Best Places to See in Ankara (2025)

Standing gracefully along Atatürk Boulevard, the Melike Hatun Mosque is one of Ankara’s most striking modern landmarks. Completed in 2017, it revives the grandeur of classical Ottoman architecture with its vast domes, intricate calligraphy, and elegant marble courtyards. The mosque can accommodate thousands of worshippers and is named after Melike Hatun, a Seljuk noblewoman celebrated for her charitable works. Its impressive design bridges past and present, symbolizing the continued importance of faith and community in Türkiye’s modern capital.

Inside, soft lighting illuminates beautifully patterned carpets, delicate tilework, and soaring arches that create a sense of both serenity and awe. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times, and the mosque’s central location makes it easy to visit while exploring Ankara’s downtown. It’s one of the top sights in Ankara, especially at dusk when the domes glow golden under the setting sun.

Nestled just below Ankara Castle, the Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum transforms a 16th-century Ottoman inn into a celebration of science, technology, and everyday innovation. The museum is part of the Rahmi M. Koç Foundation and houses an eclectic collection ranging from vintage cars and steam engines to typewriters, gramophones, and old medical instruments. The restored stone arches and courtyards perfectly balance history with curiosity, creating an engaging stop for families and history lovers alike.

The museum’s layout preserves much of the inn’s original charm, and its courtyard café is the perfect place to relax with tea between exhibits. Each gallery captures the spirit of invention and craftsmanship that shaped modern life. It’s a highlight of any walking tour of Ankara, offering a fascinating perspective on how technology evolved within Turkish society.

The Erimtan Archaeology & Art Museum is one of Ankara’s most elegant modern museums, combining ancient heritage with contemporary design. Opened in 2015, it was founded by collector Yüksel Erimtan, whose passion for archaeology led him to share his remarkable collection with the public. The museum’s sleek architecture, blending glass and stone, complements the nearby Ankara Citadel beautifully.

Inside, you’ll find over 2,000 carefully curated artifacts — from jewelry and coins to pottery and glasswork — all displayed in thoughtfully lit, minimalist galleries. Temporary art exhibitions and concerts add to its cultural appeal. The museum’s tranquil atmosphere and on-site café make it one of the best places to see in Ankara, particularly for those who appreciate history presented through a modern lens.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is Ankara’s crown jewel and one of Türkiye’s most important museums. Housed in two beautifully restored Ottoman buildings near the citadel, it takes visitors on a journey through thousands of years of human history across the Anatolian plateau. The museum’s collection spans prehistoric settlements, Hittite and Phrygian empires, and classical civilizations.

Highlights include exquisite Hittite reliefs, Neolithic figurines from Çatalhöyük, and treasures from Gordion, the city of King Midas. Each gallery flows seamlessly into the next, creating a chronological narrative of Anatolia’s cultural evolution. It’s one of the must-see places in Ankara for anyone interested in archaeology or ancient history, and its peaceful courtyard café is ideal for reflecting on what you’ve just explored.

Perched on a hilltop overlooking the old city, the Ankara Citadel (Ankara Kalesi) is the historic heart of the capital. Originally built by the Galatians and later fortified by Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks, it has guarded the city for centuries. The fortress’s imposing walls and towers still dominate the skyline, offering one of Ankara’s best panoramic viewpoints.

Within the citadel walls lies a charming maze of cobbled streets, traditional wooden houses, and local workshops. As you wander, you’ll find small museums, cafés, and artisan stalls that bring the area’s history to life. Visiting the citadel is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ankara, as it captures the city’s layered past in one unforgettable setting.

The Ankara Roman Theater is a lesser-known gem that reveals the grandeur of ancient Ancyra beneath the modern city. Dating back to the 2nd century CE, this open-air theater once hosted thousands of spectators for plays and civic events. Archaeological excavations have uncovered sections of the seating tiers, stage area, and decorative reliefs that hint at its former splendor.

Though partially reconstructed, the site offers a vivid sense of scale and importance. Information panels help visitors imagine what performances would have looked like nearly two millennia ago. It’s one of the top sights in Ankara for history lovers and is conveniently located near the citadel and other Roman-era landmarks.

Created in 1943, Gençlik Park remains Ankara’s most beloved green retreat — a place where locals come to relax, stroll, and unwind. Located between Ulus and Kızılay, it features a large artificial lake, tree-lined paths, amusement rides, and cafés. Families, couples, and friends gather here year-round to enjoy picnics and evening fountain shows.

At sunset, the park comes alive with colorful lights and music, offering a cheerful contrast to the city’s bustling streets. It’s also home to the Ankara State Theatre and Opera, adding a cultural flair to its natural charm. Gençlik Park is one of the best things to see in Ankara for travelers seeking a peaceful yet lively local experience.

