Sunrise and Sunsetin Ankara, Turkey

Ankara sits on an open plateau at around 900 m elevation, where flat terrain and mostly clear air give wide, unobstructed views in all directions. The lakes in the Gölbaşı district to the south are among the best spots for both sunrise and sunset.

Best sunrise spots in Ankara

1. Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi)

   The eastern ramparts overlook the Ulus district and the valley below with no tall buildings blocking the horizon; from Ulus metro station (M1) it is a 15-minute uphill walk, free entry.

2. Eymir Lake (Eymir Gölü)

   The eastern shore of this 3 km reservoir in Gölbaşı faces east over open water with no development on the far bank; 20 km from the city center by car, free parking at the north entrance.

3. Mogan Lake (Mogan Gölü)

   The 7 km paved promenade along this shallow lake 25 km south of the center has an open eastern horizon across the water from the north shore; free parking at the northern entrance off the D750.

4. Atakule Tower

   The enclosed observation deck at 125 m offers a 360-degree view over eastern Ankara and the surrounding plateau; open from 10:00 daily in the Çankaya district, paid admission.

Best sunset spots in Ankara

1. Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi)

   The western walls face the city roofscape and the plateau beyond; the castle grounds are open until 19:00 in summer, and the Atpazarı area at the base has cafes.

2. Anıtkabir

   Set on Rasattepe Hill in the Tandoğan district, the ceremonial esplanade faces west across the Ankara plateau with no obstructions; free admission, open until 17:00 in winter and 18:00 in summer, nearest metro is Tandoğan (M1).

3. Eymir Lake (Eymir Gölü)

   From the western path, the sun drops behind low hills reflected in the water; dolmuş connections from Kızılay, or about 30 minutes by car.

4. Atatürk Orman Çiftliği (AOÇ)

   This 5,000-hectare park and experimental farm west of the city center has open fields with an unobstructed western horizon; take the Ankaray line (M2) to Akköprü station, the main entrance is 500 m from the platform.

5. Atakule Tower

   Floor-to-ceiling windows face west over the city, and the tower stays open until 22:00 so you can watch the full transition to city lights; located in Çankaya, about 4 km south of Kızılay.