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 Caddesi, commonly known as Barlar Sokağı (Bar Street), is the most concentrated nightlife strip in Ankara's Kızılay district. The street and its immediate side alleys are lined with dozens of bars of varying character — from large multi-floor venues blasting Turkish pop to narrow craft beer spots and rock bars with live cover sets. The strip is the natural starting point for a night out in central Ankara and is accessible from Kızılay metro station, making it one of the most conveniently located nightlife areas in the capital.
The clientele is heavily student-dominated, drawn from the multiple universities within and around the city centre. Age range broadly spans 18 to late 20s on weekday and weekend evenings alike, though some of the quieter bars on the fringes attract a slightly older crowd. Dress code across the strip is relaxed — casual clothing including trainers is universally accepted, reflecting the budget-conscious demographic.
Music varies significantly by venue. The dominant sounds are Turkish pop, rock, and indie türkü (folk-influenced contemporary Turkish music), with DJ sets mixing in electronic and international pop at the larger bars. Several venues host live bands on weekends, performing covers of Turkish rock classics and Western hits. The overall noise level on the strip on weekend evenings is high.
Prices on Barlar Sokağı are among the lowest in Ankara's formal nightlife scene. Draft beer typically costs 100–200 TRY, and basic spirits are comparably affordable. Most bars operate with free entry, with no cover charge or minimum spend. The strip runs from around 20:00 until 04:00, with peak activity after 23:00. No reservations are necessary or expected — the format is walk-in, pay-as-you-go. Some bars have outdoor terrace seating along the pavement, which fills quickly on warm evenings. The strip is at its busiest Thursday through Saturday; weeknights are noticeably quieter and better suited to leisurely exploration of the different venues.
Good to know
- Hours
- 20:00–04:00 daily
Location
Sakarya Cd., Kızılay, Ankara
39.9202, 32.8528 View on map
Highlights
- Dozens of bars within walking distance in Kızılay — the most concentrated nightlife strip in Ankara
- Among the most affordable bar districts in the city, with draft beer from 100 TRY
- Accessible directly from Kızılay metro station, central to the capital
- Mix of music styles across venues — Turkish pop, rock, folk, and live cover bands on weekends
- Open until 04:00 daily with free entry at most bars
Tips for visiting
- Take the metro to Kızılay station — parking in the area is difficult and the strip is best explored on foot
- Start mid-week for a quieter evening; Thursdays and Fridays see the heaviest crowds
- Bar-hop early (20:00–22:00) to scout which venues have live acts before the worst crowds build
- Outdoor terrace seating fills fast on warm evenings — arrive early to claim a street-facing table
- The busiest stretch is at the Sakarya–Selanik Caddesi intersection; side alleys are slightly quieter
- Stick to draft beer (bira) for the best value — prices are lower and quality more consistent than house spirits
Frequently asked questions
Is Barlar Sokağı safe at night?
The strip is generally safe and is heavily frequented by students and young people. Standard precautions apply — keep valuables secure, stay aware of surroundings, and avoid unlit side streets well after midnight.
What type of crowd visits Barlar Sokağı?
The strip is dominated by university students and people in their early 20s. Some of the calmer bars on the fringes attract a slightly older crowd, but the overall atmosphere skews young, casual, and budget-conscious.
Are there bars with live music on Barlar Sokağı?
Yes, several bars on the strip host live cover bands on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Lineup varies by week; walking the strip on arrival is the most reliable way to find which venues have acts that night.
What time do the bars close?
Most bars operate until 04:00 on weekends. Some quieter spots close earlier on weeknights. The strip is liveliest between midnight and 02:00.