Things to do in Ankara

Fascinating archaeology abounds in Ankara, and one of the best ways to take it all in is to stroll around the old city. Here, travellers will also have the opportunity to see the hubbub of the local markets, which sell expertly crafted goods such as clothes, jewellery and carpets.

Aside from ancient ruins, Ankara is home to many museums; for a taste of Turkey's founding history, travellers should visit the Republic Museum; or get a taste for Turkey's cultural products at the State Art and Sculpture Museum. If being indoors looking at exhibits proves too taxing, visitors should wonder around the beautiful parks that Ankara has to offer. Kugulu Park is the perfect place to start and sightseers may catch a glimpse of its renowned, graceful swans; Genclik Park, with its rowing pond and botanical garden, is equally excelent.

Anitkabir photo

Anitkabir

A revered monument in the city accessed by a wide avenue lined with lion statues, Anitkabir is the mausoleum of the founder of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk. It draws Turks from al…

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations photo

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

The museum charts the history of Asia Minor and is housed in a lovely 15th-century restored building close to the centre of Ankara. Originally a market and caravanserai close to th…

Temple of Augustus photo

Temple of Augustus

The Roman Temple of Augustus was built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD, and contains the best-preserved copy of Emperor Augustus' last will and testament, inscribed on the vest…

Ethnographic Museum photo

Ethnographic Museum

When the founder of the Turkish Republic, Ataturk, died in 1938, he was buried in the courtyard of the building that now houses the Ethnographic Museum. Although he was moved to hi…

Natural History Museum photo

Natural History Museum

Anyone with an interest in the natural world will enjoy Ankara's Natural History Museum, which contains some fascinating exhibits and dioramas detailing the (often extinct) wildlif…

Mount Ararat photo

Mount Ararat

In the far east of Turkey lies Mount Ararat, the twin peaks of this dormant volcano boast the highest summit in the country and legend has it that the remains of Noah's Ark lie on …

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