (Res Gestae). A key ancient historical site for history-minded travelers.

  11. Aslanhane Mosque

    landmark · 4.7 rating

    Example of Seljuk architecture near Ankara Castle.

  12. Mehmet Akif Ersoy Heykeli

    attraction · 4.7 rating

    A public statue honoring Mehmet Akif Ersoy, the poet who wrote Turkey's national anthem. Travelers stop briefly to view this commemorative monument.

  13. Pink Pavilion

    landmark · 4.6 rating

    The former home of İsmet İnönü, now a museum preserving early Republican-era history.

  14. Bestepe Millet Camii

    church · 4.7 rating

    Mosque known for its lighting design and green interior.

  15. Alaaddin Mosque

    attraction · 4.3 rating

    The oldest mosque in Ankara, located within the citadel, dating to the Seljuk era and noted for its carved wooden minbar. Travelers visit for its historic architecture and quiet atmosphere.

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