Housed in the First Grand National Assembly Building, the War of Independence Museum tells the story of Türkiye’s struggle for sovereignty. Built in 1920, the stone building was the meeting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his colleagues during the foundation of the Republic. Its historic rooms still echo with the debates and decisions that shaped modern Türkiye.

Inside, visitors can see personal belongings, photographs, and official documents from the War of Independence. Maps, speeches, and original furnishings bring the early 20th century vividly to life. It’s one of the top attractions in Ankara, providing a profound insight into the city’s transformation from an Anatolian stronghold into the capital of a modern nation.

The Anıtkabir, or Mausoleum of Atatürk, is the most iconic monument in Ankara. Completed in 1953, it serves as the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Türkiye. Its monumental architecture blends ancient Anatolian and modernist design, standing proudly atop Anıttepe Hill.

Visitors enter via the grand Lion Road, flanked by symbolic statues, before reaching the Hall of Honor where Atatürk’s tomb lies beneath a soaring dome. The museum beneath the complex showcases artifacts from his life and the founding of the Republic. Reverent yet uplifting, Anıtkabir is one of the top sights in Ankara and a deeply moving experience for anyone visiting the capital.

The Column of Julian, also known as the Belkıs Minaret, is one of Ankara’s oldest surviving monuments. Erected in 362 CE to honor Emperor Julian’s visit to the city, it stands 15 meters tall and has endured centuries of change. Made from red Ankara stone, the column is simple yet elegant — a reminder of the city’s deep Roman roots.

Today, it rises quietly amid the modern bustle of Ulus, its weathered surface contrasting with nearby buildings. As one of the best places to see in Ankara for history enthusiasts, it symbolizes the city’s ability to carry its past gracefully into the present.

Ulus Square is the heart of old Ankara and the symbolic center of the Republic’s early years. Dominated by the Victory Monument (Zafer Anıtı) — a bronze statue of Atatürk on horseback — the square has long been a gathering place for civic life and national celebrations. The surrounding architecture reflects Ankara’s transformation from a small town into the capital of modern Türkiye.

Today, Ulus remains vibrant with shops, cafés, and historic sites within walking distance. It’s a perfect starting point for exploring the city, connecting landmarks like the War of Independence Museum, the Roman Baths, and Hacı Bayram Mosque. For many, it’s a highlight of any walking tour of Ankara, where history and daily life converge.

The Hacı Bayram Mosque is one of Ankara’s most cherished landmarks, blending spiritual serenity with deep historical roots. Built in the 15th century, it honors the Sufi mystic Hacı Bayram Veli and stands beside the ancient Temple of Augustus and Rome — a powerful symbol of the city’s layered heritage.

The mosque’s red-brick façade, intricate wooden interiors, and peaceful square make it a favorite spot for both locals and travelers. Surrounded by tea gardens, street vendors, and pilgrims, the area radiates a warm sense of community. It’s one of the must-see places in Ankara, reflecting the capital’s unique harmony of faith, culture, and everyday life.

Located next to Hacı Bayram Mosque, the Temple of Augustus and Rome dates to the 1st century BCE and remains one of Ankara’s most significant Roman monuments. It was dedicated to Emperor Augustus and the goddess Roma, marking Ancyra’s importance within the empire.

The temple is best known for its Res Gestae Divi Augusti inscription — a bilingual text chronicling Augustus’s achievements, carved into its walls. Though timeworn, it remains a remarkable record of imperial history. It’s a highlight of any walking tour of Ankara, where visitors can see ancient stones standing beside living faith, perfectly encapsulating the city’s continuity through time.

The Roman Baths of Ankara offer a fascinating window into the city’s ancient past. Built in the 3rd century CE in honor of the healing god Asclepius, the baths once formed part of a grand public complex where citizens gathered to relax, bathe, and socialize.

Today, the open-air ruins clearly show the layout of the frigidarium, tepidarium, and caldarium, along with the hypocaust heating system that once kept the floors warm. Walking through the site, you can almost imagine the sounds of conversation and flowing water from centuries ago. It’s one of the best things to see in Ankara, especially for those intrigued by Roman architecture and daily life.

Rising above the Çankaya district, Atakule Tower is one of Ankara’s most recognizable modern landmarks. Built in 1989, this 125-meter tower symbolizes the city’s forward-looking spirit and offers panoramic views across the capital.

The observation deck and revolving restaurant provide a breathtaking 360-degree view of Ankara’s skyline, especially beautiful at sunset when the city glows beneath the golden light. Surrounded by parks and shopping areas, Atakule combines leisure, dining, and sightseeing in one elegant spot. It’s one of the best places to see in Ankara for those who want to take in both the city’s past and its vibrant present from above.