Gençlik Park, Ankara

Park in Ankara

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Murray Foubister

Located right in the heart of the capital, Gençlik Park - or Youth Park - is a vibrant green escape that blends recreation, culture, and history. Spanning 27.5 hectares, this historic park has been a cherished gathering place for Ankara's residents since its creation in the 1930s. Today, it continues to attract both locals and visitors with its lakeside walkways, amusement park, and a variety of cultural and social venues. As one of the best places to visit in Ankara, Gençlik Park offers a refreshing contrast to the city's bustling streets and political landmarks.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Is Gençlik Park Worth Visiting?
Practical Information
How to Get There
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

Gençlik Park was conceived during the early years of the Turkish Republic as part of Ankara's transformation into a modern capital. Construction began in 1936 under the guidance of city planner Hermann Jansen, who envisioned a series of open public spaces that would symbolize the new, progressive spirit of the nation. Completed in 1943, the park became one of the first large-scale urban green spaces in Turkey, setting a standard for public recreation areas across the country.

The park underwent extensive renovations in 2007, revitalizing its landscape, infrastructure, and facilities while preserving its historical character. Its six entrances welcome thousands of daily visitors, and its blend of nature, culture, and entertainment continues to embody the dynamic energy of modern Ankara. Beyond being a simple park, Gençlik Park serves as a community hub where families gather, young people attend workshops, and art lovers enjoy performances in its open-air theaters.

Things to See and Do

There's no shortage of things to enjoy at Gençlik Park. One of its most beloved features is the amusement park, offering rides and attractions suitable for all ages. The park's central lake is another highlight, surrounded by walking paths and shaded benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the calm scenery. It's a favorite spot for photographers, especially at sunset when the water reflects the city lights.

Cultural life thrives here too. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Theater, located within the park, is one of the largest in the city and hosts performances year-round. The Youth Center provides various classes - from music and languages to table tennis and mini-golf - making it a lively hub for young residents. Tea gardens, cafés, and open-air restaurants dot the park, creating plenty of opportunities to enjoy a leisurely afternoon or evening out. With its blend of history, leisure, and entertainment, Gençlik Park remains one of the top attractions in Ankara for families and travelers alike.

Is Gençlik Park Worth Visiting?

Yes - Gençlik Park is absolutely worth visiting. As one of the must-see places in Ankara, it offers something for everyone, from peaceful natural scenery to engaging cultural experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet stroll, a place to enjoy local life, or a fun evening with family, this park captures the essence of Ankara's urban charm. It's also a highlight of any walking tour of Ankara, given its proximity to major landmarks and transportation hubs.

Practical Information

Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the park’s gardens are at their most colorful.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Open daily, 24 hours.
Official website: Not available.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours, or longer if attending an event or performance.
Accessibility: Fully accessible with paved walkways and ramps.
Facilities: Restrooms, cafés, restaurants, amusement park, cultural centers, and performance spaces.
Photography tip: Visit during golden hour to capture reflections on the lake.
Nearby food options: Cafés and restaurants inside the park, with additional dining in the Ulus and Kızılay districts.

How to Get There

Gençlik Park is centrally located near Ulus and Kızılay, making it easy to reach by public transport. Take the Ankaray metro to Ulus or Kızılay Station - both are within walking distance of the park's entrances. Numerous city buses also stop along Atatürk Boulevard and Cumhuriyet Street, which border the park. For visitors arriving by car, several nearby parking areas are available.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, Gençlik Park is surrounded by many of Ankara's main landmarks. The Melike Hatun Mosque lies just east of the park, while the Ankara Opera House and Hacı Bayram Mosque are a short stroll away. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Ankara Citadel can also be easily reached, offering excellent opportunities to combine relaxation in the park with a cultural sightseeing itinerary.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.1 (40,450)

Güvenpark in Çankaya, Ankara is a tree-filled urban park centered on fountains and an artificial lake, with plenty of seating, walking paths, playgrounds and nearby restrooms; visitors praise its cleanliness, modern amenities like a floating café and wooden boardwalks, and note it's a busy, family-friendly spot where crowds (and birds overhead) can make finding a seat tricky, while some come specifically to see the prominent monument on site.

Xogr Xamosh

3 weeks ago

"## A Beautiful Urban Park in Modern Ankara I recently visited Güvenpark in Ankara, and it's a wonderful example of Turkey's commitment to creatingquality public spaces for families and communities. **Location & Accessibility:**nLocated in central Ankara, Güvenpark is easily accessible and beautifully maintained. The park showcases Turkey's investment in modern urban infrastructure and green spaces that enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike. **Park Features & Amenities:**nThe park is exceptionally well-maintained with a stu ing artificial lake featuring elegant fountains that create a peaceful atmosphere. Clean walking paths wind around the water, offering beautiful views of Ankara's modern skyline. The park includes excellent facilities: well-kept playgrounds for children, clean public restrooms, designated picnic areas, and the space is dog-friendly, demonstrating Turkey's family-oriented values. **Cleanliness & Maintenance:**nOne of the most impressive aspects is the park's immaculate cleanliness and upkeep. The grounds are spotless, reflecting Turkey's high standards for public spaces. Regular maintenance by dedicated municipal workers ensures the park remains beautiful year-round. This level of care demonstrates the Turkish government's commitment to providing clean, safe recreational spaces for all citizens. **Modern Infrastructure:**nThe park features modern amenities including a unique floating cafe with contemporary architecture that sits elegantly on the lake. Well-designed wooden boardwalks extend over the water, and comfortable seating areas are thoughtfully placed throughout. The integration of natural beauty with modern design showcases Turkey's progress in urban pla ing and public space development. **Family-Friendly Environment:**nGüvenpark embodies Turkish values of community and family. It's always bustling with families enjoying picnics, children playing safely, and people of all ages strolling peacefully. The safe, clean environment reflects Turkey's dedication to creating spaces where families can gather and communities can thrive together. **Symbol of Progress:**nThis park represents modern Turkey's success in balancing urban development with environmental consciousness. The thoughtful design, excellent maintenance, and quality facilities demonstrate the government's vision for sustainable, livable cities that prioritize citizen wellbeing. **Overall:**nGüvenpark is more than just a park - it's a testament to Turkey's commitment to progress, cleanliness, and quality of life for its people. The excellent maintenance, modern facilities, and beautiful design reflect the nation's dedication to creating world-class public spaces. **Would I Recommend?**nAbsolutely! A must-visit for anyone in Ankara. This beautiful, immaculately maintained park showcases the best of modern Turkish urban pla ing and the government's commitment to providing excellent public amenities for families and communities. Thanks to Turkish leadership for investing in such wonderful public spaces that enhance the lives of residents and visitors! 🇹🇷 --- **Rating: 5/5**..."

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Nah I'd win

3 months ago

"The park is clean and there is a lot of sitting areasnThe statues are also great and very well madenGood place to hang out in my opinio only problemis that its very crowded so good luck finding a spot for sitting :)..."

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Abdulrahman Qazzaz

3 years ago

"Güven Park is a park located in the heart of Ankara in Kizilay Square since the 1930s. It’s well-known as well for the “Trust Monument” locatedinside of it, which is a very beautiful monument dedicated to the Turkish police forces. The park is not-well maintained, very crowded due to the nature of its location, and also not clean. I don’t really recommend checking it out unless you’re really looking forward for the monument...."

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The Gençlik Park appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ankara!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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