Ankara's Top Student Hangouts

At first glance, Ankara might not seem like the most vibrant city, especially for students from out of town. However, it quickly becomes apparent that there are plenty of places in the city that offer entertainment and fun distractions for students. In this article, we'll discuss some local spots where you can escape the monotony of Ankara and enjoy a great time with your friends and loved ones.

Let's start with Armada Life Street, the perfect place to begin. Located beneath the Armada Shopping Mall in Ankara, this street is home to numerous restaurants and cafes. It's an ideal option for meeting up with friends and having a delightful time.

You'll find eateries and cafes to suit every budget. There's a wide range of options available, from upscale and trendy restaurants to budget-friendly choices that cater to students. This variety ensures that everyone can discover a place that fits their budget and personal preferences.

Our next destination is an outstanding spot for those seeking high-quality live music, DJ performances, a charming garden atmosphere, delectable food, and entertaining nightlife in Ankara. Hayal Kahvesi offers a diverse range of services and ensures that every guest can have a delightful experience tailored to their preferences. It's worth noting the attentive and excellent quality of their cuisine and service.

Our next destination is an outstanding spot for those seeking high-quality live music, DJ performances, a charming garden atmosphere, delectable food, and entertaining nightlife in Ankara. Hayal Kahvesi offers a diverse range of services and ensures that every guest can have a delightful experience tailored to their preferences. It's worth noting the attentive and excellent quality of their cuisine and service.

Now, let's delve into Seğmenler Park, one of Ankara's most significant parks, situated slightly above Tunalı. This park, which boasts a wide array of amenities, was inaugurated in 1983. Encompassing a vast area of 67 thousand square meters, it features a playground for children, an amphitheater that occasionally hosts concerts, a pool, benches, kiosks, restrooms, and ample green spaces. Families can enjoy quality time with their children in the park's designated children's area.

Kuğulu Park, situated at the beginning of Tunalı Hilmi Street, is renowned as a romantic rendezvous spot among the locals of Ankara. This park showcases its beauty both in winter and summer, earning its name from the graceful swans gracefully swimming in the park's pond. The presence of these elegant swans adds a unique ambiance to the park, while the lush green spaces adorned with vibrant flowers and trees make it visually captivating.

Hamamönü, a historic and tourist neighborhood in Ankara, captures attention with its Ottoman-era houses, narrow streets, and historical atmosphere. Nestled near Ankara Castle, this district entices visitors with its charming narrow alleys, cobblestone roads, historical artifacts, traditional crafts, and quaint shops selling local products. You can also indulge in local delicacies, savor traditional Turkish cuisine, and find cozy spots to enjoy tea or coffee in an authentic setting.

Providing an exceptional experience to its visitors, L'avare Sahne is a venue that hosts theater performances, live music shows, dance performances, and various other events. But it doesn't stop there! This stage also offers a diverse menu of Spanish cuisine. L'avare provides a unique concept: the opportunity to enjoy a meal while watching a captivating stage performance.

There is also a fantastic spot for bicycle enthusiasts: Gölbaşı. The lakes located in the district of Gölbaşı offer a nature-immersed experience for bike lovers. You can take a bike tour around the lakes and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Cycling around the lakes allows you to engage in both sports and connect with nature. Among the lakes in Gölbaşı, the most well-known is Lake Mogan. In addition to its stunning views, this lake is surrounded by greenery.

Another option is Lake Eymir, which is located near the center of Gölbaşı district.

The Contemporary Arts Center, known as CerModern, is an art and cultural center. CerModern organizes exhibitions, events, and artistic activities focused on modern and contemporary art. Since its opening in 2009, the center, which was restored from an old train maintenance workshop, aims to promote the works of Turkish and international contemporary artists through its exhibitions. CerModern is considered an important hub for art and culture in Ankara and also hosts various events such as concerts, performances, talks, and workshops.

Let's take a trip down memory lane... Büyülü Fener Cinema is the perfect place in Ankara for those seeking a nostalgic cinema experience. With its original decor, vintage-style seats, starry ceiling, and inviting atmosphere, this cinema captures the essence of nostalgia. Alongside regular movie screenings, it also hosts special events such as exclusive premieres, concerts, interviews, and film festivals.

We've endeavored to introduce you to the spots in Ankara where you can escape the city's hustle and bustle and have a delightful time. Despite the initial impression of a seemingly dull city, Ankara can surprise you with its enjoyable moments, especially when shared with friends. For students in particular, Ankara offers opportunities for memorable experiences and unforgettable memories. By planning wisely and choosing the right places, you can fully tap into Ankara's entertainment potential and create beautiful moments that will stay with you forever.