ANKARA
Ankara is the modern yet ancient heart of Turkey, a cosmopolitan capital built on centuries of history. From its Phrygian roots to its central role in the birth of the Turkish Republic, it is a city of profound historical weight.
The city stands as a vibrant bridge connecting the past to the future, with ancient castles overlooking soaring modern towers. It’s a compelling blend of grand monuments, world-class museums, and the bustling energy of a dynamic, modern metropolis.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Historical Monuments & Museums:
Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum): The monumental and revered resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, featuring a museum of his life and the War of Independence.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: A world-class archaeological museum housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman bazaar, showcasing artifacts from the Paleolithic era through the classical civilizations of Anatolia.
Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi): A historic fortress on a hill overlooking the old city, offering panoramic views and a charming neighborhood within its walls.
Temple of Augustus and Rome: The sparse but significant ruins of a Roman temple, famous for bearing the best-preserved copy of Emperor Augustus’s testament, the Res Gestae Divi Augusti.
Hacı Bayram Mosque: A 15th-century mosque and pilgrimage site located next to the Temple of Augustus, featuring beautiful Ottoman-era architecture.
Rahmi M. Koç Museum: A private museum housed in a former caravanserai, focusing on the history of transport, industry, and communication.
War of Independence Museum (First Parliament Building): The original building of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, which directed the Turkish War of Independence.
Ethnography Museum: A beautiful structure dedicated to displaying the rich cultural and daily life artifacts of Turkish civilizations, especially from the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.
Ulucanlar Prison Museum: A former political prison turned museum, offering a stark and moving look into a difficult period of modern Turkish history.
Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum: Located next to the Ethnography Museum, featuring an extensive collection of Turkish art from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Roman Baths and Open Air Museum: The extensive ruins of a large imperial bath complex dating back to the 3rd century AD.
Modern Landmarks & Cultural Hubs:
Atakule Tower: A modern communications and observation tower with a revolving restaurant, offering sweeping, 360-degree views of the city from the upscale Çankaya district.
Kocatepe Mosque: The largest mosque in Ankara, a grand example of modern Ottoman-style architecture dominating the city’s skyline.
CerModern: Ankara’s premier contemporary art venue, housed in a repurposed railway depot, featuring modern Turkish and international exhibits, concerts, and performances.
Presidential Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall (CSO Ada): A spectacular modern architectural complex that is home to the Turkish Presidential Symphony Orchestra.
Kızılay Square: A central, bustling transportation and commercial hub, representing the modern heart of the city.
Historic Neighborhoods, Parks & Day Trips:
Hamamönü Restored Area: A charming, well-preserved Ottoman-era neighborhood with cobblestone streets, traditional wooden houses, cafes, and artisan shops.
Gençlik Parkı (Youth Park): A large, historic central park featuring an artificial lake, fountains, an amusement park, and an open-air theatre.
Kuğulu Park (Swan Park): A beloved, picturesque urban park in Çankaya famous for its swans, geese, and tranquil atmosphere.
Altınköy Open-Air Museum: A cultural park recreating a traditional Anatolian village, complete with stone houses, windmills, and farm animals.
Gordion (Day Trip): The ancient capital of the Phrygian kingdom, famous for its connections to King Midas and an extensive archaeological site with a large burial mound (tumulus).
Beypazarı (Day Trip): A charming historic town known for its beautifully preserved traditional Ottoman houses, local silverware, and carrot-based delicacies.
Activities & Experiences
Visit Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s Mausoleum: Pay your respects at the grand, imposing final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Be sure to witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony.
Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Delve into Turkey’s rich past with one of the country’s finest museums, housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman bazaar and caravanserai near the castle.
Wander Through Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi): Climb to the top of this historic citadel for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city, and explore the cobblestone streets and traditional Ottoman-era houses within its walls.
Stroll the Hamamönü Neighborhood: Walk through the carefully restored 19th-century Ottoman district, known for its wooden mansions, quaint craft shops, and traditional Turkish cafes.
Discover the Roman Ruins: Explore the well-preserved remains of the ancient Roman Bath complex and the Temple of Augustus and Rome (famous for the Monumentum Ancyranum inscription) near the Hacı Bayram Mosque.
Attend a Concert at CSO Ada Ankara: Experience a performance by the world-renowned Presidential Symphony Orchestra (CSO) in its striking, modern concert hall, celebrated for its cutting-edge acoustics.
Go on a Local Food Crawl in Kaleiçi: Explore the old city’s traditional quarters near the castle (like Atpazarı) and neighborhoods like Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu for authentic local cuisine, street food like kokoreç, and classic döner.
