For our tourist, we selected the main 22 sights of Ankara with photos and descriptions, made a map of the location of objects to facilitate drawing up an independent walking route around the city and the surrounding area. Attached an additional bonus with a video review of the most interesting and beautiful places.
Description of Ankara sights with a photo and a name will help you plan a route around the city and see the most important things in Turkey. The guests of the country will be convinced of the uniqueness of architectural monuments and the beauty of natural objects. Let's present a list of the best tourist destinations that have received many complimentary reviews. They deserve special attention.
Atakule
This is the name of the observation tower located in the Çankaya area. The first thing to see in Ankara is a must. Only from here you can see the whole city. The building with a height of 125 meters was erected over 3 years. Construction took place at the end of the 80s of the last century. It will be possible to come here every day, they will be allowed to go upstairs from 9.30 am to 10 pm. This is a paid service. The cost of the visit is about $ 6.
Ankara Kalesi
It is a significant landmark of Ankara in Turkey. The fortress was erected during the existence of the Roman Empire. True, little is left of the original appearance. The citadel is located in an equally interesting place - the Ulus region. Visiting the fortress is free. But we recommend taking a walk in this area accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide. He will tell a lot of interesting information.
Hamamonu District
The guests of the capital consider the Hamamonu district to be an interesting place. Here you will be able to get an idea of the architectural traditions inherent in Turkey. After the restoration of streets and buildings, traffic was restricted. This is an ideal corner of the city for leisurely walks.
Anitkabir
It occupies a leading position in the TOP sights of Ankara with photos and descriptions. This is the tomb of Ataturk. The complex occupies an impressive area - more than 700 thousand square meters. It includes a huge number of objects, including the Peace Park. Visitors are also invited to get acquainted with the personal automobile collection of the first president. To inspect the entire complex, it will take a significant amount of time, we allocate at least 3 hours for a walk.
Presidential palace
Included in the list of the largest structures of this type. The construction was completed in 2014. Turkey is proud of the first guest of honor to cross the threshold of the palace - Pope Francisco. The palace building is the official residence of the Turkish ruler. The building is equipped with over 1000 rooms. They hold meetings and negotiations, and there are also lounges. An underground bunker is equipped.
Getting to the residence is easy: the building can be seen already at the exit from the metro at the Ivedik station.
Kyzylai Square
In the photo of the city of Ankara, you will certainly see this square. It is convenient to get here from anywhere in the capital: all transport routes are connected at this place. There are universities, shops, hotels, the best restaurants here.
Be careful: the area is chosen for rallies and demonstrations.
Haji-Bairam Mosque
The oldest mosque in the capital. The shrine was erected in accordance with the traditions of the Seljuk style. Historians have not been able to establish the exact time of the construction of the monument, but mentions of the first services in written sources date back to the 20th year of the 15th century.
The mosque is located in the Ulus region.
Aslankhane Mosque
This is a significant landmark of Ankara: earlier on this site there was a temple, erected in the era of the Roman Empire. Byzantine traditions can be traced in the general style of the building even now, despite repeated repairs. This is an active monastery, pilgrims consider visiting the shrine an important event, and Christians also come here.
Kocatepe Mosque
The largest mosque in Turkey. Located in the area of the same name. So combine your visit and get to know the city's architecture. The building is distinguished not only by its impressive size, but also by its rich interior. Marble, gilding, crystal, decorative tiles were used for decoration. The author of the project is called Khyusreva Tayly. The construction of the shrine took a long time - 20 years, but the result exceeded all expectations.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Founded by decree of Ataturk. The expositions were housed in the buildings of the covered market and the caravanserai, built in the 15th century. The exhibits acquaint visitors with the culture and life of the people who inhabited the territory of Anatolia.
The object is considered the richest museum in the world.
More information can be found on the official website: https://muze.gov.tr/.
Museum of Fine Arts and Sculpture
Collections of painters who worked during the existence of the Roman and Ottoman Empires are presented. You will also be able to get acquainted with the works of modern masters. Temporary exhibitions are organized, many exhibits are taken out so that residents of other countries can be convinced of the skill of the artists.
The institution is located next to the Kyzylai square, it will be possible to combine a visit.
Ethnographical museum
If you don't know where to go in Ankara, visit this place. The museum is considered one of the most interesting sites in Turkey. Here you will be able to get acquainted with the cultural traditions and customs of local residents. Tourists speak flatteringly about the collection of handmade carpets. The richest collection of national clothes is also presented.
The building is located on the territory of an old Muslim cemetery, on the Namazga hill.
CerModern
Here you will get acquainted with the works of famous artists of the world. The collections are presented by temporary exhibitions. There are also workshops, sometimes tourists are allowed to look inside and see how the masters create.
For information on opening hours, prices and events, visit the salon website: http://www.cermodern.org/.
Ulukanlar Prison Museum
This unusual institution is also considered to be the symbols and popular objects of Ankara. It is unique to the country. This is the first museum institution of this type in the state. Visitors are told about how the prisoners were kept, about torture, about what fate awaited the criminals. The place is gloomy, we do not recommend visiting it with children.
Find the attraction in the Kecioren area.
AltInkoy Acik Hava Muzesi
This is an open-air museum. Information about the institution will be useful for tourists who do not know what to do in Ankara. It will be interesting for young travelers. The complex includes outbuildings, workshops, residential buildings. Visitors observe the behavior of domestic animals, livestock are allowed to feed.
Official website: http://www.altinkoy.tc/.
Roman Baths
A valuable archaeological site, what to see in the city of Ankara is a must. The ruins were discovered only in the last century. The construction is dated back to the 3rd century. The ruins are represented by the remains of rooms adapted for changing rooms, baths, steam rooms, recreation areas. The ruins are visited both as part of the excursion and on their own.
Genchlik park
The park is set up in the center of the city on the site of swamps. Occupies an area of 27 hectares. Recreation areas, sports, concert and playgrounds are equipped here. The territory of Genchlik pleases with an abundance of greenery; the park is considered one of the most beautiful places in the capital.
Lake Eimir
This natural attraction will appeal to lovers of secluded relaxation. The reservoir is surrounded by thickets of almonds and pine forests. Picnics are organized here, people come here to take a break from the city noise. The lake is 20 km away from the capital. Swimming is not accepted here, respect the customs of the residents.
State cemetery of Turkey
Among the photos of Ankara's sights, you will see this object. The necropolis is equipped for the burial of politicians and celebrities. The country's presidents and prominent military leaders are buried here.During the funeral, solemn ceremonies are organized. The cemetery is guarded by the Ministry of Defense of the state. People come here to honor the memory of those who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the country.
Steam Locomotive Museum
The museum is located in the Maltepe district. The expositions tell about the development of the railway industry. Collections of locomotives, wagons and other equipment are presented in the open air. The locomotives are considered the pride of the museum:
- Henschel & So;
- Vulcan Iron Works;
- Schwartzkopf.
The transport is constantly being restored, thanks to which its original appearance is preserved.
Haci Arif bey restaurant
Haci Arif bey is located in the city center. It is a popular restaurant among Ankara guests. The institution pleases visitors with a splendid menu. Here you will be able to taste all Turkish delicacies. A distinctive feature of the menu is the absence of alcoholic beverages. Therefore, you can visit the restaurant with your children, a decent society gathers here.
Column of Julian
Evidence of the existence of the Roman Empire. The monument is located on Hacı Bayram Mahallesi street. The attraction is a pillar crowned with a stork's nest. The date of construction is called the 362nd year. The emperor's visit to the city served as the basis for the erection of the monument. Government buildings and palaces are located nearby. This is a great place to take photos.
What to see in Ankara in 1 day?
Tourists who have little time to get to know the city will find it useful to know what to see in one day on their own from the best objects that will help to reveal all the beauty of the place.
- Ankara is not considered a resort place; people come here more often on business. But it is important to get acquainted with significant sights, because this is the only way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the capital and learn about the traditions of the residents.
- So, we recommend starting the route with Ulus district... This is the historical part of the capital. Many monuments, ancient buildings and religious sites have been preserved here.
- Take a walk through Ulus square of Maidana, here you will see a monument erected in honor of the first ruler of the country.
- Then go out to Hisar Parky street... Following it, you will run into the famous Citadel (we presented information about the fortress with a photo and description above).
- In the same area you will find a mosque with an interesting name - Lion's (Aslanhan Jama). The material for the construction was antique slabs. This is the uniqueness of the building. Pay attention to the decoration of the shrine. The wood decor combines both Byzantine and Ottoman traditions.
- Then we'll go for a bite to eat. Better do it on local market... We will try the national cuisine, and at the same time we will buy souvenirs for friends and family. This is a real oriental bazaar. It is noisy and crowded here.
Bargain, you will be able to bring down the price by 1.5 times.
After we have restored our strength with a delicious lunch, we will go to see the remains walls of the Roman Acropolis... Please note that the Turks consider it a sacred place, there is the tomb of the Sufi Haji Bayram-veli. The famous Column of Julian is also located here. Tourists often bring photos from a trip against the background of an antique monument.
In the evening, you can devote free time to a walk along the legendary Hamamonu district and go to one of the central restaurants.
Do not forget to admire the capital from above. The best option would be to visit the observation deck Atakule towers... The views of the surroundings are mesmerizing.
We recommend taking a walk accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide. The guide will tell local legends, interesting facts, plan the route so that the guest does not miss anything important. So, the acquaintance with Ankara can be considered valid. Well, we recommend ending the evening with a meal in one of the best restaurants in Ankara, below we have compiled a list of places where you can eat delicious traditional dishes.
Attractions of Ankara on the map
Where to eat deliciously?
If you are a lover of gastronomic travel, then Turkish cuisine is ideal for learning new flavors and historical recipes. You can taste the dishes in any of the city's best restaurants and cafes on the list.
- Bar L'avare at the address: Uskup Cad. No: 16/1 (Cankaya),
- A restaurant Trilye Restaurant at Kazim Ozalp Mah. Kuleli Sokak No. 32 (Gaziosmanpasa),
- A restaurant Restaurant Bar Lounge at the address: Yasam Caddesi 4, Sokak No. 4 (Sogutozu),
- A restaurant Kebap 49 located: Bülten sokak 5 (Tunalı Hilmi Cd)
- Cosy Louise Brasserie & Lounge for Filistin Sokak # 37 (Cankaya)
