Ankara became Turkey's capital in 1923 when Atatürk deliberately moved government from Istanbul to a new republic's heart in the Anatolian steppe. Today it is the country's political and administrative centre, a city of wide boulevards, embassies and universities built around a Phrygian, Roman and Ottoman core.
The city's two unmissable sights are Anıtkabir — the vast, ceremonial mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on a hilltop above the city — and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri), housed in a restored Ottoman bedestan and holding the world's finest Hittite, Phrygian and Assyrian collections.
Known for: Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum) · Anadolu Medeniyetleri Museum · Ankara Castle · Government district · University city
- Region
- Central Anatolia
- Status
- Capital of Turkey
- Best seasons
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Famous for
- Anıtkabir & Hittite museum
Ankara on the live map
Explore Ankara and all of Turkey on the live intelligence map — tap a city node to fly in.
What Ankara is known for
Anıtkabir draws millions of visitors annually; the ceremonial complex includes a museum of Atatürk's life and a guard-change parade. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is essential for understanding 10,000 years of Anatolian archaeology. Above the old quarter, the Ankara Castle (Hisar) offers panoramic views over the city and houses a warren of traditional craft shops.
- Anıtkabir — Atatürk's monumental mausoleum, ceremonial complex.
- Museum of Anatolian Civilisations — world's best Hittite & Phrygian collections.
- Ankara Castle (Hisar) — Byzantine/Ottoman fortress, old town views.
- Kızılay and Tunalı Hilmi — modern city centre, cafes and nightlife.
Getting around
Ankara is superbly connected: high-speed trains (YHT) reach Istanbul in under 4 hours and Konya in 2. The city has two metro lines and a fast tram. Anıtkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations are 15 minutes apart by metro.
On the platform
Ankara is joining Türkiye Gez as we expand into a Turkey-wide city intelligence platform. This guide is the launch foundation — live transport data, an interactive map and deeper neighborhood content roll out city by city, on the same architecture that powers Istanbul today.
Frequently asked questions
About Ankara
2Yes — Anıtkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations are world-class. The city has excellent food, a vibrant student scene and is easily combined with Cappadocia (3 hours by bus) or Safranbolu (2 hours).
The fastest way is the YHT high-speed train (3h45) from Pendik or Söğütlüçeşme; flights take 1 hour. Buses run 24 hours and take about 5–6 hours.