Experience in Ankara, Turkey by Arif

What is it like to live in Ankara? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Ankara is capital and about that the city is settled. If you like a regular life Ankara is best. I generally like Bahçelievler because there are many cafes, bars, restaurants in this area but I like Batıkent too because this area is quite, comfort and cheap than others.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ankara?

If you like night life, Ankara do not have many area for party or other things.

How much does it cost to live in Ankara?

Generally food are cheap in Ankara and in the whole Turkey. But accommodation prices change from area to area. In Bahçelievler houses (3+1) are average 1200 Turkish Lira per month but if you prefer (may be) Batıkent or Kurtuluş, they are more cheaper. (I said only house because generally most of students live in house with their friends or alone. Transportation is not too expensive (2 lira) but there are many other city which have more cheap public transport fee in Turkey like Eskişehir.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Ankara? Is there any advice you can give?

If you are alone is not easy. Always I and my other friends try to find house from a estate agent. But this way is little bit expensive. If you have a friend in Ankara or had been in Ankara, ask him/her for a owner.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

There are many food type but most of these have meat inside them. If you are vegetarian or especially vegan, it is too hard for you to live in Turkey.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ankara?

Especially you can visit Museum of Anatolian Civilizations if you like history. And the Anıtkabir which is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Is it good to eat out in Ankara? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes it is good but not from everywhere. I do not have a spot but I can suggest to you to find a restaurant from Yemeksepeti.

Is the nightlife good in Ankara? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is not good but I can suggest to you Bahçelievler, Tunalı and Kızılay to find a bar or a club. But I warn you the alcohol is too expensive in Turkey. (In a bar or in a club or in the market)

What advice would you give future students heading to Ankara?

Search detailed the everywhere, when you try to find a house and the other thing consult peoples who have knowledge.