Ankara is Turkey's capital, a city of government buildings, universities and wide boulevards set on the dry central Anatolian steppe. At its heart is a rocky hill crowned by the ruins of Ankara Castle, with Roman and Ottoman architecture surviving throughout the older quarters below it.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: accommodation clusters in three central districts. Ulus sits north of the railway station, Sıhhiye lies south of the tracks, and Kızılay is further south again. A strip of mid-range business hotels also follows the D200 a few kilometres west, closer to the bus station. This guide covers those areas and what each is like to base yourself in.
Best areas to stay in Ankara
1. Kızılay
Kızılay is the most central and convenient base for a first visit, with accommodation at the budget end of the market as well as mid-range places on and around streets such as Tunus Caddesi. It puts you within easy reach of the centre and the transport links that connect the rest of the city.
It suits first-time visitors and budget travellers in particular. You will find hostels with dorms and private rooms, and central mid-price hotels.
2. Ulus
Ulus lies north of the railway station, close to the old quarter and the castle hill. Accommodation here includes mid-range hotels, and there is a strip of cheaper places north of Ulus Square, though most of those are dismal.
It suits travellers who want to be near the historic heart of the city. The railway station is within walking distance, which is useful if you are arriving or leaving by train.
3. Sıhhiye
Sıhhiye sits south of the railway tracks, between Ulus and Kızılay. It is a central location with mid-range hotels, including simple places that offer good value for a prime position near the parliament area.
It suits visitors who want a central base without being in the busiest parts of Kızılay, and who value being able to walk to nearby sights.
4. Kavaklıdere and the south-side streets
The streets south of the centre, around Tunus Caddesi and the area off Arjantin Caddesi, hold mid-range and upmarket hotels, including large international business and convention properties. This is where you find the city's splurge options.
It suits business travellers and visitors who prefer a quieter, more polished base. Note that some of the large hotels here report street noise.
5. Around the bus station (D200 strip)
A strip of mid-range business hotels follows the D200 a few kilometres west of the centre, convenient for the bus station. This is the practical choice if you are arriving or departing by coach, though it is less handy for the historic sights.
It suits travellers passing through by bus. Be aware that some hotels next to the bus station play loud music late into the night, so not every option here is restful after a long journey.
6. Esenboğa Airport area
The hotel inside Esenboğa airport was closed in 2023, but there are hotels a short distance south of the terminal. This is only worth considering for a very early departure or a late arrival.
It suits travellers with awkward flight times rather than anyone planning to explore the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: hostels with dormitories and private rooms, concentrated in the central Kızılay area, plus cheaper hotels on the strip north of Ulus Square, where quality is mixed.
- Mid-range: clean, central hotels in Kızılay, Sıhhiye and Ulus, and a strip of business hotels along the D200 near the bus station; some are simple but well located, and a few occupy converted historic buildings.
- Splurge: large international business and convention hotels on the south-side streets and in the Kavaklıdere area, plus a smart option within the railway station itself.
Best area for a first visit
Kızılay is the best base for a first visit. It is the most central of the accommodation districts, with both budget and mid-range places, and it connects easily to the rest of the city. Staying here keeps the main sights and transport links within reach while leaving you close to the widest choice of places to eat and stay.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas of Ankara have the most accommodation?
Accommodation is clustered in three central districts: Ulus north of the railway station, Sıhhiye south of the tracks, and Kızılay further south. A strip of mid-range business hotels also follows the D200 a few kilometres west.
Where should I stay if I am arriving by bus?
The strip of mid-range business hotels along the D200, a few kilometres west of the centre, is the most convenient for the bus station. Note that some hotels right next to the station play loud music until around 1 am.
Is it worth staying near Esenboğa airport?
Only for a very early or very late flight. The hotel within the airport was closed in 2023, though there are hotels a short distance south of the terminal.
Where can I find cheaper places to stay?
Kızılay has hostels with dorms and private rooms, and there are cheaper hotels on the strip north of Ulus Square, though most of those are dismal. Kızılay is the better bet for a central budget stay.
Compare live prices for these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide.