Ankara Travel Guide

Monument

Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Türkiye and the national leader honored with the title “Atatürk,” meaning “Father of the Turks.” Located in Ankara, this iconic monument is regarded as one of the country's most significant historical and national landmarks, known for its monumental architecture, ceremonial plaza, Lion Road, and the Atatürk and War of Independence Museum. Its architectural and symbolic importance gives it a special place for millions of visitors.

• Architecture
• Museum
• Cultural Landmark

Castle

Ankara Castle

Ankara Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks of Turkey's capital, standing on a hill overlooking the historic district of Altındağ. Although its exact construction date remains unknown, the fortress is believed to have existed during the Galatian period in the 2nd century BC and was later restored and expanded by the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Divided into an inner and outer fortress, it served as Ankara's main defensive stronghold for centuries. Its impressive stone walls, historic towers, and the famous Hisar Gate reflect the city's rich architectural heritage. Inside the castle, visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautifully restored traditional Ankara houses, artisan shops, cafés, and local restaurants. The castle also offers one of the best panoramic views of Ankara, making it a favorite destination for photographers. Combined with nearby attractions such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Hamamönü, Ankara Castle provides an unforgettable cultural experience. It is an essential stop for anyone wishing to discover the history and character of Turkey's capital.

• Ticketed
• Architecture
• Photo Spot

Museum

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located at the foot of Ankara Castle in the Altındağ district, is widely regarded as one of the world's finest archaeology museums. Housed within the beautifully restored 15th-century Mahmut Paşa Bedesten and Kurşunlu Han, the museum presents the history of Anatolia from the Paleolithic Age through the Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, Lydian, and Roman civilizations in chronological order. Its remarkable collection includes world-famous Hittite Sun Discs, monumental stone reliefs, sculptures, cuneiform tablets, ceramics, jewelry, and impressive artifacts discovered across Anatolia. Awarded the title of European Museum of the Year in 1997, the museum offers an outstanding journey through thousands of years of human civilization. Together with nearby attractions such as Ankara Castle and Rahmi M. Koç Museum, it forms one of the capital's most rewarding cultural itineraries. It is an essential destination for anyone interested in archaeology, history, and the rich heritage of Anatolia.

• Ancient Civilization
• Ticketed
• Museum

Museum

War of Independence Museum

The War of Independence Museum is located inside the historic First Grand National Assembly of Türkiye building in Ankara's Ulus district. This remarkable building served as the Turkish Parliament between April 23, 1920, and October 15, 1924, during the country's struggle for independence and the foundation of the Republic. Built in the First National Architectural style using local Ankara stone, it remains one of the most significant landmarks in modern Turkish history. Visitors can explore the restored Assembly Hall, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's office, committee rooms, and exhibitions featuring original documents, Independence Medals, weapons, communication equipment, paintings, and historical artifacts from the War of Independence. Offering an authentic glimpse into the birth of the Republic of Türkiye, the museum is an essential destination for anyone interested in history, politics, and national heritage. It is also conveniently located near the Republic Museum, Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Mosque, and Ankara Castle, making it an excellent stop on a cultural tour of the capital.

• Ticketed
• Architecture
• Museum

Museum

Republic Museum (The Second Parliament Building)

The Republic Museum is located inside the historic Second Grand National Assembly of Türkiye building in Ankara's Ulus district. Designed by renowned architect Vedat Tek in 1923, the building was originally intended to serve as the headquarters of the Republican People's Party before being converted into the Second Parliament building due to the growing needs of the young Republic. From 1924 to 1960, it witnessed many of the most significant political developments in modern Turkish history, including Atatürk's reforms, major legislative changes, and the transition to a multi-party political system. Visitors can explore the original Assembly Hall where Atatürk delivered his famous Great Speech (Nutuk), historic parliamentary chambers, and exhibitions featuring personal belongings of Presidents Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, İsmet İnönü, and Celâl Bayar. Richly decorated with elements of the First National Architectural Movement, the museum combines impressive architecture with the story of the Republic's foundation and development. Together with the nearby War of Independence Museum and Ankara Castle, it forms one of the capital's most important historical and cultural routes.

