Experience in Ankara, Turkey by Erk

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

Ankara is a little bit different according to other cities. There is a saying that non other than locals of the Ankara wouldn't like Ankara. But it is a place that you can do everything you want if you know the time and place ;) First of all it is the capital of Turkey and one of the first places which act a crucial role on dependent war. Personally I would recommend Ankara, it is a good place to spend student years. 

What is the student lifestyle like in Ankara?

It's fun for a student to spent his/her time in Ankara cause there are a lot of universities and lots of places to spend your spare time. From sport to art, sightseeing to cultural activities there plenty alternatives for nearly everything.

How much does it cost to live in Ankara?

According to places you hang out cost would change. Rents are different throughout the regions and the cost of the nightlife is increasing day after day. Ankara is a big city and from neighborhood to neighborhood prices are different. I can't say a specific amount for the cost but with the decreasing value of Turkish Lira foreigner won't get trouble 

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

I am not sure on that issue. I haven't heard anyone who could not find a place to stay and I don't think that it is that hard. There are spesific regions for students to stay like 'Bahcelievler, Emek, Yuzuncuyil etc' which are easy to transport because of bus lines and metro.

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

Turkey especially Ankara has a rich kitchen on every kind of taste. Turkish cuisune is very tasty and delicious according to my experiences against other cuisunes. Apart from Turkish food, people can eat everything in Ankara from Eastern cuisine to Western.If you come to Ankara you must try Aspava. Trust me you won't regret it.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ankara?

From historic places to entertainment there are a lot of places to visit Ankara. For me the best one is called Anitkabir. Other than that you have a lot of alternatives according to your hobbies. For nightlife Tunali, Cayyolu, Bahcelievler are the popular ones that you can find a place on your entertainment style. Also Segmenler Park is one of the best place in Ankara to do everything.

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

It is good believe me :) like every Ankara resident mine favourite spot is Aspava. Other than there are local restaurants which you need to visit.

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

It's not that good but it is definitely not bad. Like I mentioned above Ankara is a big city and has lots of bars and pubs. To take couple drinks and enjoy your time, Tunali and Bahceli are the right areas to visit. There are some discos that you can also visit. For hardcore ones there are a few underground (Dont expect like Berlin or other Europe ones) places that you can enjoy your time ;)

What advice would you give future students heading to Ankara?

It is fun to spend time in Ankara and the life is easy and simple. Try to get everything that you can take from the city because its really interesting. You might heard different stories from people about Ankara and believe me every story could be true. I am not gonna say it has100 % safe environment but it doesnt matter where you are, trouble could find you every city in the world. If you have a good vibe and positive energy be sure that you wont regret