Kuğulu Park

Kuğulu Park can be visited in all seasons of the year; however, to see the park's true beauty, we recommend visiting in spring and autumn. In April-May, the trees blossom, the weather is not yet scorching, and the park's greenery creates a dazzling scene. In September-October, yellow-orange leaves surround the pond, creating a wonderful backdrop for photos.

When it comes to the time of day, early mornings are ideal for those who want to experience the park in its calmest state. Swans and ducks are more active at these hours. In the late afternoon, the park comes alive with the crowd passing through Tunalı Hilmi Street; benches fill up, and sounds from nearby cafes create a nostalgic atmosphere. During summer, the air can be quite hot at noon, so choosing morning or evening hours ensures a much more enjoyable visit.

The park is located in one of Ankara's most central points; therefore, transportation is quite easy. Those wishing to come by metro can get off at Kızılay station and walk along Tunalı Hilmi Street; the distance is approximately 1.5 km and is a flat route. During the walk, you will also discover the lively atmosphere of the street.

EGO buses serving the Kavaklıdere and Tunalı routes pass right in front of the park with many lines. For those arriving by private car, there are paid parking areas on Tunalı Hilmi Street and in side streets; however, finding a parking spot can be difficult, especially on weekends. You can also easily reach by taxi or app-based car services; just tell the driver Tunalı Hilmi Street, Kuğulu Park.

Despite its small scale, Kuğulu Park offers many interesting shots for photography enthusiasts. The most iconic spot is undoubtedly the edge of the pond; it's worth coming early to capture the swans swimming and the ducks' movements on the water's surface in the soft morning light.

The Kissing Couple statue inside the park has become a symbol where Ankara residents have taken photos for years. The Tunalı Hilmi Bey statue also offers interesting compositions for framing. In autumn, when the yellowing leaves surround the pond, you can capture the entire park in your frame by preferring a wide angle. In the evenings, when the park is illuminated, reflections and light plays also produce noteworthy shots.

Inside the park, there is a cafeteria located on the side facing Atatürk Boulevard. You can enter this cafeteria both from inside the park and from Atatürk Boulevard, allowing you to comfortably view the park while seated. It is a practical option for tea, coffee, and light snacks.

For a more comprehensive dining experience, Tunalı Hilmi Street, just a few steps away, offers a very rich selection. The cafes, restaurants, and patisseries lined along the street cater to every budget and taste. This variety, ranging from traditional Turkish cuisine to international cuisines, from coffee shops to long-established patisseries, makes exploring the street slowly after visiting the park extremely enjoyable.

Kuğulu Park has been registered as a protected site by the Ankara Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Board. Therefore, avoiding behaviors that could harm the park is both a legal and moral responsibility. There are designated areas in the park for those who wish to feed the swans and ducks in the pond; however, we would like to remind you that processed foods such as bread should not be given to the animals.

Since the park has a small area, it can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays. For a calmer visit, you can prefer weekday mornings. Due to the heavy traffic around it, if you are coming with small children, it is recommended to be careful when crossing streets. The park itself is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

The land on which Kuğulu Park stands today was once a poplar grove with a small stream running through it before the park was built. It is known that the Kavaklıdere district takes its name from this stream and poplar trees. Opened to the public in 1958, the park became one of Ankara residents' favorite meeting points in the 1970s and was etched into the cultural memory of that period.

Serving as a transition point between Tunalı Hilmi Street, Atatürk Boulevard, and Polonya Street, the park is not only a resting area but also the social center of the district. In Ankara, which has undergone many changes over the years, Kuğulu Park continues to be one of the rare places protected by its protected site status and largely preserving its original character. The park is operated by Çankaya Municipality.

Kuğulu Park is a great starting point for exploring the Kavaklıdere and Tunalı area. After visiting the park, you can walk along Tunalı Hilmi Street to discover the lively atmosphere and shops of the street. Towards the end of the street, you can proceed towards Kızılay and add the historical buildings on Atatürk Boulevard and Güven Park to your route.

Approximately 2 km west of the park lies Dikmen Valley; this valley, which can be reached in about 30 minutes on foot, is a good alternative for nature lovers. Kızılay Square is also one of the important nearby attractions. Half a day is sufficient to complete this entire route at a relaxed pace.