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🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Ankara

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: TRY 1200/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Jun, Sep, Oct
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Quick Answer

Stay in Ulus

Features the most affordable accommodation and dining options while being close to historical sites.

See full Ankara neighbourhood guide

Top 3 Areas to Stay in Ankara

Most affordable areas with the best value accommodation

A decaying and abandoned alley in Ankara showcasing urban neglect.
ly / Pexels
1

Ulus

Ankara's historic old town, home to ancient ruins, traditional markets, and government buildings.

Our top picks in Ulus

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Divan Çukurhan$$$

While technically in Kavaklıdere, it's a short taxi/bus ride and offers the best historical luxury experience near Ulus.

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Hotel Samdan$

Basic, affordable hotel in the Ulus area, convenient for historical sites.

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Ankara Plaza Hotel$$

Decent mid-range option with good access to Ulus attractions.

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🛡️ Exercise caution, especially a...Budgetculturehistory buffs
View Hotels in Ulus
A quiet residential street in Ankara, Türkiye with parked cars and trees on a sunny day.
Levent Eldem / Pexels
2

Kızılay

The bustling heart of Ankara, a commercial and social hub with endless shops, cafes, and transport links.

Our top picks in Kızılay

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Grand Hamit Hotel$$

Centrally located with comfortable rooms and good service.

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Hotel Mithat$

A budget-friendly option offering basic amenities in a prime location.

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King's Cross Hotel Ankara$$

Modern hotel with good facilities, close to metro and shopping.

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🛡️ Generally safe during the day,...Mid-rangefirst-timerssolo travelers
View Hotels in Kızılay
A detailed street sign in Kedi Seven Caddesi, Haci Bayram Mahallesi, Ankara, Türkiye captured during daytime.
Besra Akar / Pexels
3

Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi / Kavaklıdere

A vibrant, trendy street lined with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars, popular with locals and expats.

Our top picks in Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi / Kavaklıdere

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Divan Çukurhan$$$

A beautifully restored Ottoman mansion offering luxurious rooms and a courtyard restaurant.

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Cankaya Konuk Evi$$

Charming boutique stay with a focus on comfort and local hospitality.

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Latanya Hotel Ankara$$

Comfortable hotel with good amenities, located conveniently near the shopping street.

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🛡️ Safe during the day and early ...Mid-rangefoodiesnightlife
View Hotels in Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi / Kavaklıdere
View all hotels in Ankara

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Neighbourhood Comparison for Backpackers

NeighbourhoodBudgetVibeBest For
#1Ulus
BudgetAnkara's historic old town, home to ancient ruins, traditional markets, and government buildings.
culturehistory buffs
Kızılay
Mid-rangeThe bustling heart of Ankara, a commercial and social hub with endless shops, cafes, and transport links.
first-timerssolo travelers
Çankaya
LuxuryAn upscale residential and diplomatic district known for its leafy streets, modern amenities, and embassy presence.
luxurycouples
Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi / Kavaklıdere
Mid-rangeA vibrant, trendy street lined with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars, popular with locals and expats.
foodiesnightlife
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Find budget-friendly hostels in Ankara

Affordable stays in the best backpacker areas

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Tips for Backpackers in Ankara

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Book Hostels with Kitchens

Self-catering saves significant money in Ankara. A hostel with a good kitchen can cut your food budget by half.

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Walk Where Possible

Many city centres are walkable. Save transport money for longer journeys and use your feet for neighbourhood exploring.

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Find Free Activities

Free walking tours, museum free days, parks, and markets are everywhere. Ask hostel staff for the best free experiences.

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Carry a Water Bottle

A refillable bottle saves money and plastic. Many cities have free water fountains; check the local tap water safety first.