• Ticketed
• Architecture
• Museum

Tower

Atakule

Atakule is Ankara's iconic observation tower, located in the Çankaya district. Standing 125 meters tall, it opened in 1989 and quickly became one of the defining landmarks of the Turkish capital. Designed by architect Ragıp Buluç, the tower was built together with Ankara's first shopping mall and has since evolved into a modern destination combining shopping, dining, art, and panoramic city views. Following a major renovation completed in 2018, Atakule continues to serve as one of the city's most recognizable attractions. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Ankara from the tower while exploring its restaurants, cafés, shopping areas, cinema, and cultural spaces. The rotating restaurant and observation areas offer spectacular views throughout the day, especially at sunset and after dark when the city lights illuminate the skyline. Located next to Botanik Park, Atakule is an excellent stop for travelers looking to experience one of Ankara's most famous landmarks and capture unforgettable photographs.

• Ticketed
• Architecture
• Photo Spot

Museum

Ulucanlar Prison Museum

Ulucanlar Prison Museum, located in Ankara's Altındağ district, is one of Türkiye's most remarkable museums dedicated to the country's modern political and social history. Originally opened as a prison in 1925, the facility served for more than eighty years before closing in 2006. Following a careful restoration, it reopened as a museum in 2011, preserving the original prison buildings and their powerful historical atmosphere. Visitors can walk through preserved prison cells, solitary confinement rooms, execution areas, and courtyards while exploring personal belongings, letters, photographs, official documents, and lifelike wax figures representing former inmates. The museum also features an art street, library, and cultural spaces, making it much more than a traditional history museum. Offering a moving insight into Türkiye's recent past, Ulucanlar Prison Museum is one of Ankara's most unique cultural attractions and an essential stop for visitors interested in history and human stories.

• Architecture
• Museum
• Republican Era

Museum

Rahmi M. Koç Museum Ankara

Rahmi M. Koç Museum Ankara is one of Türkiye's leading industrial museums, located directly opposite the main entrance of Ankara Castle. Opened in 2005, the museum occupies the beautifully restored historic Çengelhan and Safranhan, two Ottoman-era buildings that have been transformed into exhibition spaces dedicated to the history of industry, engineering, transportation, and technology. Its extensive collection features classic automobiles, motorcycles, steam engines, railway models, maritime artifacts, scientific instruments, communication devices, antique toys, and faithfully recreated traditional workshops. Interactive exhibits and family-friendly displays make the museum enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Conveniently located near Ankara Castle and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, it is an essential stop for anyone interested in science, innovation, engineering, or the industrial heritage of Türkiye.

• Architecture
• Museum
• Family Friendly

Museum

Ankara State Museum of Painting and Sculpture

The Ankara State Museum of Painting and Sculpture is one of Türkiye's most important fine arts museums, located on Namazgâh Hill in the Altındağ district. Designed by architect Arif Hikmet Koyunoğlu between 1927 and 1930 as the headquarters of the Turkish Hearths, the building is considered one of the finest examples of the First National Architectural Movement. Restored and reopened as a museum in 1980, it has become one of Ankara's leading cultural and artistic institutions. The museum houses an outstanding collection of Turkish paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, photographs, and decorative arts dating from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Works by renowned artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey, İbrahim Çallı, Bedri Rahmi Eyüboğlu, Abidin Dino, and Fikret Mualla are displayed alongside temporary exhibitions and cultural events. With its beautifully preserved historic architecture and impressive art collection, the museum is an essential destination for visitors interested in Turkish art and culture.

• Ticketed
• Architecture
• Museum

Ancient Ruins

Temple of Augustus and Rome

The Temple of Augustus and Rome is one of the most significant Roman monuments in Ankara, located next to Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Mosque in the historic Altındağ district. Built between 25 and 20 BC after the Roman annexation of Galatia, the temple was dedicated to Emperor Augustus and remains one of the finest surviving examples of Roman architecture in Anatolia. It stands on the site of the ancient city of Ancyra and represents nearly two thousand years of continuous history. The temple is internationally renowned for preserving the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, the autobiographical inscription of Emperor Augustus, carved in both Latin and Greek on its walls. Known to historians as the Monumentum Ancyranum, it is considered one of the most important historical inscriptions from the Roman Empire. Visitors can admire the surviving columns, ancient masonry, and inscriptions while experiencing the remarkable coexistence of Roman and Ottoman heritage beside Hacı Bayram-ı Veli Mosque. It is one of Ankara's must-visit archaeological landmarks.

• Ancient Civilization
• Architecture
• Ancient Ruins