7 Parks To Visit In Ankara For An Evening Stroll

Unlike its cosmopolitan sister city Istanbul, Ankara has plenty of green spaces that are perfect for a relaxing evening stroll. From small parks in the city center to larger areas further out, there are lots of man-made landscapes with lovely flora and fauna, where you can take a break from the urban routine.

1. Gençlik Parkı

Amusement Park

One of Istanbul’s oldest parks, Gençlik Parkı has been around since 1943 and translates as ‘Youth Park,’ due to it opening on National Youth Day, May 19. Almost at the city’s center, you’ll find an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and plenty of rides for families and children.

2. Mavi Göl

Park

Located a little way outside the city center, this large park surrounds the Bayındır Barajı (Bayındır Reservoir) and is a great place to take a long stroll by the water’s edge. The park also has plenty of picnic tables and playgrounds as well as basketball, football, and mini golf.

Yeni Bayındır Mahallesi, Mamak

3. Botanik Park

Park

Located in a very residential neighborhood, Botanik Park is one of the most overlooked but also one of the prettiest parks in Ankara. In the evening the lights from Atakule give the whole park quite a romantic feel; there are plenty of park benches, hidden sculptures, and a small lake.

Çankaya Mahallesi, Çankaya

Botanik Park | © Jorge Franganillo/Flickr

4. Altınpark

Park

This 640,000 meter square park is not only a lush green area, with many lakes, but also a cool entertainment center. Water shows with music and lights, kayaks, electric carts, a miniature railway, and many restaurants are only some of what you’ll find on offer here.

Altınpark Mahallesi, Altınpark

5. Güven Park

Park

Located in the very popular Kızılay neighborhood, Güven Park is also one of Ankara’s oldest green spaces, having been established in the 1930s. Apart from its fully grown trees, benches, pools, and playground, the park is also known for the famous Güven Monument. Created by Austrian sculptors Anton Hanak and Jospeh Thorak, the monument pays respect to Turkey’s security forces.

6. Mogan Park

Park

Another huge park with an area spanning 644,979 square meters, Mogan stands out for having a horse riding center among many other attractions. Perfect for a stroll around the large lake, the park also offers a jogging track, as well as tennis, football, and basketball courts.

Karşıyaka Mahallesi, Gölbaşı

7. Kuğulu Park

Park

Located in the city’s center, right by the busy Tunalı Hilmi street where locals do their shopping, Kuğulu Park is known for its swans and ducks that live in the small man-made pond. In the evening the park is a great place to take a stroll and observe the daily life of Ankara’s locals.

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