Visiting Ankara
Don't just visit Ankara. Know someone here.
Smileys brings together local recommendations, real events and a community of people who live here — so you can find the parts of Ankara you'll love, see what's on during your stay, and meet a few people before you land.
Real people Local connections No awkward cold introductions
Meet a Local
Grab a coffee, drink or meal with someone already living in Ankara.
Get Local Tips
Ask real people about neighborhoods, transport, restaurants and everyday life.
Make Connections
Start meeting people before your flight even lands.
Find Plans
Discover Smileys events and activities happening while you're here.
Plan your visit
Nothing on the Ankara calendar in the next two months yet — add your dates and check back closer to your trip.
Your first 48 hours
Four things to do once you land, in roughly this order.
Arrive and get connected
A local SIM or eSIM, so maps, messages and ride apps work from the start.
SIM and internet guideLearn the transport basics
How to pay for buses, metro and ferries, and what to buy on day one.
Transport guidePick a first local experience
Start with one of the Ankara Guide’s first-timer picks: Anıtkabir, done properly or The citadel, the copper lanes and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
First-time picksJoin a friendly event or coffee
Pick any event that suits you, or say hello to a local who is open to meeting visitors.
See events
Handbook essentials
- Entry rules and visas: Entering Türkiye: Visa-Free Stays, e-Visas and the 90/180 Rule
- SIM and internet: Getting a SIM Card and Home Internet in Türkiye
- Getting around: Başkentkart (Ankarakart): One Card for the Metro, Ankaray, Başkentray and the Buses
- Money: Opening a Turkish bank account as a foreigner
- Safety and emergencies: Emergency Numbers in Türkiye: Call 112 and Other Numbers Worth Saving
Practical guidance, not legal, visa, medical or transport-operator advice. Fares, rules and requirements change — where a guide links official sources, check them before you rely on it.
What a first Smileys event is like
- Events marked First-timer friendly are picked by the team as easy ones to come to on your own.
- Every event names its host and shows how many people are going before you RSVP.
- Many are free; when there is a price, it is shown up front.
- Plans change? Cancel as early as you can, so someone on the waitlist gets your spot.
Worth seeing first in Ankara
Start with these — everything else can wait.
Anıtkabir, done properly
Read guide →The citadel, the copper lanes and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
Read guide →Ulus: the first parliament, the Roman baths and Hacı Bayram
Read guide →An evening in Hamamönü
Read guide →Fish, beer and students on Sakarya Caddesi
Read guide →Tunalı Hilmi, Kuğulu Park and the bars of Bestekar
Read guide →Eymir Lake: the loop, the bikes and the METU forest
Read guide →Beypazarı: Ottoman houses, carrots and güveç
Read guide →A night at CSO Ada, the Opera or a state theatre
Read guide →Ankara döner, Ankara tava and the capital's table
Read guide →What kind of trip is it?
Experiences from the Ankara Guide, by what you're in the mood for.
Who's coming to Ankara?
Meet people arriving soon and help them feel at home.
No upcoming visitors yet
Be the first to post. Tell members when you're in town and they'll reach out.
Meet some locals
Kızılay
Arriving soon? Read the Handbook.
Residence permits, banking, transport — practical guides from the Smileys team.
Know where you're staying?
Discover your neighbourhood before you arrive.
Ulus
Where the Republic started — the first parliament, the Roman baths, Hacı Bayram and the old-town bazaars
Explore Ulus →Ankara Kalesi
The citadel: copper lanes, restored houses turned restaurants, and the museum quarter at its foot
Explore Ankara Kalesi →Hamamönü
Restored Ottoman streets, courtyard cafés and the calmest walk in the old city
Explore Hamamönü →Kızılay
The city's crossroads — metro hub, Sakarya's fish-and-beer tables and the student crowd that never goes home
Explore Kızılay →Tell the community you're coming
Post your dates and a short intro, and members in Ankara can see you're on your way. Here's exactly how it works.
- You need a Smileys account
- Posting your dates, messaging members and joining events are for approved members. Applying is free and every application is reviewed by a person.
- Who sees your visit
- Only signed-in members, unless you choose to list it publicly. Even then, people who aren’t signed in see only your first name and the month — never your exact dates, neighbourhood or contact details.
- What to expect
- A member who’d like to meet sends you a connection request with a note — a coffee, a tip, an event they’re going to — and can only message you once you accept. (Smileys staff and club hosts can message members directly.) Some visitors hear from several people and some from nobody; it depends on your dates and who’s around, so events are the surest way to meet people.
- Staying safe
- Never post where you’re staying or anything you wouldn’t tell a stranger — a neighbourhood is plenty. Meet in public places. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, block or report them from their profile or your message thread, and our team will review it.
Already in Ankara?
Someone is about to experience your city for the first time. Help make their arrival a little easier.
Invite someone for coffee
Share a local tip
Make an introduction
Where you can use Smileys today
Smileys Ankara is just getting started — there may be few or no events during your stay yet, and fewer members around to meet.
Arrive knowing someone.
Tell the community you're coming and start making connections before you arrive.