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Ankara

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, located in the central part of Anatolia and home to over 5 million residents in its urban center. As Turkey's second-largest city by population after Istanbul, Ankara serves as the political and administrative heart of the nation.

Quick facts

Population
5,864,049 (city, 2025)
Currency
Turkish lira (TRY)
Language
Turkish
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
00:01:08

Hotels in Ankara

We're still gathering hotels listings for Ankara — check back soon.

Airports in Ankara

Ankara is served by several airports and air bases. Esenboğa Uluslararası Havalimanı (Esenboğa International Airport) and Ankara Havaalanı are the main civil aviation facilities, while Güvercinlik Üssü, Akıncı Hava Üssü, and Ufuk Danişmend Polis Heliportu serve military and specialized aviation purposes. See all airports →

Güvercinlik Üssü
10.3 km from centre
Ufuk Danişmend Polis Heliportu
13.0 km from centre
Ankara Havaalanı
15.2 km from centre

Car Hire in Ankara

Ankara offers several car hire options for visitors and locals looking to explore the city and beyond. Providers such as Atlas Oto Kiralama, Han Rent a Car, Transfer Araba Kiralama, MAK Rent A Car & Emlak, and Aydin are available to help you find a suitable vehicle for your needs. See all car hire →

Atlas Oto Kiralama
699 m from centre
Aydin
1.2 km from centre
Han Rent a Car
2.6 km from centre
Transfer Araba Kiralama
2.7 km from centre

Things to Do in Ankara

Ankara offers visitors a rich mix of cultural and historical attractions. From iconic landmarks like Atatürk Anıtı and Kocatepe Camii to museums such as CerModern, the city provides diverse experiences for every traveler. See all things to do →

Güven Abidesi
99 m from centre
Kocatepe Camii
723 m from centre
Atatürk Anıtı
973 m from centre
CerModern
1.3 km from centre
Tankut Öktem
1.3 km from centre
Etnografya Müzesi
Hacettepe · 1.3 km from centre

Restaurants in Ankara

Ankara offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants serving everything from traditional Turkish fare to international cuisine. Notable establishments include HD İskender, Dürüm Aspava, Kahveci Hacibaba, Reynata Ev Yemekleri & Doğal İçecekler, and Cajun Corner, reflecting the city's varied gastronomic offerings. See all restaurants →

HD İskender
kebab · 196 m from centre
Dürüm Aspava
202 m from centre
Kahveci Hacibaba
207 m from centre

Swimming Pools in Ankara

Ankara offers several swimming facilities for residents and visitors, including notable venues such as Etlik Olimpik Yüzme Havuzu, Kapalı Olimpik Yüzme Havuzu, and Gazi Üniversitesi Yüzme Havuzu. Whether you're looking for Olympic-standard facilities or community pools, the city provides various options for swimming and water sports. See all swimming pools →

Gazi Üniversitesi Yüzme Havuzu
3.8 km from centre
Marmara Havuzu
5.0 km from centre
MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATÜRK SPOR MERKEZİ
çankaya · 5.7 km from centre

Spas in Ankara

We're still gathering spas listings for Ankara — check back soon.

Nightlife in Ankara

Ankara's nightlife offers a vibrant mix of clubs and venues for evening entertainment. Experience the city's after-dark culture at established spots like Monamour Night Club, Baskent Nightclub, Kite, Persona, and Öküz. See all nightlife →

Monamour Night Club
569 m from centre
Baskent Nightclub
971 m from centre
Kite
2.4 km from centre

Bars in Ankara

Ankara offers a diverse bar scene with venues ranging from casual gathering spots to stylish cocktail lounges. Whether you're looking for live music at Always Rock Bar, a classic experience at Savoy Bistro, or international atmospheres at Babel and EskiYeni Bar, the city's bars reflect the capital's cosmopolitan character. See all bars →

Telwe
237 m from centre
EskiYeni Bar
turkish · 242 m from centre
Savoy Bistro
268 m from centre

Cafes in Ankara

Ankara's cafe culture offers a mix of traditional tea houses and contemporary coffee spots where locals gather throughout the day. From established names like Bolulu Hasan Usta and Simit Dünyası to cultural venues such as Sanat Edebiyat Kafe, the city's cafes reflect Turkish hospitality and the importance of simit (sesame-covered bread rings) in daily life. See all cafes →

Bolulu Hasan Usta
136 m from centre
Simit Dünyası
158 m from centre
Sanat Edebiyat Kafe
162 m from centre

Shopping in Ankara

Ankara offers diverse shopping experiences, from modern shopping centers like Kızılay AVM and YKM to traditional markets such as Limon Bazaar and Onur Çarşısı. Whether you're looking for contemporary retail or local goods, the city's shopping destinations cater to all preferences. See all shopping →

Paşabahçe
65 m from centre
YKM
102 m from centre
Kızılay AVM
Kızılay Mahallesi · 107 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Ankara

Ankara offers several parks and green spaces where visitors can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. From Güvenpark to Zafer Parkı and Hanımeli Parkı, the city provides peaceful settings for relaxation and recreation. See all nature & wildlife →

Güvenpark
179 m from centre
Zafer Parkı
447 m from centre
Ankaraspor Kulübü
558 m from centre
Hanımeli Parkı
588 m from centre
Özveren Parkı
650 m from centre
Mehmet Akif Ersoy Parkı
758 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Ankara experiences a continental climate typical of central Anatolia, with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures, making these periods pleasant times to visit the city.

Interesting Facts About Ankara — Weird & Wonderful

  • Ankara is Turkey's second-largest city by population after Istanbul
  • Located in the central part of Anatolia, making it Turkey's geographic center of government
  • The city's urban center has a population of over 5.3 million residents

Frequently Asked Questions About Ankara

What currency is used in Ankara?

The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency used in Ankara and throughout Turkey.

What language is spoken in Ankara?

Turkish is the primary language spoken in Ankara, as it is the official language of Turkey.

Why is Ankara the capital of Turkey?

Ankara serves as Turkey's capital city and is located in the central part of Anatolia, making it the political and administrative center of the nation.

How does Ankara compare in size to other Turkish cities?

Ankara is Turkey's second-largest city by population after Istanbul, with over 5.3 million residents in its urban center.

What region of Turkey is Ankara in?

Ankara is located in central Anatolia, which is the heart of Turkey geographically and politically.

Map of Ankara

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