Ankara Nightlife
Ankara's nightlife revolves mainly around student cafés, bars and restaurants in Kızılay, where music thumps until late at night. From May until the end of September, the city's entire population seems to spill out onto the pavement as cafe terraces, gardens and open courtyards all come to life after dark.
Bars in Ankara
Biber
Ask most young Ankara locals where to go out for a good night in town, and Biber's name is bound to be mentioned. A stalwart of the nightlife scene for years, this bar has well-priced drinks, live music most nights, and a fun, party vibe that gets rowdy late at night.
Address: , , ,Telephone: +90 312 430 0717
Hayyami Wine House
This longstanding wine bar continues its reign as one of Ankara's top evening spots for lovers of a good vintage. There's a menu of meze that goes beyond the typical Turkish selections and make the perfect fodder for munching on with friends while drinking a bottle or two.
Address: Kavaklıdere, Bestekar Sokak, Ankara,Telephone: +90 312 466 1052
Newcastle Pub
This is a slick, modern and laidback bar-cafe that attracts a good mix of Turks and Ankara's foreign resident crowd. There's decent bar fare if you're peckish, and music is kept at a level where you can still have a conversation. A great choice if you're looking for a relaxed night out.
Address: Çankaya, Kudüs Caddesi, Ankara,Telephone: +90 312 502 0122
Website: http://www.newcastle.com.tr
Clubs in Ankara
Budha Club
Join high-cred DJs pumping out a mix of crowd-pleasing electronica and Turkish pop at this large clubbing venue which is fast becoming the top late night spot for dancing in the city. There are regular theme nights, party nights, and occasional live bands.
Address: Bahçelievler, Azerbeycan Caddesi, Ankara,Telephone: +90 312 215 2021
Website: http://www.budhaclub.com
Escape
This large venue attracts a mixed crowd of both professionals and students up for a big clubbing night. Expect lasers, expensive drinks and DJs playing a vast range of genres with both Turkish and international hits (but mostly concentrating on pop) and a friendly crowd on the dance floor.
Address: Çayyolu, Park Caddesi, Ankara,Telephone: +90 312 240 9494
Website: http://www.web.escapeankara.com
IF Performance Hall
This club/live music venue draws in both big-name local DJs (playing a mix of Turkish and International electronica, RnB and pop) and live bands and musicians. During the week it tends to be more low-key but Friday and Saturday nights, particularly after 2300, there's a real clubbing vibe.
Address: Kavaklıdere, Tunus Caddesi, Ankara,Telephone: +90 312 418 9596
Website: http://www.ifperformance.com
Live music in Ankara
Adres Bar
This highly popular live music venue is a cafe by day and bar by night, and attracts a youthful crowd. Music here varies from more traditional-style folk music, to acoustic sets and modern rock. On weekends it often get packed out with university students on a night out.
Address: Kızılay, Bayındır Sokak, Ankara,Telephone: +90 312 431 9104
Nil Bar
One of the city's top live music venues, Nil Bar hosts an ever-changing line up of Turkish rock bands and musicians every night of the week. Always loud and nearly always packed, this is the best place in town to check out the local music scene.
Address: Kızılay, Bayındır 1 Sokak, Ankara,Telephone: +90 312 435 5843
Website: http://www.nilbar.com
Ruhi Bey Meyhane
This is a contemporary version of a traditional meyhane (Turkish tavern). It's hugely popular with locals for its excellent meze (starter plates made for sharing) menu, the live fasıl (folk music) band entertaining the crowds during week nights and more upbeat, modern Turkish pop musicians on weekend evenings.
Address: Kavaklıdere, Budak Sokak, Ankara,Telephone: +90 312 427 4294
Website: http://www.ruhibeymehane.com
