Region 4 · Explore without a tour guide
Ankara's Republican history: parliament buildings, PTT, Ulucanlar Prison and chess museums. Follow the stops and explore at your own pace.
Interactive independent travel map
Walk through Ankara's Republican history: the first and second parliament buildings, PTT Stamp Museum, Ulucanlar Prison Museum and the Gökyay Chess Museum.
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Getting to the starting point
Begin at the War of Independence Museum, housed in the first Turkish Grand National Assembly building. Explore the assembly hall and historic rooms.
Use the Ankara metro to Ulus station. The museum is a short walk away.
Show the driver 'Kurtuluş Savaşı Müzesi' or 'I. TBMM'. Use a permitted drop-off point.
Plan your return from the Gökyay Chess Museum. Ulus metro is nearby.
Suggested flexible agenda
Allow roughly 5–6 hours. This route connects several indoor museums. Plan your day to include at least one long break.
60–90 min
1Visit the War of Independence Museum in the first parliament building.
45–60 min
2See the second parliament building and its early Republic-era exhibits.
45–60 min
3Explore the PTT Stamp Museum's Ottoman and Turkish postal history.
60–90 min
4See Ottoman calligraphy, carpets and metalwork at the Foundation Works Museum.
60–90 min
5Visit the former prison, now a museum of political and social history.
45–60 min
6Finish at the Gökyay Chess Museum — one of the world's largest chess collections.
Local survival guide
Use the map as a planning aid. Most museums require tickets. Check opening days before you go.
Cafés near the museums and Ulus square. Try a full Turkish breakfast if time allows.
Most museums have toilets. Public toilets in Ulus square.
ATMs along the main streets of Ulus and Sıhhiye.
Pharmacies in Ulus and along Atatürk Bulvarı.
Five museums on this route. Check hours and ticket arrangements before travelling.
The parliament buildings are historic sites — follow visitor guidance.
Most museums have some accessibility. Check with each venue before visiting.
Map coordinates identify the stops, not verified entrances.
Route stops
Starting point · 60–90 min
Visit the War of Independence Museum, housed in the first Turkish Grand National Assembly building.
Walk · 45–60 min
Continue to the Republic Museum, in the second parliament building, showing the early Republic era.
Walk · 45–60 min
Explore the PTT Stamp Museum's Ottoman and Turkish postal history.
Walk · 60–90 min
See Ottoman calligraphy, carpets and metalwork at the Foundation Works Museum.
Walk · 60–90 min
Visit the former prison, now a museum of political and social history.
Walk · 45–60 min
Finish at the Gökyay Chess Museum — one of the world's largest chess collections.