English
Türkçe
Ankara's endless energy, the crowds of Kızılay, the buzz of Tunalı Hilmi Avenue... Amidst the city's fast pace, sometimes you just want to stop and take a breath, don't you? At that very moment, a hidden oasis in the heart of the city awaits you: Kuğulu Park (Swan Park). In the middle of concrete and hustle, this unique corner, opening its arms to you with greenery and tranquility, is like an escape point. So, what awaits you in this small but magical park? Let's take a look at our list of Things to do in Kugulu Park together and discover how you can enjoy these moments of peace.
Watch the swans and ducks that have become the symbol of Ankara
The first thing that greets you when you step into Kuğulu Park will be the elegant swans gliding in the pond in the middle of the park and the cheerful ducks accompanying them. Watching them, seeing them float on the water, is like a meditative experience that makes you forget all the city's noise. As you enjoy this moment, have you ever wondered how these swans came to the park?
The story of these graceful creatures is, in fact, living proof of inter-city friendship and diplomacy. The park was established in 1958. Its fate and name changed with the swans that came as a gift from the city of Vienna, symbolizing the friendship between Turkey and Austria. This gift not only brought new residents to the park but also established a warm bond between the two capitals, turning the park into a monument of international friendship.
The park's biological richness is not limited to swans and ducks. When you turn your eyes to the branches of the trees, you might be surprised to learn that this small green area is home to various bird species. This shows that Kuğulu Park is not just a resting area, but also a valuable micro-ecosystem resisting urbanization in the middle of the city. This small oasis serves as a vital sanctuary for creatures adapted to city life and once again demonstrates the ecological importance of urban green spaces.
Take a tea or coffee break at the park's cafe
After the pleasant moments spent watching the elegance of the swans and listening to the sounds of nature, wouldn't you like to crown this atmosphere with a cup of hot tea or coffee? The cafe located inside the park offers an ideal resting spot for these moments. The pleasure of sipping your drink while sitting against the pond view and watching the life around you is priceless.
The cafe offers a variety of options for visitors who want to relax and eat something. From a traditional breakfast to start the day, to delicious kebabs and pide for lunch, to snacks and desserts, you can find many choices. This variety makes the cafe an attractive stop at any time of the day.
We'd like to give you a friendly piece of advice here. The biggest advantage of the place is undoubtedly its unique location and view. However, this popularity can lead to crowds, especially on weekends and in good weather. It's best to manage your expectations: sit back, relax, and live in the moment, enjoying the calm rhythm of the park.
Take a calm and green break from your Tunalı Hilmi tour
Tunalı Hilmi Avenue, one of Ankara's most vibrant and lively streets, is where the heart of shopping and social life beats. The energy of this street envelops you as you look at shop windows, browse stores, or meet up with friends. Right next to this dynamic atmosphere, Kuğulu Park awaits you as an island of tranquility, just a few steps away.
The park is a magical transition point that brings together the concrete texture of Tunalı Hilmi with the green of the plane trees. It's the perfect "breathing stop" where you can relieve your shopping fatigue, sit on a bench to examine your purchases, or simply get away from the crowd to read your book.
As you wander through the park, you can discover not only nature but also art. At the entrance, you are greeted by the statue of Tunalı Hilmi, after whom the avenue is named. A playground designed for families promises delightful moments for the little visitors.
Kuğulu Park is a truly democratic public space that brings together people from all walks of life, thanks to its free and 24-hour access. Students, employees, families, and tourists enjoy the city in this common area. Being under protection as a "First Degree Natural Protected Area" is an indicator of how valuable it is not only for today but also for future generations. Kuğulu Park is just one piece of Ankara's social and cultural fabric. To discover all the other wonders the capital has to offer, you can check out our comprehensive guide to places to visit in Ankara.
While You're Here: Discovery Stops Around Kuğulu Park
If you've gathered your energy after finding peace in Kuğulu Park, you can continue your adventure with other beauties in the vicinity. Here are a few suggestions:
For Nature Lovers: If the greenery of Kuğulu Park wasn't enough for you, you can visit its "bigger siblings" nearby. Seğmenler Park , which spreads over a much larger area, or
Botanik Park , the hidden paradise next to Atakule, are great alternatives for nature walks and relaxation.
For History Buffs: If you want to witness Ankara's thousands of years of history, you should definitely turn your route to the magnificent structure that is the city's symbol. Offering a panoramic view of Ankara and where you can get lost in its historical streets, Ankara Castle will take you on a journey through time.
