Experience in Ankara, Turkey by Eren

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

Ankara is an easy city to live because of its simple settlement around the city center. For a student, the Ismet Inonu boulevard is the only path for living I think. Because the Universities are the located on this road. Also entertainment could be found around Kizilay and Tunali Hilmi.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ankara?

Too many universities make Ankara joyable to live for a student. Also cheaper than Istabul, Ankara is the second largest city of Turkey. Because of the central location of the city relative to whole country, students can reach beach cities easy as well.

How much does it cost to live in Ankara?

1000TL is enough for basic needs. Food is about 15TL per meal. Also around the universities, students can find economical restaurants.

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

No, too many new buildings decreases the house rents. I think Ayranci is safe place for students however you shuold spent 1250TL for rent so sharing house should be a good choice. Also Ayranci is very close to Tunali Hilmi (Kavaklidere) where students find cool night places. Also students can look for Gazi Osman Paşa and Cinnah Street.

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

Döner is easy to find in Ankara. Also kebab and burger houses are all over the city. My favorite dish is ASPAVA which is a meat wrap with yogurt and french fries.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ankara?

Anitkabir, Lunapark is old but very authentic, Papazin Bagi is a green place inside the town, Eymir Lake, etymological museum, Anatolia Civilizations Museum...

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

Yes, many places are safe to eat. Yildiz ASPAVA is my favorite place. Also Burger House, Timbo Cafe, Downtown Cafe, Speakeasy in Ayranci, Öküz, these are cool spots to eat.

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

Yes, Ankara has full of students. You can find people like you. Reach Tunali. Every day you will increase your network. You can trust Turkish students.

What advice would you give future students heading to Ankara?

Ankara is a safe place, you can be confort however be careful in Kizilay when nights. Stay on crowded places. Tunali is a safe place both nights and morning. Also Olgunlar sok in Kizilay is safe to drink at nights. You can find too many people like you. Jolly Jocker is a cool concert place. Also Bilkent area is an elite region. Çayyolu is a good family town. Ulus has a lot of good structues however at nights it is not safe to be there. Be careful in Ulus. I recommend Ankara for students while I graduated from there and live for more than 20 years. Taxi drivers are honest in Ankara, however to not pay much, use taxi's from taxi stations. You can trust the shopkeepers and ask for places but hard to find English speakers. They can also call you cabs or show the station. Metro is cool and safe, you can always use it.