Ankara is the capital of Turkey and the country's second-largest city, home to around 5.8 million people in the metropolitan area. Founded as the Republic's capital in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Ankara replaced Istanbul as the seat of government and grew rapidly throughout the 20th century. The city blends its ancient Hittite and Roman heritage with modernist Republican architecture and a vibrant contemporary urban scene. Anıtkabir — Atatürk's mausoleum — is the defining landmark, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations ranks among the world's finest archaeological collections. Ankara sits on the central Anatolian plateau at roughly 850 metres above sea level, giving it a continental climate with hot dry summers and cold snowy winters.
Ankara's nightlife is more sophisticated than many expect. The Çankaya and Kavaklıdere districts are lined with wine bars, cocktail lounges, live music venues, and meyhanes (traditional taverns with raki and meze). The large student population supports a club scene around Kızılay and ODTÜ. Things rarely get started before 22:00 and bars stay open until 02:00–04:00 at weekends.
At a glance
Nightlife districts
Where the action happens after dark.
Kavaklıdere / Çankaya
The prime bar and restaurant strip for professionals and expats. Kızılırmak Caddesi and Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi are lined with wine bars, cocktail bars, and restaurants with DJ nights. Upmarket and very safe.
Best for: Wine bars, Cocktail lounges, Upmarket restaurants with DJs
Kızılay
Commercial centre that transforms at night into a hub of student bars, budget cocktail bars, and small clubs. Sakarya Caddesi has a concentration of bars popular with university students.
Best for: Budget bars, Student bars, Small clubs
Ulus / Samanpazarı
Traditional meyhane territory where older Ankarans come for raki and meze. Low-key, authentic, focused on good food and conversation rather than dancing.
Best for: Meyhanes, Live fasıl music, Authentic raki and meze experience
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Nayah
Upscale cocktail bar in the Çankaya embassy district. Craft cocktails, premium spirits, and a chic interior popular with the diplomatic and professional crowd.
Arjantin Cd., Çankaya, Ankara
Kral Jazz Bar
Intimate jazz bar with live performances most evenings by local and visiting jazz musicians. Dark wood interior, excellent whisky selection. Ankara's best venue for live jazz.
Kavaklıdere, Çankaya, Ankara
Barlar Sokağı (Sakarya Caddesi)
Sakarya Caddesi is the informal 'bar street' of Ankara, packed with budget-friendly bars playing Turkish pop, rock, and electronic music. Popular with university students.
Sakarya Cd., Kızılay, Ankara
Kazan Restaurant & Bar
Classic Ankara meyhane serving cold meze, fresh grilled fish, and house rakı. Live fasıl on Thursday and Friday evenings. Reservations recommended for weekends.
Koyunpazarı, Ulus, Ankara
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Club 9
One of Ankara's most popular clubs with weekly themed nights including house, techno, and Turkish pop. Attracts a mix of students and young professionals.
Hours: 23:00–05:00 Thursday–Saturday
Ankara State Opera and Ballet (ADOB)
Turkey's premier opera and ballet company. Season runs September–May with full programme of classic operas, ballet, and symphony. Very affordable by European standards.
Hours: Performances typically 20:00; box office 10:00–17:00
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Ankara's nightlife starts late — bars fill from 22:00 and clubs don't peak until after midnight; arriving before 23:00 is considered early
Meyhanes (traditional Turkish taverns serving rakı and meze) are the heart of Ankara's social scene; the Çankaya and Kızılırmak Caddesi strips have the best concentration
Alcohol is heavily taxed in Turkey: beer costs 100–200 TRY (~$3–6), wine by the glass 150–300 TRY (~$4.50–9), and cocktails from 200 TRY (~$6); budget accordingly
Always carry cash for cover charges and smaller bars — many do not accept card for entry fees; have 100–200 TRY (~$3–6) in hand for typical covers
Metro stops running at midnight on weekdays (01:00 weekends) — pre-book a BiTaksi or Uber for the journey home from late venues to avoid overcharging from street taxis
Dress code at clubs and upmarket bars in Kavaklıdere is smart casual at minimum; trainers and sportswear are commonly refused entry
Many meyhanes and wine bars do not have a cover charge; consumption of food is expected alongside drinks — ordering a meze plate is normal practice
The Ankara State Opera and Ballet (ASO) and the Presidential Symphony Orchestra offer world-class performances; tickets 50–300 TRY (~$1.50–9); book at devtiyatro.gov.tr