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Ankara 2026 A complete guide to the capital, from Ulus and Kızılay to Çankaya
Ankara, in the heart of Anatolia, is Türkiye's capital and its political and administrative centre. The city combines the historic sights of Ulus, the busy commercial streets of Kızılay, and the modern neighbourhoods, restaurants and parks of Çankaya.
It may feel quieter and more formal than İstanbul, but Ankara offers a varied city break with museums, markets, a citadel, parks and cafés, supported by an extensive network of transport and services.
1. 
Ulus: Ankara's historic heart
Ulus is a good starting point for exploring Ankara's history. Buildings associated with the early Republic sit alongside traditional markets, museums and archaeological sites, many within walking distance of one another.Highlights include:
- Ankara Castle and the surrounding old quarters.
- The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
- The Rahmi M. Koç Museum.
- Hacı Bayram Mosque.
- The Temple of Augustus and Rome.
- The Roman Baths.
- The former Turkish parliament buildings.
2. 
Ankara Castle
Ankara Castle occupies a hill overlooking a large part of the capital. Its surrounding old neighbourhoods contain restored Ottoman houses, gift and antique shops, small restaurants and cafés.You can walk within the walls and reach elevated viewpoints for photographs. Some paths are steep and do not have continuous barriers, so take particular care with children.
Ankara Castle and the surrounding neighbourhoods from above.
3. 
Museum of Anatolian Civilisations
Gallery availability: The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is open, but the Ankara Hall and Classical Hall have been closed for maintenance since 14 September 2026. The official closure register gives 2 March 2027 as their estimated reopening date. The closure concerns these two galleries, rather than the whole museum. Confirm current gallery access before visiting, as the estimated date may change.One of Ankara's major museums, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations presents finds spanning prehistory and the Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman periods.
Its location near the castle makes it easy to combine with Ulus's markets and Hacı Bayram Mosque.
4. 
Anıtkabir
Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Türkiye, is one of the capital's principal landmarks.The complex includes the Road of Lions, ceremonial courtyard, Hall of Honour and a museum covering the Republic's history and the War of Independence. Allow around two hours, including time for entrance and security procedures.
Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Ankara.
5. 
Kızılay: shopping and city life
Kızılay is Ankara's commercial centre and one of its liveliest districts. Shops, restaurants, cafés and shopping centres surround a major interchange for metro and bus services.Kızılay Square connects with Atatürk Boulevard and several busy streets. Sakarya Street is known for casual restaurants, fishmongers and flower stalls.
Kızılay Square and the buildings around it in central Ankara.
6. 
Tunalı Hilmi and Kuğulu Park
Tunalı Hilmi Street is a well-known shopping and café street in Çankaya. Nearby Kuğulu Park is a small green space with swans, trees and places to sit.The area suits an unhurried evening stroll. Continue towards Arjantin Street and Gaziosmanpaşa for more upmarket restaurants and cafés.
7. 
Çankaya: the modern capital
Çankaya is a large district containing government institutions, embassies, universities and modern residential neighbourhoods. Parks, restaurants, shopping centres and hotels are spread across it at a range of price levels.Places to consider include:
- Seğmenler Park.
- Kuğulu Park.
- Tunalı Hilmi Street.
- Atakule Tower.
- Bahçelievler.
- 7. Cadde, the well-known Seventh Street.
- Gaziosmanpaşa and Oran.
8. 
Shopping in Ankara
Shopping ranges from old markets to modern malls. Ulus and Samanpazarı are good places to browse traditional products, antiques and gifts, while contemporary shopping centres are found in Çankaya, Söğütözü, Çayyolu and other parts of the city.Well-known malls include ANKAmall, Armada, Panora, Kentpark and Next Level. Their shops and restaurant choices vary.
9. 
What to eat
The capital has restaurants representing Turkish regions and international cuisines, alongside Central Anatolian specialities.Try:
- Ankara tava, a local meat dish.
- Meat dishes and grills.
- Ankara-style döner.
- Pide and Turkish pastries.
- Traditional desserts.
- Turkish breakfast in Çankaya or around the parks.
10. 
Getting around Ankara
The city relies on the metro, ANKARAY light rail, buses and taxis. The metro serves several key districts, while ANKARAY runs between Dikimevi and the AŞTİ intercity coach terminal via Kızılay and the western inner-city neighbourhoods.The Başkent Kart Ulaşım is used on public transport. Ankara is extensive, so group your sightseeing by area to avoid repeated journeys across the city.
11. 
From Esenboğa Airport
Ankara Esenboğa Airport lies north-east of the city. Airport buses, taxis and private transfers connect it with central Ankara.Journey times depend on traffic and your destination. Leave extra time when heading to the airport, particularly during rush hour.
12. 
Where to stay
Kızılay: convenient for transport, shopping and access to the city centre.Çankaya: a good choice for restaurants, cafés, quieter residential areas and modern hotels.
Tunalı Hilmi and Kavaklıdere: well suited to evening outings, walking and restaurants.
Ulus: close to historic sights, although hotel standards and the immediate location deserve careful consideration.
Söğütözü: a modern district close to business centres, shopping and the coach terminal.
13. 
A suggested two-day itinerary
Day one:Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, Ulus's markets and Hacı Bayram Mosque, followed by an evening in Kızılay.
Day two:
Anıtkabir, Bahçelievler, Kuğulu Park and Tunalı Hilmi Street, finishing at Atakule or a restaurant in Çankaya.
14. 
When to visit
Ankara has dry, sunny summers and cold winters that can bring snow. Spring and autumn are generally comfortable for walking and visiting outdoor sights.The city's inland location and elevation mean evenings are often cooler than daytime temperatures suggest. Carry an extra layer.
15. 
Practical tips
- Group Ulus's nearby sights into one day.
- Use public transport to avoid central traffic.
- Allow dedicated time for Anıtkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the castle and old streets.
- Check museum opening hours and prices before visiting.
- Avoid rush-hour travel between Kızılay and Çankaya where possible.
- Bring a suitable evening layer, even during some summer visits.
16. 
Why visit Ankara?
Ankara offers a different perspective from Türkiye's coastal destinations: Anatolian history, the early Republic and everyday life in a modern capital. From Ulus and its castle to Kızılay and Çankaya, a well-paced itinerary reveals several sides of the country.17. 
Choosing an area to explore
| Area | Best suited to | Planning your visit |
|---|---|---|
| Ulus and the castle | Archaeology, museums and traditional markets | Group nearby sights and allow time for uphill walks and rests |
| Kızılay | Shopping, restaurants and transport connections | Works well after an Ulus visit or as a transport interchange |
| Tunalı Hilmi and Kavaklıdere | Walking, cafés and Kuğulu Park | Combine them in one short outing rather than repeatedly returning |
| Çankaya and Söğütözü | Modern neighbourhoods, shopping centres and business districts | Choose a specific destination: these areas cover considerable distances |
| Anıtkabir | Republican history and the War of Independence museum | Allow around two hours as a planning estimate, including entrance procedures |
18. 
Examples for a transport budget
| Payment method or route | Fare in TRY | Conditions to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Başkent Kart Ulaşım: a standard city journey | 40 | A full-fare transfer costs TRY 20, subject to transfer conditions |
| Bank card | 46 | This payment method does not include a discounted transfer |
| Mobile NFC payment | 45 | This payment method does not include a discounted transfer |
| Airport bus 442 | 150 | A separate tariff applies; this route has no student fare |
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