Spend an Afternoon at Rahmi M. Koç Museum: A fascinating museum for families and technology enthusiasts, showcasing the history of industry, transportation, and communication in a historic building.
Visit the Hacı Bayram Mosque and Complex: See this significant 15th-century mosque and the mausoleum of Sufi saint Hacı Bayram Veli, located right next to the ruins of the Temple of Augustus.
Shop and Dine at Atakule: Head to the modern Atakule tower and shopping center, which features an observation deck and a revolving restaurant for a contemporary city experience and views.
Unwind in Gençlik Park: Enjoy the largest public park in the city center, which features a large pond, an amusement park (Luna Park), and is a popular spot for a leisurely evening stroll.
Take a Turkish Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic Anatolian dishes, such as homemade baklava, savory manti (dumplings), or traditional Turkish stews, from a local chef.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport is Efficient: Ankara has a well-developed and affordable public transportation system consisting of the Metro, the light-rail Ankaray (A1 line), and extensive EGO public buses.
AnkaraKart is Essential: You must purchase a rechargeable AnkaraKart for all public bus and rail travel. It can be bought and topped up at Metro/Ankaray stations and authorized kiosks.
Metro is Convenient: The Metro (M lines) and Ankaray are excellent for navigating between key areas. The Kızılay station is the central hub for transfers between lines and the location of many commercial areas.
From the Airport (ESB): The BelkoAir (or similar) airport buses are the most direct and affordable way to travel from Esenboğa Airport to the city center, typically terminating at AŞTİ (Bus Terminal) or Kızılay. Taxis are also readily available with set fares to various districts.
Dolmuş (Minibus): These are shared minibuses that follow set routes but pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along the route, making them flexible for local travel, especially in areas not covered by the Metro. They typically accept cash payment.
AŞTİ (Bus Terminal): Ankara’s intercity bus terminal is a major hub connecting the capital to virtually all cities in Turkey. It is the final stop on the Ankaray line, making intercity travel seamless.
Ankara is the Political Capital, not Istanbul: Remember that Ankara is the capital city of Turkey and its administrative/political center, which gives it a different, more reserved character than the cosmopolitan and heavily-touristed Istanbul.
Respect for Atatürk: Anıtkabir is a profoundly important, solemn, and symbolic site for all Turks. Dress respectfully (no beachwear or overly revealing clothing) and maintain decorum when visiting.
Dining Culture: Lunch is generally eaten between 12:30 PM and 2 PM, and dinner often starts after 7 PM, sometimes later for socializing. Turkish cuisine is meat-heavy, with specialties like various kebabs and the famous Ankara Tavası (a lamb stew).
Hospitality (Misafirperverlik): Turkish people are renowned for their warmth and hospitality. If invited for tea or a meal by a local, it is a great honor. In traditional settings, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering a private home.
Tea Culture: Turkish tea (çay) is a staple of social life. It is served in small, tulip-shaped glasses. Accepting a glass is a simple gesture of connection and good faith.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping (known as bahşiş) is common. In restaurants without a service charge, a tip of 5-10% is customary, usually left in cash on the table. For taxis, simply rounding up the fare is sufficient (Üstü kalsın – ‘keep the change’).
Hidden Gems:
- CerModern: Housed in a beautifully converted railway maintenance workshop, this is one of Turkey’s largest modern art centers, hosting various exhibitions and events.
- TCDD Open Air Steam Locomotive Museum: Located near the train station, this small, free museum is a treat for railway enthusiasts, featuring historic steam engines.
- Kocatepe Mosque: While modern, this is one of the largest mosques in the world and an architectural marvel, completed in 1987, that dominates the Ankara skyline.
- Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu (Cobblers’ Ascent): A vibrant street in the old quarter below the castle, famous for its traditional commerce, spices, and copper goods, perfect for unique souvenir shopping.
Weather: Ankara has a continental climate. Summers can be hot and dry, while winters are typically very cold with significant snow and temperatures often well below freezing. Pack accordingly for the season.
Top Restaurants
Boğaziçi Lokantası [$15-$25] – A timeless, classic esnaf lokantası (tradesmen’s restaurant) in Ulus, famous for traditional Ottoman and Turkish stews (sulu yemekler) and iskender kebab.
Hacı Arif Bey Restaurant [$20-$35] – Highly-regarded for authentic Turkish cuisine and kebabs in a warm, traditional setting, popular with locals for high-quality meat.
