🏙️ Squares in Ankara (Meydanlar) – Traveler Guide
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, is a city full of culture, modern life, and history. One of the best ways to explore the city like a local is by visiting its public squares (meydanlar). These squares are social meeting points surrounded by restaurants, shopping streets, government buildings, and famous landmarks. They are perfect places for walking, taking photos, drinking tea, and discovering the daily rhythm of Ankara.
Below is a complete guide to the most popular squares travelers should not miss.
⭐ Kızılay Square – The Heart of Ankara
📍 Kızılay – City Center
Kızılay is the most famous and busiest square in Ankara. It is the center of shopping, public transportation, cafés, and daily life.
✅ Surrounded by: Kızılay AVM, fast-food chains, bookstores, fashion shops
✅ Main metro and bus hub
✅ Street life until late night
Travelers love walking here, enjoying street food, and exploring nearby shopping streets such as Atatürk Boulevard and Selanik Street.
🏛️ Ulus Square – Historic Ankara
📍 Ulus District
Ulus Square is the historic heart of the city, home to some of Ankara’s most important landmarks.
🗽 Atatürk Monument
🎟️ Museums, government buildings, and old Ottoman-era streets
🛍️ Close to Samanpazarı Market and Çıkrıkçılar Yokuşu
It is a perfect stop for history lovers and travelers who enjoy traditional markets and old Ankara architecture.
First Parliament Square (Birinci Meclis Meydanı)
📍 Ulus – Near the Old Parliament
This symbolic square is located next to the First Grand National Assembly, where the Turkish Republic was born.
🏛️ Historic buildings
📷 Great for photos
🎯 Close to museums and heritage sites
Many tours start here because of its cultural and historic importance.
🌆 Tandoğan (Anadolu) Square
📍 Near Ankara University
Tandoğan Square is a major transportation and public gathering point.
🎓 Close to university campuses
🚇 Easy metro access
📍 Short distance to Anıtkabir (Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s Mausoleum)
Travelers often begin walking from here toward Anıtkabir for an unforgettable visit.
🌟 Sıhhiye Square
📍 Sıhhiye – Central Ankara
This vibrant square connects cultural attractions, medical institutions, and transport routes.
✅ Lively day and night
✅ Restaurants, cafés, and offices
✅ Close to Kurtuluş Park for green spaces
Sıhhiye is great for visitors who enjoy city life, parks, and local restaurants.
🌉 Bahçelievler 7th Street (7. Cadde) – Social Square Area
📍 Bahçelievler
While not a formal square, Bahçelievler’s central area acts like one.
🍕 Full of restaurants and dessert shops
🎼 Street entertainment and nightlife
🛍️ Boutiques and student-friendly cafés
It’s a popular spot among young people and travelers looking for food and nightlife.
🌳 Youth Park Square (Gençlik Parkı Meydanı)
📍 Ulus – Near the Train Station
Located next to a large amusement and green park, this square offers:
🎡 Small amusement rides
🌳 Walking areas and lake views
🍧 Street snacks and tea gardens
Families and children love this area, especially in summer.
✅ Tips for Travelers
✔ The easiest way to reach most squares is by metro or bus
✔ Walking is safe and enjoyable, especially around Kızılay, Ulus, and Bahçelievler
✔ Evening hours are lively with cafés and street food
✔ Great places for photography and observing local lifestyle
✅ Final Thoughts
Ankara’s squares are more than open spaces—they are the city’s meeting points. Each meydan has its own atmosphere:
⭐ Kızılay for shopping and nightlife
⭐ Ulus for history
⭐ Tandoğan for culture and landmarks
⭐ Bahçelievler for food and social life
By visiting these squares, travelers can truly feel the heartbeat of Turkey’s capital.