Capital city, Turkey
Ankara
Turkey's calm, orderly capital: strong museums, Anıtkabir, good metro and a student scene. Less scenic than Istanbul or the coast, with hot summers and cold, polluted winters.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,120–1,730Comfortable, one person · ₺55,000–85,000Details
- Value for money65/100Better value than 64% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 32°CDetails
- Air quality25.3 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2025) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet83 MbpsFixed broadband, Turkey medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTreated but often tastes hard; most locals drink bottled water or 19-litre jugs.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$31–71Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBiTaksiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work almost everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Ankara
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kızılay | Central, metro hub, student bars and cheap eats |
| Çankaya–Kavaklıdere | Embassies, cafés, safe leafy streets, long stays |
| Ulus (Citadel area) | Old Ankara: museums, Hamamönü, budget hotels |
| Çayyolu–Ümitköy | Modern suburbs with newer flats and malls; needs a car or metro |
Apps that work in Ankara
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| BiTaksi | Hails ordinary yellow taxis with fixed meter pricing |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yemeksepeti | Widest restaurant choice, app works in English |
| Trendyol Go | Restaurants and groceries; often cheaper deals |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- obilet: compare and book intercity buses
- Taxis: Yellow taxis are metered; insist on the meter. BiTaksi avoids language problems and overcharging.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Turkey.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep small lira notes for dolmuş, tea gardens, markets and tips.
- Currency: Lira (TRY). US$1 ≈ ₺49.13 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most bank ATMs charge foreign cards a fee shown on screen; compare banks and always decline the conversion offer.
- Tipping: About 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included; round up taxis; tip hammam attendants and hotel porters a little.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay with foreign cards work on most contactless terminals; local wallets need Turkish bank accounts.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities enter visa-free; others need an e-Visa. Use only evisa.gov.tr, as look-alike agent sites charge extra.
- Passport must be valid at least 60 days beyond your stay (150 days from arrival for a 90-day stay).
- Stays are capped at 90 days in any 180; overstays bring fines and possible entry bans.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Buy tourist packs at carrier stores with your passport; airport desks cost more. Foreign phones on Turkish SIMs are blocked after 120 days unless registered. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Turkey
Going to Ankara solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Ankara meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.