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Ankara

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, located in the central part of Anatolia. As Turkey's second-largest city by population, it serves as the political and administrative heart of the nation.

Photo: Boubacar Amadou Cisse (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Quick facts

Population
5,864,049 (city, 2025)
Currency
Turkish lira (TRY)
Language
Turkish
Timezone
+03 (UTC+3)
Local time now
11:46:14

Hotels in Ankara

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

Airports in Ankara

Ankara is served by several air facilities including Esenboğa Uluslararası Havalimanı, the city's main international airport, and Ankara Havaalanı. The city also has military air bases and helicopter ports such as Güvercinlik Üssü, Akıncı Hava Üssü, and Ufuk Danişmend Polis Heliportu. 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 rental options for visitors and residents alike. Local 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 landmarks and attractions. From the iconic Atatürk Anıtı and Kocatepe Camii to contemporary art spaces like CerModern, the city combines historical significance with modern cultural experiences. 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 varied culinary scene with restaurants serving everything from authentic Turkish dishes to international cuisine. Whether you're looking for traditional kebabs at HD İskender, home-cooked meals at Reynata Ev Yemekleri & Doğal İçecekler, or international dining options like Cajun Corner, the city's restaurants cater to diverse tastes and preferences. 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 both indoor and outdoor pools. Notable venues include Etlik Olimpik Yüzme Havuzu, Kapalı Olimpik Yüzme Havuzu, Gazi Üniversitesi Yüzme Havuzu, Marmara Havuzu, and MUSTAFA KEMAL ATATÜRK SPOR MERKEZİ. 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 diverse selection of venues for evening entertainment and social gatherings. The city features several popular nightclubs including Monamour Night Club, Baskent Nightclub, Kite, Persona, and Öküz, each providing distinct atmospheres for locals and visitors alike. 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's bar scene offers a variety of venues for locals and visitors to enjoy drinks and socialise. From Telwe and EskiYeni Bar to Savoy Bistro, Babel, and Always Rock Bar, the city has options for different tastes and atmospheres. 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 reflects the city's blend of tradition and contemporary life. Whether you're looking for a quick simit and tea at ÇaySimit or a more leisurely experience at a literary cafe like Sanat Edebiyat Kafe, the capital offers welcoming spaces to experience local hospitality and Turkish refreshments. 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 across modern malls and traditional bazaars. Visitors can explore popular destinations like Kızılay AVM, Paşabahçe, Onur Çarşısı, and Limon Bazaar for everything from local crafts to contemporary retail. 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 for visitors seeking nature and outdoor recreation. From Güvenpark to Zafer Parkı and Hanımeli Parkı, the city provides pleasant natural environments for relaxation and wildlife appreciation. 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 with distinct seasonal variations. Winters can be cold, while summers are generally warm and dry, making spring and autumn pleasant times to visit.

Interesting Facts About Ankara — Weird & Wonderful

  • Ankara is Turkey's second-largest city by population, after Istanbul.
  • The city is located in the central part of Anatolia, serving as Turkey's capital.
  • Ankara Province has a population of around 6 million residents, with over 5.3 million in the urban center.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ankara

What is the currency used in Ankara?

Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY) as its official currency.

What language is spoken in Ankara?

Turkish is the primary language spoken in Ankara and throughout Turkey.

Is Ankara Turkey's largest city?

No, Ankara is Turkey's second-largest city by population after Istanbul.

Where is Ankara located?

Ankara is located in the central part of Anatolia and serves as Turkey's capital city.

How many people live in Ankara?

Ankara's urban center has a population of over 5.3 million residents, with approximately 6 million in Ankara Province.

Map of Ankara

View larger map · © OpenStreetMap contributors