Top Things To Do in Ankara - Capital City of Turkey

Updated on Aug 29, 2024 | Turkey e-Visa

Ankara in Turkey is a must-visit place when travelling to Turkey. The modern city Ankara is well known for its museums and ancient sites. On a trip to Turkey, looking beyond the known cities and places, we find the city of Ankara, which although being a capital city is often a place that might easily skip from a Turkey travel itinerary.

Ankara may not be a famous city as Istanbul, but the city has so many exciting things to offer the travellers. The museum, art and the history of ancient civilization is embedded within the beautiful city. The city is also famous for the flourishing art and culture performances such as the opera, theatre and concerts. Besides, the capital city has numerous ancient monuments and breathtaking landscapes which captivate the travellers.

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Ankara Castle

The Ankara Castle is an important historical monument of the capital city. The castle stands as a witness to the diverse civilization of Turkey from the Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman period and it has undergone numerous renovations since then. The countless renovations reflect the architectural brilliants and influence of various civilizations. Ankara Castle provides an explicit view of the entire Ankara city from the hilltop, which offers a breathtaking experience.

The castle is located on a hilltop and it has outer and inner walls and many streets and alleyways to explore. Travellers can explore the 42 towers of Ankara Castle and some of the old houses situated near the castle walls. Some of the tourist attractions of the Ankara Castle are the clock tower and main gate, dungeon tower, etc.

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Historic Ulus District

The Historic Ulus District in Ankara is one of the oldest and most enchanting places in Turkey. The ancient city of Ankara is well-known for its culture and historical reference dating back to the Turkey Independence War and it is the place where the Turkish Parliament was formed. Ankara’s old quarter has a deep influence of the Ottoman era such as the narrow streets, ruins of Byzantine period, famous mosque, Augustus Temple and numerous inns.

The district is also home to the famous Haci Bayram Veli Mosque dating back to the 15th century. The vibrant and bustling market streets, artisan shops and local markets are the best places to collect handmade art and craft and souvenirs. The Museum of the Turkish War of Independence in Historic Ulus District is a must-visit tourist destination in Ankara.

Kizilay Square

Kizilay Square is the centre of Ankara and is a lively place surrounded by shopping areas, malls, cafés, and restaurants. The cultural hub of Ankara is Kizilay Square and the best-suited place for shopping freaks. The name Kizilay Square is strongly associated with the Turkish Red Crescent headquarters, which was constructed in 1929 and later replaced by a shopping mall in 2011. Staying in Kizilay Square gives easy access to most of the tourist attractions in Ankara.

Travellers can explore the alleys, plaza, or any other excitement such as musical concerts, etc. Kizilay Square is the famous tourist spot in Turkey to spend an evening with a water fountain view and to explore the street foods. The quiet ambiance and the grounds of Güvenpark is the best place where travellers can relax with their friends and family.

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Hamamonu

Hamamonu is a lovely and beautiful neighbourhood in Ankara, the charm and historical significance of the ancient city have transformed it into one of the famous tourist attractions in Ankara. The city features the architectural influence of the Ottoman era such as the Karacabey Hamamı dating back to the 15th century. Hamamonu is the art and craft hub of the capital city, Ankara, Turkey, and is home to various cultural events.

Some of the other tourist attractions of the city are the clock tower, ancient Ottoman mansions, a shopping zone, café, restaurants, and the best street foods, which offer authentic Turkish flavours. Visiting Hamamonu, travellers can enjoy their journey back in time, enjoying the scenic beauty of the place.

Museums and Mausoleums

A place that could be considered as the sole reason for visiting Ankara, is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations located on the south side of 8th century BC Ankara Castle, filled with amazing artifacts dating back to 8000 BC from the Catalhoyuk settlement, South Anatolia. Anitkabir the mausoleum of Ataturk, popularly known as the founding father of modern Turkey, is one of the most visited attractions in Turkey's capital city.

The museum contains a collection of wall paintings and sculptures from thousands of years old. A walk through the museum will take the visitor on a journey of civilizations from Assyrian trade colonies to 1200 BC Hittites Period and finally concluding with Roman and Byzantine period artifacts with collections ranging from jewellery, decorative vessels, coins, and statues, all telling the grand story of their time.

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Temple of Augustus

The city’s most famous ruins from the Roman period include the Temple of Augustus, built around 20- 25 AD when the Roman emperor Octavian Augustus started to spread the rulership across Central Anatolia. Although today standing only with its two walls and a doorway, the place still looks appealing in communicating its history from Roman times. The Latin and Greek inscriptions on walls can still be visible recounting Augustus's achievements and glories, something which was inscribed onto many Roman temples at that time.

The temple is a great place for history enthusiasts, or in case you are a traveller looking to spend some extra time in the city a few minutes on this site could be worth the time.

The Roman Baths

The Roman Baths of Ankara is one other historic site from the Roman era, now converted into an open-air public museum. The ancient bath complex was discovered in a period around 1937-44 and is one of the well-preserved structures of the time. Built by emperor Caracalla in the 3rd century AD when the city was known by the name of Ancyra, it is a place built in line with the Roman culture of building Thermae, which was a type of public-private bathing facility.

The baths were built in honour of Asclepius, the God of Medicine, with the structure built around principal rooms of hot, cold, and warm baths. The museum is well developed as a tourist spot and has great details preserved from history.

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Ankara Opera House

Ankara Opera House is the largest of the three venues of opera in Ankara, Turkey. The place also serves as a venue for Turkish state theatres. This is one place stop for catching live performances of Turkish State Ballet, Opera and Theatre groups apart from being one of the places hosting local festivals, classical concerts and musical evenings, something which would just add more charm to the city’s visit.

If Turkey meant Istanbul for you, it's time to look at a side that one may regret not visiting, given the great mix of things to explore in Ankara and the good places which can be visited even in a very short period.

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