Turkey Guide: 24 Hours in Ankara

Ankara may not flaunt the same theatrical charm as Istanbul, but Turkey’s capital doesn’t shout, but speaks with subtle confidence and depth to those who take the time to explore. As the capital and heart of modern Turkey, it’s where the nation’s political, intellectual, and cultural identity takes shape. 

With ancient roots and a modern spirit, Ankara blends Roman ruins, Ottoman heritage, and lively contemporary arts with ease. It’s a city of thinkers, students, and civil servants—less about spectacle and more about substance. 

History whispers from every stone, modern culture flourishes in converted train depots, and the food—oh, the food—will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about Turkish cuisine. A day in Ankara may be insufficient, nevertheless, you can always squeeze in tons from the moment you step outside of your resting spot. 

Here’s how to make the most chic 24-hour sojourn in Ankara. 
 

Rise and dine with a Turkish breakfast at Beyoğlu Halimbey

You’re bound to have a long day. A sumptuous breakfast can do the trick! But this isn’t any typical local spread—traditional Turkish flavours are reimagined with a stylish and welcoming flair. Beyoğlu Halimbey’s house-made breads—sourdough, ciabatta, Erzurum flatbread, and classic simit—are worth the visit alone. 

The breakfast dishes steal the spotlight: velvety menemen, richly spiced sucuklu yumurta, and golden gözleme, crisped just right. For the indecisive or the indulgent, the “Alaturka” and “Beyoğlu” breakfast platters are generous spreads of regional cheeses, olives, honey, jams, fresh vegetables, and more. Accompanied by strong Turkish tea or fresh juice, it’s the kind of breakfast that transforms your morning into an occasion.
 

Stroll around the monumental reflections of Anıtkabir

Now that you’re thoroughly nourished, head to Anıtkabir—the majestic final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the visionary who founded modern Turkey. This hilltop mausoleum combines grand architectural design with deep national reverence. Stroll through the ceremonial courtyards, pause at the eternal flame, and explore the museum filled with Atatürk’s personal effects and historical exhibits. It’s not only a tribute to one man but a crash course in the making of a republic.
 

Pause among the swans of Kuğulu Park

Before lunch, take a breather at Kuğulu Park, Ankara’s beloved little escape. This elegant pocket of calm is known for its namesake swans gliding gracefully across a tree-lined pond. The park has charmed locals since 1958 and remains a nostalgic favourite. Shaded by lilacs and poplars, you can take a reflective stroll or a quiet moment with a book. Sculptures dot the landscape, including tributes to Turkish figures and playful artistic pieces. Kuğulu Park strikes a graceful balance between urban energy and tranquil beauty with cafés and boutiques.
 

Trilye is a midday seafood elegance

A seafood-focused menu that leans into sophistication without ever feeling stuffy will get your day going. Trilye is the spot. The restaurant’s crisp white linens and airy atmosphere provide an elegant backdrop for standout dishes like grilled turbot, octopus with pimentón, or their famed meze tabağı. The Amasra salad is a rich, refreshing complement, and the service is polished without being pretentious. Take a seat inside or on the patio for a memorable midday that balances indulgence with finesse.
 

Continue treasure hunting at Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu

Was the seafood platter satisfying? Good. Make your way to Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu, Ankara’s historic open-air bazaar. This cobbled hillside is a treasure trove of curiosities—vintage copperware, handmade jewellery, Ottoman antiques, old books, and quirky textiles. It’s less polished than a mall, but far more charming, with shopkeepers happy to chat and bargain. It’s also a wonderful spot for picking up souvenirs that feel authentic rather than mass-produced. Check out our guide to shopping in our Turkey Guide for first-timers!
 

Time Travel at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations

Dive deep into Turkey’s layered past at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, a must-visit for history buffs and art lovers alike. Housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era building, the museum’s collections span from the Palaeolithic to the Ottoman Empire, showcasing everything from Hittite reliefs to Bronze Age jewellery. The exhibitions are thoughtfully arranged so that you can trace the evolution of Anatolia’s many civilisations through intricately preserved objects in gold, silver, marble, and clay.
 

Return to the present at Tunalı Hilmi

This street is one of Ankara’s liveliest shopping boulevards. It’s a favourite among locals for good reason—lined with international brands, independent boutiques, and stylish cafes, the street buzzes with energy. Pop into Beymen or Vakko for a taste of Turkish luxury fashion, or simply grab a coffee and watch the city go by.
 

Step inside the grandeur of Kocatepe Mosque

As the day mellows, treat yourself to a dose of a modern marvel with classical Ottoman flair. Kocatepe Mosque rises grandly over Ankara’s skyline since its completion in 1987 after decades of design debates and construction. Today, it stands as one of Turkey’s largest mosques, with towering minarets and a central dome that nods to the grandeur of Sultanahmet. Inside, you’ll get acquainted with soaring ceilings, intricate calligraphy, and chandeliers that glisten like constellations. Though monumental in scale, there’s a calm intimacy to its spacious interior, making it as much a sanctuary for quiet reflection as a symbol of Ankara’s cultural and spiritual identity.
 

Taste the Anatolian soul at Çukurağa Sofrası

All of that sightseeing can get you famished. Have a cosy dinner at Çukurağa Sofrası, where traditional Turkish flavours are served with unpretentious warmth. Known for its exceptional grilled meats—especially the tender Adana kebap—the menu also offers vegetarian-friendly options and generous mezze spreads. The atmosphere is lively, the service is friendly, and the crowd is a mix of locals who know good food and visitors who are lucky to have found it. It’s a fitting final stop before a nighttime stroll.
 

Wrap your day at Old Stones in Ulus

Your day in the old quarter of Ulus is filled with narrow streets, stone walls, and Ottoman houses that tell tales of centuries past. Wander up to Ankara Castle, where the scenic vista of the city under the stars is nothing short of magical. Along the way, browse the traditional bazaars and admire the Roman Temple of Augustus. It's a quiet, timeless finale to a day that’s been anything but ordinary.