Meşhur Tavacı Recep Usta [$20-$35] – Celebrated for its traditional Anatolian “tavas” (dishes cooked in a shallow pan), offering rich, regional flavors in a comfortable atmosphere.
Kebap 49 [$15-$25] – A long-standing local favorite known for consistently good quality, generous portions, and reasonable prices, specializing in authentic kebabs.
Düveroğlu [$15-$25] – Recommended for trying authentic Gaziantep-style lahmacun (spicy, garlic-infused flatbread) and a range of traditional Southeastern Turkish cuisine.
Çukurağa Sofrası [$15-$25] – A casual local spot to enjoy delicious grilled meats, various kebabs, and köfte (meatballs) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Kınacızade Konağı [$20-$35] – Housed in a beautifully renovated 19th-century mansion in the old town, offering a charming, historical backdrop for traditional Turkish food.
Meşhur Özçelik Aspava [$15-$25] – A local institution, especially known for its generous portions, complimentary side dishes, and classic Turkish fast-food specialties like pide and kebabs.
Peçenek Döner [$10-$20] – A top spot for authentic and delicious döner kebab, often lauded by locals as one of the best in the city.
Hattena Hatay Sofrası [$15-$25] – Specializes in the rich, flavorful cuisine of the Hatay region (Antakya), famous for its kebabs and the dessert künefe.
Fevzi Hoca Balık Lokantası [$20-$35] – A classic, highly-regarded local fish restaurant that focuses on fresh Black Sea flavors and traditional Turkish seafood preparations.
Tarihi Gar Lokantası [$20-$35] – A historic restaurant near the train station, offering classic Turkish dishes and a sense of old-world Ankara charm.
Süleyman Usta’nın Yeri [$15-$25] – A hidden gem known for excellent pide (Turkish flatbread) and a variety of regional Turkish dishes, popular with a local clientele.
Gaziantep Evi [$20-$30] – Specializes in the rich, complex, and spicy flavors of Gaziantep cuisine, a culinary capital of Turkey.
Fornello [$20-$35] – Known for its excellent mantı (Turkish dumplings) and a variety of homemade-style Turkish and Central Anatolian dishes.
Tevhid Et Lokantası [$25-$40] – Focuses on high-quality, premium meats and traditional Turkish hospitality, often praised for its grilled and slow-cooked meat dishes.
Yengeç Restaurant [$25-$40] – While the name means “crab,” this is a reputable local seafood establishment offering fresh catches and traditional Turkish mezes and fish dishes.
Beyler Sofrası [$20-$35] – Offers authentic Turkish home-style cooking and regional specialties in a simple, local setting.
Hamamönü Meyhanesi [$25-$45] – Located in the charming historic Hamamönü district, offering traditional meyhane (tavern) experience with mezes and main courses.
Zenger Paşa Konağı [$25-$45] – Situated in a traditional Ankara house in the Citadel area, offering Ottoman-Turkish cuisine with a beautiful view of the city.
Nakia [$40-$70] – Located on the 360° rotating observation terrace of Atakule tower, blending traditional Turkish flavors with a modern, elegant presentation and a spectacular view.
Fige Restaurant [$30-$50] – A charming venue with a romantic garden ambiance, offering a blend of international and creative Turkish dishes with live music on select nights.
Reflect [$50-$80] – A modern dining experience with an innovative, creative perspective, reinterpreting Turkish heritage cuisine through tasting and à la carte menus in a sleek, art-focused setting (reservation only).
La Gioia [$35-$60] – An upscale Italian eatery offering a modern Mediterranean menu with a focus on fresh pasta, seafood, and refined European cuisine.
Louise Cafe Brasserie Loft [$25-$45] – A stylish restaurant drawing inspiration from a French Brasserie, offering a warm atmosphere and a menu of international and contemporary dishes.
Vento Italiano [$30-$50] – A respected Italian restaurant known for authentic flavors and modern presentations of classic Italian dishes.
Quick China [$25-$40] – A premier destination for East Asian cuisine, popular for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes.
Naya Restaurant Lounge [$35-$60] – An elegant spot with large windows overlooking the botanical gardens, serving a diverse, high-quality menu blending local and international flavors.
Mantar Evi [$30-$50] – A unique restaurant specializing in dishes featuring various types of fresh mushrooms, offering a creative and seasonal menu.
Aruni Restoran [$30-$50] – A hidden gem known for its contemporary setting and a menu that often features modern interpretations of classic flavors, sometimes with an Indian influence.
