Kizilay, Ankara Travel Guide

Discover Kizilay in Ankara: The bustling heart of Turkey's capital, where modernity meets tradition. Shop, dine, and explore this vibrant neighbourhood.

Welcome to Kizilay, the vibrant core of Ankara, Turkey's bustling capital. This dynamic neighbourhood is a blend of modernity and tradition, offering a unique glimpse into the life of the city. As the central business and commercial hub, Kizilay is always buzzing with activity, making it an exciting destination for tourists. Stroll through Kizilay Square, the focal point of the area, and feel the pulse of Ankara. The square is surrounded by shopping centers, cafes, and restaurants, where you can indulge in both local and international cuisine. Don't miss the chance to try simit, a traditional Turkish bread, from one of the street vendors. For a touch of culture, visit the nearby State Art and Sculpture Museum or catch a performance at the Ankara State Opera and Ballet. Kizilay is also home to numerous parks, such as Güvenpark, where you can take a leisurely walk or simply relax and watch the world go by. Whether you're looking to shop, dine, or explore, Kizilay offers something for everyone. Its central location also makes it a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of Ankara. Experience the energy and charm of Kizilay, and you'll understand why it's considered the heartbeat of the city.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kizilay.

Visit Kizilay Square early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful start to your day.
Try the local eateries for an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine. Look for places where locals dine.
Use public transport to get around. Kizilay is well-connected by metro and buses, making it easy to explore the area.
Carry some cash with you as not all vendors and smaller shops accept credit cards.
Stay alert in crowded places and keep an eye on your belongings to avoid pickpocketing.

Explore Kizilay: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Kizilay

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Güvenpark

Discover Güvenpark, Ankara's serene urban oasis offering lush greenery, community spirit, and a perfect escape in the heart of the city.

4.1

Abdi İpekçi Park

Discover the tranquility of Abdi İpekçi Park, a lush green sanctuary in Ankara perfect for relaxation, recreation, and enjoying nature's beauty.

4.0

Best landmarks in Kizilay

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Anıtkabir

Discover Anıtkabir, the iconic mausoleum of Atatürk, a must-visit monument in Ankara that embodies the spirit of modern Turkey.

4.9

Güvenpark

Discover Güvenpark, a beautiful urban oasis in Ankara's Kızılay district, blending tranquility with vibrant local culture and stunning greenery.

4.1

Ataturk Statue

Explore the Ataturk Statue in Ankara, a magnificent tribute to the founder of modern Turkey, surrounded by vibrant culture and history.

4.4

Mareşal Atatürk Anıtı

Discover the legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk at Mareşal Atatürk Anıtı, a monumental tribute in Ankara's heart, rich in history and cultural significance.

4.4

Best restaurants in Kizilay

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Düveroğlu

Experience authentic Turkish flavors at Düveroğlu in Kızılay, Ankara - where every dish tells a story.

4.0

FLZ Cafe & Restaurant

Discover FLZ Cafe & Restaurant in Ankara - where delightful flavors meet warm hospitality in the heart of Kızılay.

3.9

Taraça Restaurant Et ve Balik Lokantasi

Discover Taraça Restaurant in Kızılay, Ankara - where fresh seafood meets exquisite meat dishes in a cozy setting.

4.3

Наше Кафе(Nashe Kafe)

Discover the heart of Russian cuisine at Наше Кафе in Kızılay – where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

4.7

Best bars in Kizilay

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Always Rock Bar

Experience the energy of Ankara's nightlife at Always Rock Bar, where live music meets a vibrant atmosphere and diverse drink options.

4.3

Ahır Pub & Bistro

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Ahır Pub & Bistro, where locals and tourists gather for great drinks and lively entertainment in Ankara.

4.4

Babel Pub

Discover the lively Babel Pub in Çankaya, Ankara - a perfect blend of local culture, vibrant atmosphere, and an extensive drink selection.

4.3

Valley Bar

Experience the lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife at Valley Bar, a must-visit pub in Kızılay, Ankara, offering great drinks and entertainment.

4.2

Best nightclubs in Kizilay

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Nirvana Night Club

Discover Ankara's premier nightlife destination at Nirvana Night Club, where music, style, and unforgettable experiences come together.

4.8

Sehrazat

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Ankara at Sehrazat, a premier night club known for its electrifying atmosphere and exceptional entertainment.

3.7

Reyna Show

Dive into Ankara's nightlife at Reyna Show, a vibrant night club where music, dance, and entertainment unite for an unforgettable experience.

4.0

Monamour

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Monamour, Çankaya's premier night club, featuring electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.

3.8

Best shops in Kizilay

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Ülkealan Passage

Explore Ülkealan Passage in Kızılay, Ankara - your one-stop destination for shopping and local culture.

3.9

Guvercin Av Malzemeleri

Explore Guvercin Av Malzemeleri in Kızılay, Ankara, for unique gifts that capture the essence of Turkish culture and craftsmanship.

4.2

Elif Hediyelik

Discover unique gifts and authentic Turkish treasures at Elif Hediyelik in the heart of Ankara's Kızılay district.

5.0

Melanie Art Gallery

Explore the vibrant art scene at Melanie Art Gallery in Kızılay, Ankara - a perfect spot for unique gifts and cultural treasures.

