Discover tours, attractions and activities for your next adventure
Anirkabir
Anitkabir is the mausoleum of the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the first President of the republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The mausoleum has four sections. A long pedestrian walkway lined with 12 pairs of lions carved on both the sides, known as the Road of the Lions. At the end of the road is the Ceremonial Plaza. Thereafter, is the Hall of Honour that has the symbolic sarcophagus right under which lies the Tomb of Ataturk in the basement. The mausoleum building is surrounded by a peace park containing decorative trees, flowers and shrubs that have been donated from around 25 countries. It is named Peace Park to honour Ataturk whose famous expression was 'Peace at home, peace in the world'
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Delve into the history of Turks at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. The fascinating museum has beautifully curated exhibits that take you through an enchanting journey from Palaeolithic, Chalcolithic, Neolithic, Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Lydian times. The main attraction of the museum is its exhibit displaying Hittite artefacts.
Kocatepe Mosque
Located in the Centre of the city is the magnificent Kocatepe Mosque. The largest Masjid in Ankara and one of the largest in the world, Kocatepe Mosque dominates the skyline of Ankara and can be seen from anywhere in the city. The structure that stands in front of you was revised three times and took almost two decades to complete. Marvel at the exquisite beauty of the mosque and relax in its serene ambience.
Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo
Have a great time in Ataturk Forest Farm and Zoo, a recreational farming area. The site comprises of a zoo, small agricultural farms, restaurants, greenhouses, a brewery and a dairy farm. Get close with a variety of animals ranging from monkeys, apes, snakes to big cats at the zoological garden. Angora cats are also bred in the zoo. You can even buy them from there. Besides watching the wildlife, you can also enjoy farm product samples like meat rolls, old-fashioned beer, dairy products, etc.
Altinköy Open Air Museum
Altinköy Open Air Museum is a great place to spend a day outdoors. Enjoy a walk through the beautifully laid site comprising of Turkish village houses and animals. The picturesque setting is great to relax and get close to nature along with experiencing the quaint lifestyle of the Turkish villages.
Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the second largest city in the country after its former capital Istanbul. The modern city of Turkey may not be boasting of opulent palaces but is of great significance to secular Turks. It is the symbol of Turkey's liberty, independence and development. Unlike other cities of Turkey, Ankara has a modernistic and dynamic lifestyle. While the vibrant life of the city surely captures your attention, one should not forget that the historic city has years of legacy that fascinate wandering eyes.
How to Get Tickets?
The attraction ticket are available on the spot, but you can purchase the tickets onine beforehand to avoid wasting your time queueing.
How To Get Around?
Taxis are the most common options for tourists who are not used to Ankara traffic. They are easy to find every where and do note that the fares are metered. Renting a car and driving it on your own is also possible but you need to be patient and cautious since the traffic is pretty bad. Rrenting a bicycle is also a popular travel option in the city but the traffic might not be the most bicycle-friendly.
What Should I Wear?
There's no problem wearing shorts if that's comfortable for you. Locals usually wear 'smart casual', which is summer dresses with sleeves or sleeved top with skirt (for women). Meanwhile, men usually wear short-sleeved shirt and trousers.
Best Time to Visit
To enjoy your time the most, visit Ankara during the summer, which is between June and September. During this season, the weather is warm and the sun shines bright.
Currency
Turkish Lira
Will I Need a Guide?
A guide is not needed since transportation is easy to find and this website provides you all the information you need.
How To Get There?
International tourists' best option is by plane, arriving at Esenboğa International Airport, which is located around 28 km from the city center. Local tourists can reach the city by train and bus. Train is quite convenient and fast. If you're traveling from other than Istanbul, the bus can be a great, fast, and inexpensive option.
Additional Info
Do not take pictures with local women. You can take pictures with men, but you need to ask their permission first. Don't drink alcohol in public, you can only drink them in some designated places. You will need to take off your shoes when entering the mosques. Don't forget to bargain with local shop owners since there's a chance they can reduce the prices by half. It's not recommended to drink the tap water. Even though it's not considered dangerous, it's very chlorinated.