Közde Tavuk [$20-$35] – A local favorite specializing in high-quality, perfectly grilled chicken, often with modern side dishes and sauces.
Kiva Ocakbaşı [$30-$50] – An upscale ocakbaşı (grill-at-your-table) experience offering expertly prepared kebabs and meats in a modern, stylish setting.
The Bigos [$25-$45] – A casual spot known for its South style fried chicken and other creative seafood and international comfort food dishes.
Mezzaluna [$30-$50] – Known for its modern and authentic Italian food, offering delicious pizzas, pasta, and international cuisine in an elegant setting.
Gönül Sofrası [$20-$35] – Offers a delightful range of Turkish comfort food, known for its creative presentations and a clean, modern atmosphere.
Trilye Restaurant [$60-$100] – Considered one of Ankara’s top restaurants, renowned for its exquisite, top-quality seafood, classic yet elegant ambiance, and impeccable service.
JW Steakhouse [$60-$90] – A sophisticated American steakhouse located in the JW Marriott Hotel, offering prime cuts of beef and a classic fine-dining experience.
Cezzar Steakhouse [$50-$80] – A must-visit for meat enthusiasts, providing a vibrant, sophisticated atmosphere and an array of premium steaks and accompaniments.
Butcha [$50-$80] – Another high-end steakhouse known for its expertly aged and prepared cuts of meat and a premium dining experience.
Yelken Balık [$50-$90] – A fine-dining establishment specializing in Aegean and Mediterranean seafood, known for its elegant setting and carefully crafted menu.
Develi 1912 [$50-$80] – Part of a well-known Turkish chain, offering refined Gaziantep cuisine and kebabs in a luxurious, traditional setting.
Goksu Restaurants – Nenehatun [$40-$70] – A highly-regarded spot offering delicious Turkish cuisine with a warm atmosphere and scenic city views from a rooftop seating area.
Taka Balik Restaurant [$50-$90] – A sophisticated fish restaurant committed to fresh, high-quality ingredients and a fine-dining experience of Turkish seafood.
Divan Çukurhan [$50-$80] – Located in a prime location opposite Ankara Castle, this restaurant offers elegant Turkish and international cuisine with stunning city views from its outdoor seating.
Mersinli Ciğerci Apo [$15-$25] – Offers a unique culinary adventure specializing in ciğer (skewered liver), a regional delicacy, with an authentic local feel.
Bogazici Lokantasi [$20-$35] – A timeless, historical lokanta in the old city of Ulus, famous for its classic Turkish stews and dishes in a bustling, multi-generational setting.
Sadık Ustanın Meşhur Kebabı [$15-$25] – A local spot known for its authentic kebabs, where every dish is said to tell a “delicious story” of traditional flavor.
Hanzade Konağı [$20-$35] – Located in the historic Hamamönü district, offering an authentic blend of Turkish cuisine and a traditional mansion setting.
Corq the Gastropub [$25-$45] – A popular spot for international food with a dedicated menu featuring various global dishes and a wide selection of cocktails.
Ethiopia Restaurant Ankara [$30-$50] – Offers an authentic and unique taste of Ethiopian cuisine, highly recommended for those looking for something outside of Turkish and Mediterranean.
Cafe Puzzle [$20-$35] – Known for great Persian cuisine, including excellent rice dishes, offering a delicious alternative flavor profile.
Otau Restoran [$20-$35] – A restaurant specializing in Central Asian cuisine, offering a chance to try less common regional dishes.
Royal Deewan [$20-$35] – A popular spot for Indian and Pakistani cuisine, offering a wide array of curries and traditional dishes.
Buta Restaurant [$25-$45] – Specializes in Azerbaijani cuisine, providing a rich, savory experience of Caucasus region flavors.
Müslüm Kebap [$15-$25] – A popular, non-touristic local kebab spot, often praised for its quality and classic Turkish taste.
Lalapaşa [$20-$35] – Known for its Anatolian and traditional Turkish cuisine, often featuring unique regional recipes and a cozy atmosphere.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Mr. B Cocktail Bar: A lively spot in Çankaya, renowned for its innovative cocktails. The Turkish-Moldovan owners, who honed their mixology skills on cruise ships, bring a creative and technical flair to their drink menu.
Sven Pub: Located in the trendy Bahçelievler district of Çankaya, this gastropub offers a chic ambiance and a focus on both gourmet dining and an extensive cocktail menu. It frequently hosts live music and themed nights.