5.0

Explore Kizilay on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Kizilay, mapped for you.

Kizilay Essentials

Kizilay is centrally located in Ankara and is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. To reach Kizilay from the Esenboğa Airport, take the HAVAŞ airport shuttle service, which operates regularly and drops you off at AŞTİ (Ankara Intercity Bus Terminal). From AŞTİ, you can take a metro line to Kızılay Metro Station. For those coming from other neighborhoods, Kizilay is well-connected via public transport, including metro, buses, and taxis.
Kizilay has a robust public transport system. The Kızılay Metro Station connects to several key areas in Ankara. Buses operate frequently along major routes, offering an affordable way to explore the city. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing apps for convenient transport. Bicycles are also available for rent in Kizilay, making it easy to navigate the neighborhood at your own pace.
Kizilay is generally safe for tourists, but it is wise to remain vigilant. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly around busy markets and public transport hubs. It is advisable to stay away from certain streets at night, like those leading to the back alleys near the bus station, which may have higher crime rates.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, medical, or fire services. The nearest hospital is located just a few minutes away in Kizilay. Always carry a copy of your passport, as it may be required for identification in emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available and often have English-speaking staff.
Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Women may wish to wear a scarf in mosques. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes at restaurants. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it may be considered rude.
To experience Kizilay like a local, visit the vibrant Kizilay Square, where you can enjoy street performances and local vendors. Explore the nearby markets for fresh produce and traditional snacks. Sample a cup of Turkish tea in one of the many cafes and engage in casual conversations with locals. For a unique experience, visit the historic Kocatepe Mosque, which is an architectural marvel.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Kizilay

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Kizilay. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
- GoodbyeHoşçakal
  [Hosh-cha-kal]
- YesEvet
  [Ev-et]
- NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
- Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
- Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-shek-kur ed-er-im]
- Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zur di-le-rim]
- How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-sul-sun-uz]
- Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Ya siz?]
- Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşabilir misiniz?
  [Ing-i-liz-je ko-nu-sha-bil-ir mi-si-niz]
- I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-la-mi-yor-um]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Me-nu-yu ger-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
- I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Et ye-mem]
- Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-re-fe]
- I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-de-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
- Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-dum ed-in]
- Go away!Uzaklaşın!
  [Oo-zak-la-shin]
- Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-li-si a-ry-un]
- Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ee-run]
- I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kay-bol-dum]
- I'm illHastaım
  [Has-ta-um]
- I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-un al-mak is-tee-yor-um]
- I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sa-de-ce ba-ku-yor-um]
- How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Ne ka-dar]
- That's too expensiveÇok pahalı
  [Chok pa-ha-luh]
- Can you lower the price?Fiyatı düşürebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh du-shu-re-bil-ir mi-si-niz]
- What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
- It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
- Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chuk]
- MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
- AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-le-den af-ter-na]
- EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
- YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
- TodayBugün
  [Boo-gun]
- TomorrowYarın
  [Ya-run]
- 1Bir
  [Beer]
- 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
- 3Üç
  [Ooch]
- 4Dört
  [Dort]
- 5Beş
  [Besh]
- 6Altı
  [Al-tuh]
- 7Yedi
  [Yed-ee]
- 8Sekiz
  [Se-keez]
- 9Dokuz
  [Do-kooz]
- 10On
  [On]
- Where's a/the...?... nerede?
  [... ner-e-de]
- What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-res ne-dir]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Haritada gösterebilir misiniz?
  [Ha-ree-ta-da ger-ste-re-bil-ir mi-si-niz]
- When's the next (bus)?Sonraki ne zaman?
  [Son-ra-ki ne za-man]
- A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'ya)
  [Beer bee-let (...-ya)]

History of Kizilay

Kizilay, originally known as 'Kızılay,' has its roots in the early 20th century. Established as a neighborhood in Ankara, it began to flourish during the period of the Republic of Turkey. The name Kizilay, meaning 'Red Crescent,' stems from the humanitarian organization founded in 1868, which played a crucial role in aiding those affected by war and disasters, particularly during the Balkan Wars and World War I.
During the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1923), Kizilay emerged as a vital center for support and logistics. The Red Crescent organization coordinated relief efforts, providing medical care and assistance to soldiers and civilians alike. This period solidified Kizilay's identity as a hub of humanitarian efforts and a focal point for the burgeoning Turkish Republic.
The 1930s marked a significant urban transformation for Kizilay, coinciding with Ankara's designation as the capital of Turkey in 1923. Government initiatives led to the development of modern infrastructure, including roads, public buildings, and housing. Kizilay became a symbol of modernity and progress, attracting residents and businesses, thereby contributing to its status as a key neighborhood within Ankara.
Throughout the mid-20th century, Kizilay evolved into a cultural and economic hub. The area became known for its lively markets, shops, and cafes, reflecting the dynamic urban life of Ankara. Cultural institutions, such as theaters and art galleries, began to establish themselves, fostering a vibrant cultural scene that attracted both locals and tourists.
Today, Kizilay remains one of Ankara's most significant neighborhoods. It serves as a commercial and social center, with the famous Kizilay Square acting as a meeting point for residents and visitors. The neighborhood is characterized by its blend of historic and contemporary architecture, showcasing Ankara's evolution over the decades while retaining its essential role as a center for humanitarian efforts through the Red Crescent organization.