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Find free walking tours in Ankara

Budget-friendly ways to explore

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Ankara

1

Ulus

Budget

Ankara's historic old town, home to ancient ruins, traditional markets, and government buildings.

culturehistory buffsbudgetfirst-timers
  • +Rich in history and historical sites
  • +Authentic local markets
  • +Very budget-friendly options
  • -Can feel gritty and less maintained in parts
  • -Limited modern dining and nightlife
  • -Requires more awareness of surroundings
🏨 Divan Çukurhan🏨 Hotel Samdan🏨 Ankara Plaza Hotel
2

Kızılay

Mid-range

The bustling heart of Ankara, a commercial and social hub with endless shops, cafes, and transport links.

first-timerssolo travelersnightlifebudget
  • +Excellent public transport access
  • +Wide range of dining and shopping options
  • +Lively atmosphere
  • -Can be very crowded and noisy
  • -Lacks historical charm compared to other areas
🏨 Grand Hamit Hotel🏨 Hotel Mithat🏨 King's Cross Hotel Ankara
3

Çankaya

Luxury

An upscale residential and diplomatic district known for its leafy streets, modern amenities, and embassy presence.

luxurycouplesfamiliesdigital nomads
  • +Safer and quieter atmosphere
  • +Good selection of upscale restaurants and cafes
  • +Proximity to embassies and international organizations
  • -Less central for historical sightseeing
  • -Can feel more residential and less tourist-oriented
🏨 JW Marriott Hotel Ankara🏨 The Marmara Ankara🏨 Boutique 13
4

Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi / Kavaklıdere

Mid-range

A vibrant, trendy street lined with boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and bars, popular with locals and expats.

foodiesnightlifecouplesculture
  • +Excellent dining and entertainment scene
  • +Lively and fashionable atmosphere
  • +Good mix of local and international influences
  • -Can be noisy, especially on weekends
  • -Accommodation options are more limited and can be pricier
🏨 Divan Çukurhan🏨 Cankaya Konuk Evi🏨 Latanya Hotel Ankara

Daily Budget (Budget)

TRY 1200/day

Hostel dorm bed at Cheers HostelTRY 400
Simit from a street vendor and a traditional Turkish breakfast at a local 'esnaf lokantasi' (tradesmen's restaurant)TRY 300
AnkaraKart (public transport card) top-up for buses and metroTRY 100
Visit Anıtkabir (Mausoleum of Atatürk) - free entry, explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (entry fee)TRY 400
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Ankara

Lesser-known spots the locals love

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Hamamönü

FREE

Wander 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.

streetAltındağ
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Kızılay Square (Kızılay Meydanı)

FREE

While 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.

streetÇankaya

Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Ankara

Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.

Guided walking tour through a European city
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Ankara Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Ankara on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.

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Local street food and cuisine
2

Ankara Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites

Eat your way through Ankara with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.

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Famous museum and attraction entrance
3

Best of Ankara: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions

Skip the queues and get straight into Ankara's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.

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Scenic countryside day trip
4

Day Trip from Ankara: Scenic Excursion

Escape Ankara for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.

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Local cultural experience and traditions
5

Ankara Cultural Experience: History & Traditions

Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Ankara's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.

View Tour Details
View all tours in Ankara

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2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Ankara

Backpackers in Ankara: FAQ

What is the best area in Ankara for backpackers?
Ulus is our top pick for backpackers in Ankara. Ankara's historic old town, home to ancient ruins, traditional markets, and government buildings. It is a budget-friendly area known for culture, history buffs, budget.
Is Ankara safe for backpackers?
Ankara is rated "Safe" overall. 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. Our neighbourhood guides include area-specific safety advice.
How much does it cost per day in Ankara for backpackers?
Expect to spend around TRY 1200 per day in Ankara as a backpacker. This covers accommodation, food, transport, and activities at the budget level.
When is the best time for backpackers to visit Ankara?
The ideal time depends on your priorities. Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) typically offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds. Budget travellers often find the best deals in winter or early spring.
Where are the cheapest hostels in Ankara?
The most affordable hostels in Ankara are typically found in Ulus. Budget accommodation options are highlighted in each neighbourhood breakdown above.

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