Zula Bar: A hidden gem in Kavaklıdere, Çankaya, known for its cool graffiti murals, lovely garden area, and relaxed, eclectic, ‘gypsy’ vibe. It offers great cocktails and live music nights.
The Soul Pub: Found in the Kavaklıdere area, this establishment focuses on a “Finest Drink & Dining” experience, featuring magnificent cocktails crafted by their professional bartender team, alongside quality food and a range of other spirits.
Loophole Booze Bite & Fun: Situated in the Beşevler neighborhood, this venue promises a mix of gourmet cuisine and lively entertainment, making it a fun and flavorful spot for cocktails and bites.
The Muddy Waters: Located in a lively part of Ankara, this bar offers a welcoming atmosphere and is known for its unique and carefully curated cocktail selection.
London Pub: A lively and welcoming bar in Çankaya that, while a pub, is noted for its range of drinks and social atmosphere, perfect for a casual cocktail or a beer.
Pikola Bar: A spot in Ankara known for its electric music and delicious cocktails, creating a memorable night out for those seeking a dynamic bar experience.
21 Bar: Offering a lively ambiance and a diverse drink selection, this bar in Kavaklıdere is a top destination within one of Ankara’s primary nightlife hubs.
Checkpoint Lounge & Terrace: Located in a central spot, this venue features a big outdoor terrace and a dance floor, ideal for sipping a fabulous cocktail while enjoying live music or DJ sets.
Minister Pub: Found in the heart of Ankara, this spot is known for its delightful drinks and delicious small plates, offering a comfortable place for a spirited evening.
James Cook Cafe, Pub & Restaurant: Located in Kavaklıdere, this popular venue serves both local and international cuisine alongside its pub offerings, a great place to start with a cocktail.
Babel Pub: A vibrant bar that offers a diverse menu and a welcoming atmosphere, located in one of Ankara’s bustling nightlife areas.
Fox Bar: Situated in the heart of Çankaya, Fox Bar offers friendly service and a diverse drink menu, providing a great choice for a night out in this upscale district.
Haymatlos: Known for its really good vibes, this bar provides a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying a drink in a popular spot for locals.
IF Performance Hall: A long-standing staple in Kavaklıdere, this large venue acts as a live music hall and a nightclub, hosting concerts by both Turkish and international artists, and featuring dance nights with club music and DJs.
Bacardi Night Club: Located in Kavaklıdere, Çankaya, this club is a must-visit for its pulsating music, striking lighting, and energetic vibe, featuring expertly crafted cocktails and regular themed nights and DJ sets.
Budha Club: Situated in Bahçelievler, this large clubbing venue is a top spot for late-night dancing, with high-cred DJs playing a mix of electronica and Turkish pop, and regular theme parties.
Escape: A large, high-energy club in Çayyolu that attracts a mixed crowd, offering a clubbing night with lasers, a vast range of genres (focused on pop), and both Turkish and international hits.
Gallery Club: A trendy spot in a central area with a focus on electronic, house, and techno music, catering to those who prefer a dedicated clubbing experience.
Kite: A popular disco that plays a mix of international rhythms with Turkish music hints, known for its high energy and diverse crowd.
6:45 Kaybedenler Kulübü: An underground club known for its electronic music scene, with DJ sets running well into the early hours, offering an alternative, high-energy environment.
eSkiyEni: Over the weekend, the two floors of this venue are energized by funky and pop music, making it a great place to dance, with an outside terrace for a breather.
Nefes Bar: While an older pub famous for its cozy ambiance and food in the Sakarya Caddesi area of Kızılay, its longevity and popular local vibe make it a significant part of the late-night scene.
Barsovia: A classic bar and club in the Kızılay area, popular for its retro music and vibrant atmosphere, functioning as both a casual bar and a lively late-night spot.
Always Rock Bar: A vibrant club known for its live rock music performances and energetic atmosphere, popular with those seeking a louder, rock-focused night out.
Back House Grunge & Rock Bar: Catering to a specific crowd, this bar in a lively area offers live music and a great atmosphere for fans of grunge and rock genres.
Velvet Club Ankara: While known for live bands, this centrally located venue often transitions into a high-energy club experience, appealing to those seeking a mix of live music and dancing.
Manhattan Bar: The heart of the city’s jazz and live music scene, this spot in Çankaya offers live performances of jazz, blues, and alternative rock, becoming a key venue for a sophisticated night out.
Adres Bar: A highly popular live music venue in Kızılay that starts as a cafe by day and transforms into a bar by night, attracting a youthful crowd with a mix of folk, acoustic, and modern rock.