Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. Often seen as merely a transit point on the way to World Heritage sites like Cappadocia or Istanbul, it’s actually a deeply fascinating city where Turkey’s turbulent history, from ancient times to the modern era, is profoundly concentrated.
In the city center, a majestic mausoleum dedicated to the father of modern Turkey stands tall. On the hills of the old town, fortresses from ancient Roman and Byzantine times remain, and there are even museums housing invaluable archaeological finds that rewrite the history of human civilization.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected the main tourist attractions that visitors to Ankara absolutely shouldn’t miss. Beyond superficial guidebook information, we offer a comprehensive, in-depth perspective, including the best times to visit, practical tips for getting around, and important local considerations.
Anıtkabir (Atatürk’s Mausoleum)
📍 Address: Mebusevleri, Anıttepe, Anıtkabir, 06570 Çankaya/Ankara, Turkey
This colossal mausoleum is the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the first President of the Republic of Turkey, who is still revered as the ‘Father of the Turks’ (Atatürk) by the nation. Perched on a hill overlooking Ankara, its vast grounds and temple-like architecture adorned with magnificent colonnades are truly breathtaking. Admission is free and it’s open to the public, attracting countless visitors daily, from international VIPs to local schoolchildren, making it one of Ankara’s premier tourist attractions.
A major highlight for visitors is the daily ‘Changing of the Guard’ ceremony. Catching the ceremony around 2 PM is particularly fortunate, as guards in the distinctive uniforms of the Army, Navy, and Air Force perform a perfectly synchronized march, creating a truly impressive spectacle. You’ll find it hard to tear your eyes away from the handsome, unflinching sentinels.
Furthermore, the ‘Atatürk and War of Independence Museum,’ located within the mausoleum complex, is an absolute must-see. It meticulously showcases Atatürk’s personal belongings, numerous paintings, and the tumultuous modern history leading to Turkey’s independence. Visiting here offers a glimpse into the fervent devotion the Turkish people hold for him.
After your visit, we recommend stopping by the small cafe near the entrance. They sell delicious and affordable sweets; the pistachio chocolate and pound cake, in particular, are perfect as souvenirs or a little snack for travelers.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
📍 Address: Kale, Gözcü Sk. No:2, 06240 Ulus/Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a world-renowned institution that’s an absolute must-visit for anyone with even a slight interest in history or archaeology. It exhibits artifacts from all the civilizations that flourished on the Anatolian Peninsula, spanning from the Paleolithic era (10,000 BCE) to the Roman period.
Notably, the museum’s building itself is a historical structure. It was created by renovating a 15th-century Ottoman caravanserai (Kurşunlu Han) and a covered bazaar (Mahmut Paşa Bedesteni), allowing visitors to enjoy a journey through time as they walk beneath its stone dome roofs.
The absolute highlight of the exhibition is the ‘Hittite Empire’ collection. The intricate bronze ornaments of the Hittites, who are believed to have been the first civilization to use iron, the famous ‘Seated Mother Goddess Cybele’ statue excavated from the Çatalhöyük site, and ancient murals are all must-sees. Their excellent state of preservation allows visitors to intimately experience the advanced craftsmanship and the very essence of ancient people.
It’s worth noting that due to recent inflation in Turkey, admission fees for foreign tourists are frequently revised (increased), with recent reviews indicating fluctuations like 588 Lira or 280 Lira. While it might seem a bit pricey, the quality of the exhibits more than justifies the cost. As a delightful bonus, friendly Turkish cats might approach you while you stroll through the garden, offering a charming respite from your travels. We recommend visiting early in the morning to explore at a leisurely pace.
Ankara Castle
📍 Address: Kale, 06240 Altındağ/Ankara, Turkey
After visiting the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, the classic tourist route involves ascending the steep slope and stairs behind it to reach Ankara Castle (Hisar). This fortress, which has maintained its form through successive renovations since Roman and Byzantine times, can be explored for free.
From atop the castle walls, a magnificent panoramic view unfolds, encompassing old cityscapes with their continuous orange-tiled roofs and Ankara’s modern skyline stretching into the distance. Previously, there were no safety railings, allowing visitors to climb all the way to the very top of the castle. However, for safety reasons (such as fall prevention), fences have now been installed, restricting access to certain areas. While some express disappointment regarding the altered views, it remains one of Ankara’s foremost scenic viewpoints.
The interior and surroundings of the castle are less like a meticulously maintained tourist attraction and more like a ‘living ruin,’ with only essential repairs undertaken. Below the castle walls, a slum-like area with old, barrack-style houses peeks out, allowing visitors to feel the layered history, light, and shadow of the capital city of Ankara.
Along the way, you might encounter local grandmothers and vendors selling souvenirs who may try to engage you assertively. While some might find them a bit persistent, it’s best to view this as part of the vibrant local experience unique to the Middle East and Turkey. Maintain a firm but relaxed attitude to enjoy it.
Aqua Vega Aquarium
📍 Address: Akşemsettin, 2308. Sk. 1/A, 06630 Mamak/Ankara, Turkey
This aquarium is located within ‘NATA Vega Outlet,’ a large shopping mall in the Mamak district, a short distance from central Ankara. In Ankara, an inland city not bordering the sea, it’s known as a valuable leisure spot where visitors can encounter marine life.
The main attraction is the long glass-paneled underwater tunnel. Visitors can look up from below as sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish gracefully swim overhead and around them, providing an extraordinary immersive experience. The aquarium is two-storied and includes seating areas with piano background music, making it a good space for families to relax between shopping.
However, there’s a realistic divergence of opinions on whether tourists should make a special trip to visit. Concerns about cost-performance include complaints that ‘admission fees and souvenir photo charges (e.g., 400 Lira per photo) are too high,’ and at times, ‘the tank glass is dirty.’ Furthermore, there are considerable criticisms from an animal welfare perspective, particularly regarding the exhibition areas for reptiles, birds like parrots, and small mammals, with comments like ‘the cages are too small, and the animals appear to be stressed.’
If you have ample time in your Ankara itinerary and are traveling with small children, it could be an option to visit as part of a shopping trip to the mall. However, with limited time, we recommend prioritizing the historical attractions mentioned earlier.
Tips and Cautions for Enjoying Ankara Tourism to the Fullest
When navigating the streets of Ankara, travelers from Japan should be most cautious about ‘traffic rules and road conditions.’ This is generally true throughout Turkey; it’s entirely a ‘car-priority society,’ and there are many places where pedestrian crossings exist but lack pedestrian traffic lights. Even around major tourist sites, such as near the entrance to Anıtkabir, you must carefully judge gaps in traffic and, at times, bravely cross the road. Absolutely avoid using your phone while walking, and always pay close attention to the surrounding traffic situation.
Optimizing your sightseeing route is also crucial. The ‘Museum of Anatolian Civilizations’ and ‘Ankara Castle’ are located in adjacent areas, so it’s highly recommended to visit them together as a half-day package. The ‘golden route’ involves thoroughly exploring the museum during the cooler morning hours, then ascending the slope to Ankara Castle to take in the city views and have lunch. If you aim to visit Anıtkabir for the afternoon Changing of the Guard ceremony, you’ll be able to fully experience Ankara’s charms without wasting time.