Reference
To learn more about the positive effects of urban green spaces like Kuğulu Park on city life and society, you can review the academic article titled "The Economic Value of the Health Benefits of a New Urban Park" published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which can be accessed here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there an entrance fee for Kuğulu Park? No, entrance to Kuğulu Park is completely free. You can visit any day of the week, at any time you wish.
2. What are the opening hours of Kuğulu Park? The park is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It has a different beauty during the day and in the evenings with its lighting.
3. How can I get to Kuğulu Park by public transport? Thanks to its central location, transportation is very easy. The table below will help you:
| Transportation Method | Details | Nearest Stop |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Many lines departing from Kızılay or passing through Tunalı Hilmi Avenue (e.g., 304, 407, 413, 427) reach the park. | Kuğulu Park, Karum |
| Metro | Use the M1-M2-M3 or M4 lines to get to Kızılay station. From there, you can reach the park with a 15-20 minute walk or by bus/dolmuş. | Kızılay (Walking/Transfer distance) |
| Private Car | You can use the paid parking lots on and around Tunalı Hilmi Avenue. Note that finding a parking spot can be difficult, especially on weekends. | - |
@serafetkeskin
Çok güzel tasarım mimarisi var
@hakkiyazici
Cok güzel ve çok düşünceli yapilmis bir site
@veyselcopatlama
Güzel bir site
@zirveisimuhendi
Yüksek kat olmaması çok iyi. Site içerisine araç girmemesi de çok iyi kapalı ayrıca otoparkı var. Dairede sauna var
@omerkubilaygocm
Harika
@kaya3499
Kafa dinlemek için çok harika bir ortam ve kaliteli bir park böyle yerlere bayılıyorum. Öncelikle su sesi ve kuğuları izlemek çok hoş insana huzur veriyor. Çok gelen giden oluyor ama herkes kendi halinde sohbet muhabbet ediyor. Yakınında büfede var. Ayrıca kafe de var parkın içerisinde, konumu da gayet güzel ve otobüsler çok sık geçiyor. Hemen az yukarıda ise Seğmenler parkı var. Bu iki parka da gidilmesini tavsiye ederim.
@bulutaygunes
Ankara'nın em meşhur parklarından. Özellikle çocuklu aileler için çok güzel. İçerisinde güzel bir oyun parkı, kuğular, ördekler, kuşları beslemek için yem, banklar ve çimler mevcut. Bir de cafe var park içerisinde; ama merkezi olduğundan etraftaki tüm işletmelere yakın.
@nazmiyesaritas6613
Çok sevdiğim, Ankara'nın eski ve nezih parklarından birisi. Tunalı'ya yakın olması; çevresinde ve içinde bir çok lezzet durakları barındırmasıyla; Tunalı'yı gezdikten sonra dinlenme molası verebileceğiniz ve kuğularıyla, yeşilliğiyle hem bedeninizi hem ruhunuzu dinlendirebileceğiniz park. . It is one of the old and decent parks of Ankara that I love very much. Being close to Tunalı; with many places to eat around and inside; a park where you can take a rest break after visiting Tunalı and rest your body and soul with its swans and greenery.
@ecekesifte
Ankara'nın en güzel parkı ❤️ Hatta Türkiye'nin en güzel parkı ❤️ Çocuk parkı oyun alanı olması çocuğunuzla gönül rahatlığıyla gidebilmenizi sağlıyor. Eğer bir köpeğiniz varsa onunla harika vakit geçirebileceğiniz bir yer arıyorsanız Kuğulu Park tam size göre. Restoranlar sayesinde acıktığınız her an yiyecek elinizin altında olduğundan tüm gün parkın tadını çıkarabilirsiniz. Merkezi bir yerde olmasının avantajları saymakla bitmez. Mesela kitap okumak için gittiniz bu parka ve okuduğunuz kitap bitti ve yenisini almak istiyorsunuz, D&R hemen parkın karşısında ve kitaplar o kadar güzel ki içeri her girdiğimde kitapların büyüsüne kapılıp kaç katlı olduğunu sayamadım bir türlü ? D&R lütfen hep orda kal Kısacası harika bir park ve şiddetle tavsiye ederim ☺️
@gnristan
Park çok geniş ve ferah bir alanda. Ankaralıların vazgeçilmez yeri. Ufak bir gölü var fakat yeşil alan oldukça fazla oturacak bankaları yeterli. Kahve ve kitabınızla sakince kafa dinleyip huzur bulabileceğiniz bir yer. Hafta sonu fazla yoğunluk oluyor ama insanlar nezih olduğu için kalabalık sizi çok fazla rahatsız etmiyor. Etrafında WC ve cafeler mevcut.