The capital of Turkey and the center of political and business activities in the region, Ankara is the second-largest city in Turkey. With records dating back to 2000BC, the city is filled with history and culture. Along with a strong cultural background, it has some of the finest restaurants and nightlife in Turkey.
Things to See and Do
Entertainment and Nightlife
A city with a large student population usually has a lot of entertainment and clubs. Ankara is no exception. There’s a place for everyone from jazz bars to rock venues along with plenty of nightclubs.
Always Rock Bar
Good vibes and great beer. The perfect place to kick it to some rock music.
Checkpoint Lounge & Terrace
Live music and DJs accompany a large outdoor terrace and dance floor. Go there for the fantastic cocktails.
IF Performance Hall
The best live concerts in Ankara. An old-school place where both international and Turkish artists come to perform.
Shopping in Ankara
Shopping destinations are aplenty in Ankara with the large shopping malls holding some of the world’s biggest brands.
Popular Shopping Streets in Ankara
- Ulus
- Izmir Street
- Dosim
Shopping Malls
- Karum Mall
- Ankamall Alisveris Merkezi
- Armada Shopping & Business Centre
Where to Go
State Art and Sculpture Museum
A beautiful museum where you can explore modern Turkish art. International art exhibitions are also held here. Afterward, you can eat some of the best food in Ankara at the dozens of restaurants nearby
Hattusha
The former capital of the ancient Hittite Empire, Hattusha is located near the village of Boğazköy. The rock art and rich ornamentation are especially striking.
A world UNESCO site and a must-see for those visiting Ankara.
Anitkabir
A mausoleum dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Huge columns and beautiful bronze doors decorate the mausoleum.
Hacı Bayram Mosque
Built in the 15th century and located in the Ulus section of Ankara is the Haci Bayram Mosque. Roman ruins lie on one side and relaxing gardens on the other.
Visit to see the stunning wood roof and beautiful floral designs.
Where to Eat & Drink
As one of the biggest cities in Turkey and the capital, there is no shortage of places to eat in Ankara. Whether it’s a sheep’s head or the best doner in town, Ankara has everything you’d crave.
Food
Özler Döner
A chain restaurant said to serve the best doner in Ankara. Known for its kebabs, its branches can be found throughout the city.
Rumeli Iskembe Salonu
You can always get some Dolma (stuffed pepper) or some iskembe (sheep’s head), but tripe soup is the most popular dish here.
Balikcikoy Fahri
If you are craving delicious seafood and great mezes, Balikcikoy Fahri is the place you want to be.
Drink
Eski Yeni
Located in the Kizilay area, the Eski Yeni is a place you want to go for a nice drink and some live music.
The Soul Pub
Great snacks, cold beer, and some of the best pub food ever, The Soul Pub is known for its cozy atmosphere and good music
Manhattan Bar
Enjoy live Jazz music along with your drink of choice in one of the best Jazz bars in Ankara.
