Ankara's bar and drinking scene is vibrant, offering a blend of traditional and modern venues with live music and diverse atmospheres, concentrated in key central districts.
Entertainment and Music:
Ankara's music and entertainment scene offers a diverse range of experiences, from lively student-filled bars to dedicated live music venues, primarily centered around the vibrant Kızılay district.
For live music enthusiasts, IF Performance Hall is a prominent venue known for hosting various genres, including rock and jazz, while Jolly Joker Ankara regularly features local and international acts with excellent acoustics.
1. Zula Bar
Type: Bar with Live Music & Garden
Zula Bar offers a unique 'gypsy vibe' with its cool graffiti murals and a welcoming garden area. It is known for its live music nights, creating a comfortable and vibrant ambiance ideal for unwinding. The venue also provides good food options.
Getting There: Located in Meşrutiyet Mahallesi, Çankaya, Zula Bar is a short walk or a brief taxi ride from the central Kızılay metro station. Public transport via an AnkaraKart (available at metro stations for 26 TL per single ride) to Kızılay is efficient, or a taxi from most central areas would cost approximately 100-200 TL, with a base fare of 35 TL and 25 TL per kilometer.
2. Newcastle Pub
Type: Slick Pub & Cafe
Newcastle Pub provides a modern and relaxed bar-cafe atmosphere, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and international visitors. The music volume is kept at a level conducive to conversation, making it a great choice for a laid-back evening. Decent bar food is also available.
Getting There: Situated on Kudüs Caddesi in Çankaya, Newcastle Pub is accessible from the Kızılay or Tunalı Hilmi areas. A short taxi ride would be the most convenient option, with fares typically ranging from 100-200 TL depending on the starting point. Public buses and the metro also serve the broader Çankaya district, requiring an AnkaraKart for 26 TL per ride.
3. Always Rock Bar
Type: Rock Bar
Always Rock Bar is a lively venue known for playing foreign rock music and maintaining a vibrant atmosphere. It offers a diverse selection of drinks and is considered an affordable option in the Kızılay area.
Getting There: Found on Sakarya Caddesi in Kızılay, Always Rock Bar is centrally located and easily reachable. Take the metro or a bus to Kızılay station, and the bar is within walking distance. A single public transport ride with an AnkaraKart costs 26 TL. Taxis are readily available in Kızılay, with a minimum fare of 100 TL.
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