Top Things to Do in Ankara

About the City

Ankara, the pulsating heart of Turkey, is a city dipped in a blend of history and modernity, bustling with vibrant energy. This capital city, a less-trodden path compared to the coastal charms of Istanbul, unfurls its tales in the tapestry of ancient ruins, clashing with concrete with no apologies. Here, political bustle meets student chaos, as it houses several universities adding a youthful verve to the atmosphere. On one hand, Ankara blesses visitors with the magnificence of Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Atatürk, and whispers tales of bygone eras through the walls of its splendid museums. The streets resonate with the rhythms of diverse culinary delights, ranging from spicy kebabs to the sweet allure of baklava. Yet, not all that glitters is gold. Ankara can pose a sharp sting with its frigid winters, leaving you wrapped in layers, and its traffic, which can test the patience of a saint. Amidst its playful juxtaposition of the old and the new, Ankara never fails to leave an imprint and can be summed up as a love letter to Turkey's rich past, as well as an ode to its ceaseless ambition towards the future.

Things to Do in Ankara

Feast on Gözleme at a Traditional Ankara Lokanta

Food & Drink

Picture this: thin dough slapped down and skillfully whipped into a flat surface, a sprinkling of cheese, maybe spinach or ground meat, folded over and cooked to golden brown perfection. Gözleme is th...

Birdwatching Bonanza

Outdoors

Spread your wings and get ready to do some serious bird spying! Whether you're a seasoned birder or just looking for a little tweet, Ankara's feathered friends are there to put on a show. Bring your b...

Ankara's Antique Quest

The Unexpected

Got an old soul and love all things vintage? Ankara’s antique shops are like time capsules waiting to be opened. Dig through piles of history for that one perfect piece, whether it’s a vinyl record or...

Café Hopping in Çankaya

The Unexpected

Fuel up and get cozy in Ankara’s hip coffee scene. Settle into a comfy nook with a book or chat with the locals over a cup of Turkish coffee or a fancy latte. No matter your vibe, there’s a café with ...

Embark on a Street Art Excursion

The Unexpected

Channel your inner urban explorer and seek out Ankara’s coolest street art. Murals, tags, and installations adorn the city walls, telling silent stories. It’s a free gallery show with an ever-changing...

Jive to Live Jazz

The Unexpected

Swing by one of Ankara’s toe-tapping, finger-snapping jazz bars for a night of sultry melodies. It’s all about that bass, some brass, and maybe a piano riff or two that’ll whisk you through a smooth e...

Master the Art of Oriental Photography

Outdoors

Capture Ankara's essence through the lens. From Ottoman architecture to the hustle and bustle of local bazaars, snap pics that tell a thousand tales. No filter needed, Ankara's charm does all the work...

Ultimate Frisbee Frenzy

Outdoors

Get your game face on for some disc-slingin' action! Grab a frisbee, round up your pals, and claim your turf in the park for an ultimate frisbee showdown. May the best team win!

Photographer's Paradise Walk

Outdoors

Got an eye for the perfect shot? Ankara's diverse landscapes are your canvas! Take a leisurely walk, stop for snaps—capture the capital's beauty from sunrise to sunset. Who knew walking could be this ...

Pedal Power Picnic

Outdoors

Feelin' peckish for some outdoor fun? Hop on a bike, load up a picnic, and pedal your way to a scenic spot for some grub under the sun! Grab a slice of the great outdoors and chow down to your heart's...

Warm Up with a Bowl of Ankara Mercimek Çorbası

Food & Drink

On a brisk Ankara day, there's nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a steaming bowl of mercimek çorbası, Turkey's famed lentil soup. With a squirt of lemon juice to add some zing, this hearty...

Delve into the Depths of Ankara's War of Independence Museum

Sights

Hey history buffs, this one's for you! March into the War of Independence Museum for a blast from the past. Check out the cool wartime relics and hear the walls whisper tales of Turkey's fierce fight ...

Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Ankara Zoo

Sights

Roar alongside lions, chill with the chimps, and strut with the peacocks at the Ankara Zoo. This isn't just a place to gawk at animals. It’s a leafy paradise where you can get up close with creatures ...

Admire the Elegance of Ankara's Ethnography Museum

Sights

Curious about the fancy Turkish threads and crafts from yesteryear? Well, Ankara's Ethnography Museum is like stepping into grandma's attic, if your grandma was a Turkish artisan goddess. From traditi...

Dive into Space at Ankara's Planetarium

Sights

Blast off from Earth and cruise through the cosmos without leaving Ankara! Turkey's first planetarium serves up stellar shows that'll have you reaching for the stars. It's an out-of-world experience, ...

Go for the Gold at the Atatürk Mausoleum

Sights

Strut your stuff up to the grand memorial of Turkey's beloved founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This place isn't just a photo-op, it's a national pride powerhouse with guards standing oh-so-stoic, an ep...

Savor the smoky aroma of Beypazarı Güveç

Food & Drink

Get ready for a stew that's slow-cooked to perfection in clay pots! Beypazarı Güveç packs a punch with tender meat, veggies, and a blend of spices that'll take your taste buds on a trip to flavor town...

Munch on some Ankara Simidi

Food & Drink

Ever tried a bagel that has a Turkish twist? Ankara simidi is your go-to snack, sprinkled with a generous amount of sesame seeds, crisp on the outside, and perfectly chewy on the inside. Grab one on t...

Nibble on the Nutty Perfection of Ankara Kabak Çekirdeği

Food & Drink

Go nuts for the crackling delight of Ankara Kabak Çekirdeği! These roasted pumpkin seeds are a street-cart favorite, with a salty, satisfying crunch that'll have you reaching for handful after handful...

Tea Garden Chit-Chat

The Unexpected

What's better than a hot cuppa in the heart of Ankara? I'll tell ya—enjoying it in a traditional Turkish tea garden! Soak up the bustling vibes and chatter while sipping on some seriously good çay. An...