Ankara city guide & audio tour
Ankara Province, Turkey
About Ankara
Altındağ – where Ankara’s past rings louder than its city‑wide traffic.
Nestled on the hill‑top of the ancient Ankara Castle, Altındağ is proudly called “Old Ankara.” It is the very cradle of the capital’s story: the inner citadel (İçkale) was already a thriving settlement in the Hittite era (‑4000 – ‑1200 BC) and later became a Galatian stronghold, a Roman‑Augustan temple site, and the battlefield of the famous 1402 Battle of Ankara. In modern Turkish history the district earned an extra feather in its cap when the first Turkish Grand National Assembly—the very first TBMM—was convened within its limits, marking the moment the Republic’s democratic heart started beating.
A living museum of tradition.
Beyond the stones, Altın dağ hums with the artisanal rhythms that have survived centuries of empire change. From the soft‑leather “kundura” shoes once stitched in bustling hans, to the steamy hamams of Hamamönü where locals still swap gossip over bubbles, the district preserves a cultural tapestry that’s as tactile as it is visual. Visitors often pause at the Hacı Bayram Veli complex, where the 15th‑century mosque, the mystic saint’s tomb, and his revered shrine host the annual “Bayram Night” prayers—a gathering that feels like stepping into a living folk‑song.
Don’t miss the crown jewel: Ankara Castle and its museum corridor.
If you have only one stop in Altındağ, climb the stone steps up to Ankara Castle (coordinates ≈ 39.990 N, 32.974 E). From its panoramic view you can spot the green ribbon of Çubuk River, the modern skyline of Çankaya, and the tangled alleys of the historic Çengel Han, now home to the eclectic Rahmi Koç Industry Museum. The climb is a short historical sprint –‑ from Hittite foundations to Ottoman balconies –‑ and the summit rewards you with the same vista that ancient watchmen once guarded, proving that Altındağ isn’t just a district on a map; it’s the beating heart of Ankara’s chronicle.
Top attractions in Ankara
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Anıtı
Tarihi Karacabey Hamamı
Feza Gürsey Science Center
Deney ve Sergi Birimleri, bilim tiytrosu,bilim gösterileri, bilim atölyeleri, sergiler,7D sinema filmi gösterimleri, robot bilim başlangıç eğitimleri, yaz bilim kampı ve güneş gözlemi .
Piknik Alanı
Hüseyingazi Zirvesi
mutsan mutfak banyo
Yunus Market
LC Waikiki
Victory Monument
Anıtkabir
Şehit Salim Akgül Anıtı
Column of Julianus
Haritacılık Müzesi
Ankara Castle
MKEK Cami
Aşık Veysel
Altın Çelik Mescidi
Üçgül Mescidi
Atiye Hatun Mescidi
Aına Düğün Sarayı
Self-guided walking tour of Ankara
This one-day itinerary explores Ankara's rich history and culture, focusing on the city's ancient Roman heritage in the Ulus district and the modern significance of Anıtkabir. The tour emphasizes must-see attractions for a balanced, unhurried experience lasting approximately 6-8 hours, starting in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. It flows thematically from modern Turkish history to ancient…
- Ankara Castle – Walk 10 minutes uphill to Ankara Kalesi (Citadel), offering panoramic city views and medieval walls dating back to Hellenistic times. Spend 45 minutes wandering the historic quarter inside. It's a short hike with uneven steps—wear…
Facts about Ankara
- Ancient Origins Altındağ, known as 'Old Ankara', traces its history back to the Paleolithic era, with significant settlements from the Hittite period around 2000-1200 BCE, evolving into a fortified Galatian city by 281 BCE.
- Birthplace of Modern Turkey The district houses the original Grand National Assembly (TBMM) building where Turkey's first parliament convened during the War of Independence, now serving as the Ankara War of Independence Museum.
- Augustus Temple Legacy In 10 CE, Emperor Augustus built a temple in what is now Altındağ, reorganizing Ankara into a free city of 12 districts modeled after Greek city-states, with the Monumentum Ancyranum preserving his deeds.
- Site of Historic Battle Altındağ was the location of the pivotal Battle of Ankara in 1402, where Timur defeated the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I, dramatically altering the course of Anatolian history.
- Museum Haven As one of Turkey's richest cultural hubs, Altındağ boasts numerous museums including the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Rahmi Koç Industrial Museum, showcasing millennia of Anatolian heritage in a single district.
- Diverse Sister Cities Altındağ maintains international ties through sister city agreements with Umeå in Sweden, Hammamet in Tunisia, Visoko in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Es-Salt in Jordan, and Silistre in Bulgaria, fostering global cultural exchanges.
Explore Ankara with the GuideX app
Audio stories for every place, an interactive map and personal walking routes. Free to download on iOS and Android.