Atakule

Visitors can experience the Atakule either independently or as part of some city tours. If you simply want to enjoy the view from its observatory, catch the elevators to the top from inside the mall and pay the small entrance fee to absorb the far-reaching panoramas over Ankara from indoor and outdoor terraces. If you wish, relax before or after in one of the tower’s food spots—perhaps grabbing a bite at its café or a meal at the revolving Sevilla restaurant, which turns a full 360 degrees in one hour.

Some Ankara tours combine an Atakule visit with stops at other city must-sees such as Ankara Citadel and with day trips to other Turkey (officially the Republic of Türkiye) highlights such as Cappadocia.

• The Atakule and its mall will appeal to sightseers, families, and shoppers.

• Entry to the viewing terraces is free when you reserve a table at the revolving restaurant.

• Allow about two hours to visit the tower and enjoy the mall’s attractions.

The Atakule is adjacent to Ankara’s Botanic Park at the intersection of Cankaya Street and Cinnah Street in the Cankaya neighborhood. The tower is easily accessible by bus: Catch any of the frequent 408, 413, or 413-3 buses from Guvenpark near Kizilay Square and disembark at the park. Drivers should follow Ataturk Boulevard south from Kizilay before merging onto Cinnah Street and turning left onto Cankaya Street.

The Atakule and the mall are open daily from late morning to evening. The mall gets busier as the day progresses, so visit just after opening time or in the evening to avoid the crowds. The tower’s best views are at sunset, when you can combine them with dinner at the revolving restaurant or in the mall.

Make the most of a visit to Atakule by allowing time to dive into the mall below it. The four levels of shops include designer brands such as Lacoste and are interspersed with cafés, restaurants, coffee shops, and a state-of-the-art movie theater. If you fancy time outdoors afterward, take a stroll in the Ankara Botanic Park—an oasis of shady trees, lakes, and sculptures.