Where to Stay in Ankara
Turkey
|Pop. 3.5M
|4 neighborhoods covered
Ankara at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Ankara
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Visit the 'Hamamönü' district for a beautifully restored Ottoman neighborhood experience with traditional houses converted into cafes and craft shops, offering a glimpse into the past.
Getting Around
Purchase an AnkaraKart and load it for easy travel on metro, light rail, and buses; it's cheaper than buying single tickets.
Watch Out For
Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or ride-sharing apps).
Solo Female Travel
Ankara is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night, and dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.
Hidden Gems in Ankara
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Hamamönü
FREEWander through beautifully restored Ottoman-era houses, many now charming cafes and craft shops. It's a picturesque glimpse into Ankara's past, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Ankara State Railway Museum (Ankara Demiryolları Müzesi)
Discover the history of railways in Turkey in this small, engaging museum housed in an old train station. You'll find vintage locomotives, old tickets, and fascinating railway memorabilia.
Kızılay Square (Kızılay Meydanı)
FREEWhile busy, Kızılay is the vibrant heart of modern Ankara. Locals gather here, and you can find countless eateries, shops, and lively street performers, offering a true taste of city life.
Çengelhan Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Housed in a historic caravanserai, this museum showcases industrial and technological history with an impressive collection. It's a beautifully preserved building with diverse exhibits.
Dikmen Valley (Dikmen Vadisi)
FREEEscape the city bustle in this vast green space offering walking paths, picnic areas, and beautiful city views. It's a favorite spot for locals to relax and enjoy nature.
Atakule Tower (Observation Deck)
Go up this iconic tower for panoramic views of Ankara, especially stunning at sunset. It offers a different perspective of the sprawling capital city.
What It Costs in Ankara
Daily budget per person in TRY
💡79% cheaper than London
TRY 1200/day
TRY 2500/day
TRY 6000/day
Where to Stay in Ankara
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Ankara Castle45 min
- Anıtkabir30 min
- Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi25 min
Pros
- +Excellent public transport access
- +Wide range of dining and shopping options
- +Lively atmosphere
Cons
- -Can be very crowded and noisy
- -Lacks historical charm compared to other areas
Top stays in Kızılay
Grand Hamit Hotel
$$Centrally located with comfortable rooms and good service.
Hotel Mithat
$A budget-friendly option offering basic amenities in a prime location.
King's Cross Hotel Ankara
$$Modern hotel with good facilities, close to metro and shopping.
The Çengelhan Rahmi Koç Museum Hotel
$$$Unique boutique hotel within a museum, offering a historical experience.
Best for
Walk to
- Kızılay Square30 min
- Anıtkabir40 min
Pros
- +Safer and quieter atmosphere
- +Good selection of upscale restaurants and cafes
- +Proximity to embassies and international organizations
Cons
- -Less central for historical sightseeing
- -Can feel more residential and less tourist-oriented
Top stays in Çankaya
JW Marriott Hotel Ankara
$$$Luxury hotel offering top-tier amenities, spa, and dining.
The Marmara Ankara
$$$Offers panoramic city views from its rooms and rooftop restaurant.
Boutique 13
$$Stylish boutique hotel with personalized service in a quieter part of Çankaya.
Best for
Walk to
- Kızılay Square25 min
- Atakule Tower15 min
Pros
- +Excellent dining and entertainment scene
- +Lively and fashionable atmosphere
- +Good mix of local and international influences
Cons
- -Can be noisy, especially on weekends
- -Accommodation options are more limited and can be pricier
Top stays in Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi / Kavaklıdere
Divan Çukurhan
$$$A beautifully restored Ottoman mansion offering luxurious rooms and a courtyard restaurant.
Cankaya Konuk Evi
$$Charming boutique stay with a focus on comfort and local hospitality.
Latanya Hotel Ankara
$$Comfortable hotel with good amenities, located conveniently near the shopping street.
Best for
Walk to
- Ankara Castle15 min
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations10 min
- Roman Bath Ruins5 min
Pros
- +Rich in history and historical sites
- +Authentic local markets
- +Very budget-friendly options
Cons
- -Can feel gritty and less maintained in parts
- -Limited modern dining and nightlife
- -Requires more awareness of surroundings
Top stays in Ulus
Divan Çukurhan
$$$While technically in Kavaklıdere, it's a short taxi/bus ride and offers the best historical luxury experience near Ulus.
Hotel Samdan
$Basic, affordable hotel in the Ulus area, convenient for historical sites.
Ankara Plaza Hotel
$$Decent mid-range option with good access to Ulus attractions.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas immediately surrounding bus terminals (e.g., AŞTİ) late at night.: These areas can be transient and less monitored, increasing the risk of petty crime and feeling unsafe.
- Very poorly lit, deserted side streets in older districts after dark.: Lack of visibility and fewer people make these areas less secure and more prone to opportunistic crime.
Insider tip: Visit the 'Hamamönü' district for a beautifully restored Ottoman neighborhood experience with traditional houses converted into cafes and craft shops, offering a glimpse into the past.
Safety in Ankara
SafeSolo Female Travel
Ankara is generally safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas late at night, and dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas like Kızılay or Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi. Main avenues are generally safe, but be mindful of your belongings in crowded nightlife spots.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overcharging by unlicensed taxis (always use metered taxis or ride-sharing apps).
- 2Distraction theft in crowded markets or public transport.
- 3Slight-of-hand tricks in busy tourist areas.
Getting Around Ankara
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Ankara Esenboğa Airport (ESB) to city center: HAVAŞ shuttle bus (approx. 1.5 hours, ~150 TRY); Taxi (approx. 45-60 mins, ~700-1000 TRY).
🎫
Day Pass
Not available; single tickets (AnkaraKart) are cost-effective.
Single: AnkaraKart fare: ~15-20 TRY depending on distance/transfer.
🚶
Walkability
Good TransitUber
📶
WiFi
Good30-50 Mbps (in cafes/hotels)
Public Transport
Ankaray (light rail) and Metro (subway) are efficient for crossing the city; extensive bus network (EGO buses).
Ride-share
BiTaksi and Uber (operates as UberXL using local taxis); typical cost similar to local taxis, slightly higher during peak demand.
Transport Tip
Purchase an AnkaraKart and load it for easy travel on metro, light rail, and buses; it's cheaper than buying single tickets.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes, shopping malls, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
Limited dedicated coworking spaces; check options like 'Atakule Coworking' or inquire at larger hotels for business facilities. Daily costs can range from 200-500 TRY if available.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jun, Sep, Oct
Hotels & Accommodation in Ankara
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Who Is Ankara Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-Time Visitors
Provides easy access to transport, accommodation, and a central point to start exploring Ankara's main attractions.
History & Culture Enthusiasts
Directly adjacent to key historical sites like Ankara Castle and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Foodies & Nightlife Seekers
This area is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene and popular bars and cafes.
Luxury Travelers
Offers upscale hotels, fine dining, and a more serene, high-end environment.
Budget Backpackers
Features the most affordable accommodation and dining options while being close to historical sites.
About Ankara
Ankara is the capital city of Turkey. Located in the central part of Anatolia, the city has a population of over 5.3 million residents in its urban center, out of 6 million residents in Ankara Province . Ankara is Turkey's second-largest city by population after Istanbul.
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Ankara Guides by Traveller Type
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