Landmarks and history
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Anıtkabir | Atatürk's mausoleum on a hill above the capital, with a vast square, a museum and the changing of the guard. | Central Ankara; free entry, museum included |
| Ankara Castle | An old citadel on the highest hill of the old town, with walls, lanes, cafés and a view over all of Ankara. | Ulus |
| The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations | One of Turkey's key museums: Neolithic wall paintings, Hittite cuneiform tablets and Phrygian gold. | Near the castle |
| Hamamönü | Restored Ottoman houses in coloured timber, with craft shops and traditional restaurants. | Near Ulus |
Mosques and views
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Kocatepe Mosque | Ankara's largest mosque, with its domes and four minarets in the Ottoman style. | Kızılay |
| Atakule | A 125 m tower with an open terrace and a revolving restaurant that turns once an hour. | Çankaya |
| Gençlik Park | A city-centre park with a lake, fountains and children's rides. | By the railway station |
Near Ankara

| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Beypazarı | An Ottoman town of old mansions, cobbled lanes and markets for silver and sweets, with views from Hıdırlık Hill. | About 100 km, roughly 1 h 30 min |
| Lake Eymir | A quiet lake south of the city with walking and cycling paths. | South Ankara |
Shopping
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| ANKAmall | One of Ankara's largest malls, with brands and restaurants. | Near Akköprü station |
| Armada | A modern mall of international brands and restaurants. | Eskişehir road |
Tips before you go
- Saudis enter Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- There are direct flights from Jeddah to Ankara in about 3 h 45 min; from Riyadh you need one stop.
- Leave large bags in the free lockers at the gate before entering Anıtkabir.
- Ankara's winters are cold and can bring snow; spring and autumn are the loveliest seasons.
More places nearby
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Ankara?
Anıtkabir, Ankara Castle, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Kocatepe Mosque, Atakule tower, Hamamönü and the nearby town of Beypazarı.
Are there direct flights to Ankara?
Yes, from Jeddah in about 3 h 45 min; from Riyadh you need one stop.
Is entry to Anıtkabir free?
Yes, entry to the grounds and the museum is free.
Is Wonderland Eurasia open?
No, it closed in February 2020 and remains closed.
Planning your trip to Turkey? Read Travel to Turkey from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.
