Location: Ankara
Top Things to do in Ankara
What to do and see in Ankara, Turkey: The Best Places and Tips
Rising dramatically on a steep incline from the banks of the Enguri Su, Ankara, Turkey's capital and second most populous city, is a modern European metropolis speckled with reminders of its varied history. Old castles and ruins from Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman civilizations dot the landscape. The modern city includes government and state houses, major universities, military bases, consulates, bustling nightlife and the oldest park in the city, Genclik Park.
Restaurants in Ankara
1. Ataturk Mausoleum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic, was constructed in 1944 and sits atop a hill overlooking the city.
Reviewed By Izani A
Modern Turkish history lay here. When I was here, its time for guard army change their shift. Nice to see. Come early morning, no people because even on working day also got crowds and meed to long queue to the museum
2. Anadolu Medeniyetleri Muzesi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
This fascinating museum contains over 200,000 historic pieces of which only a fraction can be displayed at one time. Exhibits include Early Bronze Age statues and Neolithic wall paintings.
Reviewed By george60898 - Cornelius, North Carolina
Great museum, make sure to have available time! The initial entry is very important ! The intro high def tv that is interactive is vital to take time and study. This is a great tool informing you of the eras of past civilizations . Or , what you are about to see ! Any one slightly interested in history must see this museum !
3. Rahmi M. Koc Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 824 reviews
Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum is the first and only industrial museum in Ankara Like its namesake, it is dedicated to the history of Transport, Industry and Communications, with additional material on Ankara and the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Housed in a magnificent building before the entrance to the Ankara Citadel, the collection contains hundreds of items from miniatures to full size boats and vehicles.The location is unrivalled – romantic, historic, convenient. And the appeal is universal: objects that affect our daily lives, created by talented engineers and craftsmen, encapsulating man’s ingenuity and hard work yet at the same time exhibiting great beauty.Our museum educates, informs, and entertains tens of thousands of adults and children each year. Please do explore this website now for a taste of what we have on show… but better still, come and visit us soon!
Reviewed By Isimsizyolcu - Detroit, Michigan
Housed in a historic building and tastefully decorated in subtle colours and timeless clean designs, the restaurant is top notch. I can easily say one of the best meals I had not only in Turkey, but during my trips in Europe and North America in recent years.
My husband and I enjoyed lunch after our visit to the Koc Museum- another must see spot,masterfully curated- and hope to visit again.
Well done!
4. Haci Bayram Mosque (Haci Bayram Camii)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 458 reviews
The mosque as it stands today shows the architectural characteristics of late 17th century and 18th century mosques. The ceiling is made of ornamental wood, and floral and plant motifs can be found throughout.
5. Ulucanlar Prison Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By AnBe1986 - Stade, Germany
...one sees mud and the other sees stars."
The Ulucanlar Prison Museum is a former state prison in Ankara that was converted into a prison museum in 2011. Former inmates included notable intellectuals with different political views including journalists, poets, and writers, as well as professional politicians and/or political activists. The prison was also site of torture and executions. All the exhibited items are original - they even kept paintings and graffiti from inside the prison. In the entrance of the museum you'll find the Ninth and Tenth Ward which they call the "Hilton Ward", because the cells were smaller than the other and therefore "more comfortable". You can also visit isolation cells, other wards with kitchens, a hammam and much more. It is definitely an important place of Turkish political history that should be visited while in Ankara.
"Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoner, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering." (Hebrews 13:3)
6. Kocatepe Mosque (Kocatepe Camii)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 518 reviews
This commanding mosque was built between 1967 and 1987 and is both the newest and largest in the city.
Reviewed By oktaratahan - Ankara, Turkey
this is most huge and increadable atmospeher ı have ever seen this is the very interesting sound eqo in mosque. when ı see prayers ı was in dream
7. Eymir Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Reviewed By Serdar U
Eymir lake is the on of the property METU . Mostly it is used for rowing club for training. There is a good ring road around the lake, can be used for walking or cycling at nature. There few restaurants are located around it. "Kayikhane restaurant" is best place to eat fish and drink beer ar Turkish raki
8. Erimtan Arkeoloji ve Sanat Muzesi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
The Erimtan Archaeology and Arts Museum aims at sharing its collection of 2000 objects with the public as well as exhibiting Works from other private collections in a state of the art contemporary museum environment.
Reviewed By I1130CWrobertb - Ankara, Turkey
The Museum is Nice add-on when you leave the castle. It is 200 meters from the entrance to the castle. The entry fee is not very high but you need to set aside some time to read all of the inscriptions and descriptions of what you are looking at.
There is a lot of "framing" the artifacts in that they are explained in context very well which brings them to life.
9. AltInkoy Acik Hava Muzesi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By yasinbalci89 - Ankara, Türkiye
It's a great open air museum with traditional Turkish village houses. You can have a traditional Turkish breakfast (27 lira / person) and start to see village houses and animals. You can spend all day with your Darling, children or friends. I suggest everybody to visit wild life museum. It's one of the best in the museum.
10. Hamamonu Restored Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 736 reviews
A wonderful area with many restored 1920-1930 houses now filled with cafes,restaurants,artist shops. A must see place for local and foreigh tourists.
Reviewed By DrSincereTraveller - Ankara, Turkey
This part of the town was a neglected neighbourhood, very close to the respected Hacettepe University Health Sciences Campus inhabiting school of medicine, dentistry, nursing etc..Dormitories are also in this region, so there is a strong student dominance. The restoration created a very nice recreation area which worths visiting. the area is full of restaurants some of which are chains of well known restaurants.
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