What to do in Ankara

Activities, attractions and tours

Ankara
Ankara
Ankara
Ankara
Ankara

Ankara Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Ankara has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Ankara is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Ankara to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Ankara Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Ankara.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Ankara attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Kizilay Square

Kizilay Square is the political plaza of the city, where you will see many events, rallies and protests. Around the square are many charming alleys full of cafés and restaurants. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow pedestrianized streets on foot among vendors and fisheries to get a real sense of Turkish culture. The spacious plaza has several water features, a central statue and rows of trees along the flanks.
Learn more

2. Anitkabir

The leader of the Turkish War of Independence is buried in the mausoleum of Anitkabir. After the country’s government held a competition for construction design, architects built the winning entry in the 1940s. Visit the structure for its cultural significance as well as its majestic appearance. It stands out because of its large presence with towers, arcades and a vast courtyard.
Learn more

3. Ankara Citadel

The exact origins of the Ankara Citadel, which looms grandly over the Ankara skyline, remain unknown. The iconic structure has passed under the control of the Romans, the Byzantines and other dynasties over approximately 2,000 years. Now on a clear day, locals and visitors to Ankara can see the fortress sitting atop a hill from almost anywhere in the city. Visit the citadel and its museums to learn about its fascinating history in detail.
Learn more

4. Atakule Tower

Rising proudly above the Ankara skyline, the Atakule Tower is an icon. The skyscraper, at a height of 410 feet (125 meters), stands on a hill as an ever-present guardian of the city. Dine at the revolving restaurant at the summit for 360-degree views of the historic city. The tower has two restaurants and a café.
Learn more

5. Haci Bayram Mosque

The Haci Bayram Mosque is an architectural wonder from the 15th century with several remarkable features. Today, it is one of the most respected religious sites in the city. Visit the spiritual center to see the ornamental wood ceiling, elegant water features and floral arrangements. Beside the mosque, you will find a Roman temple, a park and a spacious plaza where you can purchase memorabilia.
Learn more

What to do in Ankara

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ankara

Kizilay Square

Kizilay Square

This spacious square in the center of Ankara is a lively political and cultural hub, surrounded by malls, restaurants and hotels.

Kizilay Square
Anitkabir

Anitkabir

Relive Turkey’s fight for independence and learn about the life of its first president, who is buried in this symmetrical mausoleum.

Anitkabir
United States of America Embassy in Istanbul, Turkey. United States embassy in Istanbul is one of the most important embassies in the world.

Embassy of the United States

After visiting Embassy of the United States, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ankara. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Embassy of the United States
Ankara Citadel

Ankara Citadel

Gaze up at the city’s iconic hilltop fortress that has survived several ruling dynasties. It dates back around 2,000 years.

Ankara Citadel
Atakule Tower

Atakule Tower

Experience Ankara from above as you dine in the revolving restaurant at the summit of the city’s tallest tower.

Atakule Tower
Haci Bayram Mosque

Haci Bayram Mosque

An iconic religious center from the 1400s is home to the mausoleum of the poet after whom it takes its name.

Haci Bayram Mosque
Kocatepe Mosque

Kocatepe Mosque

Marvel at the modern design of one of the largest mosques in the world, which welcomes about 24,000 worshippers at a time.

Kocatepe Mosque
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Travel through time as you examine exhibits that tell the story of the people who lived in the Anatolian region for more than 10,000 years.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Beautiful panoramic view of Dikmen Valley Park | Dikmen Vadisi Parki in Ankara, Turkey. Thousands of trees, decorative waterfall, rocks, water fountains in the big ornamental pool.

Dikmen Vadisi Park

After visiting Dikmen Vadisi Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Ankara. Discover the cafes and its museums while you're in the area.

Dikmen Vadisi Park

Explore areas of Ankara

Swan Park is a public park in the Cankaya neighborhood of Ankara, Turkey; Shutterstock ID 661912588; PO: Hcom Destination Content neighborhoods; Client: Hotels.com; Other: Hcom brand budge

Cankaya

Noted for its cafes and spas, there's plenty to explore in Cankaya. Top attractions like Atakule Tower and Karum Shopping Mall are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dikimevi Station or Sihhiye Station to see more of the city.

Cankaya
Ankara, Turkey - Guven Park in Kizilay Square; Shutterstock ID 699040459; PO: Hcom Destination Content neighborhoods; Client: Hotels.com; Other: Hcom brand budge

Kizilay

2/5(1 area review)

Travelers enjoy Kizilay for its restaurants and shopping. Consider checking out Ankara Art Playhouse while you're in the area.

Kizilay
Panoramic view of Ankara Castle with Turkish flag on rocky hill, surrounded by traditional red rooftops and cityscape under dramatic cloudy blue sky, showcasing Turkey’s historic and urban contrast.

Yenimahalle

Get to know Yenimahalle and its many features like its bars and museums. You might want to explore sights like Presidential Complex and Armada Shopping and Business Center, and you can jump on the metro at Mesa Station or Istanbul Yolu Station to get around the city.

Yenimahalle
Ankara City Center

Ankara City Center

4/5(14 area reviews)

Ankara City Center is well-liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Kocatepe Mosque and Tunali Hilmi Caddesi are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Sihhiye Station or Anadolu Station to get around.

Ankara City Center
Divine Craftsmanship: The Tranquil Beauty of Islamic Art Inside a Mosque

Etimesgut

The museums and parks are just a few things visitors like about Etimesgut. Goksu Park and Kuğulu Parkı are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Eryaman Station or Devlet Mahallesi Station to get around the larger area.

Etimesgut
Imrahor Valley just near Muhye Village, Ankara, Turkey

Mamak

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Mamak. You might want to make time for a stop at Ulucanlar Prision Museum or Aqua Vega.

Mamak

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Ankara

konya turquie

Kahramankazan

Frequently asked questions

Is Ankara worth visiting?
Ankara offers a unique blend of attractions, culture and local charm. Whether you're into history, the outdoors or local cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Ankara?
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Presidential Complex are two awesome places to start your getaway adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Ankara while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ankara?
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is one of the top tourist attractions in Ankara and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Ankara?
You can easily enjoy leading sights like Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo and Fantasyland with a three-day escape to Ankara. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Cankaya.
Is Ankara a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Ankara is a good place to see on foot. Wander between Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Fantasyland. Then take a stroll around Ankara City Centre, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Ulus, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ankara with kids?
Deciding what to do in Ankara with kids has never been easier. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Ankara for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Ankara, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Ankara Vineyard House or Ankara Arena.
Are there free things to do in Ankara?
From visiting parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Ankara. If you're in need of ideas, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Şehit Cuma Dağ Natural History Museum is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia