The capital, beyond the expected
More than a capital.
Ankara, layer by layer.
Walk through ancient civilizations, the Republic, luminous museums, open landscapes and a living culture shaped at the heart of Anatolia.
Anıtkabir · Çankaya
Begin with the icons
A city of memory, made for discovery.
Ankara reveals itself in contrasts: monumental and intimate, ancient and modern, urban and wild.
Anıtkabir
The monumental mausoleum of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic; an architectural masterpiece featuring Peace Park, symbolic towers, and the War of Independence Museum.History & Heritage · Çankaya
Ankara Castle
The crowning citadel of old Ankara, bearing architectural layers from Galatians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans with commanding 360° city vistas.History & Heritage · Altındağ
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Named European Museum of the Year in 1997, housing the world’s foremost archaeological collection from Paleolithic, Çatalhöyük, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian civilizations.Museums · Altındağ
Hacı Bayram Veli Mosque
Built in 1427–1428 adjoining the ancient Temple of Augustus, featuring exquisite carved woodwork and Kütahya tiles as the spiritual heart of Ankara.Mosques & TombsVisit Ankara
Ways into Ankara.
Weekend itineraries, ancient and Republican deep dives, food trails, family days and free pleasures — fourteen curated routes through the guide.
Visit Ankara
Explore by interest
History & Heritage
Citadels, Roman remains, historic inns and monuments reveal Ankara’s many lives.
Museums
A remarkably varied collection spanning archaeology, art, memory, science and everyday life.
Mosques & Tombs
Sacred architecture and the stories of Ankara’s spiritual heritage.
Parks & Nature
Lakes, valleys, highlands and generous city parks beyond the capital’s avenues.
Outdoor Experiences
Thermal waters, cycling, hiking, winter sports and wildlife across Ankara Province.
Ankara Cuisine
A generous table of local dishes, breads, sweets and geographically indicated products.
Local Culture & Crafts
Seğmen tradition, endemic symbols, weaving, filigree, pottery and living memory.
Districts & Day Trips
Twenty-five distinct districts, from central neighbourhoods to Silk Road towns and salt lakes.
Districts
Twenty-five ways to meet Ankara.
From central neighbourhoods to Silk Road towns, thermal landscapes and salt-lake horizons.
View allAltındağ
The historic core of the capital, home to Ankara Castle, Roman antiquities, Hamamönü, leading national museums and historic mosques.Districts & Day TripsBeypazarı
A living open-air museum on the Historic Silk Road, Beypazarı is famed for its century-old wooden mansions, silver filigree craft, carrots, and distinctive cuisine.Districts & Day TripsÇamlıdere
A spiritual and cultural sanctuary in pine-clad mountains, featuring the Tomb of Sheikh Ali Semerkandi, over ten specialized museums, and Aluç Mountain.Districts & Day TripsÇankaya
The political, diplomatic, and cultural core of the Republic, containing Anıtkabir, the Grand National Assembly, major museums, and grand city parks.Districts & Day TripsGölbaşı
Ankara's premier lakeside nature haven, blessed with Lake Mogan, Lake Eymir, the endemic Love Flower (Sevgi Çiçeği), and Tulumtaş Cave.Districts & Day TripsKızılcahamam
The premier thermal and nature resort of Ankara, celebrated for Soğuksu National Park, mineral water springs, and artisan bazlama flatbread.Districts & Day TripsNallıhan
Silk Road gem famed for Nallıhan Bird Sanctuary, colorful Asarlık badlands, the Tomb of Tapduk Emre, and exquisite silk needle lace.Districts & Day TripsPolatlı
UNESCO World Heritage Phrygian capital Gordion, King Midas Tumulus, and historic battlegrounds of the Battle of Sakarya.Districts & Day TripsEditorial
Stories of the capital
Ankara Through the Ages
The epic chronicle of Ankara across millennia—from Hittite strongholds and Phrygian kings to Roman metropolis, Ahi republic, and capital of modern Turkey.History & Heritage
The Historic Silk Road
The historic Silk Road route passing through Ankara, Ayaş, Beypazarı, Güdül, and Nallıhan, lined with caravanserais, bridges, and guild traditions.History & HeritageAnkara Cuisine and Table
Rich gastronomic culture of Ankara, headlined by slow-cooked Ankara Tava, milk-marinated Ankara Döner, crunchy sesame simit, and regional pastries.Ankara CuisineSeğmen Culture
The heroic Seğmen brotherhood of Ankara, embodying civic solidarity, bravery, and the historic welcoming of Atatürk on December 27, 1919.Local Culture & Crafts
Natural Symbols of Ankara
Living natural emblems of the capital: the white odd-eyed Ankara Cat, silky Angora Goat (mohair), Angora Rabbit, and endemic Love Flower.Local Culture & Crafts
Traditional Crafts of Ankara
Master craftsmanship of Ankara: delicate Beypazarı silver filigree (telkari), Nallıhan silk needle lace, and hand-hammered coppersmithing.Local Culture & Crafts
“Ankara and its people have an entirely different place in my heart.”
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye
A Destination for Culture & Tourism
“I strongly believe that Ankara will become the capital of culture and tourism. Together, we will make Ankara a city befitting Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic, and a city to compete with global capitals.”
Parks & Nature
A breath of Ankara
Leave the avenues behind for lakes, valleys, national parks and highland air.
Discover
Useful Ankara
Plan your visit
Start with the guide’s overview of city transport, intercity buses, rail and air travel. Practical details are preserved as a dated 2021 reference.
Source: May